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      Former Premier League star with £7.6m in career earnings eyed for shock transfer by League One side Bolton

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        FREE agent and former Premier League ace Josh Onomah is on the radar of Bolton.The midfielder, 26, trained at Stoke after a spell at Preston last season and wants to get back into a club as soon as possible.
      Josh Onomah was most recently at PrestonCredit: Getty
      He came through the academy at SpursCredit: Reuters
      Wanderers want new faces without spending big and Onomah would fit the bill.
      Onomah rose through the ranks at Tottenham and was tipped by many for Premier League success.
      He represented England extensively at youth level and was handed opportunities by Tottenham – largely in cup competitions.
      The midfielder was part of the England under-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017.
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      That age group included the likes of Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert Lewin and Kyle Walker Peters.
      The midfielder made 32 appearances for Spurs during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure but was never given an extended run of starts in the team.
      He finally left the club in 2019 to join Fulham following spells on loan at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.
      Injuries hampered his time at Fulham, with Onomah often in and out of the team.
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      He made 76 appearances for the Cottagers before leaving to join Preston in 2022.
      Injuries again hampered his ability to settle in the side and he made 13 appearances before leaving the club as a free agent.
      Onomah has been without a club this season but training with Stoke City has kept him fit and ready for a move. More

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      Millwall fans face court for sick gesture mocking tragic Leicester City chairman’s helicopter crash ahead of FA Cup tie

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      TWO Millwall fans face court for mocking the tragic death of Leicester City’s former chairman ahead of the club’s FA Cup tie.Footage shared on social media appeared to show the supporters making sick gestures towards the away stand at The Den stadium this afternoon.
      Footage appeared to show two Millwall fans making sick gesturesCredit: X
      The incident happened at The Den stadium in LondonCredit: X
      Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2018Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Thai billionaire businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, was among five killed when the chopper spun out of control while taking off from the King Power Stadium.
      Staff at Millwall’s ground, located in Bermondsey, south-east London, were also reportedly seen speaking to them.
      A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Two men were detained and ejected from the ground.
      “They will each be summonsed for an offence under the Public Order Act.
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      “Enquiries are ongoing to locate a third man in connection with the incident.”
      Neither clubs have commented on the incident yet.
      The Championship leaders, who won the FA Cup in 2021, saw off the Lions 3-2 in the third round fixture following a 12.30pm kickoff.
      The helicopter pilot nearly saved Srivaddhanaprabha in 2018 with a miracle landing after the rotor failed.
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      Crash investigators described the seizure of the tail rotor’s duplex bearing as a “catastrophic and irrecoverable failure” which caused it to dramatically spiral out of control.
      The helicopter spun around five times within 14 seconds as it plummeted perilously over a busy public car park from 430ft, an official report revealed.
      Pilot Eric Swaffer, 53, narrowly avoided mass tragedy despite screaming “I’ve no idea what’s going on” while likely startled and disorientated in the dark.
      He managed to perfectly perform every emergency action and even cushioned the blow by expertly pulling the collective control.
      But the lower left-hand side of the Leonardo AW169 smashed into a half-metre-high concrete step which caused a significant fuel leak igniting within a minute.
      Leicester City saw off Millwall 3-2 in the third round FA Cup tieCredit: Getty More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot hilarious details in new Swansea manager’s ‘contract’ including Star Wars obligation

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      EAGLE-EYED fans have spotted hilarious details in Luke Williams’ new Swansea City contract.The manager took on the job at the Welsh outfit after Damien Duff was sacked after less than six months in charge.
      Luke Williams has been named the Swansea City managerCredit: Swansea City
      Fans spotted hilarious details in his fake contractCredit: Swansea City
      Williams, 43, had led Notts County back to the EFL with promotion from the National League last season.
      He was announced as the Swans manager with a Star Wars-themed video on social media.
      In further pictures shared by the clubs fans have spotted funny details in a mock contract that he signed.
      The “fake” contract lays out three rules that Williams must follow as Swansea manager.
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      The first rule is that he becomes the “legal guardian” of Cyril and Cybil Swan.
      The second is that he agrees to a “Luke Skywalker announcement video”.
      And the final rule is that Williams will “provide snacks for the media team” during away matches.
      Fans loved the details written into the gag as they reacted on social media.
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      One posted: “The legal guardian of Cyril and Cybill Swan is the funniest part.”
      A second wrote: “Genius. More of this from football clubs please.”
      A third commented: “This is honestly the best thing I’ve ever seen.”
      A fourth said: “This is bloody genius.”
      A fifth added: “Well played, media team. I 100% zoomed in.”
      Williams’ first game in charge of the Championship outfit is against Morecambe in the FA Cup.
      He faced the League Two outfit in his penultimate match before leaving County, winning 5-0. More

