Anthony Joshua backs Cristiano Ronaldo to beat Lionel Messi in a FIGHT, as he reveals he’d love to see rivals square-up in Misfits boxing bout

• Anthony Joshua backs Cristiano Ronaldo to beat Lionel Messi in a fight 
• The former boxing champion was asked to name two non-boxers to compete 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’

By Samuel Draper For Mailonline

Published: 08:33 EDT, 8 September 2023 | Updated: 08:33 EDT, 8 September 2023

Anthony Joshua would love to see Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo go head-to-head in a Misfits boxing match – and while declaring it to be a close contest, he’s backed the Portuguese star to emerge victorious.

The British heavyweight boxer, 33, is currently enjoying some time off after beating Robert Helenius via a seventh-round KO at the 02 Arena in London last month.

And the big football fan has said that he would love to see two icons of the team sport go head-to-head to continue their personal rivalry in the fighting arena.  

In an interview posted on YouTube, Joshua was asked to name two non-boxers he’d love to see fight based on personalities alone, and responded with ‘Ronaldo versus Messi’, taking one of modern football’s fiercest rivalries into a new battleground. 

When asked who wins, Joshua said ‘Ronaldo’, before adding: ‘I love Messi and Ronaldo. Messi’s got that vision though. I can imagine him bobbing and weaving, angles, but yeah, it’d be tough. They’re both as good as each other.’

Anthony Joshua has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to win a hypothetical fight with Lionel Messi 

Ronaldo and Messi have a long-standing rivalry in football which could cross to a new arena

Joshua refused to name a non-boxer that he would like to meet in the ring in a cross-over fight, saying ‘I got no beef with no one’.

When faced with the idea of facing the Portuguese icon was put to him, Joshua said: ‘Nah, I respect Ronaldo.’ 

The suggestion of a hypothetical fight between two other football rivals was floated as well – Romelu Lukaku versus Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

In response to that, Joshua said: ‘Yeah, they don’t like each other anyway, do they? That would be a bad boy fight too, to be fair.’

Lukaku has made a name for himself with Serie A side Inter Milan, and has joined Roma on loan from Chelsea for this season, while Ibrahimovic retired from football at the end of last season after a long career which saw him finish with AC Milan.  

Joshua, a two-time world champion, is expected to face Deontay Wilder next in a mega-money bout in Saudi Arabia before the end of 2023.

Another proposed football fight was between Romelu Lukaku (L) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R)

As a pensioner who’d had type 2 diabetes for nearly ten years, Nazir Hussain was almost resigned to always feeling exhausted and taking medication for life. 

The 67-year-old former postman from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, weighed 14st (he is 5ft 8in) and was taking daily doses of metformin and high blood pressure medication after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2014. 

‘I was out of puff just doing the gardening,’ he says. ‘It was miserable.’ Yet, within a year of beginning a low-carb diet in May 2022, the divorced father of five had lost 3st 10lb and trimmed his waist from 36in to 32in. 

‘I never thought I would ever feel as good as I do now,’ he says. 

By last May, Nazir’s HbA1c level (an indication of his long-term blood sugar control) had dropped from 60 mmol/mol to 40 — i.e. he had put his diabetes into remission (the threshold for diabetes is 48). Remarkably, he has been able to come off both his diabetes and his blood pressure medication completely. 

His success comes as a major new study by Harvard University, published in the journal Diabetes Care and involving 10,000 patients with type 2, found that those who followed a low-carb diet were 24 per cent less likely to die early from any cause than those who didn’t. 

As a pensioner who’d had type 2 diabetes for nearly ten years, Nazir Hussain (pictured) was almost resigned to always feeling exhausted and taking medication for life

‘Exciting’ to see patients succeed 

Nazir was one of the first patients to take advantage of a groundbreaking diabetes initiative, The Lifestyle Club (TLC), an online programme that supports patients in their own homes, after being referred by his GP. 

It is one of several new ‘grassroots’ low-carb schemes being used by GPs across the country to try to help type 2 diabetes patients — and hopefully start to turn the tide on a modern epidemic that affects at least 4.8million Britons; one in 14 of us. 

‘This programme has been a huge success and we’ve seen many patients lose weight and reduce their blood sugar levels,’ says Nazir’s GP, Dr Karen Johnson from the Poplar Grove surgery in Aylesbury. ‘It’s exciting to watch our patients blossoming in this way. 

‘We don’t have the resources or time in our surgery to give these patients this kind of education, or the support that’s needed for long-term success — so this is a real blessing for us as a practice.’ 

My blood pressure and weight both dropped in weeks 

Viv Hamilton, 59, a retired safety engineer, lives with husband Ian, 64, a retired systems engineer, in Wethersfield, Essex. 

She lost more than 6st over three years after following a low-carb diet. She says: 

Viv Hamilton (pictured now), 59, a retired safety engineer, lives with husband Ian, 64

I first embarked on low-carb hoping it would help me lose weight while waiting for a knee replacement operation — but ended up losing more than 6st, significantly reducing my blood pressure medication and putting an end to my migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. 

I feel I’ve been given a whole new shot at life. I’d developed arthritis in my right knee but Covid struck before I could have the operation. 

I’d been obese for most of my life and tried most diets — I’d lose a stone, then put it back on because I was starving and obsessing about food. 

Low-carb was originally suggested to my husband — who’d had a heart valve replacement — as a way of controlling his blood pressure, by our GP Dr David Oliver in February 2020. 

I joined in and was totally astonished to find I wasn’t remotely hungry. 

Cooking with butter and cream was a real luxury and helped me feel full. The weight just dropped off. I went from 17st 5lb to 11st — I’m 5ft 7½in — and from a dress size 22 to a 14, trimming my waist from 42in to 28in. And there were massive — if unexpected — health benefits. 

Ms Hamilton pictured before the transformation. ‘I went from 17st 5lb to 11st — I’m 5ft 7½in — and from a dress size 22 to a 14, trimming my waist from 42in to 28in.’

My blood pressure, which had been high for five years, started dropping within weeks and I’ve been able to reduce my medication, from 5mg of doxazosin and ramipril a day, to 2.5mg of ramipril. 

I’d had IBS since I was a child, which was getting worse: this, too, cleared up. I’ve not had a migraine since, either — I used to get one a month before. 

Best of all, I no longer need a knee replacement, as the pain disappeared in four months.

TLC was developed by the Public Health Collaboration, a charity that works to educate the public and healthcare professionals in using lifestyle changes to treat chronic disease. It is run by a dietitian and staffed by ten health coaches, offering diet advice, recipe suggestions and peer support groups. 

