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      Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens) – Championship play-off final LIVE RESULT: Tom Lockyer latest as Hatters promoted

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      LUTON TOWN have been promoted to the Premier League after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.Jordan Clark gave the Hatters an early lead with a stunning finish just after 20 minutes.
      But Gustavo Hamer put Coventry on level terms to take the tie into extra time.
      After eleven perfect penalties from both sides, Fankaty Dabo missed in sudden death for the Sky Blues granting promotion to Luton.

      MATCH RESULT: Coventry 1-1 Luton (5-6 PENS) – Luton (P)
      Coventry XI: Wilson, Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Norton-Cuffy, Sheaf, Kelly, Hamer, Allen, Gyokeres
      Luton XI: Hovarth, Drameh, Osho, Lockyer, Bell, Doughty, Ruddock, Nakamba, Clark, Morris, Adebayo

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      ‘I’ve completed football’
      Luton legend Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu joked he has “completed football” after winning promotion to the Premier League.
      It is the fourth promotion Ruddock has achieved with Luton in their meteoric rise up the football pyramid.
      Ruddock, 29, was part of Luton’s National League championship-winning side in 2013 and has been a keystone figure ever since.
      After beating Coventry the midfielder joked he is going to retire after achieving a feat no other player has managed – promotion from every division in the EFL as well as the National League with one club.
      He told Sky Sports: “I think I’ve completed football, I think I’ll retire.
      “It’s been a journey, I’ve been through the highs and the lows but at the end of the day you’ve got to believe in yourself.
      “And here I am, a Premier League player with these boys and the fans. I told you we were going to do it. It’s going to be a party all summer in Luton.”
      Luton hero’s hilarious message
      Luton hero Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu sent an incredible message to team-mate Tom Lockyer after the defender watched promotion glory in hospital following his scary collapse at Wembley.
      Lockyer’s recovery followed initial fears from fans and players a couple of hours earlier as medics from both teams treated him on the pitch.
      And the 28-year-old’s improvement sparked relief from his squad plus a cheeky demand from Mpanzu as Luton sealed a Premier League return.
      The midfielder joked: “Get off your hospital bed and join us at the party.”
      Edwards tears
      Rob Edwards broke down in tears while speaking about Tom Lockyer’s injury during the Championship play-off final.
      Luton Town managed earn their spot in nest season’s Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties.
      However, the Hatters had to do so without the club captain after he collapsed in the first half.
      And after the game manager Edwards was visibly emotional when talking about the defender.
      He told Sky Sports: “I can’t speak highly enough of him, really pleased he is okay.”
      Lockyer celebrates
      Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton Town’s Championship play-off final win from his hospital bed.
      The club captain was stretchered off the pitch early in the first half after appearing to collapse.

      But after the Hatters won the clash by beating Coventry after a penalty shootout, Lockyer was still able to celebrate.
      His dad, Steve, shared an incredible photo from the hospital room that he was in at the moment Luton won.
      Steve then gave a positive update on his son’s health.
      He wrote: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok.
      “Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team-mates. Here is the moment…….”
      Luton Town are Premier League
      From 30-point deductions, financial perils and four seasons in non-league, Luton Town are back in the big time.

      Are you watching, Watford?
      A penny for the thoughts of those at Vicarage Road.
      The Hornets plucked Rob Edwards from Forest Green last summer, but dispensed with him just ten games into his reign.
      Two months later, he pitched up at fierce rivals Luton and has repaid them by leading them to the promised land of the Premier League.

      Midfielder Mpanzu completes football
      An emotional Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu insists he has has completed football after winning promotion to the Premier League.
      The 29-year-old midfielder has been with Luton since their non-league days, and will now have the chance to play with them at all four levels of the professional pyramid.
      I feel like I’ve completed football. I should retire now. But I’m going to come back as a Premier League player.Pelly-Ruddock MpanzuSky Sports

      A tip of the Hat
      Luton Town have become the first club in English football history to go all the way from the top-flight to non-league and come back again.
      The club that were mixing in the National League with the likes of Tamworth, Alfreton Town, and Hayes and Yeading will now play against Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

      Fankaty Dabo misses!
      LUTON TOWN WIN PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
      The Coventry defender blazes high over the crossbar and into the ecstatic Luton Town fans behind the goal.
      Coventry 5-6 Luton

