Richard Hammond has ruled out returning to Top Gear, becoming the final presenter to leave the motoring show as he vowed: 'I won't quit my mates'. In yet another major blow to the BBC, the presenter took to Twitter to reveal he would not be returning to the hugely-popular series. The announcement came as the show's former executive producer Andy Wilman launched a scathing attack on 'meddling BBC executives' in a Top Gear Magazine editorial, published today. Yesterday, Mr Wilman, who is a childhood friend of Clarkson, sensationally quit the Corporation - fuelling speculation that the team is gearing up to launch a similar show with a rival broadcaster. The men were also seen holding talks at Clarkson's west London home, in their first public appearance since the presenter was axed from the show over a 'fracas' with a producer. Later last night, Clarkson was seen enjoying a drink with friends in a west London pub. Scroll down for video . Richard Hammond (pictured meeting his former co-stars yesterday) has ruled out returning to Top Gear, becoming the final presenter to leave the motoring show . Hammond took to Twitter to announce that he would not 'quit my mates' Jeremy Clarkson and James May . Jeremy Clarkson was seen out for a drink with friends last night, stopping at pub in west London after meeting with former Top Gear co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May, as well as producer Andy Wilman . Clarkson (seen enjoying a drink with a group yesterday evening) and Mr Wilman were put under pressure to hire a female presenter in 2002 by the BBC, the producer said . Mr Wilman (pictured with Clarkson, Hammond and May yesterday) has launched a scathing attack on the 'meddling' BBC just a day after he quit the show . Following the spate of high-profile announcements, Hammond today broke his silence, tweeting: 'To be clear amidst all this talk of us 'quitting' or not: there's nothing for me to 'quit'. Not about to quit my mates anyway.' Top Gear Magazine, which is owned by BBC Worldwide, today published an editorial by Mr Wilman, in which the producer branded the decision to sack Clarkson a 'tragedy'. He said: ‘[The BBC] hasn’t just lost a man who can hold viewers’ attention in front of a camera, it’s lost a journalist who could use the discipline of print training to focus on what mattered and what didn’t, it’s lost an editorial genius who could look at an existing structure and then smash it up and reshape it in a blaze of light bulb moments’. He said chiefs at the corporation also originally vetoed hiring May, claiming the three were all ‘middle-class public-schoolish blokes of a similar age’. The astonishing feature ends speculation as to the reasons behind Mr Wilman's decision to quit the BBC - which was announced by corporation bosses yesterday evening. Mr Wilman also criticised attempts by the BBC to second-guess decisions about Top Gear's return in 2002 despite not being interested in the show’s subject matter. He said: ‘The BBC grown-ups were

Summary: Richard Hammond has become the final presenter to leave Top Gear . Former producer Andy Wilman also accused BBC of 'meddling' with show . Attack in Top Gear Magazine came day after he sensationally quit BBC . Jeremy Clarkson was seen plotting their next move in a pub last night .


Liam Stewart, the ice hockey playing son of rock star Rod Stewart and former model Rachel Hunter, has seen his hopes of making his senior Great Britain debut ended by injury. The 20-year-old forward, born in London, had been included in new head coach Pete Russell's 23-man party for the World Championship in Holland next week. But Stewart sustained a shoulder injury during Spokane Chiefs' Western Hockey League play-off series against Everett and is replaced in the squad by Craig Peacock of Belfast Giants. Liam Stewart, the son of rock star Rod Stewart and model Rachel Hunter, plays for the Spokane Chiefs . Stewart was set to make his senior Great Britain ice hockey debut at the World Championships . Stewart's mother and former model Rachel Hunter watches from the stands . Rock star Rod Stewart pictured with former wife Rachel back in 1996 . Russell said: 'Liam is so disappointed not to be coming but he has picked up a shoulder injury. He has just had a really intense play-off series and his injury means he will not be able to travel. 'It is a shame for the lad but I am sure his time will come again in the future. It means a place now for Craig Peacock, who was unlucky to be left out of the original 23-man squad. 'Craig is a highly-talented player and it was a hard decision for me to leave him out in the first place. I am sure Craig will prove me wrong that I should not have left him out.'

Summary: Liam Stewart had been named in the 23-man squad ahead of tournament . The son of Rod Stewart has been replaced after suffering shoulder injury . The Spokane chiefs forward was in line to make his debut for GB . Ice Hockey World Championship takes place in Holland next week .


Christine Carriage, 67, (pictured) was handed a six-month suspended sentence at Norwich Crown Court . A grandmother hoarded 1,300 items of stolen clothing in her tiny bungalow – which police said was like a ‘warehouse’. Officers raiding Christine Carriage’s one-bedroom home found that 340 of the stolen items still had price tags on. But this week the 67-year-old walked free from court. A total of 1,337 items of clothing, shoes and handbags – valued at £5,620 – were seized by police from the home in Bowthorpe, Norwich, on November 4, 2013. William Carter, prosecuting, said police found an 8ft-long clothes rail bending under the huge weight of the clothing in one room. He said: ‘The officers described the property as looking more like a clothing warehouse than a dwelling. Each room was packed.’ On Wednesday, Carriage admitted acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. When police searched the house, she was at the property with son Shane Carriage, 45, and grandson Luke Hall. Officers found cash, drug paraphernalia and at least an eighth of a kilo of cocaine. Carriage had convictions for dishonesty from the 1960s and 1970s, and two convictions for shoplifting in the 1980s, as well as one in 1996 and another in 2012. Philippa Page, defending, said some items were Carriage’s clothes and those of her son, grandson and late husband. She said Carriage was guilty of mistaken family loyalty in allowing her ‘increasingly out-of-control’ grandson to store stolen clothes at her home. Sentencing Carriage, Judge Maureen Bacon told her: ‘You have been a dishonest woman through all your life. 'I don’t see why I should inflict your keep on the public purse by sending you to prison today.’ She was given a suspended six-month jail sentence, ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and told to pay an £80 victim surcharge at Norwich Crown Court. But Carriage and her son were cleared of supplying cocaine last August after Recorder Peter Wallis ruled there was no case to answer. Hall had previously admitted supplying cocaine, possessing cocaine and possessing criminal property and was jailed for 34 months. A grandmother's swag: Hundreds of stolen items from shoes to handbags were discovered by police in a raid on the one-bedroom home of serial offender Christine Carriage in November 2013 . Police raided the one-bedroom bungalow in Bowthorpe, Norwich (pictured) where Christine Carriage lived. She was at the property at the time along with her son Shane Carriage, 45, and grandson Luke Hall . Seized: Police found an eight foot long clothes rail bending under the weight of the clothing in one room .

Summary: Stash valued at £5,620 discovered in 67-year-old Christine Carriage's home . Officers said property looked more like clothing warehouse than a dwelling . She was handed a six-month suspended sentence at Norwich Crown Court .


Blamed initially on 'engine . failure', it emerged on Tuesday that a government jet carrying . Serbia's president to Italy last week was forced to turn back . when the co-pilot spilled coffee on the instrument board. Advisers to President Tomislav Nikolic described being . 'thrown around the cabin' when the plane - a 34-year-old . French-built Falcon 50 - began tumbling through the air on . Friday. The plane landed safely back in Belgrade, but Nikolic was . forced to cancel his official visit to meet Pope Francis in the . Vatican, and his advisers put the incident down to yet another . malfunction on the ageing, incident-prone aircraft. Advisers to President Tomislav Nikolic (left, pictured in February in Belgrade) described being 'thrown around the cabin' when a plane taking him to Italy last week began tumbling through the sky . One adviser told Reuters that she would 'never step foot on . that plane again,' saying the fall had lasted 'for what seemed . like an eternity'. An investigation determined that the co-pilot, Bojan Zoric, . had spilled coffee on the instrument board 'due to ongoing . turbulence'. 'I began wiping the board and accidentally activated the . 'emergency slat' button,' which automatically turned off the . automatic pilot and the plane began losing altitude, Zoric said . in the report by Serbia's Civil Aviation Directorate . The pilot took over command, managed to pull the plane up . and sought permission to turn back to Belgrade, Zoric added. He . said that one of the engines then stopped working but was . restarted on the way back to the airport. The Directorate temporarily suspended Zoric's licence on . Monday. An investigation revealed that the pilot of the Falcon 50 (file image) carrying Nikolic spilled coffee on the instrument panel and turned the autopilot off as he wiped it down .

Summary: Government jet carrying President Tomislav Nikolic went into a dive . Incident, which occurred last Friday, initially blamed on 'engine failure' Serbia's Civil Aviation Directorate found cause was actually a coffee spill .


A man trying to elude police jumped into a Missouri creek overnight wearing only his underwear – but his daring gambit did not pay off. Responding officers and firefighters followed the fugitive into the murky waters of Brush Creek in Kansas City and fished him out early Friday morning. The 38-year-old suspect has been taken to an area hospital to be treated for injuries to his arm and leg. He may face charges in connection to a hit-and-run crash. Escape by water: A 38-year-old man stripped down to his skivvies and jumped into Brush Creek in Kansas City, Missouri, after being stopped by police . Up Brush Creek without a paddle: The suspect reached the middle of the creek and spent 10-15 minutes swimming back and forth . According to a Kansas City Police Department’s arrest report, officers were called to a gas station in the 4600 block of Prospect at around 2am after receiving complaints from neighbors about a car blasting loud music. The report states that when police approached the car, a grey 2007 Infinity, and asked to see the driver’s license, the man smiled, said, ‘I’m out!’ and took off from the scene. The Infinity promptly smashed into the north side of the Brush Creek bridge, after which the driver got out of the mangled car and jumped into the water. Police say the 38-year-old suspect stripped down to his underwear and spent 10-15 minutes swimming in chest-deep water, with officers waiting for him on north and south sides of the creek. Surrounded: When firefighters tried to pull him out, he threatened them with a log . Fish out of water: Police officers armed with a BB gun went after the nighttime bather and apprehended him . The bather was complaining of a broken leg, according to Fox4KC, so the Kansas City Fire Department’s water rescue crew were sent in to fish him out. But the half-naked man in the water was not going to go quietly. ‘The suspect picked up a large log and started swinging it at the firemen so they backed off as to not escalate the situation,’ the arrest report states. That is when uniformed police officers armed with a BB gun followed the man into the creek, got him in a choke hold and pulled him out of the creek. Police suspect the man may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol . Prelude: Before he jumped in the water, the 38-year-old driver fled from police and smashed his 2007 Infinity into a bridge . Police suspect the man may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time. As of Friday morning, the 38-year-old has not been formally charged with any crime.

