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      I was relegated from the Premier League five times before quitting football and winning a Best Supporting Actor award

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      MANY footballers will go into punditry work or coaching after retiring from football. But many footballers are not former Bolton and Blackburn striker Nathan Blake.
      Nathan Blake had a career with a number of Premier League clubsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      He moved into acting after retiring from footballCredit: Alamy
      Blake forged a career as a Premier League striker across the 1990’s and early 2000’s.
      He started his career with Cardiff before moving to Sheffield United to kickstart his Prem career.
      Five goals in 12 games in his breakthrough season marked a decent return, but he was unable to prevent the Blades from staving off relegation.
      A transfer to Bolton beckoned in 1996, but he failed to make an immediate impact and soon ended up back in the old First Division, now the Championship.
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      There he once again found his shooting boots, bagging 19 league goals in 1996/97 to fire Bolton back to the Prem.
      However, he suffered a second relegation with Bolton despite scoring 12 goals in what would be his best goal return in a Premier League season.
      A mid-season transfer in the 1998/99 season saw him complete a move to Blackburn mid season, though once again he would suffer the ignominy of relegation after scoring just three goals.
      Blake spent a further two years at Blackburn before he was shipped out to Wolves in 2002.
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      Blake in action for WalesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Blake in training for Wales as then-manager Mark Hughes looks onCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Welshman helped fire them into the Premier League in the 2002/03 season as he notched 12 goals.
      But history repeated itself as Blake scored just once and saw himself relegated from the Prem for the fifth time, making him the holder of the record for most relegations from the division.
      Blake would eventually retire in 2006 following spells with Leeds, Leicester and Newport County, having scored 82 goals across the Premier League and the second tier of English football.
      Outside of football Blake went on to speak out against vile racist abuse he had received after withdrawing from the Wales squad.
      Curiously, Blake turned to acting after football.
      And in 2014 won the award for best supporting actor at Film Fest Cymru for his role in the film Homing Bird, in which he plays a football coach.
      He told Wales Online at the time: “I quite like doing things outside my comfort zone unless it’s skydiving or swimming with sharks.
      “I only have a couple of lines but I had to change my Welsh accent to my father’s Jamaican accent but that was fine.
      “I’ll do as much as I’m offered. If someone said tomorrow ‘We’ll have you in EastEnders’ then great.”
      Blake has since turned his hand to journalism.
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      He has worked for BBC Wales, BBC 5 Live and Sky Sports as a match analyst and commentator, as well as reporting on Cardiff City for Wales Online.
      For a short while Blake also held a role as non-executive director at Newport County, before the supporter’s trust took control of the club.
      Blake has also taken to commentary workCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Doesn’t he know the Baftas were last Sunday?’ – Even Burnley fans embarrassed at Twine’s very delayed roll vs Millwall

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      SCOTT TWINE embarrassed his own team’s fans with his theatrics during last night’s Millwall vs Burnley clash.Twine, 23, started for Vincent Kompany’s Championship leaders as they travelled to The Den.
      Scott Twine went flying after a Danny McNamara tackleCredit: Getty
      The attacking midfielder rolled around theatricallyCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
      McNamara couldn’t believe his opponent’s responseCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
      The Clarets have taken the second tier by storm for all the right reasons this term, sitting 12 points clear at the top of the table and playing some brilliant football.
      But while they’ve had much to cheer this year, even Burnley fans weren’t impressed by Twine’s rolls.
      The creative midfielder was tackled strongly by Lions defender Danny McNamara.
      Having won the ball fairly, McNamara caught Twine’s standing leg with his follow through.
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      The former MK Dons ace was understandably sent sprawling to the turf.
      But then his theatrics began.
      In antics that would have been more befitting of London’s West End, rather than East, Twine began frantically waving his arms.
      He then rolled over while bizarrely shuffling his feet.
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      A bewildered looking McNamara, 24, then threw his hands out in disgust as Twine performed three more rolls.
      One unimpressed fan joked: “Doesn’t he know the BAFTAs we’re last Sunday.”
      A second similarly quipped: “And the Oscar goes to………….”
      Another blasted: “That’s pathetic…!”
      While a Clarets fan admitted: “I’m embarrassed about that one. But mainly when Barnes dropped Maatsen on the pitch to time waste. Hate it when other teams do it.”
      Another moaned: “Not his proudest moment I feared he done his ACL in. This ain’t Burnley at all, we hate stuff like this.”
      And a further supporter echoed: “Feels even worse when it’s a player on your team.”
      Burnley finally took the lead after numerous chances had gone begging, when Ashley Barnes converted beyond George Long in the 51st minute.
      Play-off hopefuls Millwall managed to equalise late on, however, Tom Bradshaw pouncing on a loose ball to tuck Gary Rowett’s side level.
      Tom Bradshaw equalised for MillwallCredit: Reuters More

