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      Francis Joseph dead at 62: Footballer who became first black player to represent Wimbledon dies as tributes flood in

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      FRANCIS JOSEPH has died aged 62, former club Wimbledon have confirmed.A striker by trade, Joseph made history in 1980 by becoming the first black player to represent the Wombles.
      Francis Joseph has passed away aged 62Credit: Rex
      Joseph became a distinguished figure at Plough Lane, banging in the goals to earn their Player of the Year award after the 1980-81 campaign.
      He left Wimbledon for Brentford in 1982, but would return for a loan spell five years later.
      In total he played 50 times for the Wombles, bagging 16 goals.
      Joseph would also become an iconic figure across London at Brentford – scoring 44 times in 110 appearances between 1982 and 1987.
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      He later played for Reading, Sheffield United, Gillingham and Fulham during a prolific career.
      Posting a tribute to their Twitter account, AFC Wimbledon wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph.
      “Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.
      “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.”
      We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph. Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/p47IQtXFHT— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) November 18, 2022

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      After finishing his playing career in non-league, Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone.
      Upon the news of Joseph’s passing, the National League side wrote: “Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened to hear the news that former Wealdstone coach Francis Joseph has passed away.
      “RIP, Francis.”
      Brentford also paid tribute, posting: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Francis Joseph.
      “Francis joined Brentford in the summer of 1982 and scored 44 goals in 110 league appearances. The thoughts of everyone at #BrentfordFC are with his family and friends at this time.”
      Former England striker Brian Deane posted: “Sad news this morning hearing Francis Joseph has passed away.
      “Another one I’m grateful to for some early memories in football. What a guy 😞. Joe I’ll be having a sensible Bacardi and Coke for you this weekend. RIP big guy.”
      Chesham United, another former club of Joseph’s, tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news that Francis Joseph has passed away, as well as being the father of current Chesham forward Zak Joseph, Francis played for the club in the 95/96 season
      “Our thoughts are with Zak and his family at this difficult time.
      “RIP, Francis.”
      SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr wrote: “Francis Joseph was a wonderful monster of a man who my family really loved.
      “He was hugely & rightly proud of his boy Zak. Spoke to him last month when he called to talk boxing & we laughed for about an hour. He was still ready & willing to fight absolutely everyone. Real Crazy G.”
      Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone in his latter yearsCredit: Rex More

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      Keith Farmer dead at 35: Tributes paid to four-time British motorcycle champion after shock sudden passing

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      FOUR-TIME British motorcycle champion Keith Farmer has passed away aged 35.Farmer, known as the Clogher Bullet, passed away suddenly, his brother David announced on Thursday.
      Keith Farmer has passed away suddenly aged 35Credit: Pacemaker
      The ex-TAS Racing rider was a four-time British championCredit: Pacemaker
      David wrote: “I’m lost for words our little brother left us at 1.45 this morning with us all by his side.
      “Life will never be the same again, he made us all so proud and he will be very sorely missed. Love you Meekie #33.”
      Farmer, who was based in Cumbria, was described as “pure raw talent” whose motorsport career was hampered by injury and bad luck.
      He had retired from racing in September 2021, after battling injury for the final few years of his career, and was looking forward to spending time with his family.
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      At the time of his retirement, Keith told the News Letter: “I just feel the time is right now because the enjoyment’s not there any more and my body needs the chance to heal from the injuries I’ve had over these past couple of years.
      “I’ve another baby due in five weeks’ time and my other youngest daughter is turning five in December, plus I’ve my eldest daughter back in Northern Ireland.
      “I want to walk away now when I can rather than keeping going for the sake of it, and I want to spend more time with my family.”
      Four-time British champ Farmer competed for BSB, Paul Bird Motorsport, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing, with the latter describing his passing as “absolute devastation”.
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      Team principal Philip Neill offered his sympathies to Farmer’s family and friends, saying: “We enjoyed many happy memories together both within racing and on a personal level as Keith had remained a close friend of the team.
      “His talent was undeniable and although his successes were many, including a memorable Superstock championship win with Tyco BMW in 2018, I will always feel like we never actually witnessed Keith’s full potential on a superbike – as he was so often hampered by injury or bad luck.”
      The British Superbike Championship say Farmer will be remembered fondly by his rivals.
      The organisation said: “Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career.
      “He was a brilliant and successful rider on track, who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and fans following today’s tragic news.”
      Glenn Irwin, British Superbike rider, described him as his “fierce rival”.
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      Sharing a picture on Twitter of the pair on a podium, he added: “The day 3 mad Irish men locked out the podium. 2011 you were my fierce rival winning the stock 600 title.
      “I remember when PBM snapped you up, sure you would go all the way to the top with birdys then GP team. That’s how good you were, pure raw talent.” More

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      Ronnie Radford dead at 79: Tributes paid to Hereford legend who scored one of most famous goals in FA Cup history