Patients attend eight 90-minute online weekly sessions in groups of 12 via Zoom. There is also a follow-up online support group available once the course ends. 

At the heart of the programme is a lowcarb approach, aimed at reducing blood sugar: chronically raised blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, leading to serious illnesses.

A low – carb approach encourages eating meat, eggs and fish as well as abundant quantities of leafy green vegetables, plus nuts and some fruit and full-fat dairy, including cheese, milk and cream. Foods to avoid include sugary treats such as biscuits and sugary drinks — but also those that are high in carbs, including breakfast cereal, bread, pasta, potato, rice and couscous, because of how they can affect blood sugar levels. 

GPs can refer any patient with type 2 diabetes or classed as prediabetic (where blood sugar levels are higher than normal) to TLC. 

Dr Johnson began referring patients in October 2021 after learning about it from a GP at another practice. More than 700 patients across England have so far attended TLC courses used by 44 GP surgeries. This follows a 2021 pilot scheme in which 106 participants lost an average of 4.5kg (10lb) in three months, with significant reductions in their blood sugar levels. 

A research study is planned for January, when scientists from the University of Surrey will evaluate TLC’s remission rates and analyse other measures including blood fat levels, medication changes and numbers completing the course. 

Britain’s type 2 crisis is being driven by soaring obesity rates. Various solutions are being deployed to address this. Bariatric surgery (e.g. gastric bypass, which means people are physically incapable of overeating) is one. 

Although it can be highly effective, many patients are not eligible for it on the NHS — your body mass index has to be 40 or more, or between 35 and 40 if you also have type 2 diabetes or other conditions. It has been estimated that while as many as 3.5million Britons would qualify for bariatric surgery, only about 6,000 a year currently get it.

Exercise has also been shown to help with insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2, where the body doesn’t respond correctly to the insulin produced to help you process sugar. Physical activity improves sensitivity to insulin. 

Meanwhile, the NHS is also offering an 800-calorie-a-day regimen based on soups and shakes. This was devised by Roy Taylor, a professor of medicine and metabolism at Newcastle University, whose pioneering research shows that rapid weight loss on a low-calorie diet can trigger changes which strip fat from the liver and pancreas, restoring blood sugar control — and can lead to drug-free remission from type2. 

Fifty nine per cent of the first 6,000 patients who have started the NHS programme since September 2020 completed the 12-month course; the first 2,000 each lost an average of over 1st 11lb (11.3kg), according to figures published in January 2022. 

Professor Taylor says research suggests that when people with type 2 lose more than 10kg (1st 8lb) — irrespective of their starting weight — 64 per cent will go into remission. However, only people diagnosed with type 2 within the past six years are eligible for this NHS scheme, as evidence shows that remission is more likely the closer it is to the patient’s diagnosis.

Isn’t diet cola low-carb? 

Another option is low-carb, which started as a grassroots approach, adopted by patients and spread via social media — then increasingly adopted by GPs. This is despite the fact that it is at odds with standard NHS advice to base eating habits on a regimen that includes low-fat foods and abundant wholegrains. 

Critics of the low-carb approach have questioned the idea that starchy foods such as pasta, potatoes, rice and bread, which break down into glucose when digested, are a particular problem for people with diabetes. (The low-carb advocates argue that this is because their bodies don’t respond to insulin or don’t make enough of it.) 

Moreover, there were concerns that by going low-carb, patients would be eating a diet higher in protein, particularly red meat and dairy, and that this could increase the risk of heart and kidney diseases in particular. 

But ‘real world’ data involving patients at the Southport surgery of GP Dr David Unwin, an early pioneer of the low-carb approach, shows that as well as significant weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission on the diet, patients also improve in markers of heart disease and kidney function. 

So far, 132 patients at Dr Unwin’s practice have reversed their diabetes after adopting the regimen — representing 51 per cent of those adopting a low-carb lifestyle (and 20 per cent of all those with diabetes registered at his surgery). 

This is similar to the remission rate predicted for the NHS’s soups and shakes programme — as well as the new obesity jab, Wegovy (but its use on the NHS is limited to those with a BMI of 35 or more who have failed to lose weight through dieting). 

Britain’s type 2 crisis is being driven by soaring obesity rates. Various solutions are being deployed to address this. Bariatric surgery (e.g. gastric bypass, which means people are physically incapable of overeating) is one

The American Diabetes Association now backs the low-carb diet as a treatment for type 2. In the UK, while the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence does not officially support low-carb, it does advise that carbs eaten should be low-GI — a measure of how starchy they are. 

But not all ‘low-carb’ is equal. The Harvard research found that patients who followed a low-carb diet with animal products or including low-quality carbs (such as refined grains) did not see the same health benefits as those on a mainly plant-based plan. 

And a study of more than 370,000 middle-aged and older people published earlier this year in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that diets low in saturated fats and high in green veg and high-quality carbs were associated with fewer premature deaths from all causes. 

By contrast, the researchers found that a general low-carb diet and unhealthy low-carb diets were associated with significantly higher total death rates, including from heart disease and cancer. A healthy low-carb diet, however, was associated with lower death rates. 

Dr Unwin says this reflects that ‘it’s not enough to eat low-carb — a pepperoni and diet cola diet would class as low-carb, but clearly this is not healthy’. 

If low-carb was patient-led at first, more than 3,200 GPs have so far completed the Royal College of GPs’ online low-carb course, designed by Dr Unwin. 

The TLC programme is one of several low-carb initiatives developed by doctors across the UK. 

Dr David Oliver and Dr Kim Andrews, from Freshwell Health Centre, near Braintree in Essex, have been offering a low-carb approach since 2019 after patients struggled to lose weight through the standard NHS approach. 

They have a type 2 drug-free remission rate of 11 per cent across the practice, with many more patients able to reduce their medication, thanks to their Freshwell Low Carb Project, an online resource that offers free lifestyle advice via a website and app. Since its launch in October 2021, it has been downloaded 50,000 times. 

Businessman James Maycock, 54, followed the programme from his home near Cheltenham after being diagnosed with type 2 in February and learning about the app from his practice nurse. 

‘I’d previously been confused by NHS advice — one nurse would recommend eating low-fat foods with carbs such as pasta or baked potato, while another told me to cut out sugar,’ says James, who is married to Clare, 50, and has a son, 20, and daughter, 18. ‘The Freshwell explanations were straightforward.’ 

James shed half a stone in three months. But, more importantly, his sky-high HbA1c reading (105) dropped to near-normal (50). He hopes to soon drop below the diabetes threshold, enabling him to come off his medication.

Follow-up and support is key  

A major reason for the success of low-carb is that ‘it involves real food rather than an artificial intervention [such as manufactured foods, medication or surgery]’, says Dr Ollie Hart, a GP in Sheffield who began offering low- carb advice to patients six years ago. 

