Footballers Life Issue 9 by Footballers' Life

Footballers’ Life Issue 9

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A d v i c e

L u x u r y

L i f e s t y l e

Advice • Talk to the Players • Cars • Fashion • Gadgets • Watches & Jewellery • Property • Travel • Health

c o n t r i b u t o r s

Contributors

Marcio Quintela

Adrian Kajumba

Chief Stylist - Louis Vuitton

Journalist

Daniel Geey

Fraser Reid

Partner Sheridan’s Lawyers

Partner - Couchmans LLP

Deborah Arthurs

Jon Claypole

Lifestyle Director

Partner at Mazars LLP

Richard Philson

Ray James

Mazars LLP

Head of Operations iSportsconnect

Henry Fordham

Ryan Briggs

Bellis Homes

Finance

Daniel Johnson

Duncan Wright

Male Grooming Stylist

Journalist

Alice Barrington-Wells

Max Nilov

CEO Fine & Country Interior Design

Art Advisor

Edward Harvey

Lewis Marsden

Cause4

Journalist

i n t r o d u c t i o n

Welcome to the 9th edition of Footballers Life Magazine. It gives me great pleasure to present our latest edition of the magazine to you, offering a great overview and insight into the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Duncan Edward Pratt

Founder / Editor in chief

We hope you enjoy this edition, please send comments to duncan@footballerslife.com

In our last edition we brought you some key information and advice on areas such as property, financial fair play and tax – and this edition expands on this with a fantastic insight into areas such as financial planning, health and travel. N’Golo Kanté, Danny Simpson, Jack Marriott, Mason Mount complete our Meet the players section, offering you a view into their lives. To further complement this, we discuss the retirement of Michael Carrick as well as following the journey of Zlatan’s football career, taking a look at his path to success and ultimately how he has now arrived in the MLS at LA Galaxy.

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Contents 16-25

F IFA World Cup Ru ssia 2018

Internation a l Players

Fa ir F X

F o r e ign E xc h ang e prov id e r .

T h e B r e x it Eff e ct.

P r e mie r L eague A g e nts PAyo u t.

Rya n B r iggs F inancial P lanning .

D ata H Ac k H ow to Handl e a S p o rts D ata Hack .

Zlatan IBRA HIM OVIC L A G ala x y

N’ Golo Kant é Q& A C h e ls e a F C .

S unseeke r

o fficial F I FA partn e r f o r t h e u pc o ming Wo rld C u p in Ru ssia .

Mic ha e l Ca r r ic k

manc h e st e r U T D .

Bang & Ol ufsen and Lamborgh i n i t e am u p in roaring n e w c o llab o rati o n

AZ LUXE

A rri v e in lu x u ry, d e part in st y l e .

Dannny Simps on Q&A

L e ic e st e r F C .

NI ke

M E RC U R I A L S U P E R F LY A N D VA P O R 360, e ngland kit jex rsuery, y sr heodfin p. W h atand is “ Lu ed?”

Ja c k Ma r riot P e t e rb o ro u g h Unit e d .

Ma s on Mo unt Vit e ss e .

Daniel Joh n son mal e gro o ming e x p e rt.

L a mb or g hini M ilan Fas h i o n Week 2018

Joss Labadie L av e nir L o nd o n .

c o n t e n t s

102-105 Bl ack ph o ne

K e e p t e am talk pri vat e !

Piaget

B u c kle a n d Seam pr e mi u m q u alit y b u sin e ss bags .

Un v e ils N e w G l o bal B rand C ampaign At S I HH .

B a n g & Olu fsen Harm o ni e s .

Ga dge t s

S O L R E P U B L I C A mps A ir , J A M Ultra , B rainwav z B 2 00, E vo k e C - D 6 .

HUblot B I G B A N G R E F E R EE , 2018 fifa wo rld c u p ru ssia ™

Rolex

ann u al Ro l e x G rand B as e l D inn e r .

HUblot patek Phillipe

N au tilu s & A q u anau t.

C h e ls e a play e r o f t h e y e ar awards .

126-133 B e rkeley Homes Lu x u ry pro p e rti e s .

B e llis Homes

I nt e ri o r d e sign s e cr e ts fro m t h e pro f e ssi o nals .

H o me Mo ve Con su lta n ts T h e c o mpl e t e m ov ing s e rv ic e .

Ch iselwoo d I nt e ri o r d e sign

M oser

T h e Ultimat e Hand M ad e G lass E x p e ri e nc e

Th e Cull od en Estate and Spa Belfast A R e v i e w.

F in e & Country I nt e ri o r d e sign

Su b-Z e r o & Wolf C r e ating m o m e nts to savo u r

Longevity Well nes s W orldwide H e alt h & W e lln e ss H o liday R e tr e ats

ozone

f u t u r e pro o fing yo u r b o d y

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T 16

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he World Cup in Russia promises to be one of the most wide open tournaments for generations as several countries go into the tournament with genuine chances of success.

But rarely has there been a buildup to the finals where the identity of the winners is hard to call, such are the claims of nations to making a real statement over the showpiece event.

Undoubted giants of the game like Brazil and Germany will both be confident they have the squads capable of adding to their past successes in the global game.

If we have learned anything from recent World Cup and European Championships, it is to expect the unexpected as favourites have floundered and the underdogs have flourished.

Few would have predicted the Brazil capitulation in their home tournament four years ago when they were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals as Joachim Low’s side went on to be crowned world champions. But the Germans themselves were the victims at Euro 2016 when, as clear favourites to win the competition, they were outclassed by France in the semi-final while Wales reaching the last four was an example of how a side working to the sum of its parts can go deep in a tournament. And even a Portugal side boasting Cristiano Ronaldo was still regarded as a long shot for success at the beginning of

the Euros, but tactical discipline with the odd flash of magic led them to shocking host nation France in the final. No team will travel to Russia in June as the clear favourite, although few would argue that the eventual winners will come from either Europe or South America – although the absence of traditional powerhouses Italy and Holland is a notable example of the changing face of the international game. So much of Brazil appears reliant on Neymar to be at his best, but doubts remain that he will overcome the broken foot that ended his Paris Saint-Germain season and regain the crucial match sharpness in time to be at his best.

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Traditional rivals Argentina boast Lionel Messi as their figurehead, plus a wealth of individual stars, but their problems in even securing a qualifying spot suggest this is a team that can be brilliant one day and very beatable on another.

done in the Premier League and Champions League this season. Much of the European challenge appears to be a question of whether squads packed full of promise can piece it together when it matters most.

Perhaps Uruguay of the South American contingent is the squad that threatens to go a long way under the radar again. Luis Suarez is the superstar, but they possess a rugged squad which will be so difficult to beat this summer and their draw in Group A along with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt should not be too daunting.

Germany are the strongest overall, but their own failure at Euro 2016 is an example of their vulnerability. That said, few would argue against their prospects of making at least the quarter-finals this summer.

That said, they will have to be on guard against the unknown Egyptian threat if Mo Salah can wreak havoc on the international stage as he has

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The potential of France to explode into life this summer is exciting – a squad with a blend of quality and athleticism sprinkled with star quality in the shape of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe. If Didier Deschamps can somehow mould his group of individual

talents into a cohesive unit, they have the potential to beat any country in the world, but as ever with the French they are fallible and can be undone when up against a disciplined unit. Spain’s fall from dominance in the global game has been so marked that they found themselves relegated outside the list of top seeds when the draw was made, and this is definitely a squad that appears to be in transition. But with David De Gea in goal, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique at the back and Sergio Busquets in the heart of their midfield they have the spine of a team able to mix it with anybody. The big question is whether they have the goalscorers and squad depth of players ready to triumph at a major tournament.

World Cup Map

Portugal go into the tournament as European Champions, having scraped through qualifying by the skin of their teeth, and any side with Ronaldo in it has always got a chance. They triumphed at Euro 2016 largely because they were tactically sound and so difficult to break down, but whether that is enough to repeat the trick in Russia remains to be seen. So what of England? It would be easy to dismiss their chances given their failure to perform at major championships over the past 16 years, with a relative novice in Gareth Southgate as a manager.

But recent displays against Brazil, Germany and France suggest it is a side starting to emerge on the international stage and they go into the competition with the potential to cause an upset. Plenty of nations would be happy to have the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker in their squads. The pressure is not on this group as it has been before, and if they can play with freedom they have the potential to be dangerous opponents for any of the serious contenders. It is probably a tournament too soon for England – although stranger things have happened.

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Phil Popham

Sunseeker

In January this year, Sunseeker International, the leading

British yacht manufacturer announced that it is an official FIFA partner for the upcoming World Cup in Russia. Originally named Poole Power Boats, Sunseeker was founded by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite in 1969. The company changed its name to Sunseeker International in 1985 and has since become a global icon, with every Sunseeker the result of an uncompromising and unmatched approach to design, craftsmanship and performance.

S u n s e e ke r Tier 1 s p ons or s of

R u s s ia Wo r ld C up 2018

In August 2013 a majority stake in the business was acquired by the Dalian Wanda Group, the Beijing headquartered conglomerate with strong footprints across China, Europe and the US. Wanda Group is a committed long-term shareholder providing strong financial and strategic backing for Sunseeker’s continued growth and success. In January 2015, they appointed Phil Popham as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. From its manufacturing base in Dorset on the south coast of England, Sunseeker employs c.2,500 people and produces around 150 boats every year ranging from 50-131 feet. Demand for the company’s larger models continues to grow year-on-year with more than 125 yachts over 100 feet in length already delivered. Owners of yachts over 100ft can also benefit from the company’s ‘Bespoke’ customisation service which allows individuals to personalise their yachts.

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Phil Popham – The Driving Force of Sunseeker International. Phil Popham is the Chief Executive of Sunseeker International, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious luxury yacht builders. The 52 year-old former Jaguar Land Rover Global Operations Director has steered the yacht firm back to the pinnacle of the industry, re-establishing a world renowned luxury brand synonymous with quality and wealth.

Despite the company’s positive image, the past – prior to Phil’s arrival saw Sunseeker International take a massive hit in light of financial difficulties with the market shrinking dramatically as wealthy customers opted to tighten their purse strings. Phil Popham was brought in to steer the business into calmer waters and 2016’s financial results showed a dramatic improvement owing massively to a change in production strategies.

Phil has enjoyed a stellar career to date and his experience and high performance in key roles at top firms has placed him as one of the UK’s most respected senior businessmen. Footballers’ Life sat down with Phil to chat about Sunseeker International and how he has led the business into economic stability.

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2018, three years on from when you started out with the firm. How has the company transformed since you arrived?

A – The business has transformed massively over a relatively short space of time. When I joined it was clear that there were underlying issues that needed to be addressed, and it was essential that together as a business we all pulled in the same direction to make that happen.

What changes have you implemented to bring such a strong level of stability and growth?

A – My previous role within the automotive industry at Jaguar Land Rover has been pivotal. When I came in, I opted to revert methods and processes to a similar mode used in the automotive industry. Alongside this it was identified that generating a solid cash foundation was a top priority.

Despite the continual and necessary innovative changes being added to products, in the way of heritage how important is it for Sunseeker International to remain in touch with its roots?

A – Very important. As the business continues to grow and our products are sold and used in all corners of the world it is nice to know that the very foundations of our business continues to be a British entity – formed, created and developed in Dorset. Our staff are hugely loyal, many of them have worked at Sunseeker for a substantial period of time and that allows us to remain fully in touch with where it all began.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? A – There have been many challenges that I have faced throughout my career all of which have had their difficulties. I would say that my time in South Africa, setting up Jaguar Land Rover in the country was a key point in my career which will stay long in the memory. Not so much a challenge but more so an experience which took me out of my comfort zone, however I must mention that this period in my working life was hugely enjoyable.

Jake Humphrey, SIR Geoff Hurst, Phil Popham.

Sunseeker International is an official tier one FIFA partner for the upcoming World Cup tournament in Russia, is this a token of the level of success that the company has generated over the past few decades?

A – Absolutely, we are extremely proud to be a partner of such a prestigious sporting event, one that will be followed closely by billions of people all across the world. From a business perspective, the brand awareness associated with such a sponsorship cannot be played down and we are massively excited to be a part of the FIFA Russian World Cup 2018.

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tional P la

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an Briggs

Fa i r F X

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Gary Belton - Director

How did I get into football Industry?

Who do I work with in football?

I work for a company called FairFX, who at the time were the only Foreign Exchange provider to be listed on the London Stock Exchange and allowed me to pursue any industry I wanted to.

Within such a small industry – it was vital for me to not just make a small saving, but a significant saving for word to spread.

I worked as a corporate banker for 5 years – so I was fully aware as to how banks make a vast amount of money through Foreign Exchange (the buying and selling of currencies). My passion has always been football, so I saw an opportunity when Barclays stopped sponsoring the Premier League. My aim was to tell everyone in football everything their bank doesn’t want them to know about Foreign Exchange and the savings that could be made.

Without doubt the help of ex-players has been vital in allowing me to help save money for all aspects of a footballers life. Therefore I now help football clubs, top football agencies, agents and the player’s wealth managers. But most importantly it’s helping the players themselves save money.

This can range from: • Buying and selling properties abroad • Booking Weddings, Private Jets and Villas • Sending money to friends and family abroad • Sending money to charities internationally • A recent trend is helping players purchasing stock for their clothing lines and transferring currencies between offshore accounts.

How do I save footballers money compared to their bank?

Travel Money

For the last 2 years of player transfers, Leicester City have saved multi-millions by using FairFX to receive a better exchange rates.

Two ways – when players send money abroad in different currencies and when they require spending money for their holidays.

We offer a free Pre-paid Currency Cards with leading rates and no bank charges, that can be shared with family members – where you top up as you go, as apposed to using a credit card.

This has fed through to other clubs, and I’m now helping numerous clubs ranging from others in the Premier League down to League Two.

They basically spend fewer pounds, using myself rather than the bank for whatever they want to buy abroad.

I started with the Premier League Champions at the time… Leicester City.

FairFX FairFX Plc was formed in 2007 and has become one of the most trusted currency providers. FairFX is the only currency specialist listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Bryan Robson (England and Manchester United) “I was recommended FairFX’s services and they delivered what they promised. Gary at FairFX recently helped me save money with a house payment and I was shocked to find out how much he saved me compared to my bank. I’d be happy to recommend FairFX’s services to other players. Viv Anderson MBE (England and Manchester United) “After meeting Gary at FairFX and seeing the money that they saved me personally and for my business, PlayOn. I recommended the card to all my staff and ex-players on our trip to Hong Kong. I’ll continue to recommend their services to others in sports.

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Premier League clubs paid out over £211 million in agent fees last year - more than it would have taken to buy Neymar.

he amount of money going out of the game into the hands of transfer fixers has rocketed, with Liverpool coughing up almost £28m themselves.

And when Chelsea clinched the signing of Ross Barkley from Everton for £15m in January it is understood they handed over a further £7m to his agent. The amazing details of just how much money is lost to the game were revealed today when the FA published their full list of agent fees for the year February 1 2017 – January 31 2018. Figures show that over the past year the 20 top flight clubs splashed out £37m more on agents than the previous year, a rise of 21 percent on the £174m spent in total. This kind of money combined would be enough to have signed Neymar from Barcelona last summer, who joined PSG for £198m, with a bit left over to spare. Liverpool were the highest spenders, paying £26,793,503 to intermediaries over the 12 month period, having signed the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mo Salah. That doubled the amount they had spent the year before as Jurgen Klopp invested heavily on his playing squad.

Liverpool

£26.79m

Stoke

£6.41m

Chelsea

£25.14m

Crystal Palace

£6.17m

Man City

£23.47m

West Brom

£4.75m

Man Utd

£18m

Brighton

£4.41m

Watford

£13.39m

Burnley

£3.29m

Everton

£12.05m

Huddersfield

£2.46m

Arsenal

£10.56m

Leicester West Ham Bournemouth

£9.91m £8.38m £7.73m

Newcastle

£7.4m

Swansea

£7.31m

Tottentham

£7.17m

Southampton

£6.29m

Chelsea were the next biggest with £25.1m sent in the direction of agents, with Barkley’s agent Paul Martin and his Wasserman group alone benefiting to the tune of almost half the cost of the player himself. Then comes Manchester City (£23.47m) with Manchester United down in fourth on £18m. Both clubs were major spenders over the course of the year on transfer fees, although United managed to keep a relatively respectable lid on money going into the hands of agents. Compared to the rest of the top six clubs, Tottenham’s spend of £7.17 actually fared well, with North London rivals Arsenal topping £10.5m Premier League newcomers Huddersfield spent the least, despite overhauling their squad following promotion last season. The Yorkshire club spent £2.46m over the course of the year as they made sure they did not risk the financial future of the club on trying to stay in the top flight. But Watford were the fifth highest spenders on agents with the Pozzo family splashing out £13.39m on agent fees.