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      Fresh blow to under-fire Steven Gerrard as England legend’s assistant at Al-Ettifaq quits to take over Championship side

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      IAN FOSTER has quit his role as Steven Gerrard’s assistant to take charge of Plymouth Argyle.The 47-year-old left his position as England Under-20s boss to join up with Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq last summer.
      Ian Foster has taken over as Plymouth Argyle bossCredit: Rex
      Steven Gerrard has struggled as Al-Ettifaq managerCredit: Getty
      After nine games without a win in all competitions, Foster has jumped ship to Argyle.
      Confirming the appointment, Pilgrims chairman Simon Hallett said: “I am thrilled to welcome a coach of Ian’s calibre to Plymouth Argyle as our new Head Coach.
      “He was the perfect candidate to lead our great football club forward as we embark on our next five-year mission.
      “Ian showed a passion and knowledge for the club throughout the interview process, and showcased in some detail how he sees the best way to take forward our exciting and dynamic young squad.
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      “Having worked with some of the best players this country has produced, he has a passion for developing young footballers, as well as playing expansive, attacking football which fits perfectly with how we want the club to progress.
      “I am excited to see how he takes the team forward and very much welcome him to Plymouth Argyle.”
      Foster played for Hereford, Barrow, Kidderminster and Chester during his professional career.
      He finished his playing days with Irish side Galway United before later taking charge as manager.
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      The former striker then managed Dundalk, before landing first team coaching roles at Coventry and Portsmouth.
      Foster went on to assist Steve Cooper with England Under-17s during their victorious World Cup campaign in 2017.
      He subsequently managed the Three Lions’ Under 18s, 19s and 20s before joining Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
      The managerial duo oversaw five wins in their first seven games, before hitting a severe slump.
      Al-Ettifaq have plummeted to eighth in the table following a nine-game winless run.
      The streak has seen Gerrard come under pressure, with fans left baffled when he cited a lack of penalties for his side’s malaise.
      Gerrard will now have to do without trusted assistant Foster.
      Argyle sit 18th in the Championship, having returned to the second-tier after 13 years away following their League One title-winning campaign last year.
      Steven Schumacher left the Pilgrims last month in order to take charge of Stoke City.
      Director of football Neil Dewsnip, who also worked with England’s age group sides, subsequently took over as caretaker boss while launching the club’s search for a new boss.
      After selecting Foster, Dewsnip said: “I have spoken openly in the past few weeks about how we would wait for the right person for the job and in Ian we believe we have found exactly that.
      “He has incredible pedigree as a coach and working with young players and we feel he is the perfect person to take forward this incredible group of players we have.
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      “Now is the time to look to the future and I am excited to see Ian get to work on the training pitch immediately and to help us achieve our aims, both this season and beyond.”
      Argyle take on Sutton United at Home Park this afternoon, before Foster and Co travel to Huddersfield next weekend for his first Championship game at the helm.
      Ian Foster previously managed England at youth levelCredit: Getty
      Foster arrives at Home Park ahead of Plymouth Argyle’s clash with Sutton UnitedCredit: Rex More

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      Karren Brady: It’s a case of Deja Roo as Wayne Rooney follows England pals Gerrard and Lampard onto managerial scrapheap