‘We’ve had a number of patients adopt low-carb and put their type 2 diabetes into drug-free remission — and many more have improved their blood sugar levels.’ 

Dr Hart is now director of a new GP-led diabetes clinic covering seven local surgeries. NHS-funded, it offers weight-loss advice — including very low-calorie diets — ‘but low-carb seems easier for many patients to stick to’, he says. ‘It puts the patient in the driving seat — they can tweak it to suit their tastes and use it as the basis for a long-term lifestyle change.’ 

A major reason for the success of low-carb is that ‘it involves real food rather than an artificial intervention [such as manufactured foods, medication or surgery]’, says Dr Ollie Hart 

As with other diets, low-carb’s health benefits are due to weight loss (as the body turns to burning its fat supplies instead of glucose) — but this is by no means the whole story, its advocates claim. 

‘Health benefits stem not just from weight loss but also from the mechanism by which that weight is lost,’ says Dr Oliver. 

‘Insulin resistance can result from persistently elevated blood insulin levels. A low-carb diet can reduce these, which in turn reverses insulin resistance.’ 

Other studies show it may also improve blood pressure and kidney function. One, published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine in May, examined 94 obese or overweight patients with high blood pressure who were either prediabetic or had type 2. Half followed a very low-carb regimen (25-30g carbs a day for four months), the rest ate the traditionally recommended low-fat, wholegrain diet. 

The low-carb group showed ‘greater improvements’ in weight loss, blood pressure and blood sugar control, researchers said. 

Insulin causes the kidneys to retain salt — causing fluid retention and increasing the pressure on blood vessel walls, says Dr Unwin. Rebalancing insulin means the body releases this salt in urine — lowering blood pressure. 

A 2021 study by Dr Unwin and Professor Christopher Wong, a kidney specialist at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, found that low-carb diets improved kidney function in type 2 — they had been widely thought to be harmful, as the kidneys can struggle to process a large amount of protein in the diet.

‘I could improve my own health’  

Data from 143 of Dr Unwin’s type2 patients who had followed a low-carb lifestyle for seven years showed 70 per cent had significantly improved kidney function. 

‘What was surprising is that these were older people with poorly controlled type 2,’ says Dr Unwin. 

‘We expected average kidney function to deteriorate because high blood sugar levels damage both the blood supply to the kidneys and the kidneys themselves — yet in fact the opposite happened.’ 

A similar picture is emerging in heart disease: an initial concern was that eating more red meat and full-fat dairy might increase the risk. But research by Dr Unwin and Professor Taylor, published in BMJ Nutrition in January, showed major risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight all improved significantly. 

But while the foods eaten are crucial, so, too, is the support from medical experts and peers. 

Professor Taylor believes the success of Dr Unwin’s low-carb programme can be attributed to its emphasis on the importance of weight loss combined with ‘sympathetic discussion and personal follow-up and support’. 

A 2016 study of 400 people in Greece who shed more than 10 per cent of their bodyweight found that the level of positive support they received was a key factor in whether they maintained their new weight, reported the Journal of Behavioural Medicine. 

‘Chronic conditions stemming from our modern lifestyles seem to be better managed by an approach involving peer support than within the limits of a standard ten-minute GP appointment,’ says Dr Oliver. 

Nazir agrees: ‘Everyone shared tips and I learned a huge amount. For the first time, I realised I could make a big difference to my own health.’

lowcarbfreshwell.com 

Donald Trump would beat both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in respective hypothetical match-ups if the 2024 election were held today, a new poll reported on Tuesday suggests. 

The Republican former president leads Biden by a six-point margin in the latest Harvard CAPS-Harris survey exclusively obtained by The Hill, yet another dire poll for a White House that’s been plagued by sinking approval ratings and multiple crises.

Forty-seven percent of survey respondents would back Trump in 2024, compared to 41 percent who support Biden. Twelve percent said they were undecided. 

Harris fares even worse than her boss, trailing Trump by 11 percentage points. 

The vice president received 38 percent of the hypothetical vote, while Trump had 49 percent — two points higher than he’d score against Biden. 

While Biden has made his intention to run for a second term known, Trump has repeatedly teased a 2024 bid but has yet to say for sure if he’ll mount a third presidential campaign. 

And when Biden selected Harris as his running mate, making history in the process, she was widely thought to be the one to take up his mantle when the 79-year-old commander-in-chief was finished.

But her deep unpopularity — which is even greater than Biden’s — has left left-wing operatives concerned about who to put up in the next presidential election cycle. 

In perhaps good news for Harris, she does come out on top in a hypothetical match-up against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The GOP governor scored 38 percent of support in the Harvard survey, with Harris coming in slightly higher at 40 percent. 

Donald Trump has dropped numerous hints that he’s looking to mount a third presidential campaign, though he has yet to throw his hat in the ring for certain 

The former House Republican who was elected to lead the Sunshine State with Trump’s support has been a rising star within the GOP, particularly with his vocal criticism of the Biden administration and resistance to its COVID-19 public health guidelines. 

He’s come second to Trump in multiple GOP voter polls about 2024, though the former president is still widely seen as the favorite candidate so far. 

Although the presidential election is still a long way away, Biden’s unpopularity still a bad sign for Congressional Democrats looking to hold onto their slim majority in November’s midterm elections. 

A recent NBC survey released on Sunday shows Republicans with a slight edge over Democrats in the upcoming races. Forty-six percent of voters said they would prefer Republicans to control Congress in 2023, compared to 44 percent who support Democrats staying in power.

NBC’s last poll in January had Democrats with a slight edge over the GOP for a 47 to 46 percent margin. 

The same poll shows Biden’s approval rating at 40 percent, the lowest number recorded by NBC so far in the Democrat’s presidency. 

They’re also contending with pervasive supply chain issues and 40-year record-high inflation, both of which are sending the cost of living skyrocketing for millions of everyday Americans. 

Russia’s war in Ukraine is also taking a toll on Biden’s White House tenure. Aside from forcing prices at the pump to skyrocket, multiple polls show US voters both fearing an imminent war with Moscow and having little faith in their president to navigate the international crisis.  

Sunday’s survey saw respondents asked ‘how much confidence’ they have in Biden’s ability to navigate Russia’s brutal attack. 

The largest share — 44 percent — said they have ‘very little’ faith in the president, while 27 percent have ‘just some’ confidence in him, for a combined 71 percent.