Summary: The 38-year-old suspect was questioned by Kansas City police after neighbors complained he was blasting music in his 2007 Infinity . Instead of handing over his ID, driver smiled, said 'I'm out!' and took off . After crashing into bridge, the man stripped down to his underwear and jumped into Brush Creek . It took cops armed with a BB gun 15 minutes to fish out the fugitive .


It is a hill start to give even the most confident learner driver nightmares. The Eshima Ohashi bridge in Japan – the third largest of its kind in the world – rises sharply so ships can pass underneath. The concrete road bridge spans a mile across Lake Nakaumi, linking the cities of Matsue and Sakaiminato. Scroll down for video . The Eshima Ohashi bridge in Japan – the third largest of its kind in the world – rises sharply so ships can pass underneath . The concrete road bridge, pictured, spans a mile across Lake Nakaumi, linking the cities of Matsue and Sakaiminato . The two-lane concrete road bridge stretches 1.7km or just over 1 mile long and has a width of 11.4 metres making it the largest rigid frame bridge in Japan and the third largest in the world. It's incredible slope, which has a gradient of 6.1 per cent on the Shimane Prefecture side and 5.1 per cent on the Tottori Prefecture side gives it a rollercoaster-like appearance. The unusual steep bridge was recently featured in a commercial for Daihatsu Motor Co.'s Tanto minivan to test the vehicle's durability. 1. Sidhue River Bridge – China . At an incredible 460m (1509ft), it is the highest bridge in the world. Suspended across the Sidhue River in the Badong County of the Hubei Province, in stretches more than 1,300m to connect Shanghai and Chendo. The bridge makes up part of a dangerous mountain path known as highway Huyu G50. 2. Millau Viaduct - France . When it was opened in 2004, this was the world’s tallest vehicular bridge and it is still taller than the Eiffel Tower at its highest point. The cable-stayed bridge, which spans across the Tarn River Valley in southern France, remains in the world's top twenty highest at 270m above the valley floor. The tallest concrete pylon on the Millau Viaduct is 800ft on its own - higher than most buildings . 3. Monkey Bridges – Vietnam . Made of one single bamboo log for your feet, and another as a rather unsteady handrail, this bridge us named from the stooped 'monkey-like' posture people must adapt when crossing to try and avoid falling into the river below. 4. Royal Gorge Bridge - Colorado, US . America’s highest suspension bridge can look down nearly 90 stories at the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge below. At 295m (969 ft tall) and 384m (1,260ft) long, it was first built in 1929, but it did not get stabilizing wind cables until 1982 meaning it would have swung dangerously in a high gust. 5. Trift Suspension Bridge -Switzerland . Suspended across the Alps, this bridge has some of the most stunning views in the world. Built at 100m ( 328ft) high and 170m (558ft) long, Trift was built in 2004 and became one of the mountain range's longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges. It was supposed to connect hikers to a hut made inaccessible by a retreating glacier but it was known to swing wildly when windy and was only allowed to

Summary: Eshima Ohashi bridge in Japan is the third largest of its kind in the world . Has a gradient of 6.1 per cent on Shimane side and 5.1 per cent on Tottori . Spans mile across Lake Nakaumi linking cities of Matsue and Sakaiminato .


Chip shop boss John Clarkson has created a new answer to the Creme Egg question of 'how do you eat yours?' - by turning the chocolate into a pie to serve with chips. Eschewing the savoury favourites of sausage and egg or mince pies, Mr Clarkson decided to wrap the Easter delicacies in pastry before they were battered and deep-fried. The result is his very own 'Pie-egg-ra' dish - Creme Egg oozing from the traditional pie casing which is then served with chips to more adventurous customers at a price of £2.75. Scroll down for video . The 'Pie-egg-ra' dish contains one and a half Cadbury's Creme Eggs and is served with a side of chips . John Clarkson in his chip shop Mr Eaters Fish and Chips in Preston, Lancashire . The 55-year-old fryer, says the savoury-sweet mix is a hit with customers, who have taken to dipping chips into the Creme Egg 'yolk' like traditional toast soldiers. The pie was created by blind-baking the casing as the egg would otherwise melt down, . Then one-and-a-half Creme Eggs were popped in as a filling. A lid is put on to seal the dish before the pie is battered and fried until golden, . And if the timings are expertly observed, the chocolate will just begin to soften in the middle. Mr Clarkson, who runs Mr Eaters Fish and Chips in Preston, Lancashire, said: 'I love Easter and I love Creme Eggs but I thought it would be fun to try and put my own spin on them. 'Everyone has heard of battered Mars Bars by now so I thought, "what would be the next step up?" Mr Clarkson rolls out the pie casing (left) before stuffing one and a half Creme Eggs into it (right) The pie is then covered with a lid and dipped in batter (left) before being quickly deep fried (right) 'Creme Eggs are just the right size and shape to be placed in a pie, so I thought 'why not?' 'It's a laugh and I always like seeing what I can conjure up next for customers that might be seen as a bit strange or unusual. If you're tired of battered sausage, you might just fancy a Crème Egg Pie.' His wife Corinne added: 'They actually taste delicious and I don't even like Crème Eggs!' The couple are no stranger to wacky food creations. Last year, they created the world's largest battered Ferrero Rocher which weighed a whopping 5kg and contained around 25,000 calories. Mr Clarkson says his savoury-sweet mix is a hit with customers, who have taken to dipping chips into the Creme Egg yolk, much like traditional toast soldiers . And while this particularly sweet-savoury offering may seem odd to some, Mr Clarkson isn't the first to have added his own touch to Creme Eggs. The Creme Egg in a Scotch Egg . A family butcher in the Scottish borders has come up with a new way to eat the eggs - inside a Scotch egg. Greig Foston and Benjamin Webb say their snack contains

Summary: John Clarkson's chocolate pie is covered in pastry before being battered . 'Pie-egg-ra' dish sold at Mr Eaters Fish and Chips in Preston, Lancashire . Each expertly baked and fried pie contains one and a half Creme eggs .


A lawsuit filed by former Gossip Girl actress Kelly Rutherford attempting to have a judge order her kids to return to the U.S. from their father's custody in France has been dismissed once and for all. The case was dismissed with a court order stating that it did not have the jurisdiction to force the kids, son Hermes, 8, and daughter Helena, 5, to come back to the United States. Rutherford, 46, claims her children were illegally deported to France when a California Court awarded custody to her ex-husband Daniel Giersch, 40, and she pleaded for the order to be reversed. Scroll down for video . Kelly Rutherford, pictured with her children, Hermes and Helena, during a party in the Hamptons in August 2013, was shut down by the courts again in a final plea to gain custody of her children . Rutherford's lawsuit stating that her children were illegally deported from the United States was dismissed once and for all by a New York court . She claimed that no other U.S. court has ordered children to live in another country when they have an able parent in the United States. Giersch, who is a German citizen residing in France, was deported from the U.S. over allegations of visa fraud. But the dismissal of her case states that Rutherford failed to argue why the federal court should intervene in her custody dispute with Giersch. 'Petitioners allege that the California state court's custody order had the effect of deporting the children in violation of their Fourteenth Amendment right to remain in the United States,' the document reads. The document added: 'There is no authority establishing the unconditional right of minor children to reside in the United States when one of their custodial parents lives abroad. 'Likewise there is no "plainly defined and peremptory duty" requiring Respondents to interfere with the custody order - nor is there, as Petitioners contend, a general affirmative duty on federal agencies requiring them to intervene against what is claimed to be unconstitutional state action.' After divorcing in 2010, Rutherford and ex-husband Daniel Giersch went through a nasty custody battle which ended with Giersch being awarded custody while the children were to visit Rutherford on vacations . Kelly left Daniel Giersch in 2009 while she was pregnant with their second child after the German businessman's visa was revoked. A judge awarded him custody of the children in 2012 . Further, the court states 'the children have not been deported; they retain their United States citizenship and, once they reach the age of majority, they will be free to choose where to reside. 'There is, therefore, no non-frivolous constitutional question, only an attempt to seek federal judicial intervention in a state court custody dispute' The order affirmed the original order and said it would be improper for the federal court to intervene in Rutherford's custody battle. Because of this, there will be no intervention and the appeal will be dismissed. A California court ruled two years ago that the children should live in France with ex-husband Daniel Griesch, who

Summary: She claims a California judge deported her children illegally in 2012 . California court ruled Rutherford's ex-husband Daniel Giersch could take the children to live in France and spend vacations with in the US . Her petition to custody battle was dismissed in court last August . But in one final attempt she put in another appeal, which was dismissed . Court order states that it did'nt have jurisdiction to force kids to live in US . The permanent dismissal says that Rutherford failed to argue why the federal court should intervene in custody case .