      Dan Potts scores!
      The Luton substitute rolls his left-footer into the bottom corner with Ben Wilson heading in the other direction.
      Coventry 5-6 Luton
      Liam Kelly scores!
      So cooly done from the Coventry captain!
      Ten perfect penalties, we go to sudden death.
      Coventry 5-5 Luton
      Luke Berry scores!
      Ben Wilson goes the right way, but can’t get near the right-footed strike.
      Coventry 4-5 Luton
      Josh Eccles scores!
      Right footed! No chance, Ethan Horvath.
      Coventry 4-4 Luton
      Jordan Clark scores!
      It nestles into the side netting, neatly inside the left post.
      Coventry 3-4 Luton
      Ben Sheaf scores!
      Another fine penalty, pulled into the top left corner.
      Who will blink first?
      Coventry 3-3 Luton
      Marvelous Nakamba scores!
      Cooly done. Left footed, low, into the bottom right corner.
      Coventry 2-3 Luton
      Viktor Gyokeres scores!
      He slams it home, high and emphatically.
      Coventry 2-2 Luton
      Joe Taylor scores!
      And this one does count! Wilson goes the right way, but can’t get near it.
      Coventry 1-2 Luton
      Matt Godden scores!
      Brilliantly taken! The forward fires into the right corner.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      Carlton Morris scores!
      He sends Ben Wilson the wrong way and he cooly slots home.
      Coventry 0-1 Luton
      Spot the difference
      The two sets of players – those remaining on the pitch in any case – are being drilled by their coaches and squad mates.
      Meanwhile, the captains meet with Michael Oliver for two coin tosses.
      The first goes Luton’s way, and the kicks will be taken at the orange end of Wembley.
      The second is also won by the Hatters, and they will go first in the shootout.
      The two goalkeepers – Ben Wilson and Ethan Horvath – also get a lecture from the referee, and their actions will be closely scrutinised.
      Here we go as Carlton Morris approaches…
      Full time – Coventry 1-1 Luton
      The 2022-23 Championship play-off final will be settled by penalties.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      120. Jonathan Panzo is the luckiest person inside Wembley – and he knows it.
      There will be two minutes of additional time to be played.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      118. I doubt there have ever been so many nervous faces in the one place.
      You could cut the tension with a knife.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      116. LUTON HAVE WON IT!!!
      Or have they?!
      Joe Taylor dispossesses a slack Jonathan Panzo, and races through to fire through the legs of Ben Wilson.
      The orange half of Wembley erupts, but within seconds those celebrations are tempered.
      Quickly the word comes through from VAR that the young forward used his arm to control before going on to score.
      Michael Oliver signals the goal will not stand, and the Coventry fans react as if they’ve won promotion.

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      Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens): Hatters win £170m match in dramatic fashion to reach Premier League for first time ever

