The build-up started with Cork’s 96FM’s ‘below the belt’ promotion directing a thinly veiled personal swipe at their former prizefighter.

Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan is recovering after a break-in at her home which left her “very shaken” but unharmed.

It was another day soundtracked by Irish celebrations at the Cheltenham Festival in the Cotswolds yesterday but one coveted title was wrested back from the raiders by the natives.

Hotel chain Travelodge was thrown a lifeline today as landlords and creditors backed a controversial rescue deal.

Hotel chain Travelodge was thrown a lifeline today as landlords and creditors backed a controversial rescue deal.

Burglars have again targeted the home of England striker Peter Crouch and his wife, model Abbey Clancy, it has emerged.

Wayne Rooney now accepts he was wrong to demand assurances about Manchester United’s future before signing a new contract.

MANCHESTER UNITED and England star Wayne Rooney has already started planning for life as a manager.

ALEX FERGUSON has taken the unprecedented step of sending Wayne Rooney to America for a week of extensive conditioning work to get him away from the glare of publicity.

WHEN I first interviewed Alex Ferguson in the mid-Nineties, having always prided myself in being able to remain unimpressed in the face of celebrity, I emerged from the session somewhat shamefaced.

Alex Ferguson has revealed Wayne Rooney has apologised after ending a turbulent few days by agreeing a five-year contract with Manchester United.

Wayne Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract with Manchester United.

COLEEN ROONEY kept the state of her marriage under wraps yesterday as she opted for a dose of retail therapy.

Coleen Rooney kept the state of her marriage under wraps today as she opted for a dose of retail therapy.

For 212 assorted amateurs and professionals the dream of playing in The Open at Birkdale is still alive following yesterday’s 16 regional qualifying tournaments around Ireland and Britain.

The property assets of some of the UK’s most famous tourist attractions including Alton Towers and London waxworks Madame Tussauds were sold today by their private equity owner for £622m.

All In The Stars is likely to make his seasonal reappearance in the £100,000 (€148,600) boylepoker.com Chase at Cheltenham on Friday.

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Coventry, Ferndown and Lindrick have been named as new additions to the list of 16 clubs that will host regional qualifying for the 2008 Open championship at Royal Birkdale.

WAYNE’S world has changed. Now, at least, England’s finest striking talent is not scared to put a foot out of line when he runs out at Goodison Park.