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      Gary Lineker reveals his bold recommendation for Leicester manager’s role but board rejected it as a ‘step too far’

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that he recommended Emma Hayes to Leicester City’s board in the summer to become their new boss.The Foxes parted ways with Dean Smith after they were relegated from the Premier League in May after his brief stint in charge.
      Gary Lineker has revealed who he recommended for the Leicester job in the summer
      He suggested that the Foxes appoint Chelsea Women’s boss Emma HayesCredit: Getty
      They are now looking to make an immediate return to the top-flight with Enzo Maresca at the helm after he left Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City.
      However, former Leicester striker and England legend Lineker has now admitted that he made his own suggestion to the club’s board to be manager before the Italian’s arrival.
      And he also revealed the feedback that he received, telling The Rest is Football podcast: “I don’t know whether I told you before but in the summer, when Leicester were looking for a new manager I actually got in touch with the club with a little idea I had – which was for them to go for Emma Hayes from Chelsea.
      “She’s great, absolutely legitimate but imagine being the first major football club to have a woman as a coach.
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      “It would have brought massive amounts of publicity, particularly at a time when the club had gone down into the Championship.
      “You’d have sold all your season tickets. It’s not a stunt at all although it is in a way because it would be a massive PR opportunity.
      “They did come back to me and say it’s probably a step too far at this stage.”
      Hayes, 46, has guided Chelsea to six WSL title and was also named The Best Fifa football coach in 2021.
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      She has previously been linked with both the Norwich City and AFC Wimbledon jobs and has even admitted her desire to coach in the men’s game.
      Hayes said: “All coaches aspire to be at the best level they can get to, and I’m no different.
      “If it happened for me that the next opportunity was in the men’s game, then I’d welcome that.
      “But I also think there needs to be more female coaches at the top end of the women’s game before more are entering into the men’s game.”
      The legendary boss and popular pundit is not the only woman to be linked with a blockbuster and game-changing switch into the men’s game.
      England Women’s boss Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to Euro success last year and the World Cup final last month, is being considered as a potential replacement for Gareth Southgate. More

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      I was a Premier League star, now I’m unemployed at 51 but I played last season and clubs are still trying to sign me

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      FORMER Fulham striker Barry Hayles has enjoyed a stunning 33-year career in football.Even at the age of 51, he has no intention of hanging up his boots.
      Barry Hayles starred for Fulham in the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Hayles scored eight goals while up front alongside Louis SahaCredit: Getty
      Hayles in action for WindsorCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      However, as it stands, he does find himself without a club, not that offers have not been forthcoming from suitors.
      In an interview with the Daily Star, Hayles revealed he has moved into mentorship after completing last season with Windsor FC – step ten of the English football pyramid.
      He told the Star: “As it happens I’m not attached to anybody – I’ve been doing mentoring with the youngsters this season instead.”
      “I’ve had a few phone calls about playing but I’ve not taken any up, if it fits in with what I’m doing then I might keep on playing but there we go.”
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      Having joined Fulham from Bristol Rovers for a then club-record transfer of £2million, Hayles went on to play 215 games for them.
      His first season in the Premier League saw him form a lucrative strike-partnership with Louis Saha before he joined Manchester United, with Hayles netting eight goals.
      After six years at Craven Cottage between 1998 and 2004, he signed for Sheffield United.
      An extended stay in the Championship followed with the Blades being followed up by transfers to Millwall, Plymouth and Leicester.
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      Later on in his career Hayles turned out for the likes of Cheltenham, Truro, St Albans, Chesham and most recently Windsor.
      But Hayles admitted he prefers to be in the thick of the action rather than being on the sidelines.
      He continued: “This is the first season I’ve not been involved in any preseason since I was a teenager, over 30 years, I’m working for a private company now with schools.
      “The coaching means I’m still involved and that’s always nice but I’m not the best from the side of the pitch, I get a bit too enthusiastic.
      “When I played I got all the tension out and when I’m on the bench it’s all still there.
      “I’ve just been assigned the P.E Teacher role essentially, a few of them really want to progress and I’m going to try to help them do what I did.”
      In total his journeyman career has seen him net 134 goals across English football. More

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      Connor Roberts is set to win his 50th Wales cap after long journey to get to the top