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      LUTON have reached the Premier League for the first time in their history after poor Coventry sub Fankaty Dabo blinked first in a penalty shoot-out.The game had finished 1-1 after Gus Hamer’s second-half equaliser for the Sky Blues chalked off Jordan Clark’s blast.
      The moment Luton secured promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Fankaty Dabo misses the deciding penaltyCredit: PA
      Dan Potts celebrates as Dabo holds his head in his handsCredit: PA
      Jordan Clark opened the scoring for LutonCredit: Getty
      Gustavo Hamer restored parity after half-timeCredit: PA
      Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on in extra-timeCredit: Getty
      Luton thought they had won it when sub Joe Taylor netted with four minutes of extra-time to go but it was ruled out by VAR for handball.
      To penalties it went, with the first 11 takers all scoring until luckless Dabo blazed high and wide.
      The Hatters have not been in the top flight since 1992 – the year before the Prem was introduced – when they were relegated under David Pleat.
      But they hit the jackpot on a scorching hot day at Wembley, taking the £170million prize that comes with triumphing in the Championship play-off final in the most dramatic way possible.
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      They did it for the most part as well without captain Tom Lockyer, who was carried off on a stretcher inside 12 minutes after collapsing on the pitch in worrying scenes and was sent to hospital.
      The Welsh international was thankfully reported to be responsive and talking, and he would have been immensely proud of his team in his absence.
      It means the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal will all be heading next term to Kenilworth Road, a ground that was hosting non-league football a decade ago.
      The remarkable journey has not come without its setbacks, and they had a deeply concerning one here to contend with when Lockyer stumbled to the turf.
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      He received on-field medical treatment before he was taken off on a stretcher and given gas and air in the tunnel.
      The 28-year-old’s worried parents rushed down to see him in the medical room before he was taken to hospital for more tests, but thankfully was said to be responsive and talking.
      Yet Luton impressively kept their composure and deservedly took the lead with 23 minutes played.
      The goal itself was a combination of the route-one cliche of lower league football and the high-skill level that it actually often is.
      It began with a huge whack up the field from Alfie Doughty but there was nothing rudimentary about what Elijah Adebayo did with the ball when he received it.
      The Fulham academy graduate showed some clever footwork to bamboozle Kyle McFadzean before teeing up Clark who smashed home at the near post.
      Sky Blues defender Luke McNally summed up his side’s first half when he carelessly passed the ball out of play.
      Luton had the ball in the back of the net again with four minutes to the break but again it was chalked off.
      Callum Doyle tried to clear when Doughty had seen a shot blocked, but the Coventry defender’s hack away smashed into Adebayo’s hand and went in.
      To be fair to Luton’s tricky No11, he instantly fessed up and a free-kick was given.
      Coventry had to respond and Robins decided to bring on striker Matty Godden at half-time for Jamie Allen at the break.
      The sea of Sky Blue supporters cranked up the noise and they were rewarded with a terrific equaliser on 66 minutes.
      A rapid counter-attack saw Viktor Gyokeres set away down the left and the Swede had the presence of mind to cut it back for Hamer, whose first-time strike found the corner.
      Suddenly it was Coventry in the ascendancy and Godden, who had brought some much-needed urgency, had his head in his hands after blazing over.
      Robins’ men were dealt an injury blow of their own as Hamer was forced off after landing awkwardly following an aerial battle, and full-time blew with the score at 1-1.
      Coventry fans breathed a huge sigh of relief nine minutes into the first half of extra-time when Clark went down in the box as keeper Ben Wilson rushed out.
      But ref Michael Oliver deemed it a dive and promptly booked Clark, who had taken the armband from stricken Lockyer.
      Luton thought they had won it late on when Jonathan Panzo’s horror mistake let in Taylor, who found the back of the net.
      Read More on The Sun
      But VAR correctly spotted Taylor had handled in the build-up and it was chalked off, sparking a huge roar from the blue half of Wembley.
      To spot-kicks it went, and every single taker was clinical until poor Dabo, the 12th taker with Luton leading 6-5, missed the target by some way. More

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      Tom Lockyer given oxygen as Luton & Coventry medics rush to help him off on stretcher after collapse in play-off final

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      TOM LOCKYER has had a heartbreaking end to the Championship play-off final.The Luton Town star was stretched off the pitch just 12 minutes into the clash against Coventry.
      Tom Lockyer appeared to collapse during the play off finalCredit: AFP
      Lockyer, 28, was running back and appeared to trip over away from the ball and then stayed down.
      The Welshman then received attention from medical staff from both clubs before being stretched off the pitch.
      As he was carried off, he was given oxygen by the medical teams and was conscious as he was taken through the tunnel.
      He was taken to a medical room at Wembley Stadium and was with his parents.
      READ MORE ON LUTON TOWN
      The defender was substituted with former West Ham academy product Reece Burke coming on in his place for Luton.
      During the second half, it was announced that he had left the stadium and was taken to hospital for further tests while still conscious.
      And plenty of fans were concerned for the defender on social media.
      One tweeted: “Not sure what happened with Tom Lockyer but this looked pretty scary.”
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      He was stretchered after being helped by both clubs’ medical teamsCredit: PA
      A second wrote: “That’s really scary.”
      A third said: “I hope he’s okay, very very scary.”
      While a fourth added: “I do hope the lads ok.”
      Luton Town released a statement confirming Lockyer’s condition.
      It read: “We are able to report that after collapsing on the pitch, Tom Lockyer has been taken to hospital for further tests.
      “He is responsive and talking to his family, who are with him.
      “We are all with you, Locks.”
      Lockyer had thought he had scored earlier in the game, only to see the goal ruled out for an offside by VAR.
      Read More on The Sun
      Luton and Coventry are playing for a spot in the Premier League next season.
      The two sides reached the final after beating Middlesborough and Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals respectively. More