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Ryan Briggs - Financial Planning B i o graphy Ryan is an Independent Financial Planner & Wealth Manager specialising in working with professional sports stars of all levels to ensure they protect their future and maximise their wealth potential. Ryan is an ex-professional football player himself, starring alongside the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick at West Ham in the FA Youth Cup and FA Youth Premier League winning team of 1999. Ryan’s story is somewhat befitting of what he preaches on a day-to-day basis emphasising the importance of asset and wealth management whilst players are earning their wage as a professional. Ryan is a renowned expert in his field boasting an impressive portfolio of clients having created the “Good Habits” initiative as well as operating as the resident Financial Planner and Wealth Manager for The Non-League Magazine.

lanning ahead in any walk of life can be somewhat daunting, whether it be financially, career wise or in your personal life. Money in football is continually scrutinised and there is no doubting the privileges that elite players across the world and particularly in the UK experience. Despite this, the wealth and money that is earned as a footballer is relatively short-lived and often unsustainable making the future as important as the present. Ryan works to ensure professional sport stars get the most out of their money, advising where and when they should invest while maximising tax-relief, tax-free growth and compound interest opportunities. All of this while putting the relevant plans in place to also protect a players family. This can allow players to live a sustainable, wealthy lifestyle that spans way beyond their career as a professional athlete while concentrating on their game. Footballers’ Life sat down with Ryan to understand the ‘how’s’, the ‘why’s and the ‘when’s’ of financial planning.

Q1. Quite often a professional football player will earn more in a month than the average worker will earn in a year, why bother planning for the future? Everybody knows the earning potential of professional football players however it’s important to understand that careers in sport in general are much shorter than normal. I believe the average career for a professional player is just 8.5 years which means that it’s vital to get the right plans in place from a young age and maximise earning potential to enjoy the best possible lifestyle both while playing and post-career. If a player can appreciate this and find someone they can trust who has their long-term interests at heart then they are well placed to utilise whatever earning level and success they enjoy.

Ryan playing for West Ham United as part of the FA Youth Cup and FA Youth Premier League winning side of 1999.

Q2. How many UK based professional football players do you currently work with? I’m lucky to work with a number of players all the way from Non-League to the Premier League although also have clients in other sports as well as in the world of music, entertainment and business. The footballers I work with tend to be younger players who are in the early stages of their careers. This is the best time for me to help them get into “Good Habits” and learn from the examples of players I’ve known personally and grown up with.

Q3. Why did you choose to become a Financial Planner and Wealth Manager? My father was a Financial Adviser for 30 years and he always encouraged me to get qualified due to my connections within sport. It was only when I started to think about how many players I’d known who’s lives had been massively influenced by the support and advice they had been given that it seemed an option. I thought my experiences could have a positive impact on young players and realised there was a huge need to protect players from a lot of dangers that wealth and success can bring. A lot of thanks has to go to Michael Carrick who put me in touch with the financial adviser he’s used from the start of his career as he was fantastic. I started to understand how basic financial planning can be so important and the difference to achieving what’s important in life.

Q5. Do you think enough is done to educate footballers of the importance of financial management? No. I don’t think enough is done to educate young people in general. I’m always surprised to speak with agents who don’t ensure their players have access to independent advice. Ultimately, it’s down to the player but I feel they should at least have the option. If players are under twenty then we usually arrange to speak to parents or guardians, so they can also get an understanding of what’s involved. I strongly believe that a player’s understanding of their financial affairs can have a huge impact on their careers. They don’t need to know all the technical detail but having a financial plan in place and understanding the basics can give a real sense of structure and grounding helping players focus on their game and possibly avoid a lot of the negative aspects associated with football which can lead to a downward spiral. There are still so many examples of this and we’re doing whatever we can to make a difference. That’s why I started the “Good Habits” initiative. It’s a way for players to learn about financial management and access trusted advice whatever level they are playing at. We partnered up with the NonLeague magazine and now working with clubs across the country to give a basic level of education and understanding.

Q6. During your younger days you played professionally for West Ham Utd, did this spell in your life help you realise your future aspirations to support others with their wealth? If I’m honest, at the time I was just like every other young player dreaming of becoming a professional, breaking into the first team and not really focusing on much else. It was only when I experienced life outside of football and understood the extreme highs and lows players face that I realised it was something I could help with. It’s important to still be relevant and be able to communicate with players on a level having played the game and understanding the challenges ahead.

Q7. If there was one single golden piece of advice you could offer to a player, what would it be?

Ryan with current player, N’Golo Kanté, future talent, Ryan Diego Ghaly and Lawyer/Agent Mustafa Mehmood.

Q4. When should a young rising star breaking through the ranks at their club begin to think about their financial future? I talk to a lot 16/17 year olds giving them an introduction into financial planning and a general understanding of what they might need but I don’t usually take them on as clients until they are 18. That’s when we can start getting them into “Good Habits” of saving a percentage of their money to achieve relevant goals such as buying their first property and building future wealth. I believe every 18 year old should have access to a basic knowledge of financial planning whether they are in sport or not. We’ve started giving talks in schools and companies as we’re finding so many people are unaware of the benefits available to them.

Get into “Good Habits” as early as possible. Find someone you trust who is a qualified adviser and start putting your short, medium and long-term goals into a plan. You can then set-aside a suitable amount of your earnings each month to achieve these goals. I would also make it your business to learn how you can utilise your taxrelief and tax-free growth allowances as a minimum.

Q8. If anyone was looking to begin the process of gaining advice from you and beginning to plan for their future how would they get the ball rolling? I’m happy to speak with anyone who is serious about their financial future and can be contacted on the details below. This of course can be players themselves but also parents, guardians, clubs and agents. ryan@ashmax.co.uk www.ashmax.co.uk/sport 07375 100150 Twitter @ryandbriggs Instagram @ryanbriggsfinancial LinkedIn uk.linkedin.com/in/ryandbriggs

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How to Handle a Sports Data Hack By Stefano Debolini and the Sheridans Sports Team

hen many think of cyber security, the sports industry may not be the first that springs to mind. It has, however, had its fair share of problems. Footy leaks flooded the internet with many confidential transfer and employment contracts for fans to read. Similarly, the Fancy Bears Therapeutic Usage Exemptions (TUEs) hack involved personal medical information relating to many high-profile sportsmen and women. These breaches suffered by major players in the sports sector have underlined the need for rights holders, clubs, agencies and other participants in the ecosystem to make cyber security a priority. The volume of personal and other data generated, shared and commercialised in the sports industry has experienced staggering growth, and a proper discussion of how to navigate the regulatory landscape while making the most of that data is a topic for another day. Here, we focus more on considerations relevant to data breach incident response and compliance. Data protection regulation requires holders of sensitive data, which may include personal information about a club’s star players, to implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to avoid

unauthorised disclosure of player data. If you suffer a breach, it may indicate that the steps you have taken to comply with data protection principles fall short. So, as a starting point, it is important to ensure that the security of your data (and that of your business partners and users) is a core consideration across your business. What if you are still the victim of a cyberattack? Cyber threats can unfold quicker than a Mane/Salah Liverpool counter-attack It probably goes without saying, but as soon as a data breach is discovered, you need to jump on it. Typically (although not in every case) you will want to halt unauthorised access, take non-essential services offline, update credentials, limit access to those who need it, capture data from connection logs and other sources of audit information, among other matters. You also need to get the word out. No business will relish letting the world know it hasn’t been as careful about cyber security as it could have been, but PR support can help you communicate this message effectively. Users may need to know quickly, so they can change credentials on other sites or services where they use the same password, and so that they can be more alert to the risk of identity theft.

Delay in spreading awareness can amplify the damage caused by a data breach. Still, each incident should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature, volume and sensitivity of the data which might have been exposed, and the risks this poses to you and your users. In some circumstances, you may decide that there is no need to let users know you’ve suffered a cyberattack. Sensitive information about, say, football players, is highprofile news. Its impact can be global, so it’s likely you will need your lawyers to coordinate a response internationally. In some jurisdictions, the risk could be low, relevant thresholds might not be met regarding the number of affected users or the nature of the compromised data may be such that the incident doesn’t merit disclosure or notification to data protection authorities in certain countries. To react effectively and in a compliant manner, a whole range of factors come into play. Is your business, from a legal perspective, a data controller, or processor (not always as straightforward as you might expect)? Is personal data involved (this might not be obvious, for example if a user ID, IP address, or other identifiers are involved, including data which can be combined with other information to identify someone)? Which jurisdictions are relevant and which law applies?

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Talking Tactics Unless you have significant in-house capabilities, you will almost certainly need to bring in external help. Rather than scrambling to find support after-the-event, where delays could have a lasting impact, we suggest that, in your own time, you put in place an incident response plan. That means preemptively speaking with cyber security consultants, auditors, PR companies, lawyers, your suppliers, your staff and your users about cyber security. Effective preparation and a cyber security incident response plan will help stakeholders understand their responsibilities in the event of a data breach, slash delays in your reactions, reduce the cost of responding to the breach, reduce the fallout, and reduce the likelihood of a data breach happening in the first place. The involvement of third party specialists not only helps ensure you have the relevant technical capabilities to hand, but can also engender trust, as audits are more likely to be independent and unbiased. Following its recent breach, TalkTalk made a public announcement within one day, promptly commissioned a review of its systems by PwC, and was praised by a committee of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for this strong crisis response, so such actions are likely to be of benefit if any enforcement action is contemplated by, say, the Information Commissioner’s Office. At present, there are a host of good commercial, reputational and legal reasons to make sure you are ready for a breach when (rather than if) it comes. From 25 May 2018, regulatory changes include General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which, among many other changes, will increase maximum fines for breaches of data protection law from £500k to 4% of global annual turnover or €20m, introduce new obligations regarding the reporting of data breaches, and bring data processors into the frame for certain infringements where they would not previously have been liable.

Post-Match DeBrief Although it sounds rather dry, a good cyber breach incident response process will: - help an organisation in identifying, containing and recovering from the breach; - investigate the extent of any unauthorised access and the risks posed by it, notifying individuals and organisations appropriately; and - ensure steps are taken to avoid it happening again.

How would a sports agency or football club react if it found out from a newspaper report that its high profile player salaries, personal addresses and phone numbers had been leaked online? ‘Where to start?’ can be the usual response. We’d suggest speaking to those responsible for IT, communications, security and compliance in your business, and thrashing out some scenarios. Discuss your concerns with specialist advisers, shore up the gaps, develop internal and external incident response groups and put in place an incident response plan. Then, go back to worrying about on-field matters. The Sheridans Sports Team can help with all of the above. Contact Daniel Geey or Stefano Debolini for more information.

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International Players: The Brexit Effect Whilst we may not have all the answers yet on how Brexit will affect EEA players coming to the UK, it is clear that the principles of free movement currently enjoyed will be impacted. The truth is, for the most part, the most talented sports players are not likely to be significantly affected. The rules and regulations that currently operate for players outside the EEA will most likely be extended and perhaps relaxed for EEA players. As a result, those players are likely to be able to enter and work in the UK with relative ease.

Extended family and staff The key change is likely to be the ancillary rights enjoyed by extended families and staff of European sportspeople (for example, nannies, chefs, physios) to enter, live and work in the UK. It is therefore important that sports agents and clubs are mindful of this when negotiating deals for their players. At the moment, EEA nationals who exercise free movement rights benefit from being able to apply those rights to their extended families (parents, grandparents etc.) so that they too can live in the UK if certain conditions are met. However the same is not true for players outside the EEA. Their ability to bring in loved ones is usually limited to spouse and dependent children. Whether or not this impacts the future attractiveness of UK sports leagues to EEA players remains to be seen. In some transfer negotiations, it may indeed prove to be a deal breaker depending on how strongly the player in question feels about living without their mother, father, uncle etc. for the duration of their playing contract. Likewise, at the moment, a player can travel to the UK with their European staff with little to no restriction. However, an EEA national who at present automatically has the right to work in the UK is likely in the future to need a visa in order to accept employment offered by a club. Therefore, post Brexit, if a player wishes to bring EEA staff with them, sponsorship will be required, which will likely be dependent on skill set and salary.

Players Currently any sportsperson from outside the EEA needs permission to work in the UK. International coaches and players must have their sponsorship endorsed by a governing body (for example, the FA) or a Governing Body Endorsement (“GBE”). A GBE is either obtained by the player automatically meeting the international appearance criteria or convincing an Exceptions Panel that whilst an individual player may not meet the automatic criteria, a GBE should still be granted due to the player’s experience and value (usually their proposed transfer fee or salary). It is therefore conceivable that post Brexit, in an effort to protect the quality of UK sport leagues, the governing bodies in conjunction with the Home Office may lower the current bar by relaxing both the international appearance criteria and the exception rules. We will have to wait to see how this will be approached in due course. For more information on the impact of Brexit, please contact Daniel Geey, Owen Jones or Daniela Korn at www.sheridans.co.uk Sheridans.

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ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is £70 million worse off for snubbing China to make the move to America, yet you would struggle to find a happier footballer. Ibrahimovic has been one of the biggest stars of the millennium, truly one of the icons of a generation having proven himself in some of Europe’s biggest leagues. Only the Bundesliga has missed out on being graced by the talismanic Swede whose outrageous talent has been matched equally by his own ego. Now it is the turn of Major League Soccer to experience Zlatan’s world, having decided to call time early on his contract at Manchester United to seal a move to LA Galaxy. At 36, there are plenty suggesting the move to Hollywood is the last big pay-day of his career – coining it in Stateside as he winds down to retirement. How wrong they are. For if it was down to the money, the ex-Barcelona, Inter and PSG star could have happily stayed on at Old Trafford until June before joining the growing ranks trying their luck in the Far East. There was a package worth a staggering £71m-a-year on offer to make the move to the Chinese Super League, where he needed to stay for 12 months helping to promote one of the world’s biggest emerging leagues. But for Zlatan, this stage of his career is not about money. It’s about his happiness at just enjoying the game of football again having bounced back from the kind of knee ligament injury that has ended other people’s careers. His Galaxy deal is only thought to be worth £1m for the year.

brahimovic said: “It’s not about the money because I didn’t even know the contract I had here. I just said ‘prepare, I’m coming’. I think even the Galaxy was surprised. “After my injury, I just want to be happy, push it every time I put on football boots, smell the grass, touch the ball, and do what I’ve been doing for the last 20 years. Trust me, that has no price.

“I’ll just enjoy, play and feel on the grass. That’s really what it’s all about. After the injury, I’m only grateful that I can play football.”

Everywhere he has gone he has been a success, driven his team forward to better things. America and the Galaxy is no exception for him.

There may be a smile on his face at the moment, and having scored a breath-taking match-winning goal on his Galaxy debut it is easy to understand why, but the inner drive is still burning deep.

He added: “This is a big challenge for me. I want to come over here to the U.S. and show everybody what I’m able to do. “I came to win, I want to bring trophies to Galaxy and I want to be part of the history, one of the guys that made a difference.

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“I've played with the best clubs and players in the world, and we won. I will not do anything differently in LA. "The day they tell me it's not good enough, I will take my contract and give it back, and I will go. I'm here in the same situation as everybody else. I didn't come for a vacation. "It's been a couple of years now, I've been looking at MLS and have been curious. How is the football? How good can it be? “We have been here in the preseason with the clubs from Europe, and met some teams, but it is not at the competition level. You come here, you are curious, you want to test it. And in this mode of career, it feels good. “It feels really good, it fits me perfectly when it’s not so intense with matches and you can handle it and check it in a better way. Then you want to contribute something you want to help, do it better. “And then win. Especially win. Can I win here? I’ve done it everywhere.” Ibrahimovic retired from international football in 2016, with an eye on prolonging his career without the distraction of representing the country which has treated him as a hero throughout his career. The respect and service he gave Sweden was huge, and the constant attention and adulation brought pressures of their own, so few could criticise him when he decided enough was enough.

However, there is now a glint in his eye when Russia 2018 is mentioned, with a growing clamour for him to come back out of retirement to play a part one last time for Sweden at the World Cup. Ibrahimovic is open to the possibility, although there is an extra hurdle to cross in that a recent partnership with a betting company risks potentially flouting Fifa player regulations. Not that it really matters to the forward, whose response is to put Fifa firmly in their place and insist only he will decide if Zlatan will grace the World Cup again.

He said: “FIFA can’t stop me. If I want to be there, I’ll be there. “Just as with the national team, if I want to play, I’ll play. “This is not a question for FIFA, it’s a question for me and what I want. The door is open, and not closed. “If everything feels as it should and I feel that I can do the things I am capable of and want to do, as I’ve always done them, then we can talk about it. “But that’s not where we are at right now. We’re in a position where I’m just happy that I can play.” “Now I want to play football, so let’s play football. And when we play football we will see if we can play football in the World Cup.”

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Kante How did you find the move over from France adjusting in England? Yes the transition was not really an issue for me. I could already speak English and the climate is similar to northern France. Leicester made me feel really welcome and I settled easily.

Who was your favourite player growing up? Brazilian Ronaldo.

Everybody ‘s Favourite player How did you find the adjustment to premier league ? I found the Premier League was more physical and had a faster pace than the French league. The media also follows every team in the Premier League and in France it is not the same, the media focuses on the top sides in France.