There was uproar on the south coast when Nicola Cortese sacked local hero Nigel Adkins and replaced him with the relatively unknown Argentine, on English shores at least, Mauricio Pochettino. Adkins had led Southampton to back-to-back promotions into the Barclays Premier League and was fighting valiantly to keep them in it. But Cortese’s decision proved to be an astute one and Pochettino took them to the next level. He increased intensity in training and in matches, altered their style of play, continued their already excellent emphasis on youth and made some shrewd signings. Mauricio Pochettino spent 16 months as Southampton manager before departing to Tottenham . The Argentine manager (right) embraces Ronald Koeman (left) as he took on his former side in October . So much so that 16 months later Daniel Levy saw him as the ideal man to take Tottenham on, too. As Pochettino prepares to return to St Mary’s for the first time since he left, Sportsmail takes a look at how his two tenures compare. YOU DON’T WIN ANYTHING WITH KIDS… . Pochettino came to England with a reputation for bringing through young players - at Espanyol he handed 25 of their youth products a debut. At Southampton he continued to show no fear in throwing them in, giving Premier League debuts to Calum Chambers, who then moved to Arsenal for £16million and has now won senior England caps, and James Ward-Prowse, who is a first-team regular, star of England Under 21s and set for a call up by Roy Hodgson. Pochettino has maintained that approach at Tottenham. He was the first, of many managers who came before, to give Ryan Mason a proper run in the team and this season the player earned a first England cap for his displays. Calum Chambers (left) and James Ward-Prowse (right) both rose to prominence under Pochettino . Harry Kane has flourished under him, too, already around the first team before his arrival albeit, but excelling under Pochettino’s guidance and scoring a sensational 31 goals in all competitions already this season. Nabil Bentaleb is another who has progressed under Pochettino after Tim Sherwood gave him a chance last season, while Pochettino also gave Harry Winks, a 19-year-old midfielder, his first appearance from the bench in the Europa League. Harry Kane has been in sensational form under the former Saints boss this season - scoring 31 times . 2011-12 : 4th (Harry Redknapp as manager) 2012-13 : 5th (Andre Villas-Boas as manager) 2013-14: 6th (Tim Sherwood as manager) 2014-15 *currently 7th (Mauricio Pochettino) LUNG-BUSTING TRAINING . Training sessions under Pochettino have become almost mythical. Speak to any player who has worked under him and they all recall gruelling double and triple sessions, all throughout pre-season and maintained regularly during the campaign. At Southampton when he first arrived he took the team to a Portuguese boot camp and made the players, leading himself by example, walk over hot coals. Not satisfied by their fitness levels, during that first pre-season there would be frequent triple sessions, from 10am-midday, from 2pm-4pm and from 6pm-8pm. During

Summary: Mauricio Pochettino returns to former side Southampton for the first time since leaving last summer . The Tottenham boss done an excellent job during his 16 month spell . The Argentine manager has adopted the same methods at Spurs as he did during his time at St Mary's . Pochettino blooded the likes of Calum Chambers and James Ward-Prowse while at Southampton, and has done the same with Harry Kane at Spurs . His passing and pressing philosophy has taken a while for his new set of players to adjust to, though .


All eyes were again on Jimmy Anderson as England on Thursday night began their push for victory here but instead the limelight was seized by Chris Jordan with his second stunning catch of the first Test. A day that featured a fourth Test century in only his ninth match for Gary Ballance ended with the leader of England’s attack still waiting for the wicket that will bring him level with Sir Ian Botham’s Test record. So well did Ballance and England bat that Alastair Cook was able to set West Indies a target of 438 in just over four sessions that would even surpass their own world record successful Test chase. Yet so solidly did West Indies begin their attempt to emerge unscathed from this first of three Tests that it became pertinent to remember that record was set in none other than Antigua and featured a century by a certain Shiv Chanderpaul. It remains highly unlikely that West Indies will today surpass the 418 for seven they made to defeat Australia at the old St John’s Rec 12 years ago. Cook, though, will be grateful for the athleticism of Jordan and the off-spin of Joe Root for the wicket that means England remain firm favourites to secure today what would be a highly valuable victory for them. When West Indies grafted their way to 90 for one on this fourth day it was possible to believe that they would at least be able to escape with a draw from this match and head to Grenada next week still all square. Yet When Jordan dived to his right at wide slip and grasped the chance offered by Darren Bravo’s flailing bat in Root’s second over a second West Indian wicket had fallen and England ended the day with a spring in their step. They still have much to do and all results remain possible but England will be much the happier with West Indies finishing on 98 for two, still a massive 340 short of recreating Antiguan Test history. For Anderson, however, there was just more frustration as he could not strike a blow in the seven overs he has so far bowled in the second innings. Botham remains in the wings, with a nice bottle of red at the ready, to congratulate Anderson if and when the big moment comes today. England timed both the pace of their batting and their declaration to perfection, scoring quickly enough to set West Indies that world record breaking target and giving themselves 130 overs to bowl them out. And at the centre of their batting effort was Ballance who has made a start to his Test career that can genuinely be described as great. Darren Bravo nicks Joe Root's delivery as Chris Jordan gets ready to pounce . Bravo can only watch on as Jordan makes a stunning dive to seize the loose ball . Jordan shows tremendous reflexes to cling on to dismiss the West Indies batsman . Gary Ballance plays a shot during day four of England's first Test against West Indies

Summary: Gary Ballance is now averaging in excess of 60 for England . Ballance's knock of 122 was impressive at No 3 . Joe Root shone before he was eventually dismissed for 59 . Jos Buttler also did well with the bat, an unbeaten 59 off 56 balls . Stuart Broad struck early, clean bowling out Kraigg Braithwaite . England finished the day eight wickets from victory in first Test .


At 6-foot-5 and 289lb JJ Watt is a terror on the football field - recording more than 20 sacks and forcing four fumbles for the Houston Texans with his explosive speed and power last season. Now the NFL defensive end flaunting his incredible athletic process off the field. On Monday he released a video that shows him making an incredible 61-inch vertical leap. The standing box jump - a popular CrossFit workout move - is billed as a personal best. JJ Watt performed an incredible 61-inch box standing box jump. An impressive feat for a man who weighs nearly 300 pounds . The Houston Texans defensive tackle released the video as part of his announcement that he has signed an endorsement deal with Reebok . Watt, already a legend in Houston for his performance both on the field and off, leaned down after his jump and declared: 'Must have been the shoes, baby!' The clip, impressive as it may be, appears to be a stunt for Reebok, which announced on Monday that they had signed the NFL star to a shoe endorsement deal. After completing the jump, Watt, 26, screams and declares: 'It must have been the shoes, baby!' The video was posted to YouTube by Reebok and pushed the lime-green $110 ZPump Fusion shoes that Watt wears for the stunt. Watt, who has been building a superhuman reputation both with his on-the-field heroics and off-the-field community work, will be the face of the company's 'Be More Human' ad campaign. Don't mess with Texans: Watt, 6-foot-5 and 290lbs, has made a reputation for himself as a defensive terror on the football field . 'The ability to have input in the products I will be wearing is what I love, letting them know what I think they can help me with,' he told the Houston Chronicle. A survey of YouTube reveals only one higher standing box jump - 64 inches recorded by a personal trainer in Wisconsin. However, none of them are nearly as enormous as Watt, who managed to leap more than five feet in the air despite weighing nearly 300 pounds. At the end of the season, Watt signed a six-year, $100million contract with the Texans that included a $10million signing bonus. The terms of his deal with Reebok were not disclosed. He had previously signed an endorsement deal with Nike.

Summary: The Houston Texans defensive end released the video as part of his announcement of signing a Reebok endorsement deal . Watt, 26, is 6-foot-5 and 289lbs .


For decades, sheds have a been a place that men build at the bottom of the garden so they have a place to be alone. In the book 'Men and Sheds,' the author Gordon Thorburn called the wooden buildings a "male necessity" - somewhere were they could do some woodwork, pot some plants or even just read the newspaper in peace. But now the female sex and demanding a place at the bottom of the garden to call their own - a she shed. Scroll down for video . More and more women are demanding their own 'she sheds', places at the bottom of the garden they can call their own . As everyday life gets every more stressful and homes get smaller, women are also looking to the single-storey structures as a safe haven. But while most men might be content with a leaky old shack made of rotting timber, female customers are looking for a home away from home. They are commissioning sheds in a range of styles from beach huts and gypsy caravans to mock Tudor pavilions with tiled floors. Instead of a few upturned apple boxes and an old wireless, the new she sheds are being decked out with Moroccan rugs, cushions, chandeliers and coffee tables. Some have gone one step further and installed a diner in theirs, complete with working jukebox and fifties-style restaurant booths. Fancy a 'she shed' of your own? Read on for some inspiration... The owner of this shed has taken inspiration from the seaside, creating a beach hut-type style . This 'she shed' is extremely spacious and could entertain a number of people without feeling cramped . This shed owner has added numerous grand touches to their abode, including ornamental lions, ornate curtains and a candelabra . This quaint gypsy-style caravan has gone for the light and airy touch, with some bright furnishings inside . With a jukebox, fridge, popcorn maker and bar... the owner of this shed never needs to go back into their main home . This she shed owner has gone for the Olde English Garden touch with their thatched rood and Union Jack bunting . This pagoda-style shed has taken inspiration from The Orient . This kooky garden shed appears to have taken inspiration from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . This shed has more soft furnishings in it than a lot of living rooms in proper houses . This shed has brought a splash of Arabian colour to an English back garden .

Summary: For years, the garden shed has been the domain of the man . But now women are demanding their own huts at the bottom of the garden . They come in an array of styles including beach huts and Tudor cottages .


A lone lioness shows her determination - single-handedly felling a towering giraffe. The desperate predator looked to be getting in difficulty as she struggled to take down the tall animal. But the reason for her tenacity soon became apparent as she had precious cubs to feed. Scroll down for video . Determined: Incredible pictures show a lone lioness bringing down a towering giraffe all by herself . The lioness eventually locked on to the giraffe's throat to kill it . At first the predator looked to be getting in difficulty as she struggled to take down the tall animal . The dramatic scenes were witnessed by researcher Brent Stapelkamp in Hwange National Park . The lioness locks its teeth on the giraffe's leg, the animal already visibly wounded . Brent Stapelkamp, a 37-year-old researcher, saw the dramatic tussle in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The lioness refused to let the giraffe escape despite the danger she was in. The determined cat had been chasing the giraffe, which can grow to six metres tall, with its pride. But the other lionesses were distracted by a passing warthog and chose to chase the easier prey instead. This picture shows the lioness pursuing the giraffe across the dusty savannah . At first the lioness had some help from other members of her pride, but they quickly ran off in pursuit of a passing warthog - far easier prey . The lionesses are dwarfed by the giraffe but are in desperate need of food . The lioness refused to let the giraffe escape despite the danger she was in . The giraffe finally collapses on the ground after the epic struggle . The exhausted giraffe finally relents, lacking the energy to stop the lioness going for the kill . Brent said: 'A giraffe's kick can easily kill a lion so we were desperate that her pride come to help. 'Two one-year-olds came and followed her but added no help. 'The killing bite is to the throat but she had to bring it down first so chose the bite the chest, eventually causing the giraffe to fall. 'It fell in top of her and we gasped because we have lost lions like that before, but as it rolled off, she was out and at the throat. 'Only later did we see that she had fresh suckle stains on her teat meaning she had new cubs hidden and waiting for a feed. 'This explained her tenacity.'