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      Coventry 0 Luton 0 – Championship play-off final LIVE SCORE: Lockyer forced off for Hatters early on – TV, stream

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      COVENTRY’S mouthwatering clash with Luton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley is underway RIGHT NOW.Both clubs were in League Two in the 2017/18 season and Luton were remarkably a non-league club just a decade ago.
      But now they find themselves in football’s richest game – said to be worth around £200m in future revenues to the winners – as they prepare to battle it out for a place in next season’s Premier League.

      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Football
      Live stream: NOW
      Coventry XI: Wilson, Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Norton-Cuffy, Sheaf, Kelly, Hamer, Allen, Gyokeres
      Luton XI: Hovarth, Drameh, Osho, Lockyer, Bell, Doughty, Ruddock, Nakamba, Clark, Morris, Adebayo

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      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      22. Mpanzu unleashes another Luton effort on goal, but it’s straight at Wilson.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      20. Chance for Morris!
      Coventry give the ball away continuously as Luton press, and it eventually leads to Drameh delivering from the right.
      Moving across Kelly, Morris gets a foot on the ball to bring it down and then fires over via a deflection off the recovering defender.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      18. It’s fair to say that the game is yet to settle into anything resembling quality – but how much of that was to do with the concerning incident involving Lockyer is hard to ascertain.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      16. Luton win another set-piece upfield, and a huge roar goes up from their fans.
      They certainly feel it’s an area where this game can be won.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      14. Both set of players seem nervous following that break in play.
      First, Adebayo puts the ball behind for a corner unnecessarily, and then on the break, McFadzean fails to deal with a long ball, and Morris pokes his shot wide.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton – Luton substitution
      12. Lockyer is stretched from the field to applause from all around Wembley including the Coventry fans and management.
      Reece Burke is the player thrown on as the captain’s replacement, and now these Luton players – visibly emotional by the incident – have to compose themselves to continue.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      10. This is all the more worrying than initially feared.
      It is understood that Lockyer went down with no player in his immediate vicinity.
      The players have been ushered away so that the medical staff can treat the player.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      8. Now it’s Luton’s turn to be concerned.
      Their inspirational captain Tom Lockyer has gone down, and the immediate fear is that he’s not going to be able to continue.
      The stricken centre-back is surrounded by a host of medical staff as well as his teammates, while on the touchline manager Rob Edwards is being forced into quick decisions.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      6. It’s an immediate escape for Coventry, who have had an early indication of the threat Luton carry at set-pieces.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      5. The ball is in the net – but it’s not going to count!
      Lockyer’s stopping header from the corner is forced over the line by Osho.
      However, the Luton defender had stepped beyond Norton-Cuffy as his captain connected with the first effort on goal.
      Offside is the call, and it’s the correct one.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      4. Lockyer launches a free-kick from his own half towards the Coventry penalty area, and then pounce on the second, third and fourth ball with the opposing defence all of a panic.
      It results in the game’s first corner.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      2. Is this an early glimpse of what we should expect? Coventry begin with some patient play around the back before Luton launch with an up and at ’em approach.
      Kick-off – Coventry v Luton
      1. Here we go! It’s Luton that get the richest game in sport underway.
      The Hatters, wearing their orange and blue, are kicking towards the end of Wembley covered in shade.
      The Sky Blues of Coventry will have to do their first half attacking in blistering sunshine.
      Here come the two teams!
      A sea of orange and sky blue greet the players as they are introduced to the pitch.
      Wembley is bright – more so due to the tremendous sunshine – and colourful, and for one of these two clubs the afternoon will end with a journey into the light of the Premier League.
      The squads and staff go through the pre-match formalities of a final as captains Liam Kelly and Tom Lockyer lead a meet and great with the day’s special guests and then it’s time for the national anthem.
      And now – finally – after all the talk and preparations, it’s time for the football.
      The ultimate prize is on the line, but only one of Coventry or Luton can emerge victorious.
      Robins expects tight affair
      Mark Robins believes his side will have to be clever if they are to compete with Luton’s physical presence and the Wembley sunshine.
      However, the Coventry boss wants his players to impose themselves on the game, and leave everything out there on the pitch.
      It’s going to be a tight game. They pose a huge threat and physicality, but they have some real good quality and they’re coached very well. This weather will dictate the game to a certain degree. We need to go and impose ourselves on the game.Mark RobinsSky Sports
      Edwards: We know the stakes
      Luton manager Rob Edwards is not playing down today’s game – known as football’s £170m fixture.
      Instead, the Hatters coach wants his team to bottle that, and take the game – their game – to Coventry.
      There’s no point hiding away from it. We need to be the best version of us. We recognise it’s a different kind of game. We know the stakes. But we’re only going to be successful if we do what we do and do it well.Rob EdwardsSky Sports
      LUTON, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Luton Town manager Rob Edwards during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match between Luton Town v Sunderland at Kenilworth Road on May 16, 2023 in Luton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
      London falling for travelling Luton
      It’s only an hour down the M1 from Luton to London, but that journey often has the Hatters in a losing habit.
      The normally resolute Kenilworth Road club have lost 12 of their last 15 games in the capital, winning two and drawing one.
      They did manage to keep a clean sheet in each of the three games where they avoided defeat but managed to concede a whopping 40 goals in the 12 that they lost.
      Atmosphere heating up at Wembley
      Thousands of Coventry and Luton fans are excitedly – and nervously – making their way up at Wembley way, knowing that their clubs are potentially 90 minutes away from the Premier League.
      What as story it would be for either with both having had more than their fair share of heartbreak and hardship this century.