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      WITHOUT question the most important item on a football club agenda is the choice of manager, more fashionably a head coach.The team will stand or fall by this decision. Wayne Rooney at Birmingham was the latest to confirm that getting the chop could also be as brutally swift as the slide of the guillotine.
      Wayne Rooney was given the boot by Birmingham after a horror run of formCredit: Reuters
      He must have been aware that it might. After all, it had happened to two of his former England team-mates, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who found that being great footballers was no defence against managerial botch-ups.
      Rooney was the last of the turn-of-century Three Musketeers to slip off the manager’s saddle, after only two wins in 15 Championship games.
      Vastly popular at Everton and Manchester United, the rest of the country wasn’t far behind in delight at his ability to score stacks of goals combined with thrilling ball skills.
      Birmingham fans were just as admiring, at least until the new American owners accompanied his appointment by ruthlessly sacking the relatively successful John Eustace, a local boy, after he led them to sixth in the Championship.
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      There can be fewer jobs as stressful, unpredictable and unrelenting than being a football boss where only two things are guaranteed — the sack or a move to a bigger club.
      The man in charge must be trusted by players, staff and chairman. He has to be deeply knowledgeable in all things football. And most of all he must be a leader.
      The fact that he was a great footballer hardly matters.
      So where did our golden boys go wrong? My guess is that, above all, the players didn’t get it. Simply weren’t on the same wavelength.
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      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is feeling the heat – managing out in SaudiCredit: Getty
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      I remember an England player telling me that in training their star man was challenged by the coach to hit the bar from 15 yards out.
      He tried twice and failed.
      The coach placed the ball in the same spot and struck the bar first time. “Easy as that,” he said, striding away.
      The victim was undermined. And the coach didn’t last too long.
      Is it fair to say that Rooney seemed the most unlikely of the three to make an outstanding manager? But you never know.
      Did mouthy Brian Clough strike many people as a possible double European Cup winner?
      I am told by football oracles that Rooney did a sound job at Derby and his trouble at St Andrew’s was introducing a fresh style too quickly.
      Birmingham City have enormous potential. The way forward is by meticulous planning and an ambitious boss of humbler origin is crucial, unless Pep Guardiola is up for a new challenge.
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      Had they studied a list of previous appointments, they would have been aware of a similar farce at the club when Gary Rowett was axed for Gianfranco Zola in 2016.
      The Italian star lasted slightly longer than Rooney. Not so much ‘deja vu’ as ‘deja Blues’.
      Frank Lampard has not found managing as easy as he seemed to make playingCredit: Getty More

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      I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

