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      Premier League ball-in-play figures revealed after major rule change was introduced to crack down on time-wasting

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      PREMIER LEAGUE games have seen an increase in the amount of ball-in-play time following new rules designed to crack down on timewasting.Ifab have introduced rules which has seen officials add on extra time for goal celebrations, substitutions, injuries, penalties and red cards.
      New rules have seen an increase in added time in the Premier League and EFL this seasonCredit: Rex
      The Premier League has seen the amount of ball in play time increase by almost four minutes
      This has had a significant effect on matches across the EFL and in the top tier, with few games lasting less than 100 minutes as a result of the changes.
      It has also increased the amount of time the ball is in play, with an average rise of almost four minutes so far this season.
      That is a big improvement, particularly as matches have only lasted, on average, three minutes longer than they did last season.
      Last season saw the most average game time [98.27] but the least average ball-in-play time [54.52] of any Prem season in the last 10 years.
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      Now ball-in-play time is at an average of 58.42 and is likely to improve further as fewer players attempt to waste time – as they know it will be added on at the end of the match.
      There has also been an improvement in ball-in-play time in all three EFL divisions, with League Two seeing the highest increase at eight minutes.
      However it remains the division with the least amount of ball-in-play time, though is now only half a minute behind League One, with 56.04 minutes of ball time compared to 56.56.
      New disciplinary rules have also been introduced to clamp down on “unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the sidelines and in the stands”.
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      There has also been a clamp down on player and manager disciplineCredit: Getty
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      The Premier League and EFL are keen to give match officials greater protection – to prevent managers and players trying to intimidate and influence decisions.
      Under the new regulations, all club technical staff, including managers and assistants, must sign up to a “code of conduct” – which has been approved by the League Managers Association.
      The rules have already seen players in the Championship and League One sent off for dissent.
      While Bolton boss Ian Evatt and Leyton Orient gaffer Richie Wellens were also red-carded in mid-week after confronting the referee. More

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      Former Arsenal star, 32, retires from football after announcing start of shock new business

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      FORMER Arsenal star Henri Lansbury has retired from football aged 32.The midfielder made eight appearances for the Gunners after coming through the club’s academy.
      Henri Lansbury has retired aged 32Credit: Getty
      The midfielder helped Luton achieve promotion to the Premier League last seasonCredit: Getty
      Lansbury rose through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      He now owns lawn fertiliser company Grass GainsCredit: Instagram @thelawnlad
      He played in the Premier League for Aston Villa but spent the majority of his career in the Championship, featuring for the likes of West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Norwich and Watford.
      Most recently he played for Luton and made 12 appearances as the Hatters won promotion to the Prem.
      But following his release Lansbury has, as expected, decided to hang up his boots to focus on a different career path.
      He released a statement announcing his retirement, which reads: “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working within the football world.
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      “From managers, coaches to teammates and to opponents – it’s been one hell of a ride!
      “I’m so grateful for the amazing experiences – from the clubs that I have represented, being part of four promotions, to representing England at youth level and for the support I received whilst overcoming testicular cancer.

      “The highs and the lows, I’ve loved every minute of it.
      “Peace out and catch you all on the grass soon.”
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      Lansbury owns a grass fertiliser company called Grass Gains, and he has worked on pitches at Fulham and Genk.
      He is now set to join Monaco to work on the French side’s pitch, while Grass Gains’ ‘Lawn Bulk’ fertiliser has received glowing reviews from the likes of Micah Richards, Luton star Tom Lockyer and former Wales international James Chester.
      Speaking about his new career, Lansbury said: “We’ve done Fulham, we’ve done Genk and we’re in at Monaco soon.
      “We’re going in the right direction, a few local clubs have asked for it and we’ve put it down on their pitches as well.
      “I want to give back to the local clubs really, I want them to have a nice pitch to play on, there’s nothing better than a kid running on a pitch with stripes on it and that’s what it does, it helps stripe it off.” More

