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      EFL cult hero Gareth Ainsworth ‘plotting shock return to management’ after almost a whole year unemployed

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      EFL icon Gareth Ainsworth is reportedly targeting a return to management.The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving QPR last October.Gareth Ainsworth allegedly wants the Hearts jobCredit: GettyHe was sacked by the Hoops following six consecutive Championship defeats.But now he is seeking a return to management.According to the Daily Record, Ainsworth wants to become the next Hearts boss.The Scottish Premiership side sacked Steven Naismith last week following a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren.Read More in FootballClub officials are now looking for his successor, with Ainsworth among the potential candidates.The former QPR boss has applied for the vacant job and is now under consideration.His statistics will be reviewed by Hearts before the interview process begins.Ainsworth turned down several job opportunities after leaving QPR a year ago.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was understood to be waiting for the perfect role to come around.And he believes Hearts will tick every box.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his stint at QPR, Ainsworth managed Wycombe Wanderers for almost 11 years.He won promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One in 2020.Ainsworth managed 550 games at Wycombe, with a win ratio of almost 40 per cent and he gained a reputation for playing attacking football. More

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      Shocking moment footballing giants’ BLIMP crashes into houses as PR stunt goes disastrously wrong

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      SAO PAULO saw a PR stunt go terribly wrong when their blimp crashed into a row of houses in Brazil on Wednesday.According to The Mail, the Brazilian giants were performing a test flight ahead of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final clash against Botafogo.Sao Paulo saw a PR stunt go terribly wrong before the Copa Libertadores quarter-finalsSao Paulo performed a test flight ahead of a clash with BotafogoHowever, the blimp plummeted in the Sao Paulo neighborhood of OsascoThe pilot was rescued and no one was seriously injuredAn investigation has been launched after the accidentHowever, the initiative went completely south as the blimp plummeted in the Sao Paulo neighborhood of Osasco.According to the fire department, the blimp was traveling from the municipality of Carapicuiba when it crashed around 12:06pm local time.The pilot was rescued from the cabin in time and taken to a local hospital.Authorities have not yet confirmed if any people were inside the houses at the time of the accident.Read More on FootballAn investigation has already been launched to determine how the incident took place.The Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center issued the following statement: “Specific techniques are used in data collection, conducted by qualified and accredited personnel who collect and confirm data, preserve the elements, perform the initial verification of damage caused to the aircraft, or by the aircraft, and gather other information necessary for the investigation.”Sao Paulo confirmed that there were thankfully “no serious injuries” after the unbelievable accident.The Brazilian outfit also promised all the “necessary support” to the crew an every one who was involved in the ordeal.Most read in FootballSao Paulo stated: “The aircraft was undergoing a test this morning in preparation for the night flight, previously authorized by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), which was scheduled for the stadium region.”The Club informs that, fortunately, there were no serious injuries and is providing all necessary support to the crew and others involved.”Jadon Sancho compared to Brazil football legend by excited Chelsea fans as ex-Man Utd star has first training session, ChelseaFC.mp4The blimp featured the team’s badge on each side, one of which featured a message which read, ‘Fans who lead’, while the other said, ‘Let’s Go Sao Paulo’. More

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      Fans fume Carabao Cup draw is ‘RIGGED’ as Tottenham handed brutal tie and ‘they don’t want Ange winning anything’