Summary: Epic struggle between lioness and giraffe in Zimbabwe caught on camera . The lioness was pictured battling the animal in Hwange National Park . Predator was very lucky to survive as a kick from a giraffe can be lethal .


There is not a British manager working in the Premier League who is capable of guiding a team into the latter stages of the Champions League, according to Paul Scholes. There are no British teams in the quarter finals of the Champions League and Scholes does not believe there is a British manager who can turn those fortunes around. Scholes does however believe that his friend and former team-mate Ryan Giggs could lead Manchester United into the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition if he is given the chance to succeed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford further down the line. Paul Scholes hopes Ryan Giggs will go on and be one of the best manager's in the world once he has done his apprenticeship under Louis van Gaal . Writing in his Independent column, Scholes said: ‘I don’t think there is a British manager who is currently capable of restoring English clubs to the final stages of the Champions League, and winning the competition again. I hope that it will change in the future and I have high hopes that my friend Ryan Giggs will be handed the reins at Manchester United at some point having served an apprenticeship under Louis van Gaal.’ Scholes believes outgoing Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp would be a welcome addition to the Premier League – but does not believe he will replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City. Scholes believes outgoing Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp could end up in the Premier League . Bayern Munich's head coach Pep Guardiola could be heading Manchester City when his contract expires . The former Manchester United midfielder believes that Pep Guardiola will head to Etihad Stadium once his contract at Bayern Munich expires at the end of next season. He added: ‘There is no doubt in my mind that he [Klopp] would be a success in English football, the only question is at which club. Manchester City is the destination that has been mentioned more than once but all the information that comes back to me in Manchester is that Pep Guardiola will take that job when his contract at Bayern Munich expires in one year’s time. ‘While City have many good players, they have never gone beyond the second round of the Champions League, much less won it. Making them the best side in Europe would be a far more difficult task than doing the same at Barcelona or Bayern Munich, the latter of whom Guardiola took over after they won the Treble.’

Summary: Paul Scholes hopes Ryan Giggs will become the next top British manager after working with Louis van Gaal . Scholes would like to see Jurgen Klopp manage in the Premier League . Former Manchester United man believes Pep Guardiola will manage Manchester City once his contract expires at Bayern Munich .


A pair of foxes viciously fight to the death in a battle to claim a lone Vixen. The savage animals tumbled down a snowy Iceland mountainside and crashed onto the rocky beach below during the vicious struggle. Wildlife photographer Einar Gudmann caught the violent encounter on camera. He had been sleeping in his warm shelter when he was suddenly woken by howling. A pair of Arctic foxes viciously fight to the death on the snow in a battle to claim a lone Vixen . The amazing scene was captured on camera by wildlife photographer Einar Gudmann, who was woken up by howling . The two foxes fought each other in bitter sub-zero temperatures after one of them had been copulating with a vixen . After emerging into the bitter sub-zero temperatures, he spotted a female and male fox copulating. But the pair weren't alone - a third Arctic fox lurked nearby. Without warning the single fox emerged and began to growl and howl at the pair. Wiggling free, the female ran for the hills while the two male foxes began to fight. Mr Gudmann said: 'The female's partner managed to grab and get a firm bite over the eye and under the jaw of the single one. A fox interrupts two others mating on a pebbly beach and decides to win over the vixen by fighting the other male . Squaring up: The two male foxes growl and bare their teeth at each other as the female turns her back on the tense situation . Fur flies: The two male foxes engage in a vicious fight, the female having fled the scene . One Arctic fox bares its teeth at its aggressor on a snowy hill near the beach where the fight began . One of the foxes makes a break for it on the snowy hillside, its fight having been captured on camera by wildlife photographer Einar Gudmann . The losing fox was not predicted to survive the night, having got no mercy from his opponent . The victorious fox makes its way back up the hill after the brief, but aggressive, fight . 'He used this to push the single one into the sea between the rocks. Splashes went bursting into all direction and moments later the single one was completely submerged and wet. 'Heavy and wet it was obvious at this moment that he had lost the fight. Now it was no longer a matter of fighting to kill, it was a matter of survival. 'He tried to run but got no mercy from his opponent. 'He finally managed to get into a dry area on the beach where they kept fighting. Heavily wounded and soaking wet he managed to run up the snowy hill but had trouble getting over the snow-bank at the top.' The snow is whipped into the air by strong winds as one of the foxes desperately seeks shelter . One of the male foxes looks directly at Mr Gudmann's camera as it trots through the snow . Meanwhile, the victorious fox shook off the

Summary: Wildlife photographer Einar Gudmann caught the violent encounter on camera while he was camping in Iceland . After emerging into bitter sub-zero temperatures from his tent he spotted a female and male fox copulating . But the pair weren't alone - a third Arctic fox lurked nearby and wasted no time in battling his rival for the female . The losing fox was seen by the photographer limping off up a snowy hill and wasn't expected to last the night .


Something odd is going on this year in Goa - and it has to do with the rows of empty sunbeds. With the rouble in trouble, Russians are freezing at home, rather than sizzling in India's flop-in-the-sun western state. Sorry to be mean, but it's all too good to be true for the rest of us. Blissful: Agonda Beach is one of the many relaxed stretches of shoreline along the edge of Goa . The beaches are more relaxed, the restaurants and bars quieter, the accessories less shiny. My friend Alex and I find direct flights for £348 return through Thomson. On arrival, we head for Ashvem Beach, in the north, for three nights at Yab Yum Resorts. Our seaside accommodation, with en-suite bathroom, is chic and tucked away in palm trees. We're paying £49 each for three nights. You won't find those prices in the Caribbean. On the beach, Goans peddling pedicures and sarongs smile and tell us we are 'very pale', adding: 'You won't stay that way for long.' Even without the Russians, the beach is a hive of activity. There are yoga and Pilates classes, massage sessions, trinket sellers, football kick-arounds, Frisbee games, joggers. Watching the sunset on Arambol Beach - Ashvem's neighbour - is spectacular, after which we take a ten-minute ride on a tuk-tuk taxi back to our hotel. Goa has 11 hours of sunshine a day at this time of year. And it retains something of its European flavour, a leftover from its days as a Portuguese colony for 450 years. One of its greatest assets is the food. The ball's in your court: Goa has a famously relaxed ambience, and is a real favourite with tourists . You can eat famously here for no more than £20 a head. After a few days in the north, we take a two-and-a-half-hour taxi (£27) to Palolem in the south and fetch up at Ciaran's Camp - a smattering of beach cottages costing £50 a night. It's altogether livelier here, with music blaring and enough nightlife to keep the most earnest raver happy. Agonda, a ten-minute drive away, is gloriously serene, with one solitary bar. Its genial owner looks a little downcast. His displeasure is our fortune. Which is to say that he hopes the rouble revives and the Russians return. Thomson (0203 451 2688, www.thomson.co.uk) and Thomas Cook (01733 224 800, www.thomascook.com) both fly direct to Goa from £336 return. A standard cottage at Yab Yum Resorts (0091 832 651 0392, www.yabyumresorts.com) costs from £35 a night B&B, and at Ciaran's (0091 832 264 3477, www.ciarans.com) from £40 a night.

Summary: Goa is India's smallest state but one of its most popular travel destinations . It offers bargain beach breaks (and luxury too) in the west of the country . Weak Rouble means there are currently fewer Russian visitors than usual .


Evidence has emerged of a wartime blunder that resulted in millions of pounds of Russian bullion, supposedly bound for America, being lost in the river Clyde. The gold and silver bars had been loaded in Murmansk onto a former Irish Sea ferry, converted into a battle cruiser with her superstructure stripped to take part in a dangerous Arctic convoy. The bullion was to pay the Americans for arms shipped to Russia during one of the most crucial stages of the Second World War. Scroll down for video . The bullion was loaded onto the HMS Ulster Queen (pictured) in 1942 and was being transferred to the U.S. as payment for weapons when the case of precious metals was lost overboard . The former ferry, HMS Ulster Queen, arrived in Greenock in November 1942, after 13 days at sea and two ships sunk by German U-boats. But as a delicate operation began to transfer the cases of treasure onto a waiting boat, one slipped and fell into the muddy waters. Such a veil of secrecy existed over the whole operation it is not known if it was ever recovered. In fact, the incident has only come to light thanks to a secret diary kept by one of the Ulster Queen's engineers, and now revealed by his daughter for the first time in a new book. Edinburgh man Leonard H. Thomas served on the Ulster Queen on four convoys to and from Murmansk and Archangel in Russia's extreme northwest. Mr Thomas had got into the habit of keeping copious notes and sketches during his pre-war role as a crewman on the research ship RRS Discovery II in the Southern Ocean. He had joined the Discovery as a 17-year-old in his native Portsmouth. He continued his writings on the Convoys - but aware that should any of his diaries be discovered he would be in serious trouble, he wrote in code and secreted them well. Before he died in 2000, aged 88, he transcribed some of them into four A4 journals, which his daughter, Leona Thomas, has now edited into a book. Edinburgh man Leonard H. Thomas served on the Ulster Queen on four convoys to and from Russia's extreme northwest . Leona, 61, a retired school teacher, said yesterday: 'The story about the Russian bullion is fascinating. It must be documented somewhere, but I have never been able to find out what happened afterwards.' According to her father's notes, there had been 'a peculiar silence all through the ship' as she was loaded in Russia. No one was allowed on deck, no one was allowed along the alleyways forward of the engine room, and no one off the mess decks unless they were on watch. Mr Thomas recorded: 'No scuttles [were] allowed to be opened, but someone got a gleek out and saw mighty big steam locomotives smothered in soldiers, up and down the cleared area of the track, hundreds of them, all with rifles and many with Tommy guns. 'Our guards lined the deck, we later heard, either side of a small derrick

Summary: Edinburgh engineer detailed how bullion was lost during secret mission . Leonard H. Thomas served on HMS Ulster Queen during Arctic Convoys . His secret diaries reveal a crate of bullion was lost while being transferred . Mr Thomas wrote it fell into river Clyde while being moved to another ship . The mission was so secretive it is not known if bullion was ever recovered .


