IN the run-up to the World Cup, the players aren't the only ones getting nervous. The real footballers' wives speak out about their lives and feelings about the finals in Germany.

Designer-clad, with a diary packed with shopping sprees, lavish lunches and celeb bashes, the work of a footballer's wife is never done.

The players may be stars on the pitch, but on the sidelines, their glamorous partners are the paparazzi's prey.

At just 17 Melanie Slade, girlfriend of World Cup wonderkid Theo Walcott, is the latest to enrol in the famous footballers' wives (or girlfriends) club. Joining the ranks of Victoria Beckham and Coleen McLoughlin, Mel will be racking up the column inches as the action unfolds in Germany.

But if year-round tans and manicured talons are a stereotypical staple, what's the reality?

Speaking at the launch for Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, the real footballers' wives talk about love, life and World Cup fever.

SUZI WALKER

Wife of former England goalkeeper and Bolton Wanderers player, Ian Walker.

Long before the media's love affair with the Beckhams, former Page 3 girl Suzi was hitting the headlines.

"Back then, football was high-profile if you were a player but the attention surrounding the wives and girlfriends wasn't anywhere near it is now," explained the 34-year-old.

"It all went crazy after Beckham married Victoria."

Though Mrs Beckham and Coleen are regularly snapped laden with shopping bags, Suzi has other hobbies.

"I'm not a big shopping fan - I find it quite boring. There's more to life. I enjoy walking my dogs, going to the gym and going riding with my daughter."

Suzi had a tough five years following the birth of Sophie, now eight. She had post-natal eclampsia and the condition left her an ongoing sufferer of ME.

"Five years of my life were turned upside down by illness," she said.

"The last few years I've been getting back into fitness and just enjoying life. Though I had all the other trappings of the football lifestyle, I didn't have my health, which is so much more important than fame or money."

Married for over a decade, Suzi's stint as a footballer's wife hasn't been easy - particularly on match days.

"I go along to Ian's home matches, but to be honest, I hate watching football!" she confessed. "If Ian isn't playing, it's even worse. I wish I could get the bug but I really just go to catch up with the girls."

Ian, a former England international, will be glued to the box during the World Cup - but Suzi won't be joining him.

"This year, Ian's not playing in the World Cup but we'll be supporting England all the way. I doubt I'll be watching the games with him but I'll certainly be cheering the team on in the background."

MICHELLE GAYLE

Former singer and soap star and wife of footballer-turned-TV pundit, Mark Bright.

Michelle first appeared on the small screen - and in the paparazzi's sights - as a teenager.

"It helps that I've been in the public eye before," the 35-year-old said.

"I went to a stage school and did Grange Hill when I was 14 so you can't compare my experiences with what someone like Melanie Slade, who's been thrust into the limelight, is going through. I was pretty much prepared for a life on the stage."

Leisurely lunches and shopping sprees are a far cry from Michelle's hectic lifestyle as she juggles being a wife, mum, actress and aspiring author.

"After my music career, I took some time off to look after my son, Isaiah, who's six. Because he's in school now I decided to focus on my acting again," she said.

"Life's super busy right now. I went straight from Channel 4's The Games to a play and I'm off to Cannes Film Festival for a movie I'm in called Joy Division."

She's even found time to start writing a novel, based on her experiences in the music business, religiously penning 1,000 words a day.

"There seems to be a backlash against footballers' wives who appear to do nothing except spend money.

"It's important to stay grounded and not try too hard. That's when people automatically say, 'Who does she think she is?'."

With the World Cup calling, Michelle has high hopes for the squad.

"I'm going to be watching the World Cup avidly and I really want England to do well."

She has an extra reason for tuning in - her husband may not be on the pitch but he'll be working for BBC Sport.

"Mark will be out there commentating so I'll be watching him too."

LEILANI DOWDING

Model and fiancee of Arsenal's Jeremie Aliadiere.

Leilani's career as a glamour model has made her tabloid fodder for years.

As a footballer's wife-to-be, the 27-year-old admits she's made sacrifices for Jeremie's job.

"It's been difficult to focus on my career because of Jeremie's moves recently," she explained. "In one year, he's been on loan at Glasgow, West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, so there's been a lot of moving around and obviously I've had to go where his football takes him."

But happier times are ahead for Leilani and the French player, who got engaged in November.

"Now he's back down in London and has three years left at Arsenal so we both feel more settled."

Leilani isn't afraid to admit she conforms to the textbook footballer's wife lifestyle.

"The tabloids would say I'm a typical footballer's girlfriend, especially with my background as a model. But I used to do the whole shopping business and wear glam clothes before I met Jeremie so I already fit that stereotype!"

The couple will be enjoying their World Cup viewing in the sunshine, as they're jetting off for a summer break.

"Jeremie used to play for the France under-21s and obviously he'd love to have been involved in this World Cup, but he is excited about it," she said.

"We shall be watching the games together on holiday in Dubai. I'll be cheering on England and he'll be cheering for France, so hopefully the teams won't be rivals at any point!"

  • Suzi, Michelle and Leilani are all taking part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life - a women-only event. For more information on a race near you visit raceforlife.org

By Lisa Haynes