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      FANS have fumed that the Carabao Cup draw is “RIGGED” after Tottenham were handed a brutal tie.The third round came to an end with Spurs joining the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the next round.Tottenham face a tricky clash against Man City in the next roundCredit: SKy sportsFans have claimed that Ange Postecoglou will never win a trophy at SpursCredit: PAHowever, the North London side could not have been handed a trickier tie to navigate in the fourth-round.Spurs were drawn against Manchester City with the one boost that it will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.And fans reacted on social media to complain about the tough fixture.One posted: “I’m shocked, draw is rigged as hell lol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second wrote: “That Carabao draw is so rigged, every time we get a hard draw.”A third commented: “Man City at home, I hate this rigged competition.”A fourth fumed: “It’s rigged, they don’t want Ange Postecoglou to win anything. Watch us get Man City in the FA Cup too.”Another added: “Last year we got them in the FA Cup last season 4th round now this year we got them in the league cup 4th round please don’t tell me that’s a coincidence, rigged.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite the claims of the fans, there is no actual evidence that the draw was rigged.Spurs have reached the stage in the tournament after beating Coventry City 2-1 last week.Raging Richarlison slams ‘f—ing s—’ card as Tottenham star’s EA FC 25 rating is revealedCarabao Cup draw in fullHere is the full draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup…Brentford vs Sheffield WednesdaySouthampton vs Stoke CityTottenham Hotspur vs Manchester CityAFC Wimbledon/ Newcastle vs ChelseaManchester United vs LeicesterBrighton & Hove Albion vs LiverpoolPreston North End vs ArsenalAston Villa vs Crystal PalaceMan City, however, played on Tuesday evening and dispatched Watford 2-1 at the Etihad.Postecoglou earlier this season proclaimed that he always wins silverware in his second season at clubs.However, if he is to continue that run he will have to guide his side past Pep Guardiola’s outfit.Elsewhere, Arsenal hammered Bolton 5-1 and Liverpool matched the scoreline against West Ham at Anfield to progress.Arsenal face Preston in the next roundCredit: GettyLiverpool knocked out West HamCredit: Alamy More

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      Manuela Zinsberger urges Arsenal to overcome ‘hard hit’ in Women’s Champions League battle with BK Hacken

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      MANUELA ZINSBERGER wants Arsenal to avoid dwelling on past Champions League results ahead of their decisive push for a group stage spot. However the Gunners will be without Leah Williamson with the defender ruled out of their clash with BK Hacken tomorrow. Manuela Zinsberger says Arsenal’s expectation is to get beyond the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: GettyArsenal are aiming to beat BK Hacken in their decisive second round qualifier clashCredit: GettyThe England skipper, 27, was placed in concussion protocol before her club’s WSL season-opening draw with City on Sunday.Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall explained she sustained concussion during an incident in training.The head coach said: “I don’t have a timeframe on Leah’s injury at the moment. It’s guided by our medical team.””When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that.”Read More Football StoriesArsenal host Swedish outfit Hacken at Meadow Park tomorrow evening in a second-leg clash in the Women’s Champions League second round qualifiers.Eidevall’s players require a win by two goals or more in order to reach the contest’s group stage, with their rivals having a 1-0 first-leg win advantage. And much is riding on the result with club chiefs planning to host the team’s remaining duels in the contest at the Emirates this season.Arsenal shot stopper Zinsberger, 28, said: “The Champions League should be motivation enough no matter what happened last season.Most read in Football”I’m not a fan of talking about the past. “I’m more a fan of looking forward and our motivation is as high as last season – I would say even higher.”Our expectation is (reaching) the group stage or (going) even further, but taking it step-by-step.”The motivation is high to win the game and turn it around and finally get to the group stages.”Zinsberger, who made 18 top-flight appearances last term, was part of the Arsenal team beaten on penalties by Paris FC in the Champions League qualifying stage last September.  And she hopes to help her side see off Hacken in their battle for a group stage spot following the Gunners’ loss last Wednesday.The Austria No1 added: “It’s important to learn (from that) and it was definitely a hard hit for us.”We all hadn’t expected that one, but it definitely hit us the way it shouldn’t, but it was a big learning that you have to take every chance as it would be your last.”With Hacken, we haven’t underestimated them, we’ve seen how good they are.”But I don’t want to talk about them, for us we’ve got to perform and we have to be at our best.”Tomorrow’s game comes three days before Jonas Eidevall’s side’s league trip to Leicester, having nabbed a point against Manchester City in their season opener. With club chiefs committing to making the Emirates their main home for WSL and European fixtures this term, Eidevall is eager to see them progress.  The Arsenal boss adds: “It’s that pressure we put on ourselves that we need to get into the group stage, and that’s what we should do.”Lotte Wubben-Moy is expected to start alongside Laia Codina in Arsenal’s central defenceCredit: GettyTomorrow’s match is likely to see Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in central defence in the absence of Williamson.READ MORE SUN STORIESEidevall said: “Leah is a fantastic player and she would be missed by any team, but the strength of our squad is we have players like Manuela. “We have Lotte and Codi (Codina) playing phenomenally well together.” More