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You seem to take all the success at Leicester and the move to Chelsea in your stride, are you ever flustered? No I have never been flustered, I just work hard and give my all every day and see where my journey takes me. What is your advice to young players coming into the pro game? I would advise them not to put too much pressure on themselves, to work hard and be the best you can be every day, these qualities will give you a strong basis for progression.

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Who’s the most difficult opponent you’ve played against? Paul Pogba and Moussa Dembele are strong technical midfield players. Are you aware that you are a great role model for the professional game? I only realise that when people approach me for my signature and photos, I just see myself as a normal person just like anyone else in society.

Who was an influence for you as a teenager coming through the ranks?

What do you do in your spare time when not training or playing?

I was never marked as a player who will make it as a professional, so I studied accountancy whilst playing football. I realise that I may reach the top level when I was playing in the third division in france and saw that top players such as Ribery and Vilebuena had progressed from the third division, their stories gave me hope.

My family comes to visit me so I like to spend time with them, I also enjoy playing FIFA and like to stay home and relax. You’re on a long coach journey to an away game, how do you like to pass the time? I like to catch up and speak to my friends and family and enjoy watching documentaries.

Much has been made of your meteoric rise in football over the past few years. Going back to your days in France, did you ever feel that you would be playing week in week out for Chelsea and representing your country within such a short space of time? I have never set myself targets as I was never talked about as a player who will be the best when I was younger, I work hard and give my best every day. I have been lucky enough to move levels, at every level I reach I keep this same attitude. I am very happy to be playing at the top level for Chelsea and will be proud to represent France in the world cup. I will do my best and keep working hard for my club and country.

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arrick hangs up his boots having won every club trophy possible over an illustrious career which has seen him play for West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United. Yet the 36-year-old appears to be a player who will ultimately be better remembered by those within the game than the wider British audience.

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The fact that he has been operating at the top level for so long speaks volumes of his importance to teammates and managers. Age, and a minor heart complaint which needed surgery to rectify earlier this season, has finally brought forward retirement – although Carrick is likely to join Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff over the summer. Carrick said: “There comes a time when, as much as you like or don’t like it, your body tells you it’s time to stop playing football. That’s pretty much where I’m at, which is fine. It’s something you have to accept. That’s where I’m at. “Obviously, I had the problem in the Burton game, when it started during the second half, and then had a few tests after that.

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“The same problem came back on the Sunday of that week in training, so then I had the procedure the following week, which I went through and now it’s totally fine and I’m clear. “It took a little bit of time to get over but there were some times when, for two or three days, I was thinking ‘am I going to carry on playing or not?’ or ‘is it kind of worth it or not?’ but that quickly passed. “I got back fit and I wanted to finish on my own terms really. At least I could decide and not be forced because of that, so I was determined to get back fit. “I understood after getting back fit that I wouldn’t be playing as many games as perhaps I might have done, but that’s something that I understood.”

C AR R IC K Michael Carrick’s retirement at the end of this season brings to an end a career that for many has not received the recognition it deserved.

Premier League:

Football League Cup:

Community Shield:

UEFA Champions League: UEFA Europa League: FIFA Club World Cup: 2007–08

2016–17

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Club Honours 59

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anny Simpson is an established Premier League Full-Back currently plying his trade at Leicester City. The 31-year-old Englishman began his career at Manchester Utd before a series of loan moves, including a spell in Belgium, saw him move permanently to Newcastle Utd in 2010. From Newcastle he then moved on to Queens Park Rangers and in 2014 signed for Leicester City where he has since played a crucial role in helping them win the Premier League title and as such a force to be reckoned with. Danny’s career has had its ups and downs both on and off the field but it is his successes in recent times, which have allowed him to become a well respected professional not only at his club but as a Premier League player. A string of top performances over the past few seasons as well as his heavy contribution to the monumental achievement of Leicester City winning the league has resulted in Simpson earning a 3 year contract extension last year keeping him at the club until June 2019.

What was it like coming through the ranks at Manchester Utd where expectations are so high?

Being associated with Manchester Utd was great, training and playing alongside so many world class players could only be a good thing. The only downfall to being at such a prestigious club was the inevitable competition for places which made it harder to break through.

How did you find the experience of leaving to go to Antwerp at 19?

The competition at Man Utd at the time was very strong. We had the likes of Pique, Shawcross, Jonny Evans and so on all vying for a position in a side that was already achieving so much, I felt that I needed to get some first team football in order to continue my development.

Throughout the early stages of your career you went out on loan a number of times, what effect did this have on you?

Each spell on loan with new teammates, managers and fans enabled me to experience different environments all of which allowed me to grow as a player. Looking back I definitely feel that it was a good grounding experience.

During your time at Newcastle you played a large number of games, was this the first time in your career that you really felt like you were an established professional player?

My time at Newcastle was great. Winning promotion to the Premier League was fantastic and I certainly felt at home during my spell. It’s always nice to be able to string a large number of appearances together, it gave me the confidence to know that I was doing right and contributing to what was a successful time.

How does it feel to be part of the Leicester side that won the Premier League.

It will always be remembered as an amazing success. That Leicester team was assembled with a lot of players that other clubs didn’t want, and I think because of that the camaraderie was strong and our personal pride meant we all had a point to prove. I felt for the first time that this was a strong group of friends that went beyond just teammates. I think that showed in some of the tougher games.

What does the future hold for you?

I’ve got various business interests and I am very much planning for the future. I enjoy mentoring the younger lads offering them advice based on my experiences and knowledge that I’ve acquired throughout my career.

How did your fashion label ‘MADE’ originate?

MADE gave me the opportunity to put my focus and spare time into something outside of football. Fashion has always been a hobby of mine and so I wanted to create something of this nature that I could have an effect on, particularly with the design and manufacturing.

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JACK MARRIOTT Peterborough United JACK MARRIOTT has been grabbing the headlines this season after a prolific debut season in League One with Peterborough. Premier League and Championship clubs have all been monitoring the form of Marriott, who’s goals have helped his side push for a place in the play-offs this season against expectations. There is no bigger commodity in football than goals, and in the 23-year-old Peterborough know they possess not only a cutting edge up front but also a valuable asset when it comes to the summer. But Marriott’s path in the game is not only one of overcoming the usual struggles that affect the majority of youngsters as they try to make the leap from talented teenager to fully fledged professional. It is also an example of a player taking a brave decision early in his career to drop down from a higher club, where a contract beckoned, in the belief that match action

was the best thing for his progress rather than staying in a development squad. One of the biggest problems now for young talent at all levels, especially in the Premier League, is the desperate need for results. This can deny them the first team opportunities they need to help further their career. Many sides prefer to keep prospects in their development squads, just in case they eventually flourish into players good enough to use or sell on for a good return. That may be sound business sense for the clubs concerned, but it is not necessarily good for the career development of the players – and it is an issue that is only set to continue growing over the next few years. Marriott had a similar dilemma when he was a young professional at Ipswich, fresh from the academy set-up where he had scored goals and made a big impression on the coaching staff at Portman Road.

A contract extension was his for the taking, but aged 19 the forward looked at the roster of experienced senior forwards in Mick McCarthy’s squad and knew there was no likelihood he was going to be used in the first team any time soon.

During his time as a young pro at Ipswich, he was shipped out on loan but never felt a part of something. It was only at Luton, and now at Peterborough, he started to find that belonging that first team football can help to allow a player to flourish.

For him, the choice was to sit around kicking his heels or being bold, taking the step down and give himself the best chance possible to make a career in the game.

He added: “I learnt a lot from those loans, probably from the negative side more than anything. It made me stronger mentally.

A free transfer to Luton followed, and in the three years since he has grown from strength to strength – proving that going back is sometimes the best way to move forward overall. Marriott said: “I have the utmost respect for Mick McCarthy. He knew I needed to leave Ipswich to progress, because of the standard of centre-forwards they had at the club at the time, I wasn’t going to get a look-in at 19-years-old. “He totally respected I needed to go and get a first team somewhere and get myself a game and I will be forever grateful to him. “I knew I needed to leave to progress my own career, he’s very experienced in the game and knew what was best for me and it’s worked out really well.”

“That was tough when you go on loan, you hope to be playing, that’s the reason why they bring you in in the first place – and when you don’t really get a chance you question everything. “But you get setbacks, especially when you are young, and they are just other ones that have made me stronger to help get me to where I am now.

I wanted to be in a higher league, to develop myself and prove I could do it in the league above. “I wanted to get settled, I wanted to be a regular in the first team here at Peterborough, I wanted to score as regularly as possible and thankfully the longest period I have been without a goal is three or four games. “A lot of people doubted me, thought I wouldn’t do it in League One, it will all fizzle out – that just aggravated me and motivated me to do even better and prove people wrong. “It’s never nice when you get people saying “he’s not good enough, he’s never going to cut it there”, so you always want to prove them wrong and that gives me the extra fire in the belly.

“Luton was a great club, I loved it there and had a good breakthrough season. I went there as sort of fourth striker and played quite a few games, finished with 16 goals at the end of the season.

“You get a lot from outside of the game, social media and whatever, and whether they have an impact on your life is irrelevant – I don’t like people saying anything because I back my own ability and believe in myself so I trust I can go on and be the player I want to be.

“I had felt like I was doing well at Luton, felt I was a first teamer then and enjoyed myself but I needed to progress myself even further.

“I always set the bar high for myself, I give myself high targets and high aspirations so even if I do finish a little bit short I have still done alright.”

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Mason Mount 64

In the past couple of seasons, there has been a growing trend for some of the best young British talent to opt for a move overseas to better help their development.

promising players. In fact, it offers plenty of advantages such as learning new methods – and quite simply, the chance to play regular first team football at a senior level.

Whether on loan or permanently, several have decided that spending time on foreign shores is the ideal way to continue to grow as players.

For Mason Mount, such a move to Vitesse Arnheim has proven to be an emphatic success.

The promising West Ham defender Reece Oxford is currently on loan with Borussia Dortmund, while Jadon Sancho chose to leave Manchester City to sign a long-term deal in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.

The 19-year-old has been nurtured through the ever impressive academy system at Chelsea since primary school age, a regular for England at age group level and one of the inspirations of the nation’s European under-19 Championship victory last year.

Rising Scottish youngster Oliver Burke spent a year in the Bundesliga with Red Bull Leipzig before joining West Brom, while Chris Willock chose to reject a deal with Arsenal to sign a five-year contract at Benfica.

Having captained the Blues to the FA Youth Cup last season, and been a regular in the development squad for two years, Mount has been earmarked as a player with a genuine opportunity to shine in the Premier League.

Making the switch abroad is no longer a frightening prospect for

Yet at the start of this season he was presented with a choice –

continue playing with the under-23 side or spend his first year in senior football on loan with Vitesse. For the teenager, there was little to think about. “I had the option to come here or stay at Chelsea and play under-23s for another season,” he said. “I was quite young to come on loan to another country, but this has definitely been a massive experience for me, I have learnt so much. This is men’s football, you learn something every day. “The league is very technical, the games are very tactical. For me, I like to play football, I like to be on the ball so that suits me a lot. “For me to have my first season in men’s football, this move has suited me and does very well to introduce me.

Supporters player of the year 2018 “Definitely the experience I have gained is very valuable, for a player of my age as well coming away. “We kind of got a little hint that maybe this would happen a year before I came out to Holland, this was when I was playing under-23s at Chelsea last year. “I had a hint that maybe this year I would be going away on loan, and obviously there is a strong link between Chelsea and Vitesse this was one of the main options. “To get ready for going out on loan to another country, I started staying in my own place in Cobham, learning how to look after myself in a flat. “I knew this opportunity might arise so that helped just getting ready for it, and that has helped a lot as now I’m here on my own and obviously you need to be able to look after yourself. “This is men’s football so you need to grow up very quickly. That last year at Chelsea definitely got me ready so I knew what to expect. “It all starts as a young boy at

Chelsea, they set you up for everything. It’s been the best decision I have made from a young age, you learn the most and it has set me up perfectly.” Since making the move, Mount has gone from strength to strength and is making such a big impact in Eredivisie he was voted the league’s player of the month for January. A shining display in the Europa League away to Lazio, when he broke the competition record for the most chances ever created by a teenager is another standout – and there is a growing feeling he could be one who makes the breakthrough into the first team set-up at Chelsea. Once a distant dream for many aspiring players at Stamford Bridge, the way Andreas Christensen returned from a two-year loan spell in Germany to establish himself as a first team regular this season has not been lost on Mount.

The youngster, voted player of the tournament in the Euro under-19s last year, added: “Him going out for two years, and now coming back and playing regularly, he has shown what you can do. “He has shown if you go out on loan and perform to the best of your ability you always have that chance at Chelsea. “Looking at him going away for two years and to then come back and be playing, I definitely aspire to be similar to that. “You have to be the best to succeed at Chelsea, and he’s gone out and shown that the loan does work. “You have to go out, by yourself, there is no-one to help you. You have got to just fight. He’s come back and he’s fought for his position, and he’s done very well. “Playing for Chelsea, that’s the main goal. I want to play as high up as I can.”

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AZ luxe

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Collezione Automobili Lamborghini at Milan Fashion Week 2018

Sant’Agata Bolognese/Milano – Automobili Lamborghini presents the Collezione fall-winter 2018-19 during Milan Men’s Fashion Week. The new collection was presented at a reception in the exposition spaces of Via Tortona: a must-visit venue during the Milanese Fashion week. The guests, fashion, luxury and lifestyle media had the opportunity to see the new collection alongside a special display, Authentic Living Riva 1920. Guests were also able to preview the Lamborghini Urus Super SUV, alongside the Lamborghini Countach 25° Anniversario, Aventador S and Huracán Performante super sports cars. The Collezione Automobili Lamborghini fall-winter 2018-19 is characterized by the Tailor Tech items, very high quality pieces with high level performance and 24/7 functionality, thanks to innovative technologies and the same cutting edge approach of Lamborghini’s prized super sports cars.

The three lines of the Collezione – Informal Luxury, Casual and Pilota Ufficiale – is completed by the Special Editions, the new co-branded special editions dedicated to the Super SUV Urus model, in collaboration with Enzo Bonafè, Hettabretz and Tecknomonster: a unique total look for all occasions, from business to weekend travel. The focus is to present an anthology of essential wardrobe items for the Lamborghini man: a parka, the event parka, the supercar jacket, the wool-tech blazer, the wool jacket, the field jacket, the soft shell jacket, the techno sweatshirts and the leather touch screen gloves. Collezione Automobili Lamborghini has also announced a partnership with Swiss Prestige Cosmetics, sharing a common commitment to research and excellence with that of Lamborghini, and resulting in a new male cosmetics range, Men’s Code. The prestigious partnerships with Intertrade Group for the fragrances L and with Mizuno for the running shoes also continues.

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Bang & O lu fsen and L am borg h ini tea m u p i n roa ring ne w c o l l a borat io n

Bang & Olufsen adds an acoustic element to the new Lamborghini Urus Super SUV, with a specially developed, surround sound in-car entertainment system to be offered as an option on the new car.

“Lamborghini is among the most highly regarded sports cars in the world with a strong heritage of design, performance, luxury and innovation. These are values shared by Bang & Olufsen, and we see this as a perfect match,” says Henrik Clausen, CEO at Bang & Olufsen.

The first Lamborghini model to feature Bang & Olufsen sound, the Urus creates a new benchmark in the SUV segment. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System is definitely not an average car audio: an exclusive silk matte top finish with sparkling highlights reflect the system’s extreme precision manufacture. The powerful sound system features 21-channel 1,700watt BeoCore Class-D Amplifier, scalable Digital Signal Processing (DSP), ICEpower® technology, and 21 loudspeakers for superb, authentic sound. Produced through close collaboration between Lamborghini, Fraunhofer IIS, and HARMAN, the system creates an immersive, natural 3D sound experience.

Deliveries of the Lamborghini Urus commence in spring 2018, with its first public unveiling on December 4 at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. www.bang-olufsen.com

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Chauffeurs, luxury supercars, and that added personal touch. So, what is it that makes AZ Luxe so special? Jim Morrissey speaks with Abbass Zadeh, AZ Luxe’s Managing Director, to find out.

ou can tell that Abbass Zadeh is used to the finer things in life. There’s an air about him that speaks of sophistication. So it comes as no surprise that he owns a fleet of cars, including a topof-the-range Rolls-Royce Phantom. I ask him how he got into the luxury car business, and what exactly it is that his company offers.

Abbass, how did it all start? About 14 years ago I started working for prestigious brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce, then, H.R. Owen approached me to setup a new department called VIP Services. With a multimillion pound budget and a brief to choose a fleet of some of the most luxurious cars in the world, I knew I’d found my calling. It went on to become a huge success and earnt me a lot of prestige within the industry.