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      NON-LEAGUE Hereford United and FA Cup legend Ronnie Radford has died aged 79, it has been confirmed.Radford scored one of the most iconic FA Cup goals of all time in Hereford’s shock 2-1 giant-killing of Newcastle United in 1972.
      Raford (middle) celebrating after the Newcastle FA Cup winCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Radford took aim from distance to score an equaliser on the mud-curled pitchCredit: BBC
      Radford wheeling away in celebrationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The ex-midfielder’s 30-yard strike was a hopeful swing of a boot at a mud-curdled Edgar Street.
      Radford’s wonderstrike of an equaliser, which cancelled out England striker Malcolm Macdonald’s opener, sparked a pitch invasion.
      Hereford team-mate Ricky George went on to score the winner, dumping Newcastle out of the FA Cup.
      On his goal, Radford wrote in the Sun’s Goals pull out on January 26, 2009: “As soon as I hit the ball from 30 yards out I knew it was going in.
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      “I was running away with my hands above my head long before the ball had even hit the back of the net.
      “Like a perfect golf drive, or a six off the middle of the bat in cricket, the ball sat up for me and I connected with it perfectly.
      “It was goal of the month and then goal of the season on Match of the Day in 1972.
      “It was a moment that I’ve described many times over the last 37 years, but I have as much enthusiasm recalling it now as I did when I celebrated with my arms aloft.
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      “Supporters invaded the pitch but there was not a hint of trouble. It was just a spontaneous outpouring of excitement and joy from the Hereford faithful.
      “Everyone returned to the terraces so that play could resume.”
      Radford went on to say the FA Cup “still has that magic”, hailing its ability to draw “together a community”.
      Devastated Hereford released a statement, celebrating the life of “friendly and modest” Radford.
      It reads: “We are devastated to hear of Ronnie’s passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
      “Ronnie is not just a part of Hereford United folklore, he is a part of football history and has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972. 
      “His mild manner, and friendly and modest approach to life epitomised the man he was and he was always delighted to visit Edgar Street, to meet up with past teammates and watch the present day team in action.
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      “We will always keep Ronnie close to our hearts at Edgar Street, not just at FA Cup moments, but forever and celebrate him and his huge role in propelling Hereford United to the forefront of the nations attention with that goal and being part of that team. 
      “We will carry your spirit onwards. Rest in peace Ronnie.” More

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      Masato Kudo dead aged 32: Former MLS star and Japan international tragically dies with tributes pouring in

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      FORMER Japan international Masuto Kudo has tragically died at the age of 32.The football ace, who played in the MLS and Australia’s A-League, was hospitalised earlier this month after being diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluids within the brain.
      Kudo in action for Tegevajaro MiyazakiCredit: Rex
      He died on Friday after complications from surgery.
      Kudo had most recently been playing in the Japan’s third division with Tegevajaro Miyazaki.
      He made four appearances for the Japanese national team in 2013, bagging two goals.
      During his career he featured for MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
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      And during the 2020-21 season turned out for Brisbane Roar in Australia.
      The Vancouver Whitecaps have been among the many to pay tribute, saying in a statement: “Vancouver Whitecaps FC are mourning the passing of Masato Kudo.
      “Kudo was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was kind, gracious, and his smile would light up the room.
      “Whitecaps FC offer our condolences to Kudo’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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      Brisbane Roar head coach Warren Moon said: “I like everyone else at Brisbane Roar I am deeply saddened by the news overnight that our former teammate, player and friend Masato Kudo has passed away.
      “He had such a wonderful personality and always turned up to training every morning with a beaming smile on his face.
      “He will be greatly missed, and our hearts go out to his wife and young daughter at this sad time.”
      The club added: “Our thoughts are with Kudo’s family and friends as well as the Tegebajaro Miyazaki Football Club, its supporters and the wider community at this difficult time.”
      The J.League said in a statement: “Along with the entire Japanese football community, we mourn the passing of Masato Kudo and wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” More

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      Victor Steeman’s mum tragically dies of heart attack two days after World Superbikes ace’s death following horror crash

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      VICTOR STEEMAN’S mum has died just two days after her World Superbikes star son tragically passed away.Flora van Limbeek, 59, suffered a cardiac arrest at home in the Netherlands, according to Race Sport.
      Victor Steeman died just before his mum also passedCredit: Getty
      The Dutchman won four races this campaignCredit: Getty
      Steeman tragically died aged just 22 due to a horrific multi-car crash at the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 in Portugal.
      He was one of the sport’s rising stars and was in the midst of a fantastic season, in the hunt to win the World Championships.
      The Dutchman picked up four wins and five podiums this campaign.
      His mother was his biggest fan and her passing comes just two days after Steeman’s death.
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      He died when he was involved in an awful crash on Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
      Steeman was immediately airlifted to hospital with the race red flagged.
      He was taken to Faro Hospital with serious head injuries, where he later passed away.
      Soon after his death a family statement read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race.
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      “Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs.
      “We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
      All thoughts are with Steeman’s father and Van Limbeek’s wife, Willem, during this awful time. More

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      Victor Steeman dead at 22: Tributes paid to World Superbikes ace after horror multi-rider crash during championship race