      Cov’s fond memories of Wembley
      Coventry City fans arrive at the national stadium this afternoon, knowing just what it takes to win a Wembley final.
      The Sky Blues have won three of the four matches played at Wembley in their history, most famously when lifting the 1987 FA Cup after beating Tottenham. Keith Houchen’s diving header in the 3-2 win is etched in football folklore.
      Coventry also tasted victory when beating Oxford 2-1 in the 2017 EFL Trophy final, and then again in the 2018 League Two play-off final against Exeter.
      Their only defeat at the stadium came against Everton in the 1987 Charity Shield.
      The Luton Town starting XI
      Luton (3-5-2): 34 Horvath; 32 Osho, 4 Lockyer, 29 Bell; 2 Drameh, 18 Clark, 13 Nakamba, 17 Mpanzu, 45 Doughty; 11 Adebayo, 9 Morris
      Subs: 1 Shea, 3 Potts, 8 Berry, 16 Burke, 22 Campbell, 23 Onyedinma, 25 Taylor

      Robins names his Coventry team
      Coventry (3-4-2-1): 13 Wilson; 16 McNally, 5 McFadzean, 3 Doyle; 7 Norton-Cuffy, 6 Kelly, 14 Sheaf, 27 Bidwell; 38 Hamer, 8 Allen; 17 Gyokeres
      Subs: 1 Moore, 2 Panzo, 11 Wilson-Esbrand, 23 Dabo, 24 Godden, 28 Eccles, 45 Palmer

      Luton lack play-off know-how
      Luton have made a habit of defying the odds over the past decade, but now they will have to make further history in order to complete their rise back to the top-flight.
      Today marks the club’s first ever appearance in a Football League play-off final – on the back of their first ever victory in an EFL play-off game, the 2-0 win over Sunderland in the second leg of the semi-final 11 days ago.
      The Hatters did feature in two play-off finals while languishing in non-league, but neither ended in glory.
      Luton failing to win promotion back to the Football League in both 2011 when they lost on penalties to AFC Wimbledon, and in 2012 after being beaten 2-1 by York.
      Hatters smart on head-to-head
      Despite the two draws this term, Luton are very much in the ascendancy when it comes to recent meetings with Coventry.
      In fact, the Hatters are unbeaten in their last nine games against the Sky Blues, winning four.
      The West Midlands outfit last got the better of their Bedfordshire counterparts with a 3-0 away victory in October 2017 when the two clubs were stranded in League Two.
      Upward clubs quick on draw
      There was nothing between Coventry and Luton in their two Championship meetings this season with each game ending level.
      However, in both meetings, the Bedfordshire club struck early.
      Back in September under the guidance of Nathan Jones they led through Carlton Morris’ 4th-minute goal. The striker struck again on the quarter of an hour mark, but on both occasions the Sky Blues struck back to equalise through Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer.
      It took just 40-seconds for Luton to lead in February’s return when Tom Lockyer tapped in. Matt Gooden was the man who rescued Cov on this occasion with a penalty on the stroke of half-time before Josh Wilson-Esbrand was sent off late on.