What exactly is it that your company offers? Firstly, we provide a high-profile chauffeur-drive service. We grew from two cars to owning a fleet of seven – including a Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Secondly, we’re a luxury supercar hire company. My team and I make it our goal to get to know our clients’ specific needs, which enables us to tailor our service to each booking. This bespoke touch is one of the things that makes us different. I know you’re very serious about the calibre of people who work for you: tell us more about your hiring process. Our customer base includes ultra-high net worth individuals – international businessmen, premiership footballers, bankers, film stars – so they expect nothing less than the very best. It means that our chauffeurs and back-office staff need to understand a certain type of mindset. I personally hand-pick all our chauffeurs and hire around one in ten of the individuals interviewed. Apart from them needing a positive attitude for delivering first-class service, they must be excellent drivers, as often they will need to outsmart the paparazzi or avoid unwanted attention. They have to be able to serve with the greatest decorum and attention to detail, whilst acting with the utmost discretion at all times.

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What happens when someone requests a car that’s not in your fleet? This really isn’t a problem. We are so well connected we can get whatever the client wants; and all of our suppliers have been approved by us and are very well trusted within the industry.

Are you associated with any big names in the business of luxury and indulgence? Yes, but we act with discretion at all times, so there’s not too much that I can reveal. I can say that we will be sponsoring the National Film Awards this year. We are their partner of choice for providing chauffeurs to many of the stars. They came to us because they wanted the exceptional.

You’ve recently expanded, tell us about it. We work for some of the most prestigious department stores, luxury hotels and restaurants in the country, so it made sense to expand into a concierge service. We can now request a private jet at a few hours’ notice or book the best seats in the house at the opera or theatre. We want to become the go-to company for anything associated with luxury.

What’s the most common request you get for your service? From a chauffeur point of view, we mainly cater for people wanting day trips, like shopping, lunches, the countryside and, of course, airport pick-ups and drop offs, as well as weddings. Luxury car hire is for the international client who is here on business for a few days and wants to drive a car he already owns back home, or if they are here for a romantic getaway and want to experience some wowfactor. Finally, there is private jet chartering for the businessman who needs to attend a meeting or conference as soon as possible or again for the UHNWI as that’s their preferred method of travel.

In a few words, how would you sum-up the company philosophy? We never say ‘no’ – it’s our motto. We never forget who we’re working for. And we never stop looking for ways to improve. We look to define the meaning of luxury, rather than letting it define us – we are here to change the game.

If you would like more information about AZ Luxe, or need to hire one of the industry’s best chauffeurs, you can contact them on 020 3904 4483, email info@azluze.co.uk, or visit the website: www.azluxe.co.uk

NO CHECK-IN. NO QUEUEING. NO HASSLE.

Just unpack at your destination The world’s leading international door to door luggage collection and delivery service www.firstluggagevip.com + 44 (0) 1895 254 240

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INTRODUCING THE MERCURIAL SUPERFLY AND VAPOR 360: FAST BY NATURE FIT: THE FOUNDATION OF FAST Fit is the foundation of fast. No matter how innovative a pair of football boots may be, if the fit isn’t right, if the foot slides even 1 mm inside the boot, speed can be compromised. For this reason, fit became the focal point in designing the new Mercurial, leading to its game-changing 360 construction made possible through a new advancement in Nike Flyknit technology. The Mercurial Superfly 360 and Mercurial Vapor 360 wrap the entire foot in Nike Flyknit. “This new innovation hugs the foot and eliminates the gaps between the foot and the soleplate. In fact, it eliminates the soleplate altogether,” explains Max Blau, VP of Nike Football Footwear. "This new innovation hugs the foot and eliminates the gaps between the foot and the soleplate." - Max Blau, VP of Nike Football Footwear Without a soleplate, the sockliner interlocks with a new internal chassis that is tuned for maximum responsiveness. The chassis is individually tuned per size via computational programming. “With previous Mercurials, we based everything on a size 9. But with Mercurial 360, we can deliver properly proportioned fit at every size,” explains Jeongwoo Lee, Nike Football Senior Design Director. “Each size has a unique chassis designed to align with the expected bone structure.”

TRACTION: LESS LIKE A HOOF, MORE LIKE A CLAW

Traction is provided by precisely placed studs in the forefoot and heel. Lee drew inspiration from agile cheetahs and focused on traction at speed, leading to the minimalist approach he affectionately refers to as the cheetah paw. “The aggressive forefoot is built for acceleration in any direction while the heel studs help the player stop on a dime,” notes Lee. The reimagined underfoot of the boot is more than just visually stunning. “This boot is less like a hoof, more like a claw,” explains Blau. “The feedback we get from players is that there is a sensation that the boot just disappears in the way it syncs with the foot.” Cristiano Ronaldo embraced the Mercurial Superfly 360 right away. “My first reaction when I saw the new Mercurial was...the best boots ever! They fit straight away. The material, the design, the new technology, it’s amazing,” he says.

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FEEL: SOFTER TO THE TOUCH, UNCOMPROMISING PERFORMANCE The plush feel of the Mercurial 360 can also be attributed to advancements in Nike All Conditions Control (ACC). Previously, ACC was applied on top of the finished Flyknit product, creating a thin layer. Now, ACC is embedded into the yarns prior to knitting, eliminating the additional skin without compromising the performance benefit. The result is a matte finish on a texturized upper that is softer to the touch but can still battle the elements.

THE LOOK: ADOPTING A CLEAN AESTHETIC For its 20th anniversary, the Mercurial adopts a clean aesthetic with a small forefoot Swoosh and a bold “M” on the heel. “Mercurial players tend to be very fast, so that “M” is the last thing defenders will see when a Mercurial player blows by them,” says Lee. On the Mercurial Superfly 360, the Dynamic Fit Collar takes on a lower cuff, similar to the modified version Ronaldo has preferred in recent seasons. Both the Superfly and Vapor versions of Mercurial 360 feature a soft, one-piece internal lining, part of the effort to reduce the number of boot components. “Mercurial is best when it’s minimal and streamlined,” says Lee. “Design done right doesn’t require excess parts.”

BUILT FOR THE FASTEST PLAYERS IN THE GAME For 20 years, Nike has designed Mercurial boots for the fastest players in the game, featuring experimental and game-changing innovations. Mercurial 360 builds on that proud tradition with a 360 construction that will soon appear in Nike footwear across other sports.

“They fit perfectly. The 360 innovation — it’s perfect. They are comfortable and they look good, so they have everything.” - Cristiano Ronaldo Mercurial Superfly 360 and Mercurial Vapor 360 had its debut on pitch in February and are available on nike.com.

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INDISPENSABLY ENGLAND

Nike’s 2018 Engl a nd Collection

ngland lays claim to several representative symbols. Two of the most famous are longstanding: the rose and the St. George’s Cross. A third, the Three Lions crest that adorns the chest of the English Football Association kit, has antecedents dating back to the twelfth century. As design elements, each of these iconic emblems plays a prominent role in the England Football Association’s 2018 collection. They root the kit in history, and when married to Nike’s latest gamechanging kit innovation, fast-forward tradition into an emboldened present. This emboldened present is best illustrated by a handful of promising results that became an extraordinary sequence of achievements during the summer of 2017.

Then, a number of the 28 St. George’s Park-based England squads that Nike outfits captured the nation’s imagination. Triumphs in June at the U-20 Toulon Tournament and the U-20 World Cup sparked a period of five months during which England claimed the U-19 European Championship, reached the semi-finals in the U-21 European Championship, reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros and finally — in dramatic style — came from two goals down to win the U-17 World Cup final 5-2. As England’s senior men’s squad prepares to compete on the greatest global stage, a generation of athletes looks to continue the upward trend. Gareth Southgate leads a youthful squad, many of who will be appearing on the world stage for the first time. Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling – going to his second global tournament at the age of 23 – and Marcus Rashford brim with promise in attack. Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and John Stones look to transfer stunning domestic form to the international game and young goalkeepers Jack Butland (24) and Jordan Pickford (23) challenge 75-cap Joe Hart for the number 1 shirt. The collection these athletes and their teammates will wear in Russia is based on England’s archetypal color palette of white, red and blue.

As well as focusing on colors synonymous with England, the St. George’s Cross – which is sure to be seen flying from cars and terraces come tournament time – exists on the back neck of both shirts. The jerseys also feature a rosette (a reference to the rose that adorns the caps received by senior players each time they represent England) on the inside of the shirt.

The jerseys feature a rosette at the inner neck, referencing the rose that adorns caps received by senior players each time they represent England

The custom typeface used for player names draws from Johnston and Gill Sans, both quintessentially English fonts (the former with overground transport and the latter for association with London’s underground). The player numbers (which are backed by anticling nodes because athletes mentioned that previous number applications had caused the shirt to stick to their backs during extreme heat) have been moved from the center of the shirt to a more breathable zone below the crest. For a nation with such standing within the global game, the need to produce an identifiably English collection was at the heart of Nike designers’ mission. “Our goal was to create a range of products that even without an England crest or Nike Swoosh, would still instantly look like an England collection. That classic identity, with a modern edge added, is imperative to the whole collection,” says Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director.

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OPTIMAL BREATHABILITY

HIGH-TECH CREST

SLEEK SLEEVES

The open-hole texture of the knit on the chest and back are precisely plotted against footballers’ heat and sweat maps for optimal breathability.

A new heat transfer crest is 64 percent lighter than previous crest applications, and Nike’s most-breathable ever.

Engineered yarns on the sleeves contribute to the speed aesthetic of the kit.

BETTER RANGE OF MOTION The shorts has no outer seams, which reduces friction and increases range of motion.

INCREASED AIRFLOW

Vaporknit, a highly engineered body-mapped knit fabric, supports increased airflow by producing a duct-like effect. Built-in ribs on the inside of the kit help reduce cling.

ENGLAND HOME KIT This classic look, white shirt with blue shorts, is accented by red trimming. The modern rib collar is backed by a small St. George’s Cross and a blue Swoosh on the chest that complements the famous Three Lions crest in its traditional colors. A star heralding English football’s greatest triumph sits above the crest in silver, completing the streamlined look.

ENGLAND COLLECTION

ENGLAND AWAY KIT A two-tone red (a color that was immortalized in 1966) grounds the kit. The body of the shirt is dominated by a tonal graphic that depicts a modern St. George’s Cross. The two-tone stripes evoke speed to reflect the youthful wave of talent that is taking over English football and culture. White shorts with a pure white Swoosh and England crest and red socks finish the look.

The senior men’s England squad will spend up to seven weeks on duty this summer, from the pretournament training camp through to their time in Russia. Each athlete will receive product for every point on their journey, from tailored Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece tracksuits to distinctive black and deep-blue training gear to a pure white Anthem Jacket to be worn as they walk out ready to compete for international duty in Russia. The pre-match top is a highlight, with odes to the FA’s 1982 look. The 2018 England Football Association collection features Fast Fit Vaporknit kits to facilitate speed through performance and aesthetic.

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From top right: Tottenham Hotspur, Kaizer Chiefs, France, Barcelona, Brasil, AS Roma and Chelsea

JERSEY SHOP OFFERS NIKE’S BEST SELECTION OF FOOTBALL KITS AND INVITES COLLABORATION Jersey Shop is Nike’s new mobile-first celebration of football’s most universally cherished item: the kit. From famed clubs AS Roma, Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to niche favorites like South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, Jersey Shop offers the most up-to-date assortment of football shirts available. This includes home, away and third tops, and, of course, highlights the federations vying for international glory this summer and beyond. While club and federation kits form the bulk of the offerings, Jersey Shop also presents the prospect of shirts from an altogether different source: unique stories from across the world. That’s made possible through the Jersey Shop X Nike by You program, which opens up access to Nike’s design, manufacturing and sales faculties to invite partnership between the brand and creative individuals.

Jersey Shop X Nike By You launches with three examples of collaborative design. From London, there are shirts from Romance FC and 24 London, and from New York, FC Harlem.

HERE’S HOW JERSEY SHOP X NIKE BY YOU PLAYS OUT: The process is relatively simple. It begins, naturally, with a design unique to the collaborator. Following, the design is reviewed by Nike and, if approved, is eligible for addition to the nike.com/jerseyshop assortment.

Romance FC is a creative football collective from Hackney, East London. Founded in 2012, the group is focused on encouraging women to reach for their dreams. On the pitch, the Romance FC members are stern defenders and shrewd attackers. Off the pitch, they are filmmakers, DJs, coders and artists who all embrace a singular mantra: “You can't rise unless you lift others up with you.”

ROMANCE FC The 24 London jersey signifies the commitment to making the most of every hour. Bright colors pay tribute to the city at night, while the zombie represents relentless drive — because true hustlers never sleep on their dreams.

Club member Aimee Capstick designed the Romance FC shirt. Inspired by football kits of the ’80s and ’90s, the shirt combines classic geometric patterns that form interlocking teeth. It's punctuated by a modern color gradient and a custom font that contrasts with the patterns for a sense of movement.

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The jersey’s designer, Fabio Nunes, grew up in Fulham and initially channeled his creativity on the pitch, where, on the left wing, he befuddled opposing defenses. However, when two ACL tears in three years sidelined him, Nunes transitioned his imaginative impulse to apparel design and his budding brand, 24 London, launched in 2015. Now recovered from injury, Nunes plays semi-pro football and continues to push an ambitious expansion plan for his label. His humble attitude is summed up in his own words: “One day I’ll be successful. Until then, love me before they all do.”

FC HARLEM

Established in 1991 with the goal of exposing local youth to football, FC Harlem has since expanded its original mission to focus on developing future leaders on and off the pitch. The club’s nickname, L.I.O.N. (Leaders In Our Neighborhoods), conveys that the players who wear FC Harlem’s badge are talented, confident, competent and caring and will positively impact the world around them. The FC Harlem logo was envisioned as a traditional badge connecting Harlem with the global football community. The sweeping lion’s head emanating from the soccer ball symbolizes a confident, fluid style of football. Then and now, FC Harlem’s design emphasis has come from honoring its namesake neighborhood and the history of creativity and cultural leadership it carries.

Following the initiative’s launch, Nike will establish community spaces in cities around the world this summer. Within these, people will be able to attend workshops and design their own Nike jerseys. A selection of these jerseys will be among the first participants of the program to sell on nike.com/jerseyshop. All collaborators will be compensated. Sign up for Nike email here or download the Nike App to get notified further about this program.

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Daniel Johnson is the go-to male grooming expert for some of the biggest names in football.

e has created cutting edge looks for a host of players including Rio Ferdinand, Mario Balotelli and Gareth Bale, whose new style caused fans to flock to barbers all over the world wanting similar.

“I have lots of clients in the UK and around the world. London, Manchester & Cheshire which is mainly due to the fact that it’s home some of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester UTD, Liverpool, and other surrounding clubs as well as the England team.

Daniel, who is based in Hertfordshire, fronts his own product range, including a fragrance called Artemis and he is a leading Micropigmentation expert.

“Players from clubs like Leicester and Liverpool and a fair few of the England boys live in Cheshire and due to recommendations from my existing clients a lot of the younger players are now using my services.

Here he gives Footballer’s Life magazine an insight into his world.

“As a result this has meant even more time spent in and around Manchester recently.

“Male grooming has become so much bigger in the last ten years and footballers are at the forefront of most things. They want to look good and of course when they look good, they feel good and then in turn play good!

“I spotted some very smart tailored suits on the guys, I personally like going to Slaters for my suits which is the no.1 men’s outfitters in Manchester. The service is outstanding you get real VIP treatment. My man there, John, measured me up the week before and made sure that my suit fitted me perfectly. On the night of the ball I looked high end, even if I say so myself! My suit was by far the best in the room! I highly recommend Slaters; they provide an amazing bespoke service. “This month I was invited to attend the launch of Chris and Laura Bacon’s new night club Arvina. This place is something else, really plush interior, great music and a really nice relaxed vibe. What is really nice is that they’ve got an everyone is welcome policy, the door staff are really friendly and it’s not all about booths and table service, the music was that good that even I was up dancing all night. “What does set this place apart though is that it has its own salon upstairs! Hair Arvina is not your average salon, the ladies can go along and be fitted with the finest quality 100% human hair extensions or wig which they will custom fit for you while you sip on champagne.

“It’s my job to keep them looking sharp. I’m always looking out for new styles and the inspiration can come from anywhere. “Doing this job leads to some good places. I was recently invited to The Mirror Ball at The Lowry Hotel – a big charity event that raises funds to support community activity across Greater Manchester. “The event is hosted by celebrity hairdresser Andrew Trott-Barn a top guy who looks after all the VIP ladies up north, all the actresses, models and footballers’ wives book in with this man. “We had a great time and met some really nice people. The main thing I noticed was that the people in Manchester are very well turned out; they looked like they were on another level. “The theme was leather and lace with a 50 Shades Of Grey take on it. The ladies put this together very well and kept it classy pairing calf length dresses with matching black leather pumps and handbags.

