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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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      Stay up to date with all the action from Wembley…
      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.
      Load more entries… More

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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.
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      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

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      Russell Martin agrees to become new Southampton manager on three-year deal after Ruben Selles exit

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has agreed a three-year deal to become Southampton’s new manager.The Saints are set to announce the 37-year-old in the coming days following their confirmation that current boss Ruben Selles will leave after Sunday’s game against Liverpool.
      Swansea boss Russell Martin has agreed to take over as Southampton bossCredit: PA
      It is not clear whether Martin will be in attendance at St Mary’s for Southampton’s final Premier League game as he prepares to take them in the Championship next season.
      The Saints turned to Martin, who led Swansea to a 10th-placed finish this term, after Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca turned the role down.
      Martin had already verbally agreed to take the role earlier this week, leaving Southampton to agree a £400,000 compensation package with Swansea.
      The Saints are expected to have to pay further compensation to bring Martin’s coaching staff to the south coast.
      Read More on Football
      The club confirmed that Selles would not be continuing in his role, with the Spaniard having made clear he only wanted to stay on as manager.
      A statement read: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has held conversations with Men’s First Team Manager, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
      “The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.
      “Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary’s. We wish him all the best for his future career.”
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      Martin’s managerial career kicked off in 2019 as he took over MK Dons just after retiring from football at the age of 33 while playing at Stadium MK.

      The Scotsman spent two years with the Dons and won 31 out of 80 matches, of which he lost 32.
      The former centre-back joined Swansea in 2021 where he has won 36 out 99 games, of which he has lost 37. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal wonderkid slams ‘draining’ loans after FIFTH move in three years with future in doubt

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Tyreece John-Jules has pleaded with the club to end his “draining” loan odyssey as he wants to “settle down”.John-Jules, 22, has been with the Gunners since the tender age of eight years old but has never broken into the senior squad.
      Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules urged the club to end his loan odysseyCredit: Getty
      Ipswich ace John-Jules wants to either stay at Arsenal or join another club permanentlyCredit: Getty
      The striker has instead been sent out on loan five times in the last three years as he has played for Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and now Ipswich.
      The England Under-21 international has only one year left in his contract with the North Londoners and has pleaded with them to either give him a chance or let him try his luck elsewhere.
      The Ipswich ace is “all ears” regarding a potential offer from Arsenal or another club as he appears tired of constantly moving around the country on loan.
      John-Jules told The Beautiful Game: “I’ve got one year left on my contract at Arsenal.
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      “I’ve had five loans now and each one feels like you’re getting further from the first team.
      “That said, my boy [Folarin] Balogun is ripping it up on loan at the moment [at Reims] and I’d say he’s getting closer.
      “I guess everyone has their own path. Right now I’m just trying to get back fit for the start of pre-season.
      “Talks will have to happen at some point – whether I stay, go out on loan or leave on a permanent.
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      “I just want to settle somewhere, whether that’s signing a new contract with Arsenal or going somewhere else on a permanent.
      “I think it’s time to settle down and just focus and chill instead of hopping from loan to loan. It’s difficult and it’s draining travelling to all these places.
      “Settling and focusing on one team would be ideal, whether that’s Arsenal or somewhere else.
      “I’m all ears. I want to hear every side and I will pick the best option for me.” More

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      I managed Luton in the National League, I never cry but I’ll shed a tear if they get to the Prem

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      JOHN STILL is not a man who gets emotional but admits he may shed a tear at Wembley if Luton win promotion to the Premier League.For the legendary lower-league boss set the Hatters on a journey from non-league to within 90 minutes of the top flight in NINE years.
      John Still was the man who put Luton back on the upward curve
      When Still took charge at Kenilworth Road in 2013, the club was not a happy place. They were about to start their fifth season in the National League.
      But the East Londoner — who has managed Leytonstone, Dartford, Maidstone, Redbridge Forest, Dagenham, Peterborough and Barnet — led them to the title and promotion back into the EFL.
      Still said: “The club was on its knees. They felt wronged by the football authorities after having all those points deductions that saw them slide from the Championship.
      “The National League is a hard division to get out of and everyone was losing heart.
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      “It was clear after a few games the fans were not with us. There was no unity at the club. That was the first thing I had to rectify.
      “People told me when I took over if Luton were not 1-0 up after 15 minutes, the crowd would turn.
      “And we had a few episodes where I had to speak out about that. I asked the supporters, ‘What would happen if the crowd didn’t turn on us?’
      “The opposition were always waiting for supporters to go against us. It hadn’t helped the team. We only won two of our opening eight games.
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      “We gradually changed that and the fans kept with us.
      “After a game, I’d get the players around the centre circle and have a fan out there with us to listen in. These sort of things helped unite everyone.”
      Still points to the fact Wrexham have just managed to escape from the National League after 15 years — and Luton had to overcome the trauma of no longer being an EFL club to stand a chance of becoming one again.
      He said: “You must accept you’re no longer a League club, embrace the division and play a different way than what you’ve been used to.
      “Otherwise you’ll struggle like teams such as Scunthorpe and Oldham!”
      Still spent almost two-and-a-half seasons at Kenilworth Road and not only did he put them on their upwards trajectory but also midfielder Pelly Ruddock and defender Dan Potts too.
      Ruddock, 29, was just 19 when he played for the club in the National League, on loan from West Ham before the move was made permanent.
      And Still said: “We paid just £25,000 for him. It’s amazing he’s gone from non-league to within a play-off final away from the Premier League with one club. That’s unique.
      “Sometimes when you change managers — from me to Nathan Jones then to Mick Harford, back to Nathan and now Rob Edwards — they will have different ideas. 
      John Still is surrounded by jubilant Hatters fans after their promotion in 2014
      ”So to be there through various managers, to have to take on their ideas which might be different is a fantastic testimony for him.
      “I’ve always had this thing for young, hungry players and Pelly fits that bill and was maybe someone who wouldn’t get an opportunity in the Premier League. I thought he might do well for us.
      “He was ambitious and has fallen into the category of being the right player at the right club at the right time. He’s grown with the club.
      “Pelly has developed his skills as well as his mentality. Having a good attitude, working hard, listening, taking information, you can’t be taught that. That’s down to you and takes zero skills. You must have those ingredients and, in Pelly’s case, he did.”
      Potts, meanwhile, was 21 when he made the move from the Hammers when Luton were in League Two eight years ago.
      John Still wearing his Conference winners medal in 2014
      He said: “I knew Dan’s dad, former West Ham defender Steve Potts. I lived close to Chadwell Heath where they trained. I knew Dan. He had to overcome leukaemia when he was a kid and got himself going again.
      “I thought he was an ideal person to come to us and rebuild his career. I knew he had the same mentality as his dad so thought it was no gamble.”
      Still will be at Wembley as a club guest on Saturday.
      I ask the legendary boss if he will shed a tear if the Hatters win promotion?
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      He said: “I’m not that sort of person but I think there will be because when I look back at where the club was when I went there to where it is now it’s extraordinary.
      “At Wembley I will be watching alongside wonderful Luton legends such as David Pleat and Mick Harford — and if I am seen as having played just a fraction of a part of their history then I’m delighted to have been that fraction.” More