Portugal striker Nelson Oliveira is determined to take his Swansea chance presented to him by the absence of the in-form Bafetimbi Gomis. Oliveira has won 14 caps for his country and was once linked to a £24million move to Manchester United, but his career has stalled at Benfica and Swansea is his third loan spell in as many seasons. The 23-year-old has found it tough to make an impression in south Wales but he is set to make his second Barclays Premier League start at bottom club Leicester on Saturday with Gomis sidelined by hamstring trouble. Nelson Oliveira is on-loan at Swansea from Portuguese giants Benfica but has struggled for first-team action . The striker (right) has recovered from a training-ground ankle injury and is expected to start against Leicester . 'I've had to be patient waiting for my chance,' Oliveira told the official Swansea website. 'But that's understandable. It's normal that when you join a very good team who are doing well and are eighth in the table, then you have to wait for your chance.' Gomis has been ruled out for between three to four weeks after being injured in the early stages of last weekend's 1-1 home draw with Everton. The France international has scored four goals in seven games and Oliveira, who has recovered from a training-ground ankle injury in time to feature at the King Power Stadium, admits that Gomis' form has made life difficult for him. Oliveira is hoping to take his Swansea chance presented to him by the absence of the in-form Bafetimbi Gomis . 'Bafe has been doing very well and scoring goals,' said Oliveira, who has made seven of his eight Swansea appearances from the bench with his only start coming in the 5-0 home defeat to Chelsea in January. 'He's a good player and person and I feel for him because of the injury. 'He's been in a good moment and is important to the team. 'I'm not happy he is injured, but if it gives me a chance then I really want to take it; work hard, play well and help the team. 'It would be nice to score my first goal for the club and I'm always confident in my own ability. Manager Garry Monk is set to hand Oliveira only the second Premier League start of his career at Swansea . 'And I know, the more I play the more confident I will get.' The injury to Gomis on the back of selling Wilfried Bony to Manchester City in January has highlighted the shortage of strikers at Swansea, and manager Garry Monk has made no secret of the fact that it is one department where the club need to strengthen this summer. 'It is an area where we need to help those who are here,' Monk said. 'We still need to look at Nelson and Marvin Emnes is not an out and out striker. 'Hopefully Nelson can have some more game time but we are looking to strengthen that area.'

Summary: Nelson Oliveira is on-loan at Swansea from Portuguese giants Benfica . Oliveira set to make only his second Premier League start against Leicester . Swansea outcast is hopeful of proving his worth in England . Portugal international was once linked with a move to Manchester United .


Holocaust survivors have gathered at the site of the former Bergen-Belsen concentration camp to commemorate the anniversary of its liberation. More than 72,000 camp inmates and prisoners of war died at the Nazi camp including diarist Anne Frank and her older sister Margot. British soldiers liberated the camp on April 15, 1945. Today, seventy years on, hundreds of people sobbed as they laid flowers and flags as memorials. Scroll down for video . Survivor Marie Vaislic from France sits on a mass grave reading '1000 dead rest here' after the ceremony. It was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany . Officials also attended the ceremony including Joachim Gauck, the German president, who said the British soldiers were 'ambassadors of a democratic culture who were not looking for revenge'. He added: 'We commit ourselves to the obligation of never denying these crimes and of preserving the memories of the victims.' Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, also attended the memorial. He told an audience: 'Right now, we stand on one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world. But there are no gravestones, there are no markers. An elderly woman covers her mouth in disbelief as she looks at the mourning wall at the former concentration camp, where more than 72,000 camp inmates and prisoners of war died . Red and white roses, yellow tulips and stones lay on and in front of the gravestone of diarist Anne Frank and her older sister Margot . Women and men mourn as wreaths of blue, white, red and yellow flowers are laid on the memorial. British soldiers took over the camp on April 15, 1945 . Joachim Gauck, the German president pictured (above) during the ceremony, said the British soldiers who liberated the camp were 'ambassadors of a democratic culture' 'The victims buried here lost not just their lives; the Nazis took their identities as well.' Lauder also warned that anti-Semitism is on the rise again in Europe, 70 years after the end of the Holocaust. 'Today, 70 years after this camp was liberated, we hear the same anti-Semitic lies. 'Today, a Jewish boy wearing a yarmulke cannot walk down the street in Paris or London or Copenhagen without fearing for his life.' Anne Frank's diary recounts how her family went into hiding from the Nazis in the Netherlands during the Second World War. It became a bestseller when it was published at the end of the war. The book documents how Anne, her sister Margot and her family went into hiding in a canal house. They were eventually betrayed and sent to Bergen-Belsen, where she and her sister died. After the war the Dutch government set the official date of Anne's death as March 31, based on survivors accounts stating that the girls died sometime in March. But some accounts suggest that she might have died in the middle of February - just two months before British soldiers liberated the camp. It is likely she caught typhus, which was rife in

Summary: Around 200,000 people were deported to the Nazi camp in northern Germany during World War Two . British soldiers took over the camp on April 15, 1945 and found tens of thousands of dead bodies . Their intervention came just two months after diarist Anne Frank, who was held at the camp, died .


American Airlines is tapping into the youth market with the introduction of their new in-flight music. New indie music was first piped into the cabin - during boarding and disembarking - a few months ago and has quickly become a hit with passengers. In fact, many have taken to Twitter to share their approval of the new on board playlists, which feature rockers such as The xx, Haim, Phantogram and Hozier. American Airlines is targeting a younger demographic with the introduction of their new 'indie' cabin playlists . According to BuzzFeed News, on an internal blog, American Airlines representative, Barbara Delollis, discussed the company's decision. 'For 2015, they sought out a style of music that's upbeat yet not distracting, helps American stand out from the competition and appeals to younger generations,' she wrote. And it takes a lot for a track to make the cut. According to Delollis, the songs aren't just those 'you might find on the iPad/Spotify of a Gen Xer or Millenial. Foster The People is just one of many indie rock bands that are included on American Airlines' new playlists . Tracks from Hozier (left) and Lykke Li (right) were also hand selected to be played on board the flights . While boarding and while disembarking, specially selected indie rock music will now be piped into the cabin . The change comes on the heels of unfavourable customer feedback about the airline's previous cabin music, which were instrumental piano versions of pop songs. Brian Richardson, senior manager of American's in-flight entertainment and connectivity, also shared his thoughts about the switch on the same internal blog. 'The instrumental versions of pop songs had become tired and people were ready for a change,' he added. One Twitter user was especially excited to hear one of her favourite bands, Phantogram, on board . Washed Out, or Ernest Greene, is an electronica singer-songwriter and record producer from Georgia . Hozier's Take Me to Church was one of the biggest songs of the year - and can now be heard on board . Phantogram (left) and The xx (right) are two of the featured artists on American Airlines new cabin playlists . One customer mused that boarding his American Airlines flight felt like heading into a trendy nightclub . For this Twitter user, the best part of his flight was the boarding music playlist - and arriving safely, of course . Some passengers aren't totally excited about the change, like this man, who liked the previous elevator music . He also shared his excitement about seeing customers on board take out their smartphones and use the Shazam app to identify the songs playing. 'Who would've thought that we'd be introducing some people to these indie artists?' he wrote. The indie music is paired with the airline's new state-of-the-art cabins and, so far, all mainline and some regional aircraft have adopted the in-flight playlists. MailOnline Travel has contacted American Airlines for comment.

Summary: New on board playlists include rockers such as The xx, Haim and Hozier . Unfavourable customer feedback about previous music prompted switch . So far, all mainline and some regional aircraft have adopted the change .


A $1.5 million dollar house has been sold for $125,000, after it was put on the market for just one dollar. A kiwi couple has snapped up a bargain by buying property for more than $1.25 million less than it is worth. The four-bedroom home near Auckland attracted plenty of interest after its sellers put it on the market at such a low price. The $1.5 million house a New Zealand couple bought for just $125,000 . Real estate agent Tony Keegan said the Melbourne-based former owners were desperate to sell the property, which resulted in the million-dollar bargain. New owners Donald and Jenny Gibbs said the deal was too good to pass up, according to the New Zealand Herald. 'Happy wife, happy life,' said Mr Gibbs, a Ray White apartment agent, as he signed the sale and purchase agreement. The house was listed by its former owners with just a $1 reserve, despite its million-dollar price-tag. 'I bought it for the fireplace,' said Mrs Gibbs, who also said her two sons aged 18 and 21 would be able to live in the home. Before the auction, Mr Keegan questioned whether the owners would get the $95,000 they had paid in October 2010. But I think it will sell for rather more than $1 although that was its advertised reserve,' Mr Keegan said. Real estate agent Tony Keegan said the previous owners were desperate to sell, which was why it was sold for such a low price . Before the auction, Mr Keegan questioned whether the owners would get the $95,000 they had paid in October 2010 . New owners Donald and Jenny Gibbs said the deal was too good to pass up at its drastically reduced price . The average house-price in Auckland is $766,912, almost seven times more than it was sold for . 'The recently renovated home has polished wooden floors, a fireplace and high ceilings. It is on Cornwall Park Trust Board land, and an annual leasehold fee of $37,500. House-prices across New Zealand are on the rise, with the average in Auckland around $766,000, according to realestate.co.nz. Prices in eight of Auckland's suburbs rose at 17.9 over the last year. This two-bedroom home is currently up for sale in Reservoir, near Melbourne, for $3000 more than the house in New Zealand was sold for . In many instances, it is more expensive to secure a marina berth for a boat - which costs around $140,000 - than Mr and Mrs Gibbs paid for their new home . Houses in Australia sold for $125,000 are hard to find, especially around major cities where prices are much higher. The average house-price in Melbourne is $669,000, while the median price in Sydney broke the million-dollar mark last year. In many instances, it is more expensive to secure a marina berth for a boat - which costs around $140,000 - than Mr and Mrs Gibbs paid for their new home. A vacant 15.24m x 36.59m block in Bar Point Bar Point, NSW, would set potential buyers back $150,000, and one-bedroom apartments

Summary: House sold for more than $1.25 million below value after owners put it on the market for just ONE DOLLAR . The four-bedroom home near Auckland, New Zealand, was valued at $1.5 million and sold for $125,000 . The price was almost ten times lower than the average in Sydney, and almost six times below Melbourne .