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      CONNOR ROBERTS ‘hated’ his life at Middlesbrough six years ago.But the determined Burnley defender, 27, bounced back from those dark days to play in the Premier League and is set to win his 50th Wales cap against Latvia on Monday.
      Roberts had doubts over his football career but has played at a Euros and World Cup for WalesCredit: Getty
      The 27-year-old is now a Premier League regular at Vincent Kompany’s BurnleyCredit: PA
      Before his Dragons debut, Roberts felt his career was going nowhere at Boro where he only played one EFL game before his season-long loan deal from Swansea was terminated in January 2018.
      Roberts said: “There were many times at Middlesbrough where I laid on my bed on my own, miles away from family and thought, ‘Maybe I’m not good enough to be a footballer’.
      “I wasn’t playing and I was absolutely hating my life.
      “Then a few months later I got called up by Wales, went to China and got on against Uruguay. It was surreal.
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      “Now I sit here with nearly 50 caps for my country and no-one can ever take that away from me.
      “When I was a young boy, I never thought I’d ever be a professional footballer, let alone play 50 times for my country.
      “So I’m proud of myself and I hope my friends and family are proud of me too.  
      “The more times I can play and the more little triumphs I can have, the better it is.”
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      Roberts still excitedly messages wife Georgina as well as his parents to tell them about call-ups.
      Since then, the versatile Clarets star has represented his country at Euro 2020 and last year’s World Cup in Qatar – Wales’ first global finals since 1958.
      But Roberts, nicknamed the ‘Crynant Cafu’ for the energy he offers from full-back, insists he has more to give.
      He added: “Every time I text my mum, dad and wife, and say, ‘I got called up again.’ They say, well, did you expect not to? But it’s still a proud moment.  
      “It’s still brilliant. When I started playing for Wales, since my second, third, fourth cap, I always wondered, ‘Imagine how incredible it would be to get 50 caps.’
      “Now I’m here. I cherish every moment and I’ve had some unbelievable experiences – I’ve played at a World Cup, a Euros, scored a couple of goals and had a load of happy times in the Wales jersey. 
      “And, hopefully, that can continue for a couple of years, at least.  I’ve experienced a lot in a short space of time.”
      Wales must win in Latvia to keep their Euro 2024 dreams alive and ease the pressure on under-fire boss Robert Page. 
      The Dragons drew 0-0 with South Korea on Thursday night to extend their miserable run of form to one win in their 13 internationals.
      They lost both qualifiers in June and Roberts said: “Monday is the big game as we all know June wasn’t good enough.
      “We were dreadful. We only have ourselves to blame for the poor results and performances.
      “It was definitely one of the lowest periods in a Wales shirt. Against Armenia, we scored early and thought we’d cracked it. And we hadn’t. There was a bit of naivety in us.
      “We should have performed a lot better. The only way to make it good enough and put things right is to play well and win games.
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      “There’s a determination to not feel like we did after those previous two games.
      “Now we must stand by our principles and never give up. I’ll go out on Monday and give absolutely everything.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League star – now I drive busy trains through London… it’s surreal

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      FORMER Birmingham City and Coventry hard man Martin Grainger swapped football for becoming a train driver after hanging up his boots.Grainger, 49, worked his way up from the non-league to the Premier League after starting out at Colchester United in 1989.
      Martin Grainger swapped the Premier League for being a train driver after his retirementCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      He helped The U’s gain promotion to the Football League in the 1991-92 season.
      In 1993, he joined then-League One side Brentford for £60,000 where he established himself as a first team regular.
      A move to Championship Birmingham followed in 1996 where he would go on to become an inspirational figure and cult hero – known for his prowess from set pieces.
      He helped the side reach the League Cup final in 2001 and gain promotion to the Premier League in 2002.
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      After promotion to the Premier League however, his game time became more limited due to injury and he found himself out on loan at Midlands rivals Coventry City.
      The left-back would make just seven appearances for Coventry City before returning to Birmingham.
      He played four more times for the St.Andrews, scoring a goal against Manchester United in his final game in a Blues shirt.
      After retiring in 2004, Grainger spent some time in charge of non-league Hertfordshire side Cheshunt.
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      He also worked as a VIP chauffeur.
      But since then, he has found a second calling as a train driver on the London train network.
      While still in training to be a train driver, Grainger told Birmingham Live about his decision to become a driver after finding out about it through a friend on his snooker team.
      He said: “At the moment I am a trainee train driver which means you are in a class room for a year and I can only describe it as an absolute nightmare.
      “It is very hard! I must admit, I am not a classroom person and it is quite tough. I am enjoying it and the rewards at the end of it are really good.
      “I’ve tried various different things, I’ve been a driver for example, and to work different days of the year for the pay they offer is just great. Other than football, I haven’t found anything that offers what this job offers.”
      The former defender worked has obviously found his calling, talking to Blues Talk Podcast in 2020 he revealed that he worked throughout the pandemic to keep the network running – describing the experience as “surreal.” More