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      Carabao Cup draw in full with huge top six clash as Chelsea face tricky away tie and Arsenal travel to Championship side

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have learned their fate for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.There were some easy wins in the third round of the competition for some of the big dogs of the tournament.Teams have learned who they will play in the Carabao Cup fourth roundCredit: GettyHolders Liverpool put five past West Ham to book their spotCredit: AlamyMan Utd put seven past Barnsley in round threeCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling scored as Arsenal netted five against BoltonCredit: GettyThe blockbuster tie of the round sees Tottenham hosting Manchester CityUnited scored seven against Barnsley and Arsenal put five past Bolton, while Chelsea and Liverpool also both put five past Barrow and West Ham respectively.Manchester City and Tottenham squeezed past Championship sides Watford and Coventry, while a stunning penalty shootout ending 16-15 saw Fulham eliminated by Preston.However, the 16 remaining teams – not withstanding the rescheduled Newcastle and Wimbledon clash to technically make it 17 – have now found out who they will play in the fourth round of fixtures.The winner of the rescheduled Newcastle and Wimbledon game will confirm their spot as the 16th and final team on October 1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Dons will earn a dream tie at home to Chelsea if they can stun the Toon on Tyneside.The fourth round clashes will take place in the week commencing Monday, October 28.And there are at least four all-Premier League fixtures, with the blockbuster draw of the round seeing Tottenham host Man City.Man Utd will host newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester.Most read in FootballArsenal, meanwhile, have an away tie at Preston.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHolders Liverpool are also on the road with a trip to south coast outfit Brighton.Brentford and Southampton host Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke respectively.BBC host Mark Chapman jokes he’s ‘glad Rod Stewart’s not beside me’ for complicated Carabao Cup draw as fans slam ‘fix’ The all-Prem number could increase to five if Newcastle beat Wimbledon.On the other hand, if the League One side upset the Magpies, they will be the lowest ranked team remaining in the fourth round.If not, at the time of the draw the lowest ranked team in the fourth round is Sheffield Wednesday, who are 22nd in the Championship – one place behind 21st place Preston.You can see the full draw below:Carabao Cup fourth round draw in fullBrentford vs Sheffield WednesdaySouthampton vs StokeTottenham vs Manchester CityWimbledon/Newcastle vs ChelseaMan Utd vs LeicesterBrighton vs LiverpoolPreston vs ArsenalAston Villa vs Crystal Palace More

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      Man Utd star left in disbelief at being substituted in FC Twente clash and asks Erik ten Hag ‘me’ when number displayed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were held at Old Trafford by FC Twente in a frustrating game – especially for Christian Eriksen. The Dane started in midfield for United and opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a stunning strike. Christian Eriksen was stunned to be subbed offDiogo Dalot was tackled in the Twente box but the ball fell to Eriksen and he hammered home into the top corner. But his fortunes changed in the second half after he was caught on possession leading to Sam Lammers’ 68th minute leveller. Eriksen was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo with ten minutes to go but he incredibly questioned Erik ten Hag whether he was meant to go off or not. And fans were quick to notice as one said: “Eriksen in disbelief. I’m confused by these subs, too.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Eriksen asking if he’s the one to be subbed??? Better get out of that stadium.”One reacted: “Eriksen looks distraught that he’s coming off.”Another said: “Eriksen asking “me” is HILARIOUS.”Speaking after the game, Eriksen told TNT Sports: “I think mostly disappointed as a team, we wanted more in the end, far from good enough. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They looked like they wanted it more – that can’t be right.”On dressing room morale, he said: “I think everyone is looking at themselves, everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do, what can’t happen. “We don’t lose but it feels like a loss.”Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes More

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      Son Heung-min admits Tottenham team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ in public apology to him as he faces SIX-MATCH BAN