 Tuesday’s poll shows Trump coming out ahead of both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, both of whom have been suffering from low approval numbers

Only 28 percent of Americans polled said they share ‘a great deal’ or ‘quite a bit’ of support for Biden’s handling of Ukraine — a far cry from the confidence the president has sought to project through decades of foreign policy experience in the Senate.

And a majority of people seem to believe Biden’s actions so far have put the country on a path toward direct conflict with Russia, despite the US’s stated preferred policy of de-escalation through diplomacy.  

Sixteen percent of Americans said they believe their nation is already at war with Russia based on Biden and his officials’ handling of the crisis. A whopping 44 percent said the devastating conflict ‘will be within the next year.’

Just 34 percent were confident the US would not be embroiled in a war with Moscow.   

And 56 percent of respondents to a Monday Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey said Biden is ‘not tough enough’ and six percent believe he is being ‘too tough’ on Russia.

Thirty-six percent of those polled said the president’s response to Putin has been ‘about right.’

Women need their own plan to beat diabetes to reduce their own risks of heart attacks, strokes and dementia

• The NHS offers a  programme to people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• The nine-month programme is less effective with women in their 40s and 50s 

By Professor Annice Mukherjee

Updated: 18:30 EDT, 24 June 2023

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme was launched seven years ago to catch anyone over 40 who is on the cusp of developing type 2 diabetes.

These are people with raised blood sugar levels – a condition sometimes called prediabetes.

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and dementia. But research shows that losing weight, through diet and exercise, can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes, and even reverse prediabetes.

The nine-month NHS programme provides diet and lifestyle advice in group sessions and with health coaches. It can be transformative.

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and dementia. But research shows that losing weight, through diet and exercise, can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes, and even reverse prediabetes

There’s just one problem – if given to mid-life women, the advice doesn’t always work. Participants in their 40s and 50s, and women in particular, lose less weight, are less successful at reducing their blood sugars and are less likely to complete the programme

There’s just one problem – if given to mid-life women, the advice doesn’t always work. Participants in their 40s and 50s, and women in particular, lose less weight, are less successful at reducing their blood sugars and are less likely to complete the programme.

It’s not that they don’t need help. As we approach menopause, the hormone changes can affect how we store fat and can cause it to accumulate around organs such as the liver and pancreas. This fat can increase our risk of type 2 diabetes, as the body becomes more resistant to insulin, the hormone that works to store excess sugar.

To me, it is unsurprising that women going through the menopause struggle to engage with the NHS diet plans. When you’re exhausted because you can’t sleep, you’re aching, sweating all night and having hot flushes during the day, you’re more likely to reach for comforting carbs than healthier options. We need to find what works and what level of support would be most helpful.

Ex-Olympic triple-jumper Michelle Griffith-Robinson, diagnosed with prediabetes in 2018, agrees. Last week the 51-year-old, an ambassador for Diabetes UK and patron for Menopause Mandate, was told she is now in the clear.

‘It can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach,’ she says. ‘I’ve always exercised and I eat healthily – but I had low energy, low libido, brain fog, low mood, skin changes – that sort of lacklustre feeling. Starting HRT proved the turning point.’

My advice is to make small changes you can sustain that don’t make you feel exhausted. Climb an extra flight of stairs. Go for a walk. Pile your plate with healthy food.

As Michelle points out: ‘The goals are not being diabetic and wanting to thrive at this stage of your life. Why not do both?’

If tussling over a spot to lay your beach towel isn’t your thing, read on.   

Time Out has released a list of 10 best beach towns in the U.S. to avoid the crowds this summer with Siesta Key in Florida, Brewster in Massachusetts and Dewey Beach in Delaware among those making the cut. 

Time Out’s US editor Virginia Gil says the experts picked these places, as they are spots ‘where you can spread out on the sand, hop over to a great restaurant without a reservation, show up to an event unplanned and spend a few days away from it all.’

Swim down to see down the selection of calm coastal spots, where you can hear crashing waves over chattering crowds. 

1. Siesta Key, Florida

The experts say that Siesta Key ‘doesn’t get the same traffic as other Florida beach destinations like Miami, Key West, or even Destin and Panama City’

Though Siesta Beach is regularly named one of the best beaches in the U.S., the experts say that Siesta Key ‘doesn’t get the same traffic as other Florida beach destinations like Miami, Key West, or even Destin and Panama City.’ 

There are three beaches on the barrier island – Crescent, Turtle and Siesta – all with ‘powdery white sand beaches and cool blue water.’ 

The Time Out editors say that tourists from the North come down in the winter, but summers are ‘low-key, with mostly locals hitting the beach.’ 

Local attractions include shops and golf facilities, and nearby Sarasota offers art galleries, museums and more.

Where to stay: The Inn on Siesta Key is described as a ‘comfortable oasis’ and a ‘quaint, cozy spot that feels tucked away while sitting right across from the beach.’ 

2. Brewster, Massachusetts

Brewster is said to provide both locals and visitors with ‘calm, swimmable beaches to enjoy all summer long,’ with kayaking and fishing among the other water-based options

Cape Cod in Massachusetts is home to a haul of popular beach towns, which the experts say are ‘known for their ‘provincial seaside charm.’ 

However, those looking to beat the crowds are advised to head to the town of Brewster, which is ‘equally charming’ as its peers ‘yet much less crowded.’

This town is said to provide both locals and visitors with ‘calm, swimmable beaches to enjoy all summer long,’ with kayaking and fishing among the other water-based options. 

Recommended land-based activities include the Cape Cod Rail Trail, The Brewster General Store and The Brewster Bookstore.

Where to stay: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is described as a ‘sprawling resort right along the soft beaches of Cape Cod that has boundless amenities and activities to revel in.’

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Along with ‘white, sugary sand and clear waters,’ the experts say that Gulf Shores in Alabama offers an abundance of nature

Along with ‘white, sugary sand and clear waters,’ the experts say that Gulf Shores in Alabama offers an abundance of nature. 

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Gulf State Park, which serves up 6,000 acres spanning the Alabama Gulf Coast and nine unique ecosystems.

After a day packed with hiking, biking and birding, the Time Out editors advise hitting the low-key bars and restaurants along the beach to replenish energy levels. 

For those looking for a more of a buzz come nightfall, they reveal: ‘Nearby Orange Beach (the two are often referred to as one area), offers a bit more in the way of dining and nightlife but is still just as calm (unless you decide to visit the Flora-Bama Lounge on the state line!).’

Where to stay: The Lodge at Gulf State Park is described as a ‘peaceful, and sustainable, option for enjoying both the beach and Gulf State Park.’

4. Dewey Beach, Delaware

Dewey Beach on the Delaware coast is described by the experts as a ‘laid-back surf town’ 

Dewey Beach on the Delaware coast is pitched by the experts as a ‘laid-back surf town’ offering ‘pristine beaches and party vibes.’