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      Everton tell Preston that Tom Cannon can join on loan transfer – but rivals looking at £8m deal

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      EVERTON have told Preston that striker Tom Cannon can join them on loan on Wednesday — but rivals are looking at an £8million buy.North End hoped to get Cannon, 20, last week after agreeing to a massive six-figure loan fee on top of his wages.
      Cannon is set to join Preston next weekCredit: Getty
      But the Toffees needed him to be available for yesterday’s clash with Fulham and for midweek Under-21s action.  
      Italian side Sampdoria also want to take Cannon permanently, while Sunderland and Stoke have asked about the price for a full-time buy.
      Leeds have also been keeping an eye on developments.
      Cannon may be up for leaving following the Toffees’ signing of £12.9m striker Youssef Chermiti, 19, from Sporting Lisbon this week.
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      Everton beat the likes of Wolves and Bournemouth to sign the teenager, who has penned a four-year deal with the club.
      The Toffees are also monitoring 31-year-old midfielder Pajtim Kasami, who has been a free agent since June.
      The ex-Switzerland international rejected an approach from Slaven Bilic’s Al-Fateh earlier this summer in favour of a return to the Premier League.
      Kasami also opted against moving to Al-Riyadh and joining some of the biggest names, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, who now play in the Saudi Pro League.
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      Everton opened their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham.
      Fans were left furious with manager Sean Dyche as a result. More

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      Chelsea starlet dubbed the ‘Italian Ballack’ completes loan transfer to Leicester after failing to convince Pochettino

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      CHELSEA’S starlet Cesare Casadei is said to be closing in on a loan move to Leicester City.The agreement is at its final stages despite interest from Serie A side Genoa.
      Leicester are closing in on loan deal for U20 World Cup Golden Boot winner Cesare CasadeiCredit: Getty
      Leicester have been working on a loan deal for the Italian midfielder after new boss Enzo Maresca made him his “top target”.
      Chelsea would rather loan Casadei as the prospect of him staying in English football is better all round for the Blues.
      The talented 20-year-old featured for Chelsea in pre-season.
      But the Premier League giants were always expected to let him depart on loan this summer.
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      The Foxes got their first win under new management last weekend in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Midlands rivals Coventry City.
      Leicester’s bench was named a “joke” by fans across the country for how strong it was.
      The likes of Patson Daka, Dennis Praet, James Justin and more were present.

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      However, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall took the spotlight for his emphatic brace to get them over the line.
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      Casadei would bring a new level into the ex-Premier League champions’ team, adding flair and determination in that advanced playmaker role.
      The ex-Inter Milan youngster showed his prowess in the recent Under-20’s World Cup.
      Chelsea fans were calling him the “Italian Ballack” after their former German hero as he was crowned the player of the tournament and also won the Golden Boot. More

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      Leeds release new kit but fans fume that it reminds them of MR BLOBBY and Fruit Salads

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      LEEDS fans have fumed that their new kit reminds them of Mr Blobby and Fruit Salads.The Championship club released their third kit for the 2023/24 season on Tuesday.
      Leeds have released their new third kitCredit: Instagram @Leedsunited
      Fans have fumed at the kit’s designCredit: Instagram @Leedsunited
      Featuring a bright pink and yellow design with black trim, the shirt is said to be a nod to the club’s association with the peacock.
      It is understood that the link, which is represented by a colourful peacock print, stems from The Old Peacock pub close to Elland Road.
      The Adidas strip was modelled by players including Liam Cooper, Ethan Ampadu and Luke Ayling for the launch.
      However, Leeds fans have been left unimpressed by the kit and have slammed the design on social media.
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      One supporter even compared it to 90s TV icon Mr Blobby’s pink and yellow spots.
      The character is famous of appearing alongside Noel Edmonds on Noel’s House Party.
      Others highlighted the similarities between the kit and Fruit Salad sweets.
      Sharing a picture of Mr Blobby, one fan tweeted: “Knew I had seen the new third kit somewhere else before.”
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      Another wrote: “Horrendous. Look like Fruit Salads lads.”
      A third added: “Looks like someone has scoffed a packet of refreshers and then vomited all over a shirt.”
      One more also commented: “Sorry, but it literally looks like vomit.”
      Leeds could debut the new third kit away to Birmingham on Saturday.
      Daniel Farke’s side began their Championship campaign on Sunday following relegation from the Premier League.
      A stoppage time equaliser at home to Cardiff rescued a point after Leeds had been two goals down.
      One fan compared the kit to Mr Blobby’s pink and yellow spotsCredit: Rex
      Another claimed the kit looks like Fruit Salad sweetsCredit: Alamy More