      Coventry 1-1 Luton (Feb 11)
      Luton 2-2 Coventry (Sept 14)

      Hatters faves to reach promised land
      The pundits are split on which of these two clubs will join the elite in the Premier League next season, but the bookies are siding with Luton Town – just.
      Rob Edwards’ Hatters are favourites to win promotion although they can be backed at odds against to seal the deal within 90 minutes.
      90 minute betting:

      Coventry win 12/5
      Draw 15/8
      Luton win 7/5

      To win promotion:

      Coventry to win promotion 11/10
      Luton to win promotion 8/11

      Odds from Betfair correct at time of post publication.
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      Forgotten Premier League cult hero unrecognisable as famous flowing locks go grey and ex-team-mate calls him ‘best ever’

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      THIS former Premier League cult hero looks totally unrecognisable after going grey and trimming his famous flowing locks.The ex-star spent eight years in England with one club having joined from Rangers in 2001.
      This man graced the Premier League for eight years from 2001Credit: Instagram @tugay
      He looks very different in his retirementCredit: Instagram @tugay
      He racked up an impressive 293 appearances and chipped in with 13 goals.
      The ace was distinctive as he ran around the middle of the park always followed by a long train of hair.
      However, these days he cuts a very different look.
      The hair has been cut a lot shorter and he is now a silver fox.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Recent Instagram posts show him looking rather suave in a black suit and tie.
      And former Blackburn team-mate Robbie Savage – another midfielder who loved his flowing locks – commented on one from August: “Happy birthday mate, best ever.”
      The mystery footballer is of course Tugay.
      Yes, Tugay Kerimoglu – the former Turkey star who was a regular fixture at Ewood Park after initially coming through at Galatasaray before his stint at Ibrox.
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      Tugay – who reportedly “smoked 20 a day” – was part of the side that won the 2001-02 League Cup under Graeme Souness and was crowned Rovers’ player of the season in 2003-04.
      He won 94 international caps – including representing the Crescent Stars at Euro 1996, Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, where they finished third.
      Tugay, now 52, retired in 2009 aged 38 after his final season with Blackburn and was given a standing ovation when substituted off in the closing minutes against West Brom.
      He dipped into management, working in the Manchester City academy under former boss Mark Hughes before spells as Galatasaray assistant and then as Sanliurfaspor gaffer for five months until April 2016.
      Tugay was a popular figure during his time at BlackburnCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He retired aged 38 in 2009 after eight years at Ewood ParkCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Meet the Luton and Coventry Wags who’ll be cheering on their boys at Wembley as they aim to reach Premier League