Surfing aside, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are among the other most popular watersports.

After working up an appetite, the Time Out editors recommend ‘breakfast at The Dewey Post, beers at Dewey Beer Co. (trust us on the Strawberry Pretzel Salad beer), and late-night fun at The Rusty Rudder.’

This location is particularly convenient for those living in New York  Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, as all cities are around a 2.5 to 4 hour drive away.

Where to stay: The Surf Shanty Motel, the experts say, ‘maintains vintage charm harkening back to its 1970s roots’ despite recent renovations. Stays come with free bike hire, so you can ‘cruise around town’ and explore at your leisure.

5. Fairfield, Connecticut

Fairfield is described as a ‘scenic suburban town’ boasting five miles of beachfront land

Skirting the Long Island Sound, the experts describe Fairfield as a ‘scenic suburban town’ boasting five miles of beachfront land. 

With both private and public beaches, they reveal that the ‘sandy shores are primed for swimming, lounging, and walking.’

Visitors are advised to spend a day exploring the coastline by renting a sailboat.

Back on land, beach volleyball is a popular activity and there are ‘many’ summer bonfires to gather around with friends. Bonfire permits are available to reserve online via the town’s official website, with the bonfire season running from May 1 through September 30.

Where to stay: Delamar Southport is described as a ’boutique hotel that serves its customers with quintessential New England hospitality,’ and complimentary welcome drinks provide a further lure.

6. Florence, Oregon

Florence in Oregon is described as a ‘hidden gem with miles of beaches along the Pacific Ocean and the Siuslaw River’

Florence in Oregon is deemed as a ‘hidden gem’ with miles of picturesque beaches along the Pacific Ocean and the Siuslaw River.

Some of the activities on offer include horse-riding along the waterfront and dune buggy tours across the 40-mile-long Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Meanwhile, ‘an easy half-mile hike from the parking lot brings you to the picturesque and historic Heceta Head Lighthouse.’ 

The experts reveal that the best spot ‘for those who love secretive destinations,’ are the Sea Lion Caves and this network of sea caves and caverns is home to the largest sea cave in the U.S., which is ‘over 12 stories high and as wide as a football field.’

Where to stay: The Driftwood Shores Resort is said to offer ‘spectacular views’ from a lofty positioning overlooking Heceta Beach. Other perks include beach access and all rooms are ocean-facing to ‘catch those sunsets.’

7. Northport, New York

Northport is home to a ‘lovely downtown,’ peppered with ‘quirky boutiques’ and a good selection of seafood restaurants

While it is on the North Shore of Long Island – which was once known as the ‘Gold Coast’ of New York and the setting for The Great Gatsby – the experts reveal that Northport offers more of a laidback vibe. 

Some of the Victorian-era village’s highlights include a ‘lovely downtown,’ peppered with ‘quirky boutiques’ and a good selection of seafood restaurants.

Some of the recommended eateries include the Rockin’ Fish and the Harbor House, while Brew Cheese is one for beer and cheese lovers.

Away from the main street, Northport Bay come highly recommended for its ‘pristine’ waters which make it a perfect spot for watersports, boating and fishing, while the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is highlighted simply for its ‘opulent views.’

Where to stay: For a contemporary feel, the Time Out team advise trying the Northport Hotel but for ‘something historic, stay at The Harbor Rose Bed & Breakfast.’

8. Kailua, Hawaii

Lanikai Beach is ‘frequently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world yet it’s mostly locals who frequent the slice of paradise’

Escape the throng of crowds on Waikiki Beach, by heading to Kailua on the windward side of Oahu.

The experts recommend basing yourself at Lanikai Beach, as it is ‘frequently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world yet it’s mostly locals who frequent the slice of paradise.’

It can be accessed via Kailua Beach Park, ‘where you can also set up a picnic or grill steps away from the sand.’

If you don’t fancy a DIY meal, the travel pros recommend Buzz’s Original Steakhouse for punchy Tiki drinks while Kalapawai Market is outlined as a top place to ‘grab a quick bite and a strong cup of coffee to go.’

Where to stay: The ‘downside of being under the radar,’ the experts say, is that hotel options are very limited. In lieu of hotels, visitors are advised to seek out Airbnbs or ‘other short-term rentals,’ which mean you ‘truly get to live like a local.’

9. Goleta, California

Goleta in California serves up ‘sweeping sea vistas, soft sand and greenery’ 

Compared to neighboring Santa Barbara beaches, the travel pros say that Goleta is much less crowded. 

Some of the lures include ‘sweeping sea vistas, soft sand and greenery,’ while nature-lovers will be in their element as the estuary attracts great blue herons, coots, egrets, plovers, and more. 

You can set up camp for the day, with ‘lots’ of barbecue pits and restrooms scoring points on the convenience side if things.

At the end of September one of the biggest events is the Goleta Lemon Festival, which celebrates the area’s lemon growing history, while the annual Santa Barbara Old-Time Fiddlers’ Festival is another crowd-pleaser.

Where to stay: The experts recommend checking into Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. They note that it is currently undergoing renovation ‘with a light beach aesthetic, using natural materials.’ 

10. Jensen Beach, Florida

Jensen Beach in Florida is described as a ‘quiet, unincorporated community with a population of just over 12,000’

Jensen Beach, once known as the ‘Pineapple Capital of the World,’ is nestled on a slice of Florida’s southeast coast. The experts describe it as a ‘quiet, unincorporated community with a population of just over 12,000.’

They add that its positioning, ‘hugged by a barrier island and a coastal savanna reserve,’ make it a particularly picturesque spot. 

Visitors are advised to hit the scenic hiking trails, while the ’boutique resorts’ are also said to offer ‘sweeping views of the Atlantic.’ 

To keep your energy levels up, waterfront hotdog stand Fredgie’s comes highly recommended, with one of the specialties being the Fredgie’s Dog: a sausage ‘topped with peanut butter, chili and spicy mustard on a Texas toast bun.’

Where to stay: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, the experts say, ‘nails the coastal chic aesthetic, with herringbone wood floors, white-paneled walls, navy-striped upholstery and crisp white bedding.’ Amenities include two heated pools, a spa and watersports, while it’s also highlighted as a dog-friendly option.

Women disproportionately hit by Silicon Valley lay-offs as ‘tech bros’ survive the culls

• Over 44% of 250,898 people laid off between October and March were female 
• Campaigners say the gender imbalance is largely driven by a ‘tech bro culture’ 

By Leah Montebello For The Daily Mail

Updated: 05:58 EDT, 3 June 2023

Women have been disproportionately hit by Silicon Valley lay-offs as ‘tech bros’ survive the culls.