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      JONNY WILLIAMS has gone to three major tournaments, deputised for Gareth Bale and played with and against some of the world’s greats.The midfield playmaker also can boast he has competed in all four of this country’s top divisions.
      Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale in training for Wales
      Williams is now plying his trade for League Two club Gillingham
      And today he hopes to add another chapter to his football story by helping League Two club Gillingham topple Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Priestfield.
      Williams, 30, hung up his boots for Wales only last March.
      And when he returned home last summer to Kent, the county of his birth and upbringing, it dawned on him what an incredible adventure he has been on.
      From playing in the top-flight after winning promotion at Wembley with Crystal Palace to helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-final, he had a whirlwind start to his career.
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      Then he helped Charlton climb into the Championship in 2018, played at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament before being selected to go to last winter’s World Cup in Qatar despite being a League Two player at Swindon!
      He told SunSport: “I pinch myself at times. I’m moving into a new home back in Tunbridge Wells, sorting through boxes and seeing memorabilia of things I did.
      “Going to the Euros and a World Cup were things I could’ve only dreamed of.
      “My only goal as a kid was to play one senior game for Crystal Palace so to go to those tournaments and score twice for my country, as well as win two Wembley play-off finals, were incredible life experiences.” 
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      Williams made his international debut by coming on as a half-time sub for the injured Bale against Scotland in 2013 before deputising for the Wales legend four days later.
      And the Gills midfielder played during what was a golden age in Welsh football.
      He said: “Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people too. 
      “They set the tone for the rest of the group and what followed. There were no egos because that wasn’t the way we were going as a nation.
      Williams in action against England at Euro 2016 in France
      Our man Justin Allen caught up with Jonny Williams at Gillingham
      “The two let their feet do the talking because they’re natural-gifted footballers blessed with unbelievable talent with and without the ball.
      “And the desire to improve and work hard in training set the tempo for the rest of us. 
      “When I was very young, Craig Bellamy was the same — he led by example. 
      “It makes you understand and learn quickly what needs to be done if you want to play for Wales. I was fortunate enough to have those boys to look up to.
      Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people tooJonny Williams
      “They always spoke to everyone, players and staff, with respect. I know it should be a given in life but sometimes in football it’s not and I’ve had team mates who struggle with that.
      “I learned massively from Gareth and Aaron — from when I was playing in the Premier League to when I was in League Two, they still treated me the same as they did Wayne Hennessey.
      “And the squad had some great professionals in it. The other ones that stood out for me were Joe Allen, who got into the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, and Ben Davies.
      “It’s Ben’s 12th season playing for Wales and to stay at that level for that length of time you’ve got to be a top footballer.
      Williams played during a golden era for Welsh football
      The midfielder prepares to warm up at the Qatar World Cup last winter
      “I’m sure once Aaron comes to the end of his time, Ben will be the natural leader to step in because he’s great in the dressing room as well.”
      Bale announced his retirement from all football following the World Cup in Qatar and a glittering career that took in Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.
      And Williams said: “I’m sure he’d have loved to have won the Premier League — but with five Champions League titles and all his Wales achievements I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.
      “I still keep in touch with those two. Aaron’s close to returning from injury with Cardiff. I’ve not spoken to Gareth for a couple of months but he’s probably busy playing golf with that spare time he’s now got!”
      Today’s opponents Sheffield United evoke some fond but also emotional memories for Williams.
      Former Blades player and manager Gary Speed was the man who first promoted him into the Wales squad — and nurtured the then rookie before tragically taking his own life in 2011.
      Williams said: “Gary was a phenomenal bloke in the short time I spent with him. 
      “He was a Premier League legend and I’d seen many of his games as a kid — and in the Wales team as well as I was making my way through the youth ages, watching him playing in the senior set up.
      Gary Speed gave Williams his first Wales senior squad call-up before losing his life in tragic circumstances
      “To this day, we don’t know why he took his life. We’ll be asking for years why? 
      “I remember walking out of church that Sunday morning learning he had passed away. It was tragic news. 
      “I’ll be forever grateful for him giving me that senior call up and showing that belief in me as a 17-year-old to work alongside the likes of him, Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and all the Wales superstars coming through at the time.
      “He took me out for a coffee or hot chocolate in St David’s in Cardiff — and told me straight away, ‘You’re good enough to be here, don’t just think this is a token call-up. You’re playing at a good level, you’ve been playing well and I want you in the senior team. Just enjoy the experience and playing with these players — and this is the start of your future.’
      “Not many managers would’ve done that. I was only a teen but he sat me down and took 15 to 20 minutes to get to know me as a person. I didn’t get much time with him in the end but those small moments I’ll remember forever.”
      Today he potentially faces his former Wales team-mate Rhys Norrington-Davies, who came on as a late sub at Man City for his first outing for FOURTEEN months after being sidelined with a career-threatening hamstring injury.
      And Williams said: “Rhys is so talented and deserves to be in the Premier League. I hope he can kick on.
      “I was gutted for him missing the World Cup because he’s so good around the dressing room too. 

      Williams with the Wales team after being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup
      “Football can be a cruel sport but I’m sure he would have had his friends and family around him to get him through that period and now he’s back fit and he’s got the opportunity to play in the top division.”
      And Williams himself still has plenty of ambitions going forward in his club career.
      Read more on The Sun
      First he hopes to cause an upset today and then his next goal is clear: “To win promotion.
      “I’ve gone to the Premier League and Championship — and now I want to complete the hat-trick set and get Gillingham back into League One where they belong.” More

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      Swansea name Luke Williams as new manager with Star Wars video as fans say ‘he should rip up the contract’