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      Darwin Nunez’s flicked stunner for Liverpool vs Real Madrid overshadowed by Norwich star namesake with ‘goal of season’

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      DARWIN NUNEZ scored an outrageous flicked goal for Liverpool against Real Madrid on Tuesday.But he was overshadowed by his namesake, Norwich ace Marcelino Nunez, who scored a stunner of his own against Birmingham.

      Darwin Nunez scored a sublime flicked goal for Liverpool against Real MadridCredit: Rex
      Marcelino Nunez scored a stunner of his own for NorwichCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool summer signing Darwin put the Reds in front at Anfield with a sublime flicked finish past Thibaut Courtois from a Mo Salah pass.
      But Marcelino’s effort to put the Canaries ahead in their Championship clash against Birmingham was even better.
      Footage of the goal was posted to Twitter, with fans quick to crown it as “goal of the season”.
      A clearing header from Birmingham defender Kevin Long dropped invitingly for the 22-year-old to hit on the volley.
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      And hit it he did, smashing an incredible first time effort into the back of the net from outside of the box.
      Fans on social media were left in awe by the wonderstrike.
      One wrote: “Nunez may have just scored the goal of the season for @NorwichCityFC.”
      Another added: “Goal of the season in the Norwich game from Nunez. Outrageous dipping volley from 25 yards.”
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      Meanwhile, others joked that Marcelino’s effort trumped Darwin’s flicked finish at Anfield.
      One quipped on Twitter: “The real Nunez has just scored the goal of the season #NCFC.”
      And another account joked: “Best goal from Nunez tonight.”
      Marcelino then netted his second of the evening to put the Canaries two goals ahead.
      And while Norwich won their game against Birmingham 3-1, it was a humbling night for Liverpool.
      The Reds threw away a two goal lead to lose 5-2 at Anfield, giving themselves a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Bernabeu on March 15. More

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      QPR appoint Gareth Ainsworth as manager as ‘Wild Thing’ leaves Wycombe after thirteen years