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      I’m Britain’s most loyal football fan… I haven’t missed a game in 50 years & it ended my marriage – I have no regrets

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      BRITAIN’S most loyal football fan who hasn’t missed a match for 50 years says he has no regrets – despite his obsession costing him his marriage.Birmingham City supporter Rob Shannon has watched his side more than 2,300 times in a row – first going to see them beat Derby County in 1974.
      Dedicated Birmingham City fan Rob Shannon has not missed a match since 1974Credit: SWNS
      But he admits the Championship football club could be to blame for his divorce from his ex-wife, who was a fan of their West Midlands arch rivals Aston Villa.
      Rob said: “She used to say, ‘You love Blues more than me’.
      “I always joked, ‘I love Villa more than you’.”
      The dad-of-two, 64, loyally follows the Blues both home and away – having attended his first game as a four-year-old boy during the 1962-1963 season.
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      He has seen them play in all four league divisions – including several stints in the Premier League – as well as all League Cup and FA Cup games over the past half a century.
      Only the Covid-19 pandemic kept him away from their St Andrew’s home ground, when lockdown restrictions forced football clubs to play behind closed doors.
      He said: “My mum and dad took me down when I was a boy around the 62-63 season and I’ve loved going ever since.
      “It’s become a bit of an obsession – I just follow them through thick and thin, although it’s been more like thin and thin.
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      “People say you must have seen all the ups and downs and I joke it’s mostly downs for Blues.”
      Stand-up comedian Jasper Carrott, another Birmingham City fan, has previously joked: “You lose some, you draw some.”
      Yet Rob, from Sheldon in Birmingham, did get to enjoy a day of glory at Wembley for the match he says is his most cherished.
      City, then managed by ex-Scotland international Alex McLeish, clinched a surprise last-minute 2-1 victory over Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in the 2011 Carling Cup final.
      Rob said: “My favourite game was without a doubt the Carling Cup final – it was the best day of my life, and the European games that followed were really special too.
      “But any game that we beat the Villa is also my favourite.
      “I’ve also seen a couple of wins at Anfield and Old Trafford, which doesn’t happy very often for us.”
      His favourite player was former Birmingham and England striker Trevor Francis, who became Britain’s first £1million footballer when moving to Nottingham Forest in 1979.
      Rob was saddened by Francis’s death last month at the age of 69 at his home near Marbella in Spain.
      Rob said: “I was devastated when Trevor Francis passed away.
      “I got to know him and his sons – he is still my favourite player.
      “I’m proud to now volunteer at the club as part of their Former Players Association – I get to arrange for ex-players to come back to the club for games.”
      He is also an admirer of ex-City star and England international Jude Bellingham, who came through Birmingham’s youth ranks and this summer joined La Liga giants Real Madrid for £115million from Germany’s Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
      Rob named his son Andrew, 32, after the club’s St Andrew’s stadium – and even once discharged himself from hospital to attend an away game at Swansea City.
      He now hopes the club can return to the Premier League having been away since relegation in 2011.
      American NFL legend Tom Brady sprang a surprise last week by revealing he has become one of the club’s joint owners.
      Brady, recently rumoured to be dating Kim Kardashian, has “entered into a partnership” with Birmingham’s new owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
      Rob said: “There have been some good times really but it has been a bad few years – although the new owners sound like they really mean business and are very ambitious.
      “Getting the likes of Tom Brady on board can only be a good thing so I think the future is bright and I certainly have no intentions of stopping.
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      “I’d resigned myself to the fact I would probably never see Blues in the Premier League again but hopefully we can get back there under these new owners.
      “It’s the hope and anticipation that kills you, though – but I guess that’s what being a football fan is all about.”
      Rob’s most cherished memory is of Birmingham winning the Carling Cup in 2011Credit: SWNS
      He was club mascot for a match as a seven-year-old, leading the team on to the fieldCredit: SWNS
      Rob’s home in Birmingham’s Sheldon district is packed with Blues memorabiliaCredit: SWNS
      Rob got on well with Birmingham legend Trevor Francis, who died last monthCredit: SWNS
      A more recent favourite has been England international midfielder Jude BellinghamCredit: SWNS More