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      Wayne Rooney linked with shock managerial return to England with Man Utd legend unsettled in MLS

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      WAYNE ROONEY could be set for a shock return to English football as Birmingham reportedly eye up a move for the Three Lions legend.The DC United boss, 37, cast doubt over his future with the MLS club earlier this week with his contract set to expire in December.
      Wayne Rooney could be set for a managerial job in EnglandCredit: Reuters
      And now he could be given a way out as Championship side Birmingham emerge as a possible destination for the Manchester United icon.
      The Blues, part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, have made a strong start to the season under John Eustace – who has a contract until 2025.
      SunSport understands the club are preparing for the eventuality of Eustace leaving the club.
      There is no indication he will be sacked after three wins and two draws from their opening five league games.
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      However, he has been mooted as a possible successor to Michael Beale at Rangers should the Scottish giants seek a replacement.
      Rooney last coached in England during the 2021/22 season when he took charge of crisis-stricken Derby.
      The Rams had a 21-point deduction and were relegated from the Championship despite him doing an impressive job under the circumstances.
      He then took the DC United job last year – who were also struggling and finished bottom of the Eastern Conference.
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      They sit ninth out of 15 teams in the 2023 campaign, with Rooney recently vocalising his discontent at his own situation as the club prepare for the final six weeks of the regular season.
      Earlier this month, he told the Washington Post: “I am slightly disappointed and frustrated there has been no contact for two months.

      “We asked about a new deal. We can sit down and talk about it. We haven’t heard back.
      “Either way, I can take whatever the situation is. I was hoping we would have, either way, at least spoken about it. That hasn’t been the case.
      “That’s frustrating because, either way, I’d rather know what’s the plan because we have to plan for next season. We need to do it earlier rather than later.
      “The fact we haven’t heard back is probably signalling one thing, but I’m sure they’ll have their reasons for that. So I’ll wait and see.” More

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      Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s footballer husband unemployed at 32 after having contract terminated

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      FORMER Premier League star Andre Gray has been left unemployed after seeing his contract terminated at Aris.The 32-year-old is married to Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
      Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Andre Gray married last yearCredit: Instagram
      The couple have been together since 2016Credit: Getty
      Gray and the pop star tied the knot in a stunning beach ceremony in Jamaica last year.
      And the couple have two-year-old twins.
      But on the pitch the striker is currently without a club after mutually agreeing to end his deal with Greek side Aris.
      Gray found the back of the net 13 times in 39 games last season.
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      He worked his way up the football pyramid, having been a youngster at Wolves and Shrewsbury.
      But he made a name for himself at Hinkley United in the sixth tier before moving to Luton when the Prem side were in the National League – then known as the Conference.
      In 2014 he earned a switch to Brentford but stayed at the Bees for just one season before Burnley signed him for a then club record £6million fee.
      Gray helped fire them to promotion to the Premier League with 23 goals and then after another season at Turf Moor he joined Watford.
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      Andre Gray spent four seasons with WatfordCredit: Reuters
      He featured 126 times for the Hornets before going on loan to QPR and then Aris.
      The free agent, who has 23 Prem goals to his name, has been linked with a return to England with reports suggesting that several Championship clubs are considering signing him.
      Gray is not the only footballer in a relationship with a member of Little Mix, ex-Arsenal and Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is engaged to Perrie Edwards. More

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      Forgotten Newcastle outcasts set to seal shock deadline day transfers to Standard Liege and Sheffield Wednesday