Police say an apparent suicide near the buffet at a suburban Las Vegas casino-resort created panic on Easter Sunday. Authorities say a gunshot rang out and then a man was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted wound around 5 p.m. near the buffet at M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada. Police say one adult who heard the gunshot and fell while running away was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Another person was checked at the scene. Witness describe hearing a large boom and then seeing a man lying on the ground with a pool of blood surrounding his salt-and-pepper hair . Several people who had gone to the buffet for an Easter meal posted tweets expressing their shock at the incident . Several people who had gone to the buffet for an Easter meal posted tweets expressing their shock at the incident. Sierra Abanilla, 13, was in line at the buffet with her family when she heard the shot ring out. ‘We heard this loud boom, and it sounded like a balloon that popped but it was too loud to be that. I was in shock … I couldn’t think, hear, or feel. It was like my senses just stopped working,’ she told the Review-Journal. She said she saw a man lying on the ground with a pool of blood surrounding his salt-and-pepper hair. The man’s identity has not been released by the Clark County coroner’s office, who are waiting to first notify his family. A car fire was reported at the same time in the parking garage, and police are investigating if the two incidents are related. The main casino area stayed open, while the buffet and the parking garage were closed for hours. The casino could not immediately be reached for comment. The incident happened near the buffet at the M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada .

Summary: Unnamed man was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted wound around 5 p.m. on Sunday . Incident happened near the buffet at the M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada . Witness describe hearing a large boom and then seeing a man lying on the ground with a pool of blood surrounding his salt-and-pepper hair . A car fire was reported at the same time in the parking garage, and police are investigating if the two incidents are related .


Sam Allardyce responded to David Sullivan’s analysis that West Ham have been ‘exceedingly disappointing’ by telling the co-owner not to judge his team on their form in 2015 alone. West Ham have picked up just 11 points in the Barclays Premier League since the turn of the year but Allardyce feels the season as a whole has been a success. The club have already beaten last year’s total by two points with seven games to spare, as was demanded of Allardyce at the beginning of the season. Sam Allardyce (centre) has told West Ham co-owner David Sullivan not judge his side on 2015's results . Sullivan was asked by whufctv.com what he made of the season so far, and was brief in his answer: ‘The last 12 games have been exceedingly disappointing.’ Reminded that Sullivan was unhappy with West Ham’s form during his press conference, Allardyce said: ‘Is he really? In my position the game of football is about reality. The reality is, is it all about results or is it about performances? ‘The reality is, like everywhere you go, people talk about how you play. Do you play like this? Do you play like that? Sullivan (left) seen here with David Gold admitted the last 12 gamaes have been 'exceedingly disappointing' ‘The bottom line is the game is about winning games of football. We haven’t won enough. We’re all disappointed in the last few results. I have to keep emphasising results because performances have been right up there. This season has always been very exciting. ‘I think we can get carried away and start alluding to what this season has been just by a few games. The overall season where we are has been terrific.’ Allardyce has Enner Valencia available for selection against Stoke City on Saturday following a bizarre toe injury suffered at home, and could use his forward in the starting line-up. Enner Valencia (left) is back in contention for West Ham following his bizarre toe injury he suffered .

Summary: Sam Allardyce has told David Sullivan to not judge his side on 2015 form . The co-owner described recent form as #exceedingly disappointing' Enner Valencia returns to the West Ham set-up following a toe injury . CLICK HERE for all the latest West Ham news .


A security guard who shot dead a masked gunman, only to find out seconds later the man was his friend, says he is still haunted by the attack which took place almost a year ago. In an interview with Nine Network's A Current Affair, Wayne Heneker recalled the day he was going about his usual drop off of funds at a local tavern in Queensland. During the attempted armed robbery, Mr Heneker says he felt he had no other choice but to shoot the bandit. It was only after he fired the shots that he realised that the man he had just killed was an ex-colleague. Scroll down for video . Wayne Heneker (pictured) recalled the day he was going about his usual drop off of funds at a local tavern in Queensland during an interview with Nine Network's A Current Affair . Seconds after Mr Heneker shot his attacker, he discovered the gunman was former colleague Shameem Rahman (pictured) Mr Heneker told A Current Affair of the moment he was ambushed by Shameem Rahman. 'It was like every other morning, I was always vigilant, I was always keeping an eye out,' he said. He parked his vehicle and got out to deliver thousands of dollars to the Highland Park Tavern, according to the Courier Mail. That's when he noticed a man approaching him wearing a motorcycle helmet. 'Straight away I thought this guy, his body language was very aggressive,' Mr Heneker said. 'I've seen him and said: "get back, get back, stay back".' However the man pulled out a pistol and pointed it straight at Mr Heneker, who was also armed at the time. 'Take the money, they money is there, just take the money,' Mr Heneker recalled telling the gunman. But instead, the thief decided to reach for Mr Heneker's gun which is when a struggle ensued between the two men. The father-of-two appears to be distraught after shooting Mr Rahman three times . Mr Heneker speaks to police soon after the incident occurred last year . Mr Heneker said he made the decision to shoot at his attacker in a bid to save his own life . During the tackle, Mr Heneker says he was concussed but was able to pull off the gunman's helmet. Yet he was was still unable to see his attacker's face. It was at that very moment the father-of-two made the decision to fire three shots at his attacker in a bid to save his own life. When the gunman rolled over and faced the security guard, Mr Heneker recognised him straight away. 'It was shock horror. There was absolutely not one moment from the beginning to the end that he identified himself,' Mr Heneker said. Mr Rahman was a former workmate who worked alongside Mr Heneker as a security guard for Border Security. Mr Heneker told A Current Affair how he had worked with Mr Rahman for two years, who had also made the same cash drop off at the tavern during that time. He says he is still struggling to cope with

Summary: Wayne Heneker says the incident a year ago still haunts him today . He was dropping off funds at a Queensland tavern when he was ambushed . Mr Heneker shot the masked gunman when he tried to tackle him . Seconds later, Mr Heneker discovered the man was an ex-colleague . Mr Heneker says he still struggles to cope with the fact he shot his friend .


Andres Iniesta has responded to his critics by claiming he 'never went away' following a vintage first-half performance in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. The Spaniard had failed to register a single assist or goal from 19 La Liga appearances this season, prompting critics to suggest the 30-year-old was on the decline. But Iniesta capped an impressive 45 minutes in his side's Champions League quarter-final second-leg victory over PSG with a mesmeric run and pass for Neymar to score his first goal of the evening at the Camp Nou. Andres Iniesta showed there is life in the old dog yet with a majestic first-half performances versus PSG . Iniesta provided Neymar with his first goal on the night with a trademark through-ball after 14 minutes . 'I was glad to take part in the semi-finals and it was a great night for everyone,' Inietsa told reporters. 'Am I back? I never went away. 'It was not easy at all, despite us having the 3-1 advantage. We're peaking at a great time by playing well at the end of the season. We have gone from strength to strength, which is what it should be like. 'We're in great form but we know that matches can be decided by the smallest of details. We know that our presence in the semi-finals is important, though, and it's great that we made it that far.' Barcelona's No 8 goes to celebrate with Neymar after killing off the French side in the opening half . Neymar added his second of the night to make it 30 goals for the season as Barcelona cruised past PSG . Iniesta's ability to adapt his game may yet add years to his already glittering career at the Camp Nou . Iniesta has been forced to play a deeper role this season to accommodate the triple threat of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. And it was from his deep-lying central position that the diminutive midfielder started his slalom through the heart of Laurent Blanc's side just shy of the quarter-hour mark, before laying the ball on a plate for Neymar to score his 29th goal of the season. Iniesta was replaced by Xavi at half-time, as Barcelona went on to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory that puts them in the draw for the Champions League semi-finals for the seventh time in eight years.

Summary: Midfielder fires a warning to his detractors that he is now back to his best . Iniesta ran from his own half to set up Neymar's opener in 2-0 win . World Cup winner had recorded zero assists this season prior to Tuesday . Neymar and Andres Iniesta star men for Barca in 2-0 win over PSG .


Crusaders in Chains . by Robin Esser . (Palatino £9.99) Journalists tend to be a fund of good stories and Robin Esser, who has worked in national newspapers for 60 years, is no exception. What shines through this memoir is that journalism is a serious business, but it is also fun. His best stories are from his days as editor of the William Hickey gossip column in the Daily Express. Robin Esser (pictured) has worked in newspapers for 60 years . Once, he answered the phone and an aristocratic voice said: ‘Marlborough here. That awful chap Bedford has been round Blenheim writing “Woburn is better” on our brochures and giving them to our visitors. That’s the sort of thing you like to print in your newspaper, isn’t it?’ He put the phone down without further conversation. Fearing a hoax, Esser rang Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough, where the butler said, haughtily, that the Duke never spoke to the Press and was in his bath, so couldn’t be disturbed. Esser pointed out that the Duke would be cross — very cross — with the butler if he was not asked to confirm his call. A chastened butler later called back to confirm that the Duke himself had, indeed, called Esser. Esser rang Woburn, where the Duke of Bedford confirmed the story. Next, he sent a motorcyclist to Blenheim to pick up a brochure and then ride over to Woburn to get it signed and brought back to Fleet Street. It was the lead story in William Hickey next day. At that time, the Daily Express was owned by Lord Beaverbrook. He rang Esser to say how much he enjoyed the tale. Often, however, his calls about the subject of a story would be more ominous. ‘Very good story in your column this morning, Mr Esser,’ he would say. ‘I hope it is true.’ ‘I believe so, Lord Beaverbrook.’ ‘Good, I’m lunching with him today,’ he would bark. Esser worked in Fleet Street during the glory days, when reporters kept four pennies in their pockets for the telephone box, a knife to puncture the tyres of rival reporters’ cars, and enjoyed liquid lunches on expenses. Esser describes a lunch with an Express editor, during which they drank champagne, a goblet of dry sherry, a bottle of Chablis, two bottles of claret, a couple of Cognacs and, finally, several glasses of port. The editor went back to work. Esser went to bed. The editor died young. But more good stories were elicited over a boozy lunch than can ever come from a tuna sandwich at the desk. And they were also the days when Esser, as editor of William Hickey, could ring Aristotle Onassis on his yacht at Monte Carlo and be invited over to meet Maria Callas. Or plot with John Paul Getty, then the world’s richest private citizen, to disentangle himself from his girlfriend, Marie, who had moved into his Sutton Place home and was angling for marriage. Esser suggested an interview in which oil billionaire Getty made it plain

Summary: Journalists are known for being a fund of good stories . Robin Esser has worked in newspapers for 60 years and is no exception . In his new book he reveals the inner workings of Fleet Street as it was .