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      VICTOR STEEMAN has died aged 22, leaving the World Superbikes community devastated.Steeman was caught in a horrific, multi-car crash at the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 in Portugal.
      Victor Steeman has died aged 22Credit: Getty
      The Dutchman won four races this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Dutch star was one of a number of riders to be involved in an awful crash on Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
      Steeman was immediately airlifted to hospital with the race red flagged.
      He was taken to Faro Hospital with serious head injuries, where he later passed away.
      A statement from his family read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race.
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      “Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs.
      “We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
      Steeman was in the midst of a brilliant campaign, picking up four wins and five podiums.
      His performances saw him still in the hunt to win the World Championship.
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      Plenty of tributes have been paid to Steeman.
      WorldSBK wrote on social media: “We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman.
      “The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce racer and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever.
      “Ride in Peace, Victor.”
      MotoGP added: “It’s with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of WorldSSP 300 rider Victor Steeman.
      “All within the MotoGP family send our condolences to the family, friends and team of Victor at this difficult time.
      “Ride in Peace, Victor.”
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      Rider Glenn Irwin wrote: “Rest in peace Victor Steeman. Taken way too soon.”
      While Iker Lecuona added: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances, as well as @victorsteeman’s team, we will remember you.” More

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      John Duncan dead aged 73: Tributes pour in for ex-Tottenham star and manager of Chesterfield’s heroic 1997 FA Cup run

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      JOHN DUNCAN, the former Tottenham striker who guided Chesterfield to a historic FA Cup semi-final as a manager, has died aged 73.Duncan averaged more than a goal every other game for Spurs with 62 goals in 118 appearances.
      John Duncan was a legendary forward beloved by Spurs fansCredit: Rex
      Duncan inspired Chesterfield to the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Rex
      The former Dundee man also played for Derby County and Scunthorpe before becoming a manager.
      Duncan managed Scunthorpe, Hartlepool United, Chesterfield and Ipswich Town.
      His greatest success as a manager came in a second spell at Chesterfield, taking the second division side to the FA Cup semi-finals in 1997, where they lost to Middlesbrough in a replay.
      Manchester United legend, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “John had such humility and a great sense of humour and I spoke with him only a matter of weeks ago.
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      “I will miss seeing him and I send my deepest condolences to his daughters, his sister, his partner and their families.”
      Former Tottenham team-mate and England assistant manager, John Gorman said: “John was a great team-mate and friend.
      “He continued to do brilliant work after his career with the LMA helping lots of people with their injuries or illnesses, including myself.
      “He was always there for you and will be sorely missed by everyone.”
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      Duncan’s former player, Sean Dyche, added: “I worked with John for a number of years whilst at Chesterfield FC through some of the best years in the club’s history.
      “He was an excellent manager who always worked to get the best out of all of his staff and players in order to mould a team into one that could challenge and be successful.
      “He was not only a manager to me, as he became a friend and a mentor as my career progressed from player to coach and onto being a manager.”
      Former Tottenham star Micky Hazard wrote on social media: “Just heard the very sad news that our former player John Duncan has passed away, very very sad.
      “Go fly with the angels John and say hi to all our former heroes.”
      While Spurs legend Steve Perryman, who made a club-record 854 appearances for the Lilywhites, wrote: “Huge respect to the loss of our great friend & colleague John Duncan.
      “Rest Peacefully Sir, I will never forget your considered & educated take on life with a goal scoring knack that was effective as much as surprising at times with a touch of character + understanding too.”
      Former Bolton and Chesterfield striker Kevin Davies tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to lose my first pro manager and good friend John Duncan today.
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      “Always there for me personally and professionally. So much to thank him for. Called me last week for a chat even though he was unwell, lost one of the good guys, thanks John.”
      And ex-Spurs and Barcelona star Steve Archibald wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of John Duncan, lovely man and great player, hugely respected at Spurs and in the game, great goalscorer, RIP my friend, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to John’s family.”
      Duncan scored 62 times in 118 games for SpursCredit: Rex More

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      Why are Tottenham and Brighton wearing black armbands during their game tonight?

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      TOTTENHAM host Brighton tonight in their Premier League clash.And both sets of players are set to wear black armbands in the game at Brighton.
      Tottenham are paying their respects to late fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone
      Why are Tottenham and Brighton wearing black armbands?
      The teams are wearing black armbands in tribute to Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone.
      Ventrone passed away this week after a short battle with acute leukaemia.
      The popular Italian arrived at Spurs alongside Antonio Conte in November 2021 and was a trusted ally of the former Chelsea boss.
      Ventrone built a reputation of working players extremely hard, but still managed to build up an incredible rapport with them.
      In a tragic turn of events, Tottenham confirmed: “We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away.
      “The 61-year-old joined the Club in November, 2021, as part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff, having previously held roles at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio.
      “As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff.
      “He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”
      Harry Kane with Gian Piero VentroneCredit: Getty
      Devastated striker Kane wrote on Instagram: “A truly remarkable man.
      “I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero. My love and strength is with his family at this time.
      “His words and wisdom will live on with me for the rest of my life and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him. Rest in peace Prof.”

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