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      SON HEUNG-MIN maintains there is no problem between himself and team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur – only love.Midfielder Bentancur has been charged by the FA for his discriminatory comments about Son and faces a maximum punishment of a 12-game ban.Tottenham star Son Heung-min maintains there is no problem between himself and Rodrigo BentancurCredit: GettyTottenham ace Bentancur has been charged by the FA for discriminatory comments about SonCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was asked by a presenter on Uruguayan TV in June for a Tottenham shirt and replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”He apologised to Son afterwards and is awaiting his fate, with the FA likely to recommend at least a six-match suspension to the regulatory commission that will hand down his sentence.Spurs skipper Son, 32, said: “At the moment, there’s a process from the FA, that’s why I can’t say much about it. But I love Rodrigo, I love him.“We have a lot of good memories, we started playing together when he joined.Read More on Football“He apologised straight afterwards when we [were on] holiday.“I was at home, I didn’t even realise what was going on. He just sent me a long message, and you could feel it was coming from his heart.“When we came back to the training ground for pre-season, he was really sorry and he almost cried.“He apologised in public and personally as well. It felt like he was really sorry. We’re all human, we make mistakes, we learn from it. I love Rodrigo, I love him, I love him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He knows he made a mistake but I have no problem at all. We move on as a teammate, as a friend, as a brother. We move on together.”Both Bentancur and Son could start Thursday’s Europa League opener against Azerbaijani side Qarabag.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showLast season, Tottenham played just 41 games as they were not in Europe and crashed out of the cups early.But they face an extended schedule this year and Son joined Manchester City star Rodri in speaking out against the dangers of a fixture overload.The South Korean icon said: “We’re not robots. We have to look after that and reduce the games definitely – better quality definitely should be the aim.“It’s normal that everyone is at high risk of injury. It’s not fair. Rodri said the right things. We play 50, 60 games and not more than 70 games. It’s not fair.”Son is closing in on 10 years at Spurs but only feels he will earn “legend” status for the club if he wins a trophy.His current deal expires at the end of this season, though SunSport understands Spurs will trigger an option to extend his deal until the summer of 2026.Son discusses contractWhen asked about his contract situation, Son replied: “We haven’t talked [about] anything yet.“I’m just fully focused on this situation and this year. I just want to win something that everybody in this club and these players and all around deserves.“That’s what I’m working for. In the future, you never know what’s going to happen.“But I will make sure I give everything for this club. It’s almost ten years that I give everything.”Cristian Romero is suspended for Thursday’s match, while Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon are ineligible.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will be Ange Postecoglou’s maiden European game as Spurs boss. The Aussie added: “For us as a group it will be the first time, the squad has changed a lot in the last 12 months.“I see it as a fantastic opportunity to evolve as a team in a footballing sense and hopefully gets us closer to our goal.” More

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      Man Utd ratings: Improved Rashford stakes England claim in front of Lee Carsley as Zirkzee is hooked again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against Twente at Old Trafford.Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after 35 minutes to show why United are among the favourites to win the competition this season.Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a fantastic strikeCredit: GettyBut Man Utd’s were unable to secure victory over FC TwenteCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was a bag of tricks and lookedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee struggled for Man Utd against TwenteCredit: AlamyHowever, the visitors became the latest side to shock Erik ten Hag’s on 68 minutes when Sam Lammers equalised.The result deals a blow in the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the League Phase, which would guarantee a place in the Last 16 of the Europa League and save them playing two extra fixtures.But who stood out for Man Utd? Who failed to live up to expectation? Here’s how Martin Blackburn rates each of Ten Hag’s players:ANDRE ONANA – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Read More on Man UtdDIOGO DALOT – 6 Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6 Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with header cleared off line. LISANDRO MARTINEZ –  7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.  NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front. Most read in Europa LeagueFurious Man Utd boss Ten Hag tells Jamie Redknapp ‘as a person you’re not OK’ as he slams pundit’s Rashford speculationCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser. MANUEL UGARTE – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self. BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.AMAD DIALLO – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund. SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO for Diallo 67 – 6 Got an earful off Erik ten Hag for not doing his bit defensively.KOBBIE MAINOO for Eriksen 78 – 5 Went to ground too easily as he got a  sight of goal. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT for Zirkzee 79 – 5 Teed up a late chance for Garnacho RASMUS HOJLUND for Rashford 79 – 5 Still working his way back to fitness after injury. Martinez dominated in Man Utd’s defenceMan Utd failed to kill the game against Twente More