“It’s hard to explain how cool this place is, and the DJ vibe was everything you would expect. Well worth checking this place out in Hale near Manchester.” Male grooming is definitely on the rise now and anyone in the industry will tell you it’s a multimillion-pound business. I remember when I started out it was frowned upon, it was considered a poor man’s industry and not cool but I believe I was one of the first barbers to change that opinion, especially with my involvement with the premier league boys. One of the areas I have been focusing on more is hair enhancements and one which gives instant results,

it literally is life changing and I see how quickly this technique can build someone’s confidence. For those who don’t know it’s called scalp micropigmentation also known as SMP. Scalp micropigmentation replicates hair follicles by inserting ink pigment into the scalp. SMP is for both male and female and is the ultimate hair enhancement leaving you looking more youthful and confident. I’ve looked after celebrities, footballers, actors and even royalty for many years and seeing the growth in the industry year by year is amazing, being an influencer in the game and creating new styles year in year out which have trended world wide with over 1.8 million trademark copies has now led me to launch my training academy www.danieljacademy. com this summer where I’ll be showcasing and teaching others the world of male grooming and scalp micropigmentation hair enhancement treatments across the UK with 12 exclusive locations and giving students an insight into my journey. For more news and updates follow me on all social media platforms www.iamdanielj.com Instagram iamdanieljohnson Facebook officialdanieljohnson Twitter @iamdanielj

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Joss Labadie

Football and fashion go hand in hand – and normally it is a case of players liking to be seen wearing the best clothes and always on trend. But Newport County captain Joss Labadie has decided to go one step further by setting up and running his own fashion brand while still enjoying a career in the professional game. Labadie is a typical lower league footballer in England, someone who started at a higher level and has moved around clubs getting paid to play the game he loves without ever enjoying the riches of the elite level. Not for him multi-million pound contracts which set you up for life. Mortgage free by your early twenties, so financially secure you never have to work again once the playing career is over. Labadie, 27, plays football to pay the bills and knows once his body gives up on him over the next seven or eight years he has to find another way to provide for his family. It is a prospect scores of players have to wrestle with every year as their playing careers come to an end, and some leave themselves exposed to finishing their careers with nothing else to fall back on. Labadie believes the best way to avoid that is to plan life after football early – and so took his love of fashion to another level by setting up his own clothing brand. Now, when he has finished training with Newport, he switches his focus to running Lavenir London – the casualwear range of clothing and hats he designs, manufactures and markets all by himself.

He said: “I started it a couple of years ago with one of my pals. It’s something I enjoy doing, we just do tracksuits, jeans hoodies and stuff like that. Casual wear. "People seem to like it and it seems to be doing alright. It’s a slow burner but it’s doing alright, and I enjoy it. "Being a lower league footballer you can’t rely on your income after football so there was a few things I looked at doing. "I looked at all the things I liked doing and clothing was the next best thing after football, so I tried my hand at it and it seems to have taken off and people seem to enjoy the gear." Labadie knows he has a captive marketplace in the footballers he knows across the country, and many have been tasked with spreading the word to their team-mates. The recent FA Cup games against Tottenham also provided valuable publicity for the range as the unusual side-career was given wider focus in the media. But it is still something of a slog as the midfielder juggles the demands of playing with raising a family of three young kids with his partner and still finding the time and energy to market is business. Yet they are sacrifices he is willing to take as he looks forward to the day the final whistle blows on his career. Labadie added: “I’m sticking at it for the time being and hopefully by the time I need to retire it’s all up and in place so I can make a living through it after. “I do everything, right from the design to organising photo-shoots, It is hard work, there is loads to do and there have been times when I’ve thought about jacking it in. “But you’ve got to look at the bigger picture, and hopefully at the end it will all be worth it. “It’s completely e-commerce at the moment. I’ve got a website, and use social media. There’s no shop at the moment, but that’s the goal. “We’re finished training and away by about two o’clock and feel I need to put my time to good use. I’m sure it will be useful in the long run, I’ve just got to stick at it.”

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Buckle and Seam Buckle and Seam introduces its range of premium quality business bags in the UK

By going direct to the manufacturers and selling online, Buckle and Seam have cut out the middleman, offering amazing leather and craftsmanship at an affordable price.

Premium business bag manufacturer, Buckle and Seam is today pleased to announce the availability of its luxury, vegetable tanned leather range of business bags, laptop sleeves and travel luggage in the UK. The bags are available exclusively from buckleandseam. com with prices starting at just £70. Manufactured by skilled craftsmen using carefully selected premium quality leather, Buckle and Seam have created a line of beautiful business bags to meet today’s modern man’s needs and preferences. With raw yet classy designs, the bags are perfect for both work and everyday life. The business bags fit both 13” and 15“ laptops and are padded for extra protection with built-in smart features such as a hidden trolley solution as well as adjusted pockets for phones, business cards and pens. The travel bags are designed to fit everything a person could possibly need for weekend trips without having to compromise on style or comfort.

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Harmonies by Bang & Olufsen: Connected by Nature

This winter Bang & Olufsen is introducing a new limited collection of our wireless speaker systems, in a lush shade of green.

Shades of green The Harmonies Collection design is based around a lush and organic Infantry Green tone. On aluminum surfaces Infantry Green will vary from a dark golden tone to an alluring green, depending on the reflections and intensity of light. Similarly, the fabrics used in the collection will trick the eye as it appears both green and earthy brown from different angles and in different lighting. Right now, a wave of organic inspired trends sweep through interior design. Dark earthy tones and shades of green are invited in to set a new mood for home decoration. Growing your own outdoor or indoor ‘urban garden’ is reflected in colours chosen for walls, furniture and home accessories – all in matching earthy and leafy hues. “At Bang & Olufsen we continuously absorb trends, process them and make our own distinct interpretations of them. We always strive to create something both new and timeless. In this case, we developed our own tone of green with a monochromathic look through all the different materials, visually tying together the products”, says Kresten Bjørn KrabBjerre, Concept Manager at Bang & Olufsen.

Perfect harmony for modern homes The name Harmonies derives from the word harmony which describes an orderly and pleasing combination of different elements. Just as harmony in nature or music this selection of wireless speakers in the Harmonies Collection are not only aesthetically aligned – they also perform technologically in a perfect symbiosis. The speakers are equipped with the Bang & Olufsen multiroom functionality, which allows you to have the speakers play different music in different rooms or seamlessly connect to have one tune flow throughout your home. By providing excellent sound performance and optimum connectivity with absolute freedom of placement – in combination with new colour options – the Harmonies Collection is designed for modern flexible living. These wireless speaker systems easily adapt to the rhythm of everyday life and different domestic settings.

The Harmonies collection The new colour toned collection encompasses a variation of elegant wireless speaker systems:

BeoPlay A9, which has brass-toned aluminium ring, Infantry green woven front Kvadrat fabric and smoked oak wooden legs.

BeoSound 35 with brass-tone aluminium cabinet, Infantry green fabric cover, and black aluminium table stand.

BeoPlay M5 with brushed Infantry green aluminium top and infantry green woven Kvadrat fabric,

BeoSound 1 and BeoSound 2 in Infantry green anodised aluminium,

The Harmonies Collection is a limited collection and have been available in the Bang & Olufsen retail stores since the company’s 92nd birthday, November 17th, 2017. The products carry the same price tag as the standard variants.

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SOL REPUBLIC Amps Air The SOL REPUBLIC Amps Air (RRP £149.99, PROMO £119.99) offer a truly wireless earbud with unparalleled Bluetooth® wireless technology, comfort, sound, and style.

Free from cables or neckbands for unrestricted movement whilst working out Premium sound with noise isolation Perfect fit with 4 sizes of ear tips Sweat and rain resistant Specially designed air grooves grip the ear Comfortable ultra-light and ergonomic silicone design engineered to sit comfortably for hours Recharging case with backup battery for your phone Included carrying case with high capacity 2200mah battery recharges your headphones more than 15 times and duals as a battery backup for your phone

JAM Ultra With JAM Ultra (RRP £99.99, PROMO £79.99), you’re free to move. The two separate earbuds fit snugly and comfortably into each ear, delivering up to 3 hours of play time with a single charge. When you’re done, pop them back into their charging and carrying case for up to 10 full earbud charges.

Connect wirelessly with Bluetooth 4.1 No wires, no cords. Just comfort Up to 3 hours play time on a single charge Answer calls directly from your Jam Ultra buds The charging case will charge your earbuds up to 10 times You can also use its USB port to charge your mobile device Sweat resistant last through tough workouts

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Brainwavz B200

Brainwavz B200 in-ear Dual Balanced Armature Earphones

Audio Quality The dual balanced tweeter and woofer armature configuration produces a balanced and accurate sound signature, with little to no colouring in the mids and a slight focus on the upper mids sound. The bass is tight and the neutral bass has a clear, fast delivery with a natural punch to it, delivering an overall sound the artist would have intended when producing the song being listened to.

The Brainwavz B200 in-ear dual balanced armature earphones are available for £156 from www.brainwavzaudio.com

Comfortable Ergonomic Fit The B200 has an extremely light over the ear design and small form factor allowing for a comfortable and ergonomic fit. Inside the box, there are six silicone ear tips of various sizes and one set of Comply™ foam tips to allow for great noise isolation, thus protecting the ear as volume levels no longer need to be turned up to harmful levels to fully enjoy the music. The friction free cable is made from OFC copper and has a Y-splitter and sizing slider for the ideal listening position.

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Evoke C-D6

Sound, Style and Substance all-in-one Pure presents two new colours, Grey Oak and Siena Black, to its popular Evoke C range of all-in-one music systems Pure presents two contemporary style finishes, Grey Oak and Siena Black, to its popular Evoke C range of all-in-one high-quality music systems. The new Evoke C-D4 and C-D6 features a sleek textured look and comes with digital and FM radio, Bluetooth for wireless streaming and CD playback as standard. The award-winning product range will now be available in two new colours alongside the traditional walnut finish, to give customers greater choice when complementing their homes with these powerful all-in-one music systems. These models not only look stylish, but also pack a punch when it comes to substance. Each system has room-filling sound with advanced amplifier design and has been handtuned for a first-class audio experience. Evoke C-D4 (SRP £229.99) The Evoke C-D4 delivers a compact, but substantial, all-in-one audio experience thanks to clever speaker positioning and advanced DSP optimisation, which maximises the possible volume output.

Specially developed ‘Room EQ’ settings optimise the listening experience. Audio can be tailored for listening directly in front of the unit, or can be changed for when a user moves around a room. Product features: Digital and FM radio, CD playback, Bluetooth, remote control, 20 presets and two alarms. Evoke C-D6 (SRP £289.99) The Evoke C-D6 packs a punch thanks to its acoustically matched stereo speakers, which deliver clarity and ample volume making it an ideal room-filling audio system. It features multiple user EQ settings and two independent ‘Room EQ’ modes to tailor the sound to the room. Product features: Digital and FM radio, CD, Bluetooth, remote control, 20 presets, and two alarms. Benefitting from Pure’s heritage of British design and engineering, the Evoke C range is digital tick approved, with three years warranty as standard. The new range will be available from John Lewis online priced from SRP: £289.99 Where to buy: John Lewis and Pure.com

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K e e p t e a m t a l k p r i v at e ! It’s not just on the pitch that tactics need to be kept quiet. And it’s not just tactics that need to be kept secret.

Are your team’s mobiles secure? Is Android secure? There are multiple threats that can be levied against any Android phone, ranging from physical theft and data interception through to Malware and Malicious Apps. When considering the number of different types of data and information held on your team’s phones, it becomes apparent just what can be at risk:

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• Emails • Messages • Finance Details • Photos • Location • Access to Cloud Data or Services

Ambassadors of the BLACKPHONE

R i ya d MAHR E Z

Ja k e Li verm ore

Ash le y Youn g

iOS not immune Last year just one Android Malware attack reached as many as 36.5 million users, making it potentially the most widely-spread malware found on Google Play. With Android holding 88% of the world market, it’s clear to see that these attacks will continue.

As many Malware and Malicious App attacks are focused on Android users, you could think that by simply swapping to an iPhone with iOS you could solve security and privacy issues. This, is unfortunately not the case. There have also been, and will continue to be, both Malware and Malicious App attacks on iOS as well.

Blackphone 2 provides security within an insecure mobile market Co-founded by Phil Zimmermann (PGP: Pretty Good Privacy), Silent Circle’s Blackphone 2 has been developed from the ground up to be one of the most private and secure Android based phones on the market. With its heavily adapted and improved mobile security and privacy features, the Blackphone 2 is the smartphone of choice for anyone worried about phone hacking and mobile privacy – anyone that wants to keep team talk private.

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1. The Handset – Blackphone 2 The Blackphone 2 runs SilentOS, Silent Circle’s own operating system, which is based on Android 6.0. This system has a Security Centre that allows you to take total control of the permissions you give any apps you have installed on the device. These permissions include access to the camera, microphone, contacts, calendar entries etc. In addition to these permissions, the CIDS (Cellular Intrusion Detection System) is a notification system within the Security Centre which works by alerting you of a number of security threats such as, network connections with weak encryptions, irregular SMS messages, incoherent cell tower changes, insecure wifi networks or incoming threats you may receive. The Blackphone 2 also supports up to 4 separate ‘Spaces’, each providing you, a trusted colleague or family member, individual access and permissions to personal and completely secure Spaces within the device. Keeping business data completely separate from personal data is a very powerful and useful feature. If you mislay your phone or if it’s stolen the Remote Wipe facility, provides the option to run a Complete Wipe or Power Down.

Encrypted Calls & Messages Encrypted Conference & Video Calls Auto Burn Messages & Photos Encrypted Hardware

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2. The Software – Silent Phone with/ without Silent World Minutes Silent Phone is a VoIP application that provides secure voice, video and conference calls, secure messaging and also file exchange using Peer to Peer, 256bit encryption. The Silent Phone annual subscription is included with the purchase of a Blackphone 2 providing unlimited encrypted calls and instant messages between other Silent Phone users. Instant messages can be either set to automatically self-erase from both the sender and receiver’s devices to a set schedule, or manually deleted by either user. No messages are stored on servers. Silent Phone’s architecture ensures that all communication and data is completely isolated from all but the participants in calls and/or messaging conversations. With World Minutes, you can choose either 100, 500 or 1,000 minutes per month to call external landline or mobile numbers to an extensive list of countries for use throughout your 12-month subscription. With Silent World, you are allocated a landline number which is used to securely call out with your selected minute plan, or receive unlimited incoming calls while still enjoying all the benefits of unlimited incoming/outgoing calls to/from other Silent Phone users. This number is only available for voice calls, not SMS.

Black SIM – the perfect Data Only & Blackphone 2 companion Black SIM is the perfect ‘data only’ companion for travelling teams. Blackphone, Blackberry and Android World+ SIM or Europe+ SIM SECURE Voice, Text, Data, Email, Video and Attachments STOP IMSI Catchers

Equip your team with Blackphone 2

Global travel has become an ever increasing factor for businesses and individuals alike and the use of Smartphone and Mobile technology has needed to keep pace.

Ultimately, if your whole team were each equipped with a Blackphone 2 using Silent Phone, all your internal calls and communication would be encrypted at the highest level and all data, photos and messages stored on the device would be secure.

Mobile users continually seek strong, uninterrupted connectivity as they travel from one country to the next. In addition, they rightly expect their encrypted information, security and privacy to be maintained. This is where the Black SIM comes in to its own by providing the wireless service while on the move and ensuring their privacy and security is preserved.

Blackphone UK are the #1 reseller of the Blackphone 2. Warren Jeggo of Blackphone UK says “Mobile security, phone hacking and data hijacking is on the lips of every personality. No matter where you are in the world celebrities, sports stars and business owners want to keep their communications private, that’s why we have so much trust in Blackphone 2 – it does just that!”

PREVENT Data Triangulation

To find out how converting your team to Blackphone 2 and securing your data will keep team talk private, we have a dedicated team for high net worth businesses, individuals and VIP clients – call: +44 (0)1707 24 00 00.

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Patek Phillippe

Nautilus & Aquanaut Casual elegance paired with impressive complications With the first perpetual calendar in the Nautilus collection and the first chronograph in the Aquanaut range, Patek Philippe has further enhanced the appeal of its two refined, sporty watch families. The debuts introduce new patented fold-over clasps that stand out with improved safety features.

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n the domain of casual elegance, Patek Philippe established a strong position with two watches that gained cult status: the Nautilus and the Aquanaut. The first of the two was launched in 1976, sporting a unique style with an octagonal bezel and a porthole-inspired design. In the meantime, it has been followed up by women’s and men’s versions with various complications, among them a self-winding chronograph, a second time zone, and the patented Annual Calendar. The Aquanaut, introduced in 1997, epitomized contemporary casual chic. Its youthful, modern, and unusual style was a big success from the very start. The Aquanaut was also presented in feminine (the Aquanaut Luce with a diamond-set bezel) and masculine versions, and is available with the exclusive Travel Time mechanism that displays a second time zone with persuasive simplicity and remarkable clarity.

