That's the guy. Didn't know whether anyone would have heard of him. Didn't even know that he had played for England never mind having Cat Deeley as a grandddaughter until I looked at Wikki this morning. Myself and my brother have always had a thing about him after we saw him playing at a lower level and thought he looked about 60 when he was only about 35

Tbh I thought of Norman for the first bit then googled 'Norman footballer'. When I found one named Deeley I thought that would be the chap as it fitted the other hints

Blokes hug very famous racehorse , reportedly

(Snooker)

Mark Allen

Men - Arkle sounds like.

Yup, well done

Monsieur President is a skilled worker.

( cricket)

Former England captain

MJK Smith?

Monsieur - M

President could be JK - John (F) Kennedy

Skilled worker - Smith

Correct , President is IKE though

Righty-ho

Cram sewed a design

(darts)

(5,4)

James Wade.

Cram-Jam and the rest an anagram.

( I've been away for a few days , thought someone would have got it by now ! )

Correct

Pope and Princess have a lie down before the start of the afternoon.( Motor Sport )

Formula One. 4,2 5

Paul Di-rest-a?

Yes, that's him

You lose a ball when led backward and turned 180 degrees

(Snooker)

A Chinese player? Yu something. I don't really follow snooker , and I can't see anyone on Wiki who'd fit the bill

Yes you're very nearly there, Yu is the first name followed by a 4 letter surname

Yu Delu

Led backwards and a U turn

That's the chappie!

Childish name for a farm animal, possibly from Paris.

( Equestrian eventing )

5,6.

In contention for an Olympic place. Very daft first name, think of a type of bank for a young person.

Thanks for the giveaway hint Dave...

Assume it's Piggy French?