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      LUTON and Coventry Wags are heading to Wembley.The Hatters saw off Sunderland in their semi-final, while the Sky Blues edged out Middlesbrough.
      Alex Wrigley will be cheering on Coventry CityCredit: Instagram
      Wrigley is the fiancee of Coventry’s Liam KellyCredit: Instagram
      Both teams expect to sell over 36,000 tickets for football’s most valuable game.
      Amongst them will be the glam wives and girlfriends of the teams who are just a game away from the Premier League.
      Alex Wrigley
      Alex is the wife-to-be of Coventry’s Liam Kelly.
      A fan of selling and buying vintage clothing, she uses Vinted to scored herself some bargains.
      Read more football news
      The housewife is a mother-of-three, as well as an advocate for autism.
      Shantel Redmond
      As her Instagram says, Shantel is “Scottish living in London!!”
      The pretty brunette regularly shares photos enjoying life in the capital, including coffee dates with partner and Luton Town midfielder Alan Campbell.
      The pair also enjoyed a romantic break away in Paris back in November, where they dined at the trendy Ober Mamma restaurant.
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      Shantel Redmond hails from ScotlandCredit: Instagram
      Luton Town midfielder Allan Campbell poses with ShantelCredit: Instagram
      Shannon Nicole
      Most recently, Shannon took a trip to California where she enjoyed the Coachella music festival and watched Burna Boy perform.
      When she’s not partying with her girls, the stunner is the wife of Coventry’s Kasey Palmer and mother to their three children.
      Shannon uses her Instagram for paid partnerships with beauty companies, and is an ambassador for teeth whitening specialists Denthub.
      Shannon Nicole is a mother of threeCredit: Instagram
      Coventry star Kasey Palmer and Shannon Nicole enjoy a glam holidayCredit: Instagram
      Elise Dean
      Luton star Cauley Woodrow popped the question to Wag Elise in December 2021.
      And this summer, the pair are planning on walking down the aisle.
      The loved-up beauty is a regular at Kenilworth Road, and loves travelling – hitting New York with her beau.
      Elise Dean is a regular at Kenilworth RoadCredit: Instagram
      Elise is due to marry Cauley Woodrow in the summerCredit: Instagram
      Christie-Mae Savage
      Make-up expert Christie-Mae can’t help but share her love for boyfriend Josh Eccles, Coventry’s dynamic midfield star.
      Although her Instagram account is private, he was happy to share a cute snap of them looking stunning together in Mykonos.
      She wrote a comment: “You’re the best there is.”
      To which he replied: “My Girl.”
      Coventry’s Josh Eccles and his Wag Christie-Mae Savage cut a fine coupleCredit: Instagram
      Leoni Waghorn
      Leoni describes herself as a, ‘Proud mother, wife, personal trainer, EBAT foundation mentor and all round lover of life!’ on social media.
      She became PT after a career as a professional freestyle dancer.
      Leoni met Coventry star hubby Martyn when they were youngsters in South Shields, and have been together ever since.
      Her charity work includes helping to rebuild homes and schools in Sri Lanka that were destroyed by the Tsunami disaster.
      Leoni is a personal trainer and does a lot of work for charity
      Coventry star Martyn Waghorn and wife Leoni are both from South ShieldsCredit: Instagram
      Megan Bidwell
      Coventry defender Jake Bidwell’s wife Megan announced this month the hot couple were expecting their second child.
      With first child Rui, born in 2021 holding the baby scan in a photo, she captioned the snap: “Baby number 2.”
      The pair enjoy amazing trips abroad, including a winter holiday in Dubai for some much needed sun.
      Glam Megan and Jake Bidwell recently announced they were going to be parents againCredit: Instagram
      Megan enjoyed a winter holiday in Dubai last yearCredit: Instagram
      Amy Silvester
      Blonde beauty Amy keeps her personal life to herself, so her Instagram is private.
      Luton’s Sonny Bradley gave us a brief glimpse into their life on his social media, though, as the pair posed for selfies at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai.
      Last year they welcomed their first son together, Ruben.
      Bradley is set to leave Luton at the end of this campaign.
      Amy keeps her personal life privateCredit: Instagram
      Luton’s Sonny Bradley is leaving the club at the end of the campaignCredit: Instagram
      Charlotte Butler
      If ever there was a Wag ready for the big time, it’s Charlotte Butler.
      Her beau, on-loan Man City youngster Callum Doyle, has been an important first-teamer – making 45 appearances in all competitions for Coventry.
      Meanwhile, Charlotte loves showing off her designer outfits on Instagram to her 14,000 plus followers.
      The gorgeous brunette even sells some of her threads online.
      Charlotte boasts a whopping 14,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Butler dates Man City’s on-loan youngster Liam DoyleCredit: Instagram
      Charlotte Duggan
      Mum of two Charlotte Duggan is the wife of Luton keeper James Shea.
      Read More on The Sun
      She works as a psychotherapist for individuals, businesses, and takes on healthcare referrals.
      They have two daughters, Amelia and Sophia.
      Mum of two Charlotte is a psychotherapistCredit: Instagram More

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      Luton release incredible design pictures for new-look 23,000-seater stadium so they can compete in Premier League