They see less of Leigh Griffiths on the streets of Leith now than they used to. He no longer plays for Hibernian for a start. Reinventing himself as Celtic’s top scorer, the front-page headlines are also less evident. If no one imagines he now spends his days train-spotting, the nights seem a little quieter than they once were. Leigh Griffiths celebrates scoring his third goal of the afternoon against Dundee United on Sunday . Hat-trick hero Griffiths takes the ball home following his heroics against Dundee at Tannadice Park . The 24-year-old (left) embraces his manager Ronny Deila after Sunday's convincing win . ‘Leigh used to put himself around in the Leith area,’ says Tam Currie, his former coach at boys club Leith Athletic. ‘Not that he was doing anything off limits. ‘But I’ve not spoken to him in a good while. Before you would see quite a bit of him round here. But we don’t see nearly as much of him now as we used to.’ It may be a conscious thing. Google the words ‘Leigh Griffiths and controversy’ in the same search and there are more answers than pubs on Leith Walk. In football people talk and older, wiser colleagues and managers whispered of a player with a reputation for being unmanagable. ‘There was never any doubt about the boy’s ability,’ says former Dundee manager Gordon Chisholm. ‘It was the off-field stuff that concerned you. He was a young boy when I had him. He was quiet, withdrawn at times, and wasn’ t exactly the life and soul of the dressing room. ‘He kept himself to himself - but he couldn’t get back to Edinburgh quick enough. ‘That seemed to be the case any time he got a day off. Any spare time and he wanted back to Leith to be with his mates, which probably wasn’t a good thing. 'I’m not sure he was doing the right kind of things. I’m sure he is now being guided by the Celtic management team.’ It has taken time, work and effort to get to a point where Griffiths can now boast 14 goals in his last 17 games. Griffiths celebrated his hat-trick with a trophy as he became Celtic's top scorer . Griffiths caused a stir when he first arrived at Hibernian but proved to be a fans favourite in the end . Griffiths celebrates scoring the winning goal for Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi-final in April 2013 . As a child, he stood out in Edinburgh amateur football. But concerns about the impact of his formative years on the company he kept prompted Hibs, his boyhood idols, to reject his talents. ‘It’s well known he could be a feisty character,’ recalls Tam Currie, a Leith Athletic committee member. ‘I go back with Leigh to when he was 12 and he was a lad who had to be looked after. ‘He came from a split family and you take on the role of social worker in that situation. But he was no different from the others in that regard. ‘He

Summary: Leigh Griffiths is making the right sort of noise with Celtic . As a youngster Griffiths had his fair share of controversy . Then Celtic manager Neil Lennon took a gamble signing him last year . Griffiths has been a real success for the Bhoys since - most notably scoring 14 goals in his last 17 games .


Horror: Shiva, 11, was reportedly beaten to death for stealing another's boy's pencil and eraser . The head teacher of an Indian school has been arrested after he was accused of beating an 11-year-old pupil to death for stealing another's boy's pencil and eraser. Lalit Verma is said to have launched into a furious assault on a boy named only as Shiva after the stolen items were discovered in the boy's bag at Dwarika Prasad School in Railamau village. The alleged beating was so severe that the child complained of a severe stomach ache and began vomiting blood once he arrived home. An ambulance was called but by the time Shiva got to nearby Fatehpur Hospital his condition deteriorated and he was declared dead on arrival. Verman has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and detained for questioning, the Times of India reported. The child's body has now been taken for post-mortem to establish the cause of death, but police told reporters that it is likely he died of internal bleeding. Police superintendent OP Singh said Shiva's father had filed a report with officers in Biddupur relating to the 'unnatural' death of his son. Further legal action can only take place once an official verdict on the nature of Shiva's death has been established and recorded. For his part the headteacher has reportedly admitting slapping Shiva while questioning him about the stolen stationary. Location: Lalit Verma is said to have launched into a furious assault on a boy named only as Shiva after the stolen items were discovered in the boy's bag at Dwarika Prasad School in Railamau village (pictured) According to First Post, the incident is not the first time the head teacher has been accused of using 'extreme' corporal punishment on his young students. There are also numerous other reports of young Indian boys being beaten to death by teachers. In the city of Burdwan, West Bengal, a nine-year-old complained of a stomach ache and died just hours after his private tutor reportedly beat him with a stick to failing to answer a question. Elsewhere, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a young boy is said to have been beaten and thrown out of a window onto a busy road when his parents failed to pay school fees on time. The child is understood to have died shortly afterwards.

Summary: Boy named Shiva was found in possession of stolen stationary items . Teacher reported him to school's headmaster for a formal investigation . Lalit Verma reportedly launched in to a furious assault on the young boy . Shiva later complained of a bad stomach ache and started vomiting blood . Ambulance was called but the 11-year-old died before reaching a hospital .


Tottenham defender Ben Davies will allow no room for sentiment up against Wales team-mate Sam Vokes at Burnley on Sunday. Spurs head to Turf Moor looking to sustain a decent run following just one defeat, at Manchester United, from four Barclays Premier League matches before the international break as they look to keep alive hopes of European qualification. Burnley, meanwhile, are scrapping for survival, currently 18th, but just a point from safety. Burnley's Sam Vokes celebrates scoring against Tottenham in the FA Cup earlier this season, with Spurs defender Ben Davies turning away following the Clarets' equaliser in the third round at Turf Moor . Davies chases a loose ball for Tottenham along with Chelsea's Willian earlier this season in a Barclays Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge which the Blues won 3-0 . Clarets forward Vokes and full-back Davies were part of the Wales team which beat Israel 3-0 in their Euro 2016 qualifying tie. However, Davies maintains there can be no quarter given should he get the chance of a first Spurs appearance since the 2-1 win at QPR. 'I have played alongside Sam with Wales for a good couple of years now and it is always strange coming up against somebody who is normally a team-mate, but regardless of that Burnley is a tough place to go,' Davies said on Tottenham's official website. 'Burnley are a well-organised team and they can make it very difficult for their opponents. They have taken points off some big teams this year, so we need to go there and make sure that we are focused and be wary of the threats that they have got.' With points at a premium at both ends of the table, Davies knows what is at stake over the run-in. Sam Vokes attempts to fire a shot in on goal for Wales as Israel's Tal Ben Haim lunges in during Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Haifa . Davies was also part of the Wales team which triumphed in Israel (right) as he slides in to block a cross . 'Everybody is fighting for something. Every team needs the points at this stage of the season and they want to win every game they can,' the defender added. 'It is going to be no different on Sunday. We are going there and we have got to be ready to match their challenge.' Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm is set to deputise for Hugo Lloris, who has a knee injury. Full-back Danny Rose will be assessed after returning early from an England call-up with hamstring and hip issues. Spurs had some 13 players away on senior international duty, with striker Harry Kane again impressing for the Three Lions, scoring on his debut against Lithuania at Wembley, while Andros Townsend netted an equaliser against Italy in Turn on Tuesday night, when midfielder Ryan Mason made his bow. Manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the squad can take that positive mood back into domestic duty. He said: 'It has been a very good week for Tottenham. The English players and others with their international teams

Summary: Burnley host Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday . Sam Vokes' only goal this season came against Spurs in the FA Cup . Tottenham defender Ben Davies ready for Clarets test at Turf Moor .


Tastes change, of course, but looking at some of the adverts that graced newspapers and magazines in the latter half of the 20th century, it's hard to believe that the advertising brains behind them thought they might actually work. If the ad world's top gunslingers now rely on more modern methods of reaching their audience including hopping across multiple media platforms to reach them, once it was all about a single, thoughtfully-composed image. We've unearthed some of the more comical adverts that were regularly placed in the nation's national newspapers or glossy magazines, all of which hoped to persuade shoppers to part with their hard-earned cash. With wide collars, precision-cut suits and intense expressions, the men in the ads have something of the Don Draper from hit series Mad Men about them...albeit with a decade added on. Scroll down for video . Somebody call the fashion police...although this man's terrible jumper, seen in an advert for Seagram's Extra Dry Gin doesn't seem to have put off the lady holding said alcohol . Could the crease on those trousers be any straighter? An advert for DAKS trousers is a vision of beige, caramel and brown . A tan, blond moustache and a pair of curtains...although this ad fails to notice that the man in the photo isn't actually 'dark', the ad brains behind it are clearly convinced it will sell more Dubonnet, a wine-based aperitif . Like a time capsule from the era, the fashions are perfectly preserved; the men generally seem to be sporting thick moustaches (that many a modern-day hipster might covert) and almost always on their arm is an attractive lady, usually not wearing a great deal. An advert for Seagram's Extra Dry Martini Gin shows a couple sharing a tender moment, the lady caressing a glass of said gin while her partner looks on lovingly, stroking her cheek all the while. While the woman in question is wearing a low-cut top, it's the man in the image that really steals the show; he's wearing a checked shirt with very pointy collar and on top of it a jumper with a pattern that might induce a headache. The look is topped off with a pair of cream trousers, complete with perfectly pressed creases. Enjoy the great outdoors and then relax with a drink (while wearing a nice sweater) seems to be the general message from advertisers in the seventies . The machismo never ends: moustachioed men are seen advertising brands of scotch and whisky . Looking cool! In a 1969 advert for Marks and Spencer, these three dapper chaps are all set for the golf course . Another direct link between physical fitness and alcohol...this time for White Horse Scotch Whiskey. This 1979 ad in Now magazine showed a lean basketball player and a beautiful white horse . A collision of colour: Singer Rod Stewart once advertised Kickers shoes...while wearing some very garish clothes . A dig at the feminists: This advert suggests that drinking vodka might cause a woman to disrobe . Flicking through magazines from the same era,

Summary: Magazine ads from the Seventies haven't stood the test of time . Alcohol commercials almost always featured a moustachioed man . Rod Stewart is seen wearing a garish outfit for footwear company Kickers .