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      Hilarious moment Championship star forgets which club he plays for as he leaves team-mates in hysterics

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      DUNCAN WATMORE forgot which club he plays for during Millwall’s win over Middlesbrough on Saturday.The hilarious moment was caught on camera during the match, with his team-mates left in hysterics by his blunder.
      Duncan Watmore left his team-mates in hysterics with his blunder

      Watmore’s unfortunate mistake came after he was substituted off in the 73rd minute.
      As he left the pitch he wrongly started to walk towards the Boro dugout.
      Fortunately, he realised his error before taking a seat on the bench, shaking his head and smiling as he headed for the away dugout.
      His team-mates were left in stitches as they shook his hands and made space for him amongst the substitutes.
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      It was an easy mistake to make for Watmore, who was making his first return to the Riverside Stadium since leaving the club.
      He spent three years on Teesside, making 97 appearances for Boro.
      During that time, he became accustomed to sitting in the home dugout when he was not on the pitch.
      However, he is now a Millwall player after completing a move in January and started in central midfield for their season opener.
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      It was the Lions who came away victorious as well, with Watmore’s replacement Romain Esse grabbing the winner in the 79th minute.
      The 18-year-old came off the bench to score his first senior goal and claim all three points for Gary Rowett’s side.
      Duncan Watmore mistakenly walked towards the Middlesbrough bench More

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      Leicester star James Justin has no intention of following James Maddison and Harvey Barnes out the exit door