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      LUTON have unveiled stunning design plans for their new-look stadium fit for the Premier League. The Hatters are on the verge of returning to the top flight for the first time since 1992, and the first time since the creation of the Premier League.
      Luton have released their concept design for their stunning new stadiumCredit: LUTON TOWN
      The new ground will be located at Power CourtCredit: LUTON TOWN
      It will hold 23,000 fans when completedCredit: LUTON TOWN
      The club estimate it will take 24-30 months to completeCredit: LUTON TOWN
      It comes with Kenilworth Road receiving criticism as a potential Premier League facilityCredit: Reuters
      And ahead of the Championship play-off final against Coventry on May 27, the club have released the pictures of their final design for their new 23,000-seater stadium at Power Court.
      The new ground will be located just over a mile down the road from their current home at Kenilworth Road – which has drawn criticism ahead of potentially becoming a Prem ground as it sees fans enter the stadium THROUGH neighbours’ gardens.
      The new stadium would be situated in the heart of Luton town centre and act as the centrepeice for a regeneration programme on a 20-acre site by Luton Railway Station.
      Luton also revealed on their club website that the groundworks for the new stadium should begin by the turn of the year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      This is due to the progress being made with the relocation of the existing primary sub-station in the middle of the site, along with plans to open up the River Lea.
      They estimate the construction period to take 24-30 months.
      Luton chief executive Gary Sweet, who told Prem stars such as Erling Haaland to embrace Kenilworth in an interview with SunSport, spoke of his excitement on the project.
      He said: “We’re delighted the infrastructure element is underway allowing us to develop the detail of the stadium’s design and, in particular, work hard to capture the core characteristics that makes Kenilworth Road so atmospheric, so intimate and so special to us.
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      “This season, perhaps more than any other, has demonstrated the incredible relationship we all have with The Kenny and that has been the driving force behind our design work…
      “We know everyone is desperate for the new stadium to open – as are we!
      “It’s clearly a hugely complicated project but the main aim has always been to maintain the architectural quality and to deliver a stadium that replicates an essential, unique character we are all so familiar with but also fit and ready to grace the Premier League stage.”
      The designs shared by the club represent the first phase of the build, yielding a 19,500 strong capacity with a third as safe-standing.
      This will be followed by a second phase which can see an expansion of 4,000, which can be developed depending on demand.
      Michael Moran, Luton’s chief operating officer, added: “The next phase now is an engagement with Luton Council and key stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and Historic England as we take them all through our detailed design process.
      “We are also engaging with contractors as we finalise certain construction features but our target for completion is 2026, regardless of the Club’s league position.
      “We also mustn’t lose sight of the fact the stadium is to be accompanied by a whole new town quarter for Luton with 1,200 homes, leisure, restaurants, bars, retail and community space.
      “It is incredibly exciting to be at the forefront of the Borough’s wider regeneration plans.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Man Utd star once described as ‘best young player’ lined up for transfer to Championship side

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      MIDDLESBROUGH are keen on a move for forgotten Manchester United youngster Ethan Galbraith, according to reports.Galbraith will leave Old Trafford this summer when his contract expires and the midfielder is starting to attract interest from the likes of Newcastle, Stoke City, Derby County and Sunderland.
      Galbraith will leave Manchester United at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      The 22 year old spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers before joining Salford City on a season loan last summer.
      The United loanee featured 32 times for Salford scoring three times and providing four assists as the Ammies qualified for the play-offs.
      But, Salford suffered penalty heartache as they lost to Stockport on penalties, ending their season and seemingly Galbraith’s time with the club.
      According to The Real EFL, Middlesbrough, managed by ex United midfielder Michael Carrick are now keen on the midfielder.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The report adds that Boro are just one of a number of clubs interested and it could be a tricky move for them to pull off.
      Carrick’s men remain in the Championship next season after losing 1-0 to Coventry City in the play-off semi finals.
      Boro will be hoping that Carrick’s links to United could help them secure Galbraith’s signature as they aim to bolster their squad for another promotion push next season.
      The midfielder took to Instagram to announce his departure from Old Trafford.
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      He said: “After six years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club, Manchester United. I want to thank the club, coaching staff & players for helping me become a better player, a better person and for making me feel at home.
      “My earliest ambition as a boy was to become a professional footballer and I’m forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and support to fulfil that dream.
      “It’s been a privilege and I feel very fortune to have been able to represent the club.
      “I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature, round-rounded person and I’m excited for what’s next.” More