John Carver says he and Jonas Gutierrez have shaken hands and moved on from the training-ground bust-up which saw the player dropped for Sunday’s defeat by Spurs. As reported by Sportsmail, the pair were involved in a disagreement last week and Carver took the decision to remove the Argentine from the matchday squad. But Carver, speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit of Swansea, said: ‘There was a situation on the training ground which happens at every club. John Carver spoke to the media after taking a training session with his Newcastle United squad on Thursday . Last week, Carver and Jonas Gutierrez had a bust-up that caused the player to be left out of the squad . Siem de Jong (centre) warms up with his team-mates as he continues his recovery from serious injury . Mehdi Abeid, Yoan Gouffran, Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini and Ayoze Perez (l-r) train on Thursday . ‘We've since got together, had a conversation, shaken hands like two grown men and we're moving on. ‘As far as we're both concerned he trained with us on Monday and there are no hard feelings. ‘We’ve shaken hands and are moving on - he's in the squad for the weekend, absolutely.’ Newcastle will set a new club record of seven straight defeats in the Premier League if they lose to the Swans. Remy Cabella strikes the ball during a shooting drill at training on Thursday morning . Second-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman dives to his left to make a save during training . Carver says that he and Gutierrez have shaken hands 'like two grown men' and moved on from the incident . Ryan Taylor (right) and former Sunderland defender Jack Colback warm up at Newcastle's Training Centre . And Carver added: ‘It's not a nice record to have is it? ‘But the time for talking about what we're trying to do is over, we have to produce the goods on the pitch. ‘A lot of players have gone on the record and said we're going to do this or that, myself included. We've talked a lot but actions speak louder than words and now's the time.’

Summary: John Carver had a training ground bust-up with Jonas Gutierrez . The Newcastle boss dropped the defender in the aftermath of incident . Now, Carver says the pair have shaken hands like men and moved on . Gutierrez will be in Newcastle's squad to face Swansea on Saturday .


It seems an accepted trend that Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas struggles during the second half of the season and the Spanish midfielder was one of the worst players on the pitch again in his country's 2-0 defeat by Holland on Tuesday. The 27-year-old spoke of his happiness in south west London earlier this week but his form has significantly dipped from that of the player who, around Christmas, looked a dead-cert to break the Barclays Premier League record for assists. On Tuesday - his first international appearance since October - he was given just four out of 10 by one Spanish newspaper and while his season is likely to end in success with the Premier League title following a Capital One Cup win, questions remain about Fabregas' durability. Cesc Fabregas (right) captained Spain on Tuesday but his poor form continued as they lost 2-0 in Holland . The Chelsea midfielder struggled to make an impact in midfield as the European champions fell to defeat . After a brilliant start to the season at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard's form has dropped off somewhat of late . 'I'm playing almost every minute of every match (with Chelsea) and that's what makes me happy,' he said this week. But a long, intense campaign on his return to England is taking its toll on the Spaniard. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will have been concerned to see his player toiling in midfield for the full 90 minutes at the Amsterdam ArenA, adding to the fatigue that seems to have seen his role as a key man in the Blues' title charge decline of late. Fabregas captained the European champions in the Dutch capital but struggled to make any real impact against Manchester United's Daley Blind or goalscorer Davy Klaassen. Jose Mourinho will be demanding more from his deep-lying playmaker in the Premier League run-in . Diego Costa and Fabregas enjoyed a great start together and linked up again in Chelsea's 3-2 win at Hull City . Fabregas was brilliant for Chelsea in their big win away at Swansea City in January but has struggled since . After his £30million transfer to Chelsea last summer, Fabregas' former club Barcelona released a statement that pointed at his traditional post-Christmas slump. 'There has been a downward trend in his stats every season at the club,' it read. 'Despite glowing starts to each campaign, Cesc's contributions to the cause gradually decreased as each season drew to a close. 'From being someone who joined in with the attack, supplying and scoring goals, the magic tended to fade later on in each season.' And it seems to have rung true on the stats front. Having picked up 15 Premier League assists by mid-January, he has just one in five games he has played since, and just four in 15 appearances for club and country in 2015. Thierry Henry's record of 20 had looked almost certain to fall but given his current form, Fabregas is now on track to fall just short. However, with nine games to play Chelsea are still to face six

Summary: Cesc Fabregas' poor form continued for Spain against Holland on Tuesday . Chelsea midfielder captained his country but they lost 2-0 in Amsterdam . If his form goes on he will not match Premier League assists record . Thierry Henry's mark of 20 in 2002-03 is four more than Fabregas' total . A resurgence in his form could help his club wrap up the Premier League . Fabregas: I am going through a great moment at Chelsea . CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea news .


A morbidly obese man has started documenting his efforts to lose more than 300lbs - without weight loss surgery - after the intense back pain brought on by his size prompted him to get serious about his health. For years, Iowa-based writer Daniel P. Finney, ignored that at 563lbs he was severely overweight - even shrugging off strangers who called him 'fatty' as he walked down the street. But after a series of health issues, the 39-year-old became inspired to shed more than half of his body weight the natural way and chronicle his journey for The Des Moines Register. 'I know I'm responsible for my actions,' the columnist wrote for the newspaper's website. 'And I'm the only person who can really fix the problem.' Scroll down for video. Weight loss journey: Daniel P. Finney, 39, of Iowa, is sharing his efforts to lose over 300lbs; he started out weighing 563lbs and has lost 20lbs in a month . Daniel shared that he has been overweight since high school, and over the years has gotten used to the fact that he doesn't fit into seats at most public venues or booths at restaurants. As one of 79 million obese Americans, he has also become accustomed to the emotional pain of being called 'fatty' and getting verbally abused by strangers. In fact, even a diagnosis of Type II diabetes didn't alarm him enough to change his habits, and other health issues, like regularly pulling muscles in his calves, became a way of life. It wasn't until a combination of intense lower back pain - caused by carrying groceries, since Daniel said he can't carry anything that weighs much more than a magazine - and trouble sleeping led him to see a doctor. 'The pain had reached a point where I was practically immobile,' he said, adding that he could walk only 150 feet before he would have to stop. That's when an X-ray showed him that he also had arthritis and a narrowing of his spinal cavity. His doctor referred him to the Mercy Weight Loss Clinic in West Des Moines, Iowa. Now, Daniel is working with a therapist to tackle his emotional eating issues, as well as a nutritionist and a physical therapist. He also uses a calorie-counting app on his phone to track his eating, but admitted that even though he is serious about losing weight, making major lifestyle changes isn't easy. 'I don't know if I want to go through the rest of my life eating a leaf of kale and two scoops of vitamin supplements and sipping a thimble of water,' he said. 'The thought terrifies me of no more pizza, nachos, chicken wings, Mountain Dew or fries.' But he is still determined to try to lose over 300lbs the old-fashioned way, rather than go under the knife. If he chose to have gastric sleeve surgery, which makes the stomach smaller and reduces the hormones that produce cravings, he could lose as much as 60 per cent of his excess weight in a year - but Daniel said he

Summary: Iowa-based writer Daniel P. Finney, 39, weighed 563lbs when he started sharing his weight loss journey a month ago in The Des Moines Register . He knew it was time to shape up after X-rays found arthritis and a narrowing of his spinal cavity . Daniel, who is already down 20lbs, is attempting to lose the weight without surgery but is terrified to give up pizza and nachos .


Ricky Woolaston, 35, dressed in uniform bearing the University of Birmingham logo to break into students' houses and steal laptops . A thief who tricked his way into students' homes to steal their belongings was caught when he left his old police charge sheet behind which had his name written on it. Ricky Woolaston, 35, posed as a university maintenance engineer to gain access to students' properties before pinching laptops and mobile phones to feed his drug habit. But a court heard he was easily tracked down by police after he left behind his bag at the scene of one of the crimes. Officers searched the rucksack and found it contained a police charge sheet from a previous offence bearing his name and address. The prolific thief was arrested last Friday, and has now been sentenced to four years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to five burglaries. The court heard unemployed Woolaston would walk around the University of Birmingham campus wearing clothes bearing the red-brick university's logo. But he was caught out when he broke into the Biosciences Department on January 29 where he forced open two secure metal cupboards. Nothing was stolen but Woolaston, from Erdington, Birmingham, left behind the bag containing the charge sheet. Police were then able to pin four other burglaries on him with the help of students who positively identified him. After the case, Detective Constable Jon Green, from West Midlands Police, said: 'Woolaston targeted students at Birmingham University in order to feed his drug habit. However, Woolaston was caught after breaking into the University's bio-sciences lab and leaving behind a bag containing a previous police charge sheet, with his name and address written on it . 'He wore a University of Birmingham top and pretended to be a maintenance engineer in order to enter the student flats and steal electrical goods. 'Unfortunately for him, Woolaston managed to leave vital evidence behind at one of the break-ins, and we are grateful to vigilant students who were able to identify him for further burglaries. 'Woolaston was charged with a total of five offences, and asked for a further five burglaries to be taken into consideration. We are happy with his sentence.'

Summary: Ricky Woolaston, 35, posed as engineer to break into students' homes . Stole laptops and phones in order to feed his drug habit, court told . Was caught after leaving behind charge sheet with name and address on .