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Ref. 5968A-001 Aquanaut Chronograph The very first chronograph in the Aquanaut collection The Aquanaut collection, the embodiment of contemporary sportive chic, now welcomes its first chronograph. It is a complication that perfectly matches the personality of this young and dynamic model range. To prepare it for every conceivable situation of an active lifestyle, Patek Philippe endowed the new Ref. 5968A-001 with the CH 28-520 C caliber, a self-winding flyback chronograph movement that persuasively melds tradition with innovation. It combines classic column-wheel control with the modern, vertical disc clutch which prevents hand bounce and rebound when starting the chronograph. Because this clutch is virtually friction-free, the sweep chronograph hand can also be used as a continuously running seconds hand. This eliminates the need for a seconds subdial. Thanks to the flyback function, the owner can actuate the pusher to initiate a new measurement while the chronograph hand is running, which makes a reset superfluous. The transition from the chronograph to the running seconds function allows the watch to be synchronized with a time signal by using the stop seconds feature. This new Ref. 5968A-001 in steel also attracts attention with its unique aesthetic appeal and the very balanced integration of the chronograph in the exclusive Aquanaut design. The 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock adopts the characteristic contours of the gently rounded octagonal bezel. The elongated pushers are harmoniously integrated on both sides of the crown protector. The chronograph displays (chronograph hand, the peripheral railway track scale with quarter-second divisions, 60-minute counter) are orange and contrast well against the black dial with the typical Aquanaut embossed pattern. Excellent legibility is guaranteed by applied Arabic numerals in white gold and the broad baton hands – all with luminous coatings. Thanks to its screw-down crown, the rugged case is water resistant to 120 m. It exhibits a refined alternation of delicately satin-finished surfaces and flanks, producing the same interplay of light as the bezel with its smooth glossy surfaces and polished chamfers.

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The composite strap is embossed like the dial. It is very comfortable on the wrist and highly resistant to abrasion and wear as well as to salt water and UV radiation. Patek Philippe delivers the watch with two straps: the black one is standard issue and can be replaced with the orange strap that amplifies the bold accents of the dial. With the new Ref. 5968A-001, the manufacture also assures fitness for use by introducing an innovative fold-over clasp. It has four independent catches for enhanced opening and closing functionality.

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Ref. 5740/1G-001 Nautilus with a perpetual calendar The first grand complication in the Nautilus collection Patek Philippe presents the first grand complication in the Nautilus line, showcasing an analog perpetual calendar, one of the manufacture’s most coveted classics since 1985. It is a unique combination of casual sportiness and technical finesse, robustness and high-end watchmaking artistry, endowed with the discreet elegance of an 18K white-gold case and the utility of a calendar that automatically recognizes the number of days in each month, including the periodically recurring 29th of February. Thanks to the famous ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240 movement, a recessed 22K gold minirotor and a particularly slender calendar module, the 8.32 mm high case – it is water resistant to 60 meters – is remarkably svelte. In fact, it is Patek Philippe’s thinnest perpetual calendar. The architecture of the movement and its refined finissage, including the bridges with chamfered and polished edges as well as the Calatrava cross engraving on the winding rotor, can be admired through the sapphire-crystal display back. The characteristic design of the bezel is emphasized by vertically satin finished surfaces that contrast against polished chamfers. The dial is decorated with raised horizontal embossing, a typical facet of men’s Nautilus watches, and features the same sunburst blue that graced the versions released on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus in 2016. The porthole-inspired case design gave this model its name. Legibility in daylight and in the dark is optimized with broad hour and minute hands as well as the applied white-gold hour markers with luminescent coatings. The three subsidiary dials of the perpetual calendar with analog displays (day of the week and 24-hour dial at 9 o'clock, month and leap-year cycle at 3 o'clock, date and moon phases at 6 o'clock) are harmoniously integrated in the subtly rounded octagon of the dial. A refined detail: the subdial for the date, the most important calendar indication, is slightly larger than the two others. The 24-hour display simplifies calendar settings. The moon-phase display is extremely precise. It is controlled by a mechanism that deviates from the actual position of the moon by merely one day every 122 years.

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The correctors of the perpetual calendar (day correction at 9 o’clock, date correction between 11 and 12 o’clock, month correction between 12 and 1 o’clock, moon-phase correction at 6 o’clock) were optimally positioned with an ingenious system of deflection mechanisms and seamlessly integrated in the Nautilus case design.

The white-gold bracelet, also integrated in the case, echoes the finissage of the case and bezel, alternating polished central links with satin-finished lateral links. To improve wearing comfort, Patek Philippe has introduced a totally new, patented fold-over clasp. It features four independent catches to optimize opening and closing and to prevent the unintended release of either of the two clasp segments.

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Unveils New Global Brand Campaign At SIHH

Brand ambassador Ryan Reynolds and campaign muse Doutzen Kroes join luxury maison for a celebration of its Sunny Side of Life philosophy

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Shot by Mert & Marcus, the new print and digital campaign brings to life Piaget’s Sunny Side of Life philosophy, a celebration of life lived to the fullest under the sun in the island paradise of Ibiza. In this seductive sun-filled adventure, Doutzen Kroes wears pieces from the maison’s watch and high jewellery collections, including stacked gold Possession bangles, Limelight Gala watches to Sunlight Journey High Jewellery creations.

About Piaget

Piaget’s watch and jewellery novelties such as the Possession or the Altiplano Ultimate Automatic watches or Possession pendants and bangles were also part of the celebration in Geneva, worn by VIP guests and ambassadors.

It was in La Côte-aux-Fées that Georges-Edouard Piaget set up his first workshop in the family farmhouse and devoted himself to producing highprecision movements. This was back in 1874 and marked the start of an ever-growing reputation. In 1943, the company took a decision that would prove crucial to its future by registering its brand name. Faithful to its pioneering spirit, Piaget in the late 1950s set about designing and manufacturing the ultra-thin movements that would become one of the Maison’s signatures and leave a lasting impression on watchmaking.

But Piaget was also a style: a marriage of gold and an explosion of color, new shapes, precious gems, and dials made of hard stones. Carried along on the wave of extraordinary creativity driven by Yves G. Piaget, the brand’s jewelry collection grew in an original direction with a resolute emphasis on color. Rich with more than140 years of history, the ever-bold brand, innovated by offering jewels in motion, extravagant Haute Joaillerie collections, and incredible watches to become today one of the world’s most prestigious watchmaker-jewelers.

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On 9th May, the Aurum Group (Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths) held their annual Rolex Grand Basel Dinner for 250 of their best clients at Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Society in London. Showcasing the new Rolex Collection recently launched at Baselworld, the evening was hosted by Brian Duffy, Aurum CEO and their expert buyers, with all entertained by a string quartet and the addition of Augmented Reality to give all clients the chance to try on the new pieces. To follow, they opened the doors the following day with their first Grand Basel Exhibition and hosted over 650 clients from across the UK and were joined by Bill Prince, Deputy Editor of British GQ on the expert panel

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HUBLOT AND

F OOTBALL AR E CONNECT ED

BIG BA NG REFEREE 201 8 F IFA WORLD CU P RUSSIA™

Keeping pace with the games in real time 2018 means the FIFA World CupTM! For its 3rd participation as a Branded Licensee, Hublot has created the watch that all football fans and Hublot fans have been waiting for! A smart watch that will instantly connect you to every decisive second of the matches being played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™. A much-anticipated innovation that could not have been imagined by any other watch brand, given the extent to which Hublot and Football are as one. Not only is the footballing world going to march to the beat of the watchmaker, but now the pulse of the matches will reach its peak on your wrist! And although you’ll have to wait for the start of the Competition, you can wear connected football on your wrist in just one month’s time!

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“The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM offers all the usual features of a smart watch of course, but that’s not where Hublot has applied its innovation and audacity. It brings together everything that inspires the passion of football lovers! The FIFA World Cup is the Holy Grail of emotions for football fans, so just imagine what an object such as a watch that captures each and every one of its moments, its turning points, its stakes could suddenly represent? The football aficionados from among the brand’s friends have been waiting for this watch for a long time!” Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

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It was a specific need expressed by FIFA, and Hublot brought it to life! Wanting a customised watch for the referees, FIFA asked Hublot to conceive the perfect watch to accompany them on the pitches during the matches. Hublot designed this connected watch, its first, for the footballing universe: the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM. It is a unique edition that is limited to 2018 pieces. It has all the attributes of the iconic Big Bang. Its emblematic architecture cut out of the lightness of titanium, its bezel decorated with 6 H-shaped screws, its Kevlar insert. Even the display on its analogue mode dial could pass for the same aesthetic as that of the automatic models. In terms of size, its 49-mm case is what makes the first difference, then its motor, which, for the first time, is driven by technology connected to digital intelligence. It is certainly a connected watch, but it is first and foremost a Hublot watch!

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201 8 FIF A W o rld C u p TM — Ke y f i gu re s As Baselworld 2018 opens its doors, the Hublot Countdown Clocks are showing 85 days. On 14 June 2018, Hublot, FIFA and Russia will kick off the first match of the 21st FIFA World CupTM since it began in 1928. In the current digital world, it will be the very first Competition in which the referees are supported by video assistance. From Saint Petersburg to Moscow via Ekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-onDon, Samara, Saransk, Sochi and Volgograd, there are 12 stadiums for 32 teams playing 64 matches. “We are all very excited to witness another impressive milestone in FIFA’s relationship with Hublot. The launch of the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is a perfect illustration of Hublot’s ability to combine tradition, expert knowledge and innovation. The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will provide the perfect platform for this amazing watch to showcase its full potential.” Philippe Le Floc’h, FIFA CCO

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HUBLOT CELEBRATES ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHELSEA FC THROUGH THE “BLUE CARPET” GALA DINNER

THE

PLAYER OF THE

YEAR AWARDS Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte and his squad, the Chelsea Ladies and Academy teams and management attended the highly anticipated 52nd edition of the Chelsea FC Awards at Olympia London. The event was hosted by the renowned English sports broadcaster Sam Matterface and the British Television & Radio Presenter Seema Jaswal. Hublot was the proud sponsor of the VIP reception which set the tone for the whole evening where the players and select VIP guests were regaled with football anecdotes and glimpses into the club’s illustrious past while celebrating their current success and future ambition. Hublot also had the privilege to award the very last Big Bang Chelsea FC, the limited edition number 200, to the “Player of The Year” voted by the fans: the defensive midfielder N'Golo Kanté. As for the Chelsea FC Goal of the Year, it went to Willian.

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The Big Bang Chelsea FC is the second watch created in partnership with Chelsea FC and is limited to 200 exclusive timepieces worldwide. It features a 44mm stainless steel case and a bezel made of carbon fiber and blue Texalium. Its blue sunray dial, which proudly matches the Chelsea’s iconic blue jerseys, features three counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, the latter being engraved with “SW6”, the Fulham postcode where Stamford Bridge is located. Powered by a self-winding chronograph, the Big Bang Chelsea FC boasts a 42-hour power reserve. The Chelsea lion is highlighted both at 12 o’clock and on the sapphire crystal case-back. To put the final touches to this all blue look, the strap comes in rubber and blue alligator with a stainless steel deployant buckle clasp. Hublot is proud to be the Chelsea FC official watch and official timekeeper since 2016 and together they have recorded victories but also celebrated feats. This partnership has given birth to two limited editions: the Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea FC in 2016 and the Big Bang Chelsea FC in 2017. Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, said: “Partnering with Chelsea FC was the natural choice for Hublot, as both strive for perfection and precision in everything they do. I am incredibly proud to offer the Hublot Big Bang Chelsea FC to N’Golo Kanté as well as my congratulations on this special occasion and look forward to continuing this partnership for the future.”

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A N E W L E A GUE OF LUX URY:

S T E D WA R D LA UNCH E X CLUS IV E K E N S I N GTON COLLE CTION

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he prestigious West London neighbourhood of Kensington is synonymous with luxury living in the capital. Renowned for housing world famous department stores, cultural institutions, green space, and fine dining, it is no wonder that Kensington is a popular choice for those seeking a stylish home reflective of its illustrious surroundings.

Home to members of the Royal Family and other famous faces including Madonna, Bernie Ecclestone and the Beckhams, Kensington is increasingly becoming a favourable London destination for football players. One development that has proven to be particularly popular is St Edward’s Kensington Row, a flagship scheme that offers discerning buyers the luxury of choice with their latest Kensington Collection.

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Designed by world renowned Squire & Partners, Kensington Row comprises of 93 homes, courtyards, landscaped gardens and an attractive linear park. This collection represents some of the finest new homes within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, all of which are available for immediate occupation. The Kensington Row scheme is divided into two phases; Thomas Earle House and Mowbray House. Each of these emulates their own distinct design whilst still sharing a cohesive and uncompromising standard of luxury for its residents.

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The final release of apartments will be launching at Thomas Earle House, a bespoke selection of three bedroom apartments spaciously sized between 1,806 and 2,874 sq. ft. All remaining homes boast outdoor space, with the sub penthouse on the ninth floor including a vast terrace spanning 1,410 sq. ft. All apartments have been thoughtfully designed and finished with the finest materials. Even the smallest details have been considered; from the Swarovski crystal lighting in the bathroom to the polished chrome and leather door handles, the resulting vernacular is one that demonstrates the elegance associated with Kensington. Within Thomas Earle House residents will also find the Cityhouses, an exclusive collection of one, two and three bedroom split level homes, complete with their own front door designed to reimagine urban living and provide a modern take on a traditional mews home. Alongside the benefit of a private sunken garden, residents can also take advantage of direct access on to the landscaped courtyard gardens and linear park, seamlessly bringing together the stylish interiors and picturesque green spaces.

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Ranging in size from 1,022 to 2,254 sq. ft., these open plan homes boast both high ceilings and full height windows that bathe the living area with natural light. On the lower ground floor residents can retreat to their master suite, where they can leave the city at the door and enjoy the elegant features of this comforting space, including concealed lighting in the bedrooms and bespoke stone work in the bathrooms. Standing tall at 200 ft. is the architecturally striking Mowbray House. Acting as Kensington Row’s centrepiece, it is the second building of its height to be built in the area in 30 years after the sister building, Edward House at 375 Kensington High Street. It’s height, unique glass and stone exterior informs the interiors, which have been configured to maximise both light and space.

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Generously sized between 1,324 and 2,692 sq. ft., each apartment within Mowbray House occupies its respective floors, offering stylish and spacious apartments lit by floor to ceiling windows, with many boasting 360 degree views across London.The duplex apartments on the upper floors have the added luxury of a striking cantilevered staircase, creating a grand focal point upon entrance. These one of a kind homes are doused in rich detailing with individually designed kitchens, antique brass door handles and double ended baths, creating an opulent aesthetic that echoes the grandeur of its location. Kensington Row offers world class leisure facilities exclusively for residents’ use, including a private swimming pool, vitality pool, spa treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art gymnasium fitted with the latest sporting and work-out equipment. Residents also have access to a private cinema and a dedicated 24-hour concierge attending to all of their work and leisure needs.

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For those that frequently travel but are in need of a base in London, Kensington Row is the perfect address. There are convenient underground and road links to Heathrow, Gatwick, London City Airport and St Pancras International Station for the Eurostar. From nearby High Street Kensington Underground station residents are just three stops from Knightsbridge, home to Harrods, and five from Bond Street, just moments from Selfridges department store. All homes within the Kensington Collection are ready to move into from £1,625,000. For further information please contact St Edward on 020 3944 1300 or visit www.thekensingtoncollection.co.uk

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Bellis Homes

Delivering the Ultimate Result Bellis Homes Director Henry Fordham BA (Hons) introduces you to the world of property developing and talks frankly about the certain requirements our modern day footballers and sports stars expect when searching for that ideal home.

Bellis Homes are an upmarket luxury house-builder, with over 40 years of experience in construction, development and project management. Being a family run business allows us to provide a personal service, with a corporate mentality. Each project we take on continues to enhance our established reputation of building homes to the utmost quality, constructed to a fine and contemporary specification. Exclusively Bellis is our top end market brand for the £million plus homes. Detailed to the highest specification, features of Exclusively Bellis developments include gated entrances, high ceilings and grand staircases, specialist interior and lighting design as well as some of the best home technology control systems. Our exclusive developments range from luxury executive homes, revolutionary airspace developments, intimate family households and creative renovations.

With the fast paced nature of the current professional game at the top level, players need to strive for a property that gives both sanctuary and tranquillity away from the pressures of the sport. We believe internal living and location are paramount in the quest to secure the right property, therefore, Bellis Homes have built developments in recent months that fulfil the requirements of our top sportsmen and women, requirements such as lifts, easy access, large living spaces, high tech aspects such as sound systems, 24 hour security, indoor spas, pools and bars. Bellis Homes also has a wide range of investment opportunities for footballers which we can provide guidance on how to invest their money wisely. To find out more visit the website www.bellishomes.co.uk

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Home Move Consultants Home Move Consultants are a friendly and professional business on hand to support you with the stressful task of moving home. Managed by Charlotte Hepworth and Debbie Robinson, Home Move Consultants offer an array of services which can be tailored to fully suit every requirement involved in moving out of your old home and into your next. Charlotte Hepworth

Debbie Robinson

L ist of servi c es p rovided b u t not limited to : Decluttering (including disposal/sale of unrequired items to charities, ebay etc) Pre sale house staging Storage arrangements Management of all associated moving quotes such as removal companies, decorators, cleaners etc. Home administration including mail redirect and notifications of change of address Coordination of overall house move by your dedicated professional and experienced move consultant

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Unpacking service Space planning and staging of your new home Temporary assistance with getting your luggage or belongings to you on holiday or for short/long term business trips. Frequent and ongoing updates from your dedicated move consultant. Charlotte or Debbie will be the eyes, ears and helping hands of your move, taking away the stress, inconvenience and upheaval allowing you to enjoy the exciting prospect of your new chapter.

