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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

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      Wales suffer Euro 2024 qualifying blow with Dan James struggling with an abductor injury

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      DAN JAMES is a major doubt for Wales’ must-win Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia next month.An abductor injury could see the 45-cap Leeds winger miss the Group D clash on September 11.
      Winger James has been a regular for Wales since his debut in March 2019
      The wideman missed Leeds’ Championship win at Ipswich last SaturdayCredit: Getty
      James, 25, produced an impressive display in his last appearance for Daniel Farke’s Whites against West Brom on August 18.
      But the flying wideman missed the 4-3 Championship away win at Ipswich last Saturday with the fitness problem.
      Wales boss Robert Page names his squad in Bala tomorrow.
      Losing James would be a big blow for Page, who is under pressure after just one win in the last 12 internationals.
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      The Dragons are fourth in their group following summer defeats to Armenia and Turkey in June.
      The shock 4-2 loss at home to the Armenians in June was a major blow in Wales’ hopes of qualifying for three successive Euro finals.
      That was followed three days later by a 2-0 loss in the Turkish city of Samsun.
      Page’s men finished both ties with ten men following red cards to Kieffer Moore and Joe Morrell.
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      Both players will be suspended for the Latvia tie at the Skonto Stadium in Riga.
      But, despite the poor set of results, Page has been backed by Welsh FA chief executive Noel Mooney.
      Wales also face Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea in a Cardiff friendly on September 7. More

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      Southampton set to snap up two forgotten Premier League outcasts in double transfer swoop

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      SOUTHAMPTON are set to sign both Ryan Fraser and Mason Holgate on loan.The Championship side are bolstering their squad following a string of high profile departures and potentially more to come.
      Southampton look set to sign Ryan Fraser on loanCredit: Getty
      Mason Holgate is also heading to the south coastCredit: Getty
      Everton remain in talks over a deal to sign Che Adams, though there are disagreements over payment structures.
      The current proposal from Goodison Park would see the cash-strapped Toffees pay their first instalment in August next year, which Southampton will not agree to.
      Furthermore there is interest in Nathan Tella, Kyle Walker-Peters and Armel Bella-Kotchap at St. Mary’s.
      PSV Eindhoven and Luton Town were both keen on a deal to sign Holgate, while the Saints are also close to an agreement with Swansea for England Under-21 defender Nathan Wood.
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      Southampton have offered £7.5million moving up to £10m, with add-ons but the Swans are holding out for the full £10m as an initial payment.
      Midfielder Flynn Downes, who joined on loan from West Ham earlier this week, could make his debut against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
      The south coast club have made a strong start to their season two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures.
      They’ll hope they can continue their form against QPR who have lost their last two games on the trot.
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      Russell Martin’s side have already seen a number of big names head for the exit door this summer following the club’s relegation.
      Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse and Tino Livramento have all secured immediate returns to the Premier League. More

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      Fuming football fans left stunned after club print WRONG BADGE on £35 replica kit

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      FOOTBALL fans were left furious and stunned after an unbelievable blunder.And it saw Championship club Huddersfield Town somehow sell replica training kit in the megastore… with the WRONG badge on the front.

      Huddersfield Town fans have been left confused and furious over a training kit misprintCredit: Rex
      Huddersfield fan Mark Cocks took to social media to show that the Huddersfield training top he had bought for his son had a BURNLEY badge on it.
      The unexplainable mistake occurred when Mark purchased the warm-up top from the club shop.
      He said: “So been to the HTAFC shop. Son loves his new town training shirt….. apart from its got a Burnley badge on it!”
      Other fans weighed in on the hilarious error.
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      One said: “How does the club get it so wrong?”
      Another fan added: “Umbro obviously got the wrong Yorkshire postcode when delivering it!”
      The original top should be identical, but just with a Huddersfield Town badgeCredit: Huddersfield Town FC
      A third joked: “If this isn’t the most Huddersfield Town thing I’ve ever seen I don’t know what is.”
      And it wasn’t just fans who were getting in on the action, Burnley’s new co-owner, ex-NFL star JJ Watt, took the opportunity to try and claim Mark as a Clarets fan.
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      you’ve got Ashley Barnes coming to town next week, son “accidentally” picks up a Burnley kit… the universe is sending you signals mate.Welcome aboard the Burnley bandwagon.🤣— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 19, 2023

      Former Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt and his wife Kealia are minority owners in BurnleyCredit: Alamy
      He wrote: “You’ve got Ashley Barnes coming to town next week, son ‘accidentally’ picks up a Burnley kit… the universe is sending you signals mate. Welcome aboard the Burnley bandwagon.”
      Huddersfield host Norwich City on Saturday with former Burnley striker Ashley Barnes likely to line up for the Canaries.
      The training top itself is worn by a whole host of clubs including Burnley, Huddersfield and Brentford.
      It seems as if there has been an error and Huddersfield had been given Burnley’s training tops with the wrong labels on them! More