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      JAMES JUSTIN was playing for England last year but this season must slog it in the Championship.The defender has no intention of leaving Leicester after relegation from the Premier League.
      James Justin is looking forward to a season in the Championship with Leicester
      Justin was called up by England last summer by Gareth Southgate
      Justin, 25, celebrated a career high last summer when he made his Three Lions debut in Hungary — and was in with a shout of playing at the Qatar World Cup.
      But he ruptured his Achilles in November against Newport in the Carabao Cup, which saw him miss the rest of the season as the Foxes crashed out of the top flight.
      Yet as the 2016 Premier League champions prepare to host Coventry tomorrow, Justin told me he will not be following the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes out the door.
      He said: “I went from the highest of highs by playing for England to the lows of being injured and relegated.
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      “But I’m staying. Leicester took a chance on me after I won promotion from League One with Luton four years ago. 
      “This club has done a lot for my career. They’ve stuck by me through two bad injuries, having previously been out for 11 months with an ACL, and fully rehabilitated me. 
      “My plan is to help the team get promoted this season.
      “The Championship is going to be fast, furious, in your face and we’ll not be allowed to breathe for a second.
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      “It’ll be a graft with 46 games. You can get comfy in the Premier League playing only 38. It’ll be a shock to some of those who aren’t used to it.
      “We’re not going to get any special treatment because we’re Leicester.” 
      It was frustrating for Justin to watch helplessly last season — especially in April when he recovered ahead of schedule but could not play due to being omitted from Leicester’s 25-man squad in January.
      He said: “Everyone looks at the talent we had but the final table didn’t lie. It was a bitter pill to swallow because I couldn’t put my stamp on things after I came back from injury.
      “The club had to make a decision about who to register in the squad and no-one could’ve foreseen I’d be back ahead of time.
      Justin meets Justin … Leicester ace James Justin chats to our man Justin Allen
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      “Our relegation was down to a combination of things. We weren’t ruthless enough when we were on top in games and were shipping goals for fun.
      “We had a great run before the World Cup where we kept six clean sheets out of seven but weren’t able to do that consistently and that’s ultimately why we went down.”
      Leicester made £60m selling Barnes to Newcastle and Maddison to Tottenham.
      And they have reinvested half of that by snapping up midfielder Harry Winks (Spurs), centre-half Conor Coady (Wolves), forward Stephy Mavididi (Montpellier) and Denmark No1 Mads Hermansen (Brondby) — as well as defender Callum Doyle on loan from Manchester City.
      Justin said: “We’ve done some good stuff in the transfer window and I don’t think we’re close to finishing the business we’re doing in and out. So there’ll be some more great players coming in to help us.”
      The Foxes made a bold statement by appointing Pep Guardiola’s assistant Enzo Maresca as their new manager in June on a three-year deal.
      Enzo Maresca puts James Justin through his paces at an open training event Leicester held for their fans at the King Power Stadium
      Maresca addresses fans during the club’s open training session
      New Leicester signing Harry Winks in pre-season action against Liverpool
      And already he is making a big impression on the squad and Justin says fans can expect a similar playing style to Manchester City.
      He said: “It’s been good and intense. The manager has installed a lot of his philosophies.
      “In our pre-season games our style and how we’re set up is completely changing.
      “It’s going to take time to get everything perfect. We’ve only been together a month while it took Pep’s City six years to get their domination of English and European football.
      “We’ve worked on how we build up. A lot of teams build with four at the back as standard or three with two wing backs. We’re changing that and adopting what City have done in moving John Stones into midfield. Brighton also use a similar concept — but we’re looking to put our own spin on things.”
      Only last summer Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany transformed a relegated Burnley team known for its defensive structure and long-ball style into one playing free-flowing possession-based football that ran away with the Championship.
      The Leicester ace takes time out of his busy schedule preparing for the new season to speak to SunSport
      Justin is enjoying the new playing style being adopted by Leicester
      Justin said: “It was amazing what they achieved and hopefully we can be similar.
      “Kompany said when he arrived at Burnley they already had good ideas and a foundation at the club — and we also have that at Leicester.
      “He showed what Burnley could do if they had confidence to play that way.”
      It is hoped Justin will play a huge part for Leicester this season with his versatility and attack-minded approach being huge assets.
      So where does he prefer playing? Left-back, right-back, left wing, right wing or central midfield?
      He said: “Any of the above but I prefer playing on the left — but I’m not picky. I just get on with my job.”
      And while his hopes of playing at the World Cup were dashed, Justin does not have to give up on making next summer’s Euro squad.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate revealed in March he will keep tabs on the Championship because the number of English players starting Premier League games are dwindling.
      The Foxes star said: “It gives you encouragement and extra fire knowing Gareth and his staff will be watching.
      “Being part of the England squad and playing alongside that calibre of player opened my eyes.
      “It made me think, ‘This is the level I want to be at every week’ and seeing people like Harry Kane and what they do to prepare after training to get better is something I want to emulate.”
      While things have been tough for Justin in recent times, he had the joy of his partner Laurel giving birth to their baby boy Remi four months ago — and home-town club Luton getting promoted to the Premier League.
      Justin’s home-town club Luton won promotion to the Premier League
      Justin is looking forward to a bright future after a tough year
      The lifelong Hatters fan, who used to watch from the terraces with his late father Mick, was at Wembley to see his ex-team-mates beat Coventry in the play-off final.
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      He said: “I used to watch Luton in the National League and when I broke into the first team, they were in League Two. So for Kenilworth Road to be hosting Premier League football, it’s unreal.
      “I went to the team hotel afterwards to see the lads and their families. That club has gone through some dark days, it’s a fairytale.” More