Both Charlotte and Debbie are vastly experienced in managing the entire move process, boasting years of experience and obtaining an even greater amount of success stories in doing so. Their personal touch and dedication coupled with their experience will allow you to focus on the important but less stressful aspects of moving house, giving you peace of mind throughout. “Having previously both run businesses before having our families, we wanted to embark on a journey doing something we both love. We thought of services people would prefer to outsource and with moving home being in the top three most stressful things in life we immediately felt it would be a winning formula for us!” – Explained Charlotte Hepworth

Professional football players will likely move home numerous times due to both permanent and loan transfers as well as up scaling/ downsizing depending on the nature of their salary, which can fluctuate frequently throughout their career. Utilising the services of Home Move Consultants can make each move a smooth and stress free process knowing that your belongings are in safe hands. “The stress from a home move comes about with the feeling of being overwhelmed by the amount of things to do in a short space of time whilst maintain the normal challenge of a work/ life balance. We understand the emotional investment a move takes and so when we project manage all of the elements of a home move for our clients, they are then able to get on and enjoy the things that are most important to them in life.” – Charlotte Hepworth. Home Move Consultants will be delighted to discuss your next home move. Should you wish to book a consultation please email hello@homemoveconsultants.co.uk or alternatively visit www.homemoveconsultants.co.uk and complete the enquiry form.

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From extraordinary architecture to luxury interior design Fine & Country licenced design firms know how to make a statement Fine & Country Interior Design are the specialists in interior design match making, we offer a service where a client’s style is partnered to the right designer or architect. Creating the ultimate statement within a home’s interior is a usually top of the list for every interior designer’s client. Whether it’s a request for contemporary style and bold feature walls or glittering chandeliers and wide sweeping staircases; the job of an interior designer is to translate their clients dreams into a remarkable reality.

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EMIA London At EMIA London each client’s property has a unique identity due to the personality, focus and vision of their clients. Within this recently completed residential home based just outside of London, the clients requested EMIA to focus on creating a contemporary, boutique home which would aim to impress all their visiting friends and family. The key with their design was to achieve a cohesive balance throughout; the client didn’t want any over-elaborate pieces that stole too much attention, but rather to allow each room to unite together as a statement. On the top of the list was the formal living room, the heart of their family home and a hub for their socialising. “We chose a subtle wallpaper with a metallic shimmer to cover the walls of the living room, this was offset with a heavier blue and rust metallic wallpaper for the fireplace wall to create an element of impact as you walk into the room” explains EMIA’s founder Aimee Rook. “We restricted the heavier wallpaper to just the one wall to ensure it didn’t overwhelm the room and we drew colours from it, using them throughout the furniture, soft furnishings and accessories, so the eye flowed evenly from one item to the next bringing it all in together as one”. One central feature always found within high end design is the creation of one-off items of furniture for clients homes. There are multiple reasons for this, firstly it ensures that the size and scale of the pieces are perfectly adjusted to each room, but also it elevates the home above that which can be procured from the high street shops. It means that each piece has been designed with custom size and custom colour and fabric ensuring that it works in perfect harmony with all the other pieces in the room.

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“Our furniture is often handmade to unique designs by our preferred artisans and tradesmen. Within this room the coffee tables were inlayed with a basket weave leather, the doors on the sideboard were wrapped in a textured animal skin leather and the armchairs were upholstered in a very specific shade of blue velvet to tie in with the feature wallpaper. Nothing was accidental. For us artwork is not just about a flat piece of canvas adorning a wall but can also be a textured hand crafted 3-dimensional piece. We wanted the room to have many exciting layers that your eye keeps wanting to explore – this to us is our way of creating a statement for our clients.” Explains Aimee. If a living room is the top of the list for clients, then the master bedroom is often a close second and with over half our lives spend in bed, it’s not surprising why. With most high-end clients their dream bedroom consists of a suite of rooms including a state of the art dressing room, a palatial ensuite as well as a bedroom which includes a feature bed – always an ultimate statement. “We went with quite an opulent beaded wallpaper in the master bedroom, but we kept the colour scheme quite subtle so that the pattern didn’t restrict or overwhelm the colour palette for the rest of the room. We designed a large oversized headboard to frame the bed which was framed in a light lacquered wood and upholstered in a plain metallic material allowing it to stand proud of the wallpaper and draw your eye in. We custom designed the mirrored bedside tables which were crafted specifically with each cut piece of mirror having a bevel edge to reflect and add a subtle sparkle. The cushions had tailored embroidered embellishments sewn on by hand, and the bed linen was custom made to ensure the tones used tied in exactly.” Says Aimee. “These are the in-depth details when creating your interior that will make that statement”. www.emialondon.com

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Landmass London Award winning design and development company, Landmass London approach their client’s homes from the outside, in, with each of their projects. Their unique approach with each property starts with collaborating first and foremost with nature’s most important gift - natural light. For Landmass, this is the most important building block to the perfect client home. “We specialise in what we call Volumetric Design™ to achieve the kind of property that you can actually breathe and feel at ease in. It’s about more than maximising square footage; it’s about creating light, space and a natural wow factor. It’s a concept we’ve spent our careers refining to an art” explains Alan Waxman. This of course can prove challenging when a client requests the majority of their renovation works to be focused on building down rather than up. In a recently completed residential home project in central London, Landmass decided to use this to their advantage and the solution they came up with was nothing short of an impressive interior statement: “when a project is mainly underground it obviously raises its own challenges when it comes to light. You can’t put normal windows in a basement. Instead, we took an analytical approach to the space and settled upon light wells all the way down from the roof to both sub-levels. Each floor opened up to a pillar of natural light which, through use of plenty of glass and neutral colours, we allowed to be filtered down into the otherwise artificially-lit spaces. Then, because nobody wants an expanse of white, we decided to transform the entire wall into an interior statement and created a floor to ceiling bronze waterfall to not only add some interplay with natural light, but to bring in the tranquil sound of running water. We then added some natural rounded stones at the base to give the owner their own Zen garden. We brought the light in first and nature followed” says Alan.

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Of course, not every interior space can allow for three floors of waterfall, but Landmass always have tricks up their sleeves when it comes to designing the bones of a property and bringing the outside in as the ultimate statement. With another family home their approach centred around making a statement of the terrace at the back of the property and utilising its location as the foundation of their redesign. “The terrace was key for us so rather than relying on aesthetic tweaks, we looked to reconfigure the entire floor. We blurred the boundaries between the terrace and the rest of the property so that it became one uninterrupted space flooded with light all the way through. The terrace naturally flowed into the living space, which in turn transitioned into the kitchen. In keeping with our company ethos of designing light, bright spaces as our key statement, we also added a skylight to the stairwell, making the most of the bespoke wire-suspended stairs we designed for the purpose. The result were spaces that felt beautifully open and spacious, despite the floorplan suggesting otherwise. As this was a modern and recently built property, it allowed us to make necessary changes to the house, including extending the lower floor for a cellar.” Whilst a new build property allows for extra freedom in creating design statements, period properties can prove a lot more challenging. Landmass however have a solution for this too: “In one Victorian townhouse we were restricted to what the period bay windows allowed. So instead we enhanced what natural light came through by opening up the interiors entirely. This included moving the staircase, reconfiguring the bedrooms, enlarging the entertaining and formal spaces and using low furniture throughout the property to provide clear lines from the windows”. Explains Alan. The finished effect was one of a seemingly traditional Victorian terraced property from the outside but the moment you walk through the door you’re met with a light, contemporary, statement interior. “For us there is nothing more important to a design than using light and space as the ultimate statement. After all, Volumetric Design™ is what we’ve built our studio on. It’s also the cleanest, clearest and most effective way to bring the light of the outside world in” says Alan. www.landmass.co.uk

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Rebecca Hughes Interiors For Rebecca Hughes Interiors the key to creating a statement in interiors is founded on a collaborative approach with their clients. Unlike many interior design firms, they are dedicated to drawing out a client’s own ideas and styles in their designs so that every project is different and takes on its own unique personality. The main difference between carrying out a home renovation on your own compared to working with an interior designer is the knowledge and insight into all the design fixtures and finishes that the industry can offer. “In our experience, for those who want to make a statement with their homes they need to think beyond the everyday wallpaper or paint options which traditionally have been the key features of designing a home.” Explains Rebecca. “The extent of finishes (surfaces, flooring and wall coverings) now available within the industry are endless. Options such as polished plaster, metal resins, lacquers and specialist paint finishes are all suggestions we make to our clients when we’re putting a new design scheme together for them”. The interior design industry is always coming up with new and exciting materials which designers then incorporate into their client’s homes. These days, having the option to substitute expensive materials such as bronze with an alternative and more affordable choice but without the loss of bronze’s aesthetic quality has opened up a world of infinite possibilities for everyone and it’s this know-how that ensures Rebecca Hughes Interiors can create the of the moment statement interiors that her clients require.

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“In our recently completed penthouse apartment for our client in South London we used a variety of finishes to create a high-end look. For example, we chose a paper backed fabric in the bedroom, used a specialist cross drag paint finish in the drawing room (where the overall paint effect resembles a basket type weave) and then polished plaster in the cloakroom which had a lovely sheen on it and from a practical point of view, is both economic and low maintenance whilst still creating a sophisticated look”. Explains Rebecca. Another striking way to create a statement which many interior designers curate for and with their clients is through designing bespoke joinery. This includes everything from a one off designed walk-in wardrobe complete with his and hers areas, through to a completely unique kitchen tailored specifically to the requirements of the client both practically and aesthetically. “We use bespoke joinery in nearly every one of our clients’ projects. From bamboo marquetry in dressing rooms, to origami wallpaper sandwiched between glass to separate a kitchen and dining room, through to hidden antique bronze radiator covers. It really adds that level of detail and finesse which you can’t acquire anywhere on the high street” says Rebecca. “We personally design the vast majority of all our kitchens (as opposed to using a thirdparty kitchen company to design it) and then we ask one of our skilled joiners to carve our designs into a reality.” Discovering new and recently invented design techniques is a large part of a designer’s job, they have to design their client’s homes using trends and ideas which are not yet available on the high street. “We have to stay one step ahead of the design world to ensure that all of our clients are getting their value for money” explains Rebecca. “It’s a bit like the fashion industry, our client projects are sometimes on site for one to two years which means that by the time they’re finished they have to be current and not out of date – so at times we are effectively using design techniques and ideas which are forecasting years ahead of the high street. You can’t create a statement home without this insight in our opinion.”

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HUB Architects and Designers This practice of architects and interior designers bring effortless sophistication, luxury and forward design to some of the UK’s (and in particular London’s) finest properties. With a wealth of experience detailing and achieving some extraordinary extensions (think contemporary glass and seamlessly blending the old with the new plus stunningly exciting basements) they are at their ultimate in delight and skill when working on properties that demand a clever perspective – listed properties, Crown Estate, inner city remodelling, country house conversions. You name it, Hub love a challenge and revel in taking a project from its core and creating award winning luxury homes that people truly love to live in. Whilst their projects may be awe-inspiring, as a team they have their feet very firmly on the ground and look after their clients with a hands-on approach that means they can be as involved as they wish to truly enjoy the special process. The team are approachable, sincere and passionate and want their clients to share the journey should they wish from beginning to end.

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A prime example of how Hub have earned and continue to work on some truly special houses, is a property they are currently working on. Its a whole house refurbishment in London. The house is a Grade II* Listed Building located within the Harley Street Conservation Area in Westminster. The Main house was designed in the 18th Century by James Adam and forms half of the centrepiece of a row of terraced houses along Portland Place – one of London’s finest examples of 18th Century architecture. Alongside the restoration of the existing period features, HUB are designing a substantial new contemporary extension. This demands careful thought to the unique interior features, ensuring that they offset themselves sympathetically from the period features within the building – more of that seamless skill. By working on both the conservation Architecture and Interiors concurrently HUB ensure that the interiors will be in total harmony with the original building. At the same time, HUB ensure they thread a very complex network of high specification audio-visual requirements, cooling and heating systems and all the technical joys of 21st century luxury living including the ultimate for integrated luxury home spas and swimming pool zones. www.hubarchitects.co.uk

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Chelsea Showroom, 115 Fulham Road, SW3 6RL chelsea@hastensstores.com +44 02072250974 / (0)2072252998

Hästens Store London, Fitzrovia, 66-68 Margaret Street, W1W 8SR sales@hastensamersham.com +44 20 7436 0646 / +44 20 7436 0654

Hästens Beds Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL hastens.harrods@hastens.com +44 (0)207 225 6748

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Sub-Zero & Wolf Creating moments to savour

Sub-Zero & Wolf has a long history of creating kitchen appliances to the highest possible standards and a passion for delivering precision and performance. Like a prestigious car, a Sub-Zero or Wolf appliance not only looks fantastic, it is designed with extraordinary features that make it an absolute pleasure to use. Best known for its iconic range cookers and large fridge freezers, Sub-Zero & Wolf was established more than 70 years ago in Madison, Wisconsin and is still proudly owned and run by the third generation of the same family today. They have never lost sight of their original vision of a definitive luxury experience driven by unparalleled quality and reliability.

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Styles to suit In recent years, the product range has expanded to include built-in ovens, steam ovens, coffee machines, warming drawers and hobs as well as wine preservation systems, with styles designed to complement and enhance traditional or contemporary kitchen furniture. It’s no coincidence that sports personalities are great advocates of Sub-Zero and Wolf cooling and cooking appliances in their homes. With nutrition such an important part of an athlete’s regime, these brands’ specialities of ‘keeping foods fresher for longer’ and ‘creating delicious results’ clearly resonate. Gary Linekar, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Steven Gerrard are all owners and friends of Sub-Zero & Wolf, alongside cyclists, golfers and Formula 1 drivers. They appreciate the company’s ethos as well as its products and experience daily for themselves the undeniable substance and authenticity of their purchases.

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Setting the standard Attention to detail and a build quality designed to last for 20+ years is what sets a Sub-Zero fridge, fridge freezer or wine storage unit apart from any others. This is also the case with a Wolf oven, range cooker, steam oven or other cooking appliance. More than just a statement piece in the kitchen, a Sub-Zero is a suite of food preservation technologies, including a unique air purification system which uses NASA expertise to scrub the air clean of any bacteria, mould or ethylene gas every 20 minutes. This one feature alone means that food lasts longer and, coupled with dual refrigeration which ensures that the fridge and freezer air are never shared, it also preserves the food’s nutritional content and crispness. Add to this the high-specification hinges, the spill-repelling material around the shelf perimeters, and much more, and it’s clear to see why these are acknowledged as the best appliances on the market. From the handsome Pro 48 freestanding fridge freezer, beloved by chefs, to the popular integrated fridges with freezer drawers below (descriptively known as over and unders) the Sub-Zero fridge and freezer range can cater for every size of kitchen and household.

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Wine stores Six Sub-Zero wine preservation systems, again with best-in-class features includes a wine preservation unit with fridge drawers below. Freestanding or integrated, these systems can hold from 48 to 147 bottles, depending on the model chosen, and as you’d expect from Sub-Zero, they perform to the max. Craig Davies, Managing Director, SubZero & Wolf UK, explains: “There are four key factors which can affect wine in storage: UV light, temperature, vibration and humidity. Top quality wine cabinets will ensure your coveted wines are kept in tip-top condition by addressing all these factors, not just some of them. “Different wines require different conditions, therefore must-haves for serious wine connoisseurs are versatile wine preservation systems which incorporate flexible storage configurations such as dual zones with individually controlled temperatures. “We find customers often invest in more than one size of wine preservation system – they may have one or two large units in their main wine storage area, with a smaller under-counter or smaller freestanding units for convenient access during a dinner party.”

Creating delicious results Wolf classic freestanding range cookers, with their iconic red knobs, are undoubtedly a focal point for a kitchen. With four widths and different hobs to suit individual lifestyles, plus a choice of black or stainless steel knobs in place of the red, it’s usual to customise a Wolf range. For customers preferring a builtin style, a co-ordinating set of appliances can be selected from the Wolf professional, transitional and contemporary styles. Born of the performance and durability demanded in professional kitchens, all the Wolf appliances echo the functional imperatives of their forebears: intuitive technology, superb ergonomics and no unnecessary embellishment. Whether your cooking style tends towards quick grills and stir fries, roasting or steaming, Wolf appliances will come up trumps, and it’s now possible to take the culinary prowess of Wolf into the garden with the company’s outdoor range of barbecues. www.subzero-wolf.co.uk

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Chiselwood CHISELWOOD FOUNDER AND DESIGN DIRECTOR IN FINAL FOUR FOR PRESTIGOUS UK KITCHEN DESIGN AWARD

artin Holliday, Founder and Design Director of Chiselwood, has been nominated as a finalist in the Kitchen Designer category at this year’s prestigious kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. Entered annually by the very best in the kitchen and bathroom business nationwide, the awards are organised by kbbreview, the industry’s leading trade magazine for over 30 years. Talking about the nomination Martin said: “Being nominated for this award makes me extremely proud, I love what I do and always strive to achieve the best for my clients. The nomination feels like a lovely recognition for all the hard work put into this project, by not only myself but also the team we have here at Chiselwood including Mel Holliday (MD), our junior designers, skilled cabinet makers and installers.”