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      NEWCASTLE stars Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden are on the verge of leaving the club, according to reports.Both players spent the 2022/23 season on loan in the Championship after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
      Hendrick is set to join Sheffield Wednesday on loanCredit: EPA
      Belgian side Standard Liege have made a bid for HaydenCredit: Getty
      And they are now set to leave once again in a bid to get more game time.
      According to The Daily Mail, Hendrick is set to join Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan while Hayden is closing in on a shock move to Standard Liege.
      Hendrick, who made 46 appearances for Reading last season, reportedly completed a medical this afternoon ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.
      Hayden was also lined up to join the Owls, but Newcastle received a late bid from Belgian side Standard Liege this afternoon.
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      The two parties are now understood to be in talks over a potential transfer.
      Hayden came close to joining Luton earlier this week, but the proposed move fell through after he completed a medical.
      The midfielder – who hasn’t played for Newcastle since the 2021-22 campaign – has been training with the club’s Under-21’s since he returned from his loan at Norwich.
      Eddie Howe has introduced four new additions to his squad this summer.
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      Sandro Tonali joined the club in a £60million transfer from AC Milan in July before Harvey Barnes followed in a £38m move from Leicester.
      Tino Livramento then completed a £30m transfer from Southampton.
      And Chelsea’s Lewis Hall joined the Magpies on loan at the end of August.
      The 18-year-old’s loan includes a £28million option to buy next summer, which could rise to £35m if certain add-ons are met. More

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      Joe Rodon says life at Spurs turned him into a man

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      JOE RODON says Spurs made him a man – but he is finally feeling loved after joining Leeds on loan.The Wales defender, 25, has made just 24 Tottenham appearances since signing from Swansea in 2020.
      Rodon struggled to win a first-team spot at Spurs and has had loan spells at Rennes and LeedsCredit: Getty
      The Wales centre-back spent last term away from Spurs in FranceCredit: AFP
      Rodon had a temporary spell away from North London last term at Ligue 1 club Rennes and then joined Daniel Farke’s side on a season-long loan.
      Rodon said: “At Swansea I did have close relationships with the manager, but when I went to Spurs it was more on your own. I learnt a lot in that period being at Spurs.
      “Coming to Leeds, the manager’s been brilliant with me since I’ve walked through the door. 
      “It’s just nice to have that kind of relationship again, to feel like you’re part of it and you’re wanted.”
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      Rodon was signed by Jose Mourinho for £11million but failed to win a place under him, Nuno Espirito Santo or Antonio Conte.
      He was also overlooked by new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou — but reckons he has matured despite his limited action.
      Rodon added: “At Tottenham, I learned to become a man in that environment and just handle being on my own, maturing and developing. 
      “But coming to Leeds and having that relationship already and feeling wanted and in the group, it means a lot more to me.”
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      Rodon, named in the Wales squad today for the friendly against South Korea and Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia next month, has joined fellow Welshmen Ethan Ampadu and Dan James at Elland Road.
      He added: “DJ was excited, he was really excited when the news came out.
      “DJ being here for quite a few seasons, just having a chat with him and of course very high regard and respect for everything with the club. 
      “When it came to me and with Ethan also signing here this summer, it was kind of a no-brainer for me.”
      Rodon was joined in Robert Page’s squad named in Bala this morning by Luton’s Tom Lockyer.
      Hatters captain Lockyer collapsed in last season;s Championship play-off final following a heart scare and required surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation.
      Lockyer has made a full recovery and led Luton in their opening two Premier League matches against Brighton and Chelsea.
      Page said: “It’s a great story. We all watched the events unfold in the play off final. We were all concerned, but there has been nothing but positivity since that day.
      “He has had some great news, he is back to normal and is now playing in the Premier League, which is unbelievable for him as well.
      “It is always going to be a challenge when you get promoted to the Premier League, Luton have done really well to be where they are at with the resources they have available to them.
      “But for him personally he should be very proud of how he has recovered after it. A dream for him was to play in the Premier League and he has achieved that.”
      Leeds winger James has been ruled out due to an abductor problem.
      Page added: “It’s probably about a three-week injury so we could push and push him, but we would not have had him at his best.
      “And it would be like pushing him to the day before the Latvia game.
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      “I don’t think Leeds would want that and we need people on the grass fit and ready to go because it is obviously an important game for us.
      “We have seen the scan results and it was an easy decision for us in the end to leave him out.” More