More than 44 per cent of the 250,898 people laid off between October and March were female, analysis from online job tracker Layoffs.fyi revealed.

This is notable, given that women made up just 33 per cent of the global tech workforce in 2022. Some of the world’s largest firms, including Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook owner Meta, have sacked staff in their masses to drive down costs.

But campaigners say the gender imbalance is largely driven by a ‘tech bro culture’ –built on a system of hyper-masculine traits, where leaders pride themselves on having attended the same universities and networking with similar people. The ‘bros’ are also known for being overworked and lacking in social skills.

‘Women are made to believe that they are imposters and so not a part of the system, community or network and, therefore, unable to access the same opportunities,’ said Sonya Barlow, at social enterprise Like Minded Female Network.

Hit hard: More than 44 per cent of the 250,898 people laid off between October and March were female

‘The tech bro culture does exist and the only way to create change is to change things, not temporarily throw money or use tick-box activities expecting different results.’

According to careers expert Zippia, only 15 per cent of tech chief executives are female, and women make up just 26 per cent of the computer and mathematical sciences staff. Only 16 per cent are in engineering.

‘Women tend not to be on the front-line income-generating roles and, therefore, are always first to be ousted,’ said Gwen Rhys, at campaign group Women in the City, explaining the prevalence of marketing, human resources and recruitment in job cuts. 

‘Women are more likely to work part-time, expect to work from home more and are therefore less visible in the workplace. It is men looking out for each other.’

Neveen Awad, partner at Boston Consulting Group, said it was middle managers who were hit most severely.

But some staff have pushed back. Former Twitter employees filed a lawsuit against the social media firm after it laid off 57 per cent of its female staff, compared with 47 per cent of men –days after Elon Musk bought it in October. Twitter has denied wrongdoing.

Alesha De-Freitas, head of policy at feminist group the Fawcett Society, said: ‘The underrepresentation of women in tech not only locks women out of some of the highest-paying jobs in our society, but also means that some of the biggest issues facing society today – from the tools that we use to create our work and art, to AI, to online safety – are shaped disproportionately by men and their needs,’ she said.

Layoffs.fyi analysis suggests more than 201,000 people have been laid off in 2023.

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Nashville SC comes from behind with three second-half goals to beat the Columbus Crew… after former Manchester City youngster Yaw Yeboah had netted MLS goal-of-the-season contender inside two minutes

• Yaw Yeboah’s second-minute screamer from 25 yards out was masterful 
• But Nashville SC clawed their way back and won the game at home Sunday 
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

By Jake Fenner For Dailymail.Com and Associated Press

Published: 00:24 EDT, 29 May 2023 | Updated: 01:48 EDT, 29 May 2023

A thunderbolt of a goal from ex-Manchester City prospect Yaw Yeboah was not enough for the Columbus Crew to down Nashville SC in Sunday’s MLS matchup.

Just two minutes into the match, Yeboah staked Columbus (5-6-3) to a very early lead when he took a pass from Cucho Hernández and scored for a second time this season with a masterful shot from around 25 yards out. 

The powerful shot is a surefire candidate for Goal of the Season as it screamed past keeper Joe Willis and slotted into the top right corner.

Hernández joined Federico Higuaín (2017) as the only Crew players with assists in four straight matches. 

But Fafà Picault, Teal Bunbury and Hany Mukhtar scored second-half goals and Nashville SC rallied to beat the Columbus Crew 3-1.

Nashville (8-3-4) has won four straight at home for the first time. The club had three previous three-match win streaks but finished in draws the next time out all three times.

Yaw Yeboah scored a masterful goal to give Columbus Crew an early lead on Sunday night

But Nashville SC ultimately prevailed – bagging three goals in the second half to win 3-1

Picault scored the equalizer for Nashville, using an assist from Mukhtar in the 56th minute to notch his fourth goal.

Bunbury put Nashville on top in 80th minute. Daniel Lovitz picked up an assist on Bunbury’s second goal of the season.

Mukhtar put the finishing touches on the comeback with an unassisted goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time. The reigning MVP has nine goals and seven assists this season. He has had a hand in 78 goals since the start of the 2021 season, 20-plus more than any other player in the league.

Yeboah’s goal was quick but nowhere near the club record. Justin Meram has that, scoring 9 seconds into a 2015 playoff match against the New York Red Bulls. It also remains the quickest goal scored in playoff history.

Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar bagged the third goal of the night to seal his side’s victory

Joe Willis saved five shots for Nashville, all in the second half. Patrick Schulte had seven saves for the Crew, including four in the first half.

Nashville evens the series at 2-2-2 with its second straight win. The club took sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference, five behind FC Cincinnati.

The Crew lost only two of its first 14 road matches last season but has gone 1-7-2 away from home since then.

Columbus returns home to host the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday. Nashville travels to play FC Dallas on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo slots home second-half penalty following VAR review before Talisca punishes gaffe late on as Al Nassr secure 2-0 victory at Al Ta’ee and keep their title hopes alive in Saudi Pro League

• Al Nassr beat Al Ta’ee to narrow the gap on leaders Al-ittihad to three points
• Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home his fifth penalty this season in the 48th minute 
• Talisca doubled the visitors advantage after a mix up on the edge of the box

By David Wood for MailOnline

Published: 17:20 EDT, 16 May 2023 | Updated: 19:42 EDT, 16 May 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half penalty as Al Nassr beat Al Ta’ee to narrow the gap on leaders Al-ittihad to three points with three games to go.

The spot kick was awarded after the VAR sent the referee to consult the pitchside monitor following a challenge on Asulaihem in the box.

And Ronaldo slotted home his fifth penalty this season in the 48th minute.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had scored just one goal in his last four games.

Ronaldo went close with a first-half header which went straight into the arms of the Al Ta’ee goalkeeper.

Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Al-Nassr kept their title hopes alive by beating Al-Ta’ee 2-0

Ronaldo had scored one goal in his last four games before the match on Tuesday night

Al-Nassr players celebrated with the Portuguese star after he scored from the spot in the second half

And he was denied again by a fine save from Braga a few minutes later after finding space on the edge of the box.

Talisca doubled the visitors advantage late on after a mix up on the edge of the box. 

Leaders leaders Al-ittihad were held to a 2-2 draw by fourth-placed Al Hilal as their lead at the top of the table was cut to three points on Tuesday night. 