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Tim Wallace, Editor of kbbreview commented, “We always receive a huge number of submissions, but this year was unprecedented with the biggest response we’ve ever seen. The entrants are of the very highest standard, and have undergone a rigorous judging process by our panel of industry professionals. We would therefore like to extend our congratulations to Martin on being nominated as a finalist in his category, and wish him the very best of luck going forward.” This news follows on from the success achieved by Martin and Chiselwood last year when he reached the finals of the Sub Zero/Wolf World Kitchen Design Contest in San Diego, USA, the only UK kitchen designer to be shortlisted. www.chiselwood.co.uk

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Moser

The Ultimate Hand Made Glass Experience – Just For You The expression “handmade” is probably the most overused in the English language. So when Moser invited me to see their glassworks just outside Prague in the Czech Republic, I arrived a bit sceptical about their claim to be the only company in the world that truly hand makes every piece of glass that leaves the factory. But you know what? It turned out to be absolutely true. I watched in awe as master craftsmen attached a ball of molten glass to a long hollow pole and gently blew a breath of air down the tube while all the while spinning it to ensure the glass stays in place. Moser glassmakers work in teams of three and it’s almost balletic watching them avoid each other on a raised platform. Incidentally just getting onto the platform will take a few years of learning the trade – a fourth member of the team watches and learns before taking the finished product to the drying areas. To become a Master might take up to 20 years. Moser have been hand-making lead free glass since 1857. Lead is commonly used in glass-making as it makes the molten glass easier to handle. Picking up a Moser wine glass is extraordinary as it initially feels very light. Incidentally there’s no such thing as “seconds” or sub-standard Moser glass. Every single piece goes through up to five quality control procedures and any that are deemed not perfect are immediately crushed. So although each piece is unique it also has to be perfect in every way – an amazing combination.

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Moser are famous for their technique for colouring glass – a secret incredibly difficult to replicate and one known only to a very select few even in the factory. A coloured Moser glass has an almost magical quality. Depending on the amount and source of light – say from outside in the sunshine to inside near a bulb – the colour changes dramatically. Most fascinating is the use of two colours – one placed on top of the other – no I have no idea how that is done either but the effect is staggeringly beautiful. Once the glass is cooled it passes through an array of specialist hands before it is deemed fit for sale. That might include hand-painting liquid gold or platinum around a wine glass rim. Or hand carving a bowl or vase. I watched an engraver copying from a pattern he’d drawn on paper. No measurement – just an uncanny ability that must take years to learn. He had been working on this one piece for a month – and had just two more days’ work before it would be finished. As long as it passed

quality control of course. Can you imagine the heartbreak if it fails and goes into the crusher! I arrived in the beautiful spa town of Karlovy Vary, two hours from Prague, thinking Moser glasses, which can retail at well over £100 each for a wine glass, were very expensive. I left thinking they were bewilderingly inexpensive given the time and expertise at every stage. Handmade? I’d say so. A single glass or vase could have been touched by up to 27 different pairs of hands in the course of manufacture. What they never see is any form of automation. Much of Moser’s output is bespoke. As Footballers Life readers you can visit the factory, learn a little about the process of manufacture and work with their designers to create exactly what you want. It won’t be inexpensive and it won’t arrive at your home very quickly. But it will be unique with a part of you in its very soul. You can’t put a price on that.

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I Blew My Own Glass! Well I “helped” master craftsman Zdenek to be more accurate. However it takes pride of place in the drinks cabinet. I’m convinced beer tastes better from it. Stepping on the platform inches from a roaring furnace filled with liquid glass heated to over 1000 degrees celsius I’m already nervous. It is incredibly hot. Zdenek places his two metre long hollow pole into the glass rotating it to make the liquid stay on – a bit like picking up treacle. Continuously rotating it using his fingers – he makes it look easy but it is incredible difficult, this thing is heavy! Oh help! He’s handing it to me – a long hollow pole that I have to keep spinning to make sure the red blob of molten glass stays stuck to it.. He blows on my hand to indicate that I need to gently blow down the tube. Next, still spinning I have to place the tube inside a wood mould to make the basic shape of glass. Again I blow to encourage the glass to fill the mould which sends clouds of wood smoke into my nostrils. I’m practically shaking with nerves by this stage but Zdenek says what I understand to be Czech for “spin faster” I do and again understand how incredibly strong these artists have to be I have to use my wrists, my fingers just aren’t strong enough. And then the operation is suddenly over. “My” glass is removed from the mould and I feel strangely proud. It’s plunged in water to cool and then it awaits completion. What I have produced is the main body of a tankard. Zdenek finishes it with another blob of glass from which he creates the handle and its little ear. All by hand remember. When assembled my tankard is taken to a cold store where it cools for up to four hours. It arrives in my office 10 days later and my chest swells with pride when I see it is perfect. Well, perfect to my eyes. I doubt it would pass Moser Quality Control! This amazing experience is normally only offered to VIPs or humble journalists. Obviously as Footballers Lives subscribers you qualify as VIPs.

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UK stockists include Thomas Goode, Asprey London, Fortnum & Mason and Glancy Fawcett. www.moser-glass.com

About Moser Glassworks The luxury crystal brand is named after Ludwig Moser, who established his own engraving workshop and glass shop in the centre of Karlovy Vary near the Market Colonnade in March 1857. In less than twenty-four years, he laid the foundations of a unique glassworks where glass-masters and engravers create unique crystal works. Today Moser is the world’s only lead-free, totally handmade crystal glassmaker. The master-craftmen use the same traditional, highly skilled techniques of 100 years ago in the original glassworks. Each piece is handblown, hand polished, hand cut and made to Moser’s exacting standards. Luxury beverage sets, decorative objects and Moser master–engravings are popular items, collected, used and gifted by Royals around the world including Queen Elizabeth II who was gifted the Splendid collection as a wedding gift in 1947. Moser’s contemporary collection highlights their unique use of colour, a carefully preserved secret for over 115 years, known only to a few people at a time, allowing them to produce some of the finest modern crystal masterpieces in the world.

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Review for

The Culloden Estate and Spa Belfast by Sally Cronin

ver the last forty years we have lived and travelled around the world. In that time we have been guests and dined at many hotels and restaurants regarded as being some of the finest in the world, including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in the United Kingdom, The Windsor Arms in Toronto and La Chèvre d’Or Restaurant on the French Riviera. Everybody has their own definition of what they consider to be luxury. I am personally not looking for a 'Home from Home' experience that many hotels offer. I am very comfortable in my own home; however, when I book into a hotel or dine out, I want to experience something memorable, exceptional with stunning surroundings, sumptuous food and excellent service. Despite only being a few minutes from the busy Belfast city centre and the airport, as soon as you turn into the gates to The Culloden Estate and Spa, and drive up through the grounds you are transported into a completely different environment. Huge and ancient trees dominate the 12 acre site, with sloping lawns and delightful statues that are spotlit at night. At the top of the drive, rising above the grounds, is the magnificent original house that was built as the official Palace for the Bishops of Down.

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As soon as you walk through the impressive front doors into the foyer you are enveloped in the scent of the magnificent central floral display and the warm welcome from the reception staff. It is always at this point, with first impressions and initial contact with the hotel staff, that you get a sense of how valued you are as a guest and a glimpse of what is to come. After receiving a guide to the services and dining from the very efficient receptionist on duty, you will be guided to your accommodation by a concierge. The Culloden has very few standard rooms as most are designated as suites. We were delighted to find that our suite overlooked the stunning views across to the loch and despite the rain at the time, the gardens looked amazing. The accommodation was spacious and beautifully furnished with everything you could want for a luxury break, with a king-sized bed, comfortable armchairs to sit and enjoy the stunning views or to watch the giant flat screen television. A dual-purpose tea and coffee making machine and other essential gadgets are provided and there is plenty of desk space to work from. The en-suite bathroom was large and well fitted out with both bath and walk in shower. There were plenty of towels and luxury products that reinforced the attention to detail that had gone into the design. On our first night we were welcomed with a complimentary drink and chocolates with a card from the General Manager which was a lovely touch.

There are a number of dining options at the Culloden and also food served in the bar area, including a delicious afternoon tea. The first night we decided to wander down the lit path to The Cultra Inn, where roaring fires and attentive staff greeted us. We can definitely recommend the slow cooked beef and the lamb dishes along with the dessert menu. A stroll back up the path with now clear skies and past the spotlit stag statue and the giant trees, and it was time to enjoy the comfort of crisp cotton sheets and a good night’s sleep. One of the great attractions of the Culloden for us was its proximity to Belfast city centre and also some places of interest. We wanted to visit the Titanic museum and we were there by taxi in a few minutes. The hotel also has a luxury courtesy car that you is available to whisk you to your destination should you wish. Following our trip to Titanic Belfast we then spent a couple of hours exploring the newly renovated and extensive city centre with its shopping arcades and high-end stores. On our second night we booked into the Mitre Restaurant and again were very impressed with the service, especially from the young restaurant manager who was both knowledgeable and helpful when choosing from the menu and wine list. The restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Northern Ireland with executive head chef Paul McKnight at the helm. Certainly both the recommended sea scallops with burnt red pepper, Armagh apple, fennel and fava beans, and the main course of duck breast with curly kale and butternut squash delivered on every level. The wine which was suggested to accompany the dishes was also excellent and the meal was rounded off with beautifully prepared and tasting desserts. It is well worth exploring the hotel public areas and also the corridors on the floors above to admire the original artwork on display. All the furnishings and decor is in keeping with the history of the original palace, with some modern twists of course. There are a number of areas that you can retire to and sit and read quietly, such as the drawing room as well as The Crozier Lounge where you can enjoy afternoon tea or one of their specialist cocktails before dinner. For those who wish to work off the dining experiences, there is a well-equipped spa where you can work-out or swim during your stay with a number of pampering treatments available. You are never too young or too old to enjoy luxury, and with its welcoming atmosphere and excellently trained young staff, the hotel would appeal to all age groups. Overall I would recommend the Culloden Estate and Spa to anyone who is looking for a luxurious break or who is in Belfast on business. With spectacular grounds for photographs and spacious event facilities it also makes a perfect wedding venue. One of the questions we always ask ourselves when we end a stay at a hotel or restaurant is whether we would return. And in the case of the Culloden Estate and Spa that is a definite yes. Hastings Hotels (hastingshotels. com, 028 9042 1066) offer rooms at The Culloden Estate & Spa from £125 per person on a B&B basis.

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Longevity Wellness Worldwide Health & Wellness Holiday Retreats in the Algarve, Portugal

s modern life becomes faster as more stressful, combining a holiday with wellness to get away from it all is becoming more popular than ever. Coming back from a holiday energised and feeling fitter and more focused than ever is the goal! Going beyond the basic detox and spa programmes, a leader in spa, health and integrative wellness services, Longevity Wellness Worldwide is dedicated to providing unique wellness and holiday experiences in the heart of Portugal’s Algarve region. Each of Longevity’s impact driven programmes have been carefully researched to provide a targeted focus on each individuals’ wellness needs, putting this knowledge at the centre of its properties. So whether you are a professional athlete or just looking to take the first steps on a journey to wellness, there is a relaxing wellness break or a more intensive high impact wellness programme.

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The Longevity Spa, Health and Wellness services and holiday programmes are currently available at two properties both situated in the Algarve, Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa and Longevity Cegonha Country Club. Longevity Wellness Worldwide offers a wide range of wellness solutions and holiday programmes with a core focus on detoxification and anti-inflammation. Longevity promotes a deep understanding of the causes of imbalances and offers individualised strategies to improve health and wellbeing. Through a synergy of diagnostics and assessments including anti-ageing therapies, postural realignment, monitoring of the physical condition, nutraceutical supplementation, detoxification and nutrition, the talented wellness professionals behind Longevity are dedicated to rebalancing body and mind.

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Situated in the Algarve’s Golden Triangle, Longevity Cegonha Country Club is a charming adult’s only (with exceptions over Easter and summer) boutique hotel nestled in the tranquil green surroundings of the Vilamoura Protected Area. The ideal destination for those looking to dip their toes in a wellness retreat, Longevity Cegonha Country Club offers affordable high impact Spa & Wellness programmes. As a nod towards their visionary approach, Longevity was recognised at the prestigious World Travel Awards with nominations for Europe’s Leading Spa & Wellness Resort, World’s Leading Medical/Wellness Spa and World’s Leading Wellness Hotel, as well as an award for Most Life-Changing Spa at the 2013 Tatler Spa Awards.

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Guests staying at the hotel are invited to take part in a range of daily Body & Mind group activities (ex. Yoga, pilates, tone & fit, walks, bike tour, among others) as part of the Longevity Vitality Plan. The Spa à la carte menu offer ranges from pampering treatments to Longevity’s carefully curated premium detox and weight loss therapies. Alongside the wellness services and facilities, Longevity Cegonha Country Club also includes an outdoor swimming pool, a heated external hydrojet pool, a differentiated Detox & Relax wet area circuit including Infrared Sauna and Epsom Salt Room, tennis courts and PURE Cafe which serves healthy dishes prepared using fresh and local produce. With a secluded location within Vilamoura, Longevity Cegonha Country Club provides the perfect base to both unwind and sample the Algarve lifestyle of world class golf, fine sand beaches, the largest marina in Portugal, walking and bike trails, and more. Whether looking for a fun and leisurely trip, with lots of optional local Algarve experiences packs available at the Concierge, or a fitness and wellness retreat, the perfect holiday experience awaits.

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Ozone Skin and bones: future proofing your body

We know that consistent athletisicm in sports such as football increases and maintains peak bone mass. Studies indicate that elite players aged 18–30 years have around 24% - 37% higher bone mineral density (BMD) in the thigh and hip regions, compared to other young men. [Hagman, 2017]. In fact, the athlete who has played football regularly since childhood will enjoy the benefits of the maximal peak bone mass that is achievable to them, physiologically. (Starting any consistent physical activity pre-puberty, the period when adult total bone mineral content and peak bone mass velocity is attained due to increased cell reproduction [Germán Vicente-Rodríguez], as professional players do, also boosts the size of skeletal muscles through cell growth.)

Maintaining bone health as we mature So, we know that elite athletes are potentially in peak health. But what about maintaining bone health as we mature? Doctors actively try to prevent osteoporosis (and the potential for associated fractures) via the recommendation of targeted training and optimum nutrition. But how fast does bone mass deteriorate after de-training? Current data is contradictory, although one study found that long-term retired athletes still had a 5.1 percentage point higher BMD in the legs, after close to two decades of retirement. [Valdimarsson et al, 2005]. One way to help future-proof one’s body and maintain BMD could be with ozone therapy, via a steam sauna cabinet. The concept is that therapeutic ozone corrects oxidative stress by introducing protective enzymes that can reverse oxidative stress within an athlete’s body, caused by chronic inflammation. The ozone (triatomic oxygen) is introduced transdermally, via the skin. Dr. Nady Braidy, an expert in degenerative diseases at Australia’s University of New South Wales, recently wrote about its therapeutic relevance in pain management. “Activation of [certain] molecular pathways [utilising ozone therapy] leads to up-regulation of endogenous antioxidant systems, activation of immune functions [and] suppression of inflammatory processes; important for correcting oxidative stress,” he’s stated. Dr. David Minkoff, Medical Director of complementary medicine at Lifeworks Wellness Centre, agrees that ozone therapy potentially allows the body to heal itself. “It is an immune booster,” he’s stated. “[Ozone] kills bacteria, viruses and yeasts on contact, and detoxifies environmental toxins. I advocate a HOCATT™ ozone steam sauna chamber, as the steam puts the ozone [gas] directly into the largest organ in the body - the skin.”

Multi-functional chambers The HOCATT ™ steam chambers that Dr Minkoff advocates are multi-functional, also providing settings for Carbonic Acid Therapy, Electrotherapy, Far-Infrared, Ultrasonic Cavitation, Photon light therapy and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy. Early research indicates that PEMF can aid osteoporotic bone ‘micro-architecture’, bone strength and bone metabolism. PEMF exposure is said to be capable of producing therapeutic effects on a wide range of bone diseases, such as fresh and non-union fractures and osteoarthritis. [Da Jing et al, 2014] Dr. David Minkoff advocates the use of ozone steam chambers like the HOCATT™. “Ozone therapy improves cellular utilization of oxygen, and causes the release of growth factors that stimulate damaged joints and degenerative discs to regenerate,” Dr. David Minkoff has stated. Therapists and individuals interested in installing a HOCATT™ ozone steam sauna in their home or facility should visit www.ozone-therapy.co.uk for details and contact information.

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