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      SWANSEA have announced the arrival of new manager Luke Williams with a bizarre Star Wars video.The Championship side sacked Michael Duff in December after less than six months in charge following a run of just one win in eight games.
      Swansea confirmed Luke Wiliams as their new manager on Friday afternoonCredit: Getty
      The announcement video for the ex-Notts County boss was a Star Wars spin-offCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      An edited version of a scene from the film revealed Williams’ face under a black hoodCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      The bizarre clip left fans divided on social mediaCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      The clip ended with forward Jamie Paterson’s face photo-shopped onto YodaCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      Now they have appointed a permanent successor in Williams, 42, who leaves League Two side Notts County to join the second-tier outfit.
      But the unveiling of the club’s new head coach was carried out in an unorthodox manner.
      Swansea shared a 34-second video with the caption: “Luke, you are our gaffer 🦢.”
      In the edited Star Wars clip, a person walks through a door on a ship with a green lightsaber and a black hood covering their face.
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      It then pans to a number of characters from the film, before it switches back to the individual with the hood as they remove it to reveal themselves as Williams.
      But the incredible video didn’t end there.
      Yoda pokes up from behind a chair and edited onto the iconic green Star Wars creature is the face of Swans forward Jamie Paterson.
      Some fans praised the attempt, with one saying: “Welcome Luke 🙌 brilliant signing and very excited by it. Swans Media team – you have won the internet too 😂👏”
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      While another added: “Absolute work of art lol 🤩😭🙌🏻🦢.”
      But others were not a fan as someone responded: “What the f*** is this?”
      And a second replied: “He should rip up the contract and come back [to Notts County] after this monstrosity.”
      Williams, who has also coached Swindon, led Notts County to promotion from the National League through the play-offs last season after they finished second behind Wrexham with a club-record 107 points.
      He was previously a member of Swansea’s backroom staff under Russell Martin during the 2021/22 campaign.
      The Welsh side sit 16th in the Championship table, eight points adrift of the play-offs and 10 above the relegation zone.
      Swansea forward Jamie Paterson appeared as Yoda in Williams’ announcement videoCredit: Getty More

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      I’m a Sunderland star and lifelong fan but all my pals are Newcastle, I can’t wait to knock bitter rivals out of FA Cup

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      DAN NEIL has dreamt of wearing Sunderland’s red and white stripes in a Tyne-Wear derby since he could kick a ball.And he reckons the Championship promotion chasers could pull off an FA Cup shock against Saudi-backed neighbours Newcastle on Saturday.
      Sunderland fan Dan Neil hopes he will be celebrating against Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      A season-ticket holder with his dad and grandad from the age of six — around the same time he joined the club’s academy — talented midfielder Neil was brought up in Jarrow where Mackems are a rare breed.
      Most of his mates at school were Toon fans and they have been texting him and asking for tickets since the clubs were drawn together last month — for their first meeting since March 2016.
      Neil saw his first derby in October 2008 as Kieran Richardson’s stunning free-kick secured a 2-1 win — the Black Cats’ first home derby win for 28 years.
      And in the Stadium of Light’s   press  room,   surrounded by images of the side who beat Leeds 1-0 in the 1973 FA Cup final — legendary boss Bob Stokoe, keeper Jim Montgomery and match- winner Ian Porterfield — Neil, 22, said: “When I heard the draw, I was delighted.
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      “You never know whether you’re going to ever play in one of these games.
      “Being a fan growing up, it’s a game I have always dreamed of. I’ve seen a lot of derbies, gone to most of the home ones from 2008 and watched highlights of ones from before I was even born and it’s just a massive game.
      “The rivalry is fierce and I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable.
      “These are the type of games you want to play in.
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      “It’s a massive chance as a team and as an individual to really make a name for yourself and put yourself down in   history around this area.
      “If you can get on the scoresheet, you’re written down in history.”
      A lot has changed since the sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw at St James’ Park on March 20, 2016.
      Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought the Magpies in October 2021 and have spent £374.6million on players so far.
      Sunderland’s current squad has cost about £10m.
      Neil, who is being monitored by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, added: “It’s a derby so it gets magnified but as a Championship squad, we’re just relishing  the chance to play against a Premier League team.
      “We go into every game believing we can damage an opponent and if we keep them out, we’ve got a good chance of scoring.

      “The derby is a different type of game and we need to just rest and recover, get ourselves right mentally, work in training and stick together.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I’m under no illusion, it’s going to be a tough game.
      “But it’s a magical Cup and anything can happen.” More