MATCH FACTS

Al-Ta’ee: Braga, Fai, Majrashi, Semedo, Quassem, Sayoud, Dener, Ali, Harzan, Musona, Mbnza

Al-Nassr: Rossi, Sultan, Gonzalez, Lajami, Konan, Gustavo, Alkhaibari, Alsulaihem, Ghareeb, Talisca, Ronaldo

Goals: Ronaldo 48,  Talisca 80

Thousands from far and wide gathered for hours in the beating sun today, with flash mob choirs and DJs have popping up all around the city as the countdown to the main event comes to an end.

The UK is hosting the competition on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won the contest last year, and fans have been showing their support for both countries.

There were cheers from fans draped in Union Jack flags as many hope Britain’s contestant Mae Muller can beat the Swedish favourite Loreen. 

Some ran straight to the stage front to secure a prime spot to watch the grand final as it gets underway at 8pm.

Liverpool is hosting the competition on behalf of Ukraine – and fans are showing their support for both countries

Liverpool’s fan village has thrown open its gates ahead of the Eurovision final tonight

Thousands from far and wide gathered for hours in the beating sun today at the city’s historic Pier Head venue

Fans dressed as last year’s Ukrainian winners Kalush Orchestra and families donned in Union Jack and Ukrainian flags paraded through the fan village in the build up to the show.

Sean, 28, from Liverpool, came wearing a T-shirt featuring Finnish entry Kaarija, the eccentric rapper whose hyperpop hit Cha Cha Cha is among the favourites to win.

He said: ‘As you can see, I think you know who we are supporting today. Obviously the favourite is Finland. I do think he has got a chance.’

Speaking about UK entry Mae Muller, who is performing last, Sean added: ‘I enjoy the entry. I think there have been some issues with the vocals.

‘But I think it is a good closer. It will be a nice way to round off the show.’

Mark, 29, also from Liverpool, wore a luminescent green outfit reminiscent of Kaarija’s own bolero-style jacket.

He added of Muller’s song: ‘It is very typically pop, it is not typical Eurovision style which I quite like. I think it will do quite well.’

Speaking about Liverpool’s showcasing of Ukrainian culture, Mark added: ‘I think it is amazing. If you go around you can see Ukraine everywhere, whether it is the signs or flags, it is just Ukrainian.

‘It is even the case that they have brought a Ukrainian host in to help with Liverpool. I hope we have done Ukraine proud.’

Nicki, 30, from Darlington, came to the fan zone dressed as Serduchka with the Ukrainian flag painted on her cheeks, and told PA she usually watched the grand final as part of a viewing party but had been ‘wanting to do this for years’.

She said she was supporting Loreen from Sweden, another favourite to win, but also backed Muller.

Brits supporting the UK act Mae Muller draped in Union Jacks as they prepare to celebrate

Excited fans gathered together in the countdown to tonight’s big final 

Mae Muller told how she hopes to make the UK proud as she prepared for the Eurovisional final

Union Jack flags filled the crowds today, with many Brits routing for singer Mae Muller

There were cheers from fans dressed as Ukrainian acts Verka Serduchka and Kalush Orchestra and families in Union flag outfits

Some ran straight to the front of the stage to claim a prime spot for the performances

Twenty-six acts will perform at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to an expected global audience of 160 million viewers

Liverpool is full of colour today as fans celebrate ahead of the Eurovision final tonight

However, Nicki added: ‘I think it’s hard to compete with last year’s act. We kind of hit our peak last year. It is just unfortunate we missed out on winning but obviously everyone wanted Ukraine to do well. So hopefully she will be on the left side of the board.’

She said Liverpool’s showcasing of Ukrainian culture around the city was ‘fantastic’ and showed ‘we are united’.

The grand final on Saturday night will see Muller finally take to the stage, after it emerged Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky had been barred from addressing the event.

After months of preparation, the 25-year-old singer from north London will finally perform her track, I Wrote A Song, for the international voting public.

She is hoping to continue the success of last year’s UK entry Sam Ryder, who finished second behind Kalush Orchestra.

Odds of her beating favourites Sweeden and Finland to secure the Eurovision crown are low however, with bookies putting her chances at 40/1. 

It comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the event, said it had declined Mr Zelensky’s request to speak on Saturday over fears it could politicise the contest.

He had wanted to make an unannounced video appearance and had been expected to implore the global audience of millions to continue backing his country in its fight to repel Russian invaders.

The UK is hosting on behalf of Ukraine, whose entry won last year’s song contest, but could not host this year’s contest due to the war

Fans congregate behind barriers as they queue to get into the M&S Bank Arena

Pictured: Olena Ablaieva (pictured right),with her daughter Vasylysa (left). The pair are originally from Ukraine but but now live in Sidcup with a host family after war broke out last year. Today they are travelling from London to Liverpool to watch the contest

Liverpool in the lead up: The Eurovision grand final will air live on BBC One from 8pm tonight

The EBU said Mr Zelensky had ‘laudable intentions’ but ‘regrettably’ his request was against the rules.

The move prompted criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his predecessor Boris Johnson, among other figures.

The EBU has declined to comment further.

The Eurovision grand final will air live on BBC One from 8pm on Saturday.

READ MORE: Rylan and Scott Mills are saved by Merseyside Water Rescue after Eurovision pandemonium leaves them unable to get back to their hotel 

Rylan and Scott Mills were forced to be rescued by emergency services during Eurovision pandemonium in Liverpool on Friday.

The duo, who commented on the two semi finals, found themsleves trapped in crowds of fans following dinner near the M&S Arena ahead of Saturday’s live final.

Rylan, 34, took to his Instagram to share updates with followers revealing Merseyside Water Rescue helped him and Scott, 50, onto a boat, only for the vessel to fail to get out of the dock.

The former X Factor star was then forced to hop into the back of the emergency services’ car as they were escorted back to their hotel slowly through the masses of music fans.

Decked out in a high visibility jacket Rylan could be seen giving directions to the driver as Scott bemoaned: ‘This is ridiculous’.

Help! Rylan and Scott Mills were forced to be rescued by emergency services during Eurovision pandemonium in Liverpool on Friday

The players often trained on a local beach, stopping only when the incoming tide hit their makeshift goalposts, and they remembered the way Alex Ferguson tied the hood of his red cagoule tight to his face against the howling wind as he watched.

They trained in public parks, too, and on the ash surface of Pittodrie’s car park in the afternoons, to the astonishment of a Bayern Munich scout who turned up to watch them.

But it was not through mere brute force that Ferguson turned Aberdeen into winners in the early 1980s. He listened when one of the coaches let it be known that he was giving him no freedom to train players.

From that moment on, he would occasionally step back, let others take over and observe.

‘It was amazing what you were actually watching,’ Ferguson said years later. ‘Seeing the players’ habits, seeing the little defects in their performance. It could be a million things. That observation, I’ve always carried it with me.’

Sir Alex Ferguson (left) remarkably won the European Cup Winners’ Cup with Aberdeen in 1983

The way Ferguson built an entirely homegrown side is a sensational coaching achievement

Below, Mail Sport columnist Ian Herbert (pictured) outlines his delight at how the legendary Scot will finally be recognised with a medal for the triumph 40 years on

Ferguson certainly breathed fire, too, and Gordon Strachan, one of his key players, wondered where it came from. ‘There was not just an intensity about this game or that game,’ he says. ‘It was everything, where you want to go, what you want to do with your life.’

It will be 40 years on Thursday since that Aberdeen team achieved one of its crowning glories, victory over a Real Madrid side managed by Alfredo di Stefano in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg.

Ferguson is finally to receive a winner’s medal. Only the starting XI and five substitutes received them at the time but new ones have been cast from midfielder Neil Simpson’s original. They will be presented at an event at Pittodrie at which the ‘Gothenburg Greats’ will receive the Freedom of the City.

The city has been remembering that campaign this week, including the victory over Bayern Munich in a titanic quarter-final which hinged on Ferguson changing his full-backs in a decisive second half at Pittodrie.

It was a tactical masterstroke, yet he reflected years later that ‘it was just mathematics, really’.

There was also the catchy song recorded for the final, ‘We’re the Dons from Aberdeen and we’re going to do it for you’, and Ferguson heading down to Aberdeen quayside to wave 493 fans off on an overnight ferry to Gothenburg — the St Clair — and promising to meet them with the cup when they returned.

Ferguson asked Jock Stein, his great friend and mentor, to travel with the team and Stein suggested the Aberdeen manager seek out Di Stefano and offer him a gift of good whisky beforehand. ‘Let him feel important,’ Stein told him. ‘As if you are thrilled to just be in the final and only there to make up the numbers.’

Strachan and the others felt Stein’s presence put their manager at ease. Ferguson’s nervous cough, which always seemed to materialise in the dressing room before the match, was not there that night.

Aberdeen’s squad and Ferguson (holding the trophy) on the city’s quayside with the cup, as promised, when the St Clair ferry arrived back from Gothenburg

It would be fascinating to see how some of the stellar managerial names of today would fare given such limited resources like those that Ferguson (pictured in 1983) had to endure

But it was the manager who fostered the spirit. The team walked out feeling 10ft tall on the morning of the final, after an evening they would never forget at Gothenburg’s Farzat Hotel, something of a Fawlty Towers. 

It featured a quiz Ferguson had organised and a game of Scrabble which ended with arguments over words he claimed did not exist. ‘Aberdeen have something money can’t buy,’ Di Stefano said when his team had lost 2-1 after extra-time. ‘A team built in the family tradition.’

Aberdeen were one of the last clubs to win a European trophy with a team made up entirely of players from their own country, though it was the minimal amount of money spent on building the side which made the feat so extraordinary.

Six of Ferguson’s team were inherited. Six were his own men, of which only two, Mark McGhee and Peter Weir, were bought. The central midfield pairing, 19-year-old Neale Cooper and Simpson, 21, graduates of Aberdeen’s youth sides, was the youngest ever to have started a European final. They handled themselves well.

We will surely never see such an organically developed side win a European trophy again and it would be fascinating to see how some of the stellar managerial names of today would fare given such limited resources.

A hypothesis of this kind was put to Pep Guardiola, four years ago. After a routine Manchester City win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, a Ukrainian journalist asked him how he would feel about coaching a less talented team than the top sides he had always handled.

‘If I have to train teams a bit lower, it’s not a problem for me, not at all,’ he reflected, after making a joke about local property prices. Of course, we will never know the answer. Ferguson held Guardiola in great regard, but what he achieved on a night of biblical weather in Sweden was far purer.

He was on the quayside with the trophy, as promised, when the St Clair ferry steamed back into Aberdeen. The fans all touched it as they disembarked.

Ferguson (left) celebrates with his long-time assistant Archie Knox (right) in Gothenburg

It was years later, in Never Give In, the fine film created for Amazon Prime as he recovered from serious illness, that Ferguson perhaps best encapsulated why his Aberdeen team had beaten Real Madrid.

‘Forget all the work we’d been doing with them on passing the ball and technical ability,’ he said. ‘If they’re not winners it’s a waste of time anyway. When they go out on that pitch, they can’t leave their personality in the dressing room. You’re trying to get that character instilled in the human being you’re dealing with.’

Case against Man City must he heard… fast!  

One leading football podcast dealt with the issue by introducing audio of a herd of elephants, which pretty much encapsulated it.

Amid the justifiable celebration of all that is exquisite about the football of Manchester City — described by Graeme Souness on this publication as the greatest assembly of players that British football has ever known — there will be a caveat and asterisks for as long as the 100 Financial Fair Play charges laid against them by a Premier League independent commission remain untested.

The sanctity of the Premier League and Manchester City would be well served by the issue being dealt with promptly. 

That requires a full and free exchange of information, which should be no problem for a club who insist there is no impropriety whatsoever.

So when might this be resolved? The Premier League will provide no indication. Legal opinion is that it could take years.

Man City’s brilliant achievements will have a caveat and asterisks for as long as the 100 FFP charges laid against them by a Premier League independent commission remain untested

City’s owner Sheikh Mansour (left) speaking with club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak (right)

Pre-Hollywood Wrexham was also full of legends

A BBC documentary, Hollywood or Bust, tells the story of Wrexham FC before Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds arrived.

It features so many heroes including Mickey Thomas, his great friend Joey Jones and manager Brian Flynn, who should have been drenched in champagne after masterminding the legendary FA Cup win over Arsenal in 1992. 

Instead, he clutches a mug of coffee as he is interviewed afterwards on the pitch. Great footage. Great days.

Lawrence deserves recognition

The world moved on after rugby union’s Worcester Warriors were crashed by their own managerial incompetence, but the candour and class Ollie Lawrence showed amid the club’s demise last September is not forgotten. 

England centre Lawrence, now at Bath, spoke his mind, demanding accountability and transparency.

The Rugby Players’ Association vote for their Player of the Year tonight.

It should be Lawrence, by a country mile.

The way Ollie Lawrence acted amid Worcester Warriors’ demise means he should be the Rugby Players’ Association’s Player of the Year in my eyes

Cambridge survival shows just why we do it!  

The brilliant Twitter account Football Away Days is a window on what promotion, relegation and survival means at all levels.

I recommend their clip of Cambridge United’s fans celebrating the moment they avoided relegation, against all odds, at the weekend. 

Priceless. As Away Days observe: ‘Moments like this are why we do it.’