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      QPR have appointed Gareth Ainsworth as their new manager – ending his 12-and-a-half-year reign as Wycombe boss.The R’s sacked Neil Critchley over the weekend after a torrid 12 games in charge.
      QPR have appointed Gareth Ainsworth as their new managerCredit: Getty
      And they have turned to ‘Wild Thing’ to try and steer them back up the Championship table, luring him away from Adams Park at long last.
      Former midfielder Ainsworth played 152 times for QPR and was twice caretaker boss at Loftus Road during the 2008-09 season.
      But now he is back in West London as the main man, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.
      Ainsworth said: “This is all a little bit surreal.
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      “It has been a whirlwind two days and leaving Wycombe Wanderers was very tough because of the connection there.
      “But this is QPR and when I spoke about something special forcing me away from Wycombe, this was pretty special.
      “It’s the club where I was most known for playing and you get moments in your career that resonate with you forever.
      “I loved my time here as a player and hopefully I can go on and love my time here as a manager as well.”
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      Ainsworth joined QPR as a player in 2003 and helped win promotion in his first of six seasons at the club.
      He transitioned into a player-coach role under Iain Dowie in 2008 and then had his brief caretaker jobs before joining Wycombe for the final years of his professional playing career, then moved into the dugout to great success.
      The part-time rock star and all-round brilliant character led the Chairboys to promotion to League One in 2017-18 and then up to the Championship two years later.
      Wycombe suffered immediate relegation but came within 90 minutes of jumping straight back up again, losing the play-off final to Sunderland last year.
      Ainsworth joins a QPR side in freefall – from Championship leaders in October under Michael Beale to a side flirting with relegation after Critchley’s woeful two months in the hot seat that produced just one win from 12 matches.
      I want to get Loftus Road absolutely rocking againGareth Ainsworth
      The new boss – joined by assistant Richard Dobson and analyst Josh Hart – added: “I really want to challenge myself.
      “This is going to be a real challenge because the club is so special to me, and so huge as well.
      “I want to get Loftus Road absolutely rocking again and I hope the fans will get right behind me and right behind the team.
      “To be trusted by the board here and those above me, I want to be able to pay them back in droves. I will be giving my absolute everything for this football club.”
      QPR CEO Lee Hoos said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring Gareth in so quickly.
      “I would like to thank Wycombe Wanderers for their professionalism.
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      “We have the utmost respect for them and are hugely sympathetic as we recognise the challenging nature of these circumstances.
      “We wish them only the best for the remainder of the season and the future.” More

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      ‘He has a warm place in my heart’ – Fans hail Watford’s Sema for bravely giving interview while struggling with stammer

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      KEN SEMA won last night’s match for Watford with his two goals, and then fans’ hearts with his post-match interview.The Swede bagged either side of Ismaila Sarr’s strike to help the Hornets to a vital 3-2 win over West Brom at Vicarage Road.
      Ken Sema celebrates scoring his second goal of last night’s winCredit: PA
      The 29-year-old gave an interview after the matchCredit: Watford FC
      After his heroic display, Sema bravely stepped up for an interview despite suffering with a stammer.
      Speaking to Watford’s media team, the 29-year-old said: “It’s been a while with my injury and stuff so I’m happy with the goals and I’m happy with the win today as well.
      “It was a must-win match here at home, and it was an amazing night.
      “It was great to celebrate in front of the supporters. I have been out for a while with my rehab and I did everything I could to come back stronger. Scoring today and getting the win feels brilliant.”
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      After Watford posted a clip of the interview, fans came together to show love for Sema.
      One wrote: “King on and off the pitch.”
      While a second added: “I can’t decide if he’s King Ken or Lord Kenneth?”
      A third tweeted: “So much respect for this man and Watford Legend.”
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      Others poignantly pointed out what an inspiration the winger is.
      One posted: “Cannot credit this man enough for coming out and doing interviews with his slight stammer, proper role model.”
      Another wrote: “Ken has a stammer, but is brave enough to go on national television to do interviews.
      “Inspiration for young boys and girls with a speech impediment, that they can achieve anything in life.”
      A further social media user added: “This interview is inspirational for a lot of people. @Semaken well done.”
      While another fan pointed out: “People don’t realise how draining it is having a stammer. Your mind has to work at incredible speed to choose words you won’t stumble over. Doing that in a second or third language is just amazing.”
      And another added: “So good and so helpful for other people to see this kind of thing. Can’t say I know too much about Sema, but he now has a warm place in my heart and I’ll be looking out for him to see how he’s playing. Top from him and from Watford.”
      In his interview, Sema went on to describe his goals, saying: “[Keinan Davis] had a shot on target with the goalkeeper and I was there. It was right on my foot and I smashed it into the goal. It was an easy one so I’m happy to have scored!
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      “For sure, my second goal was on target! A bit of luck I guess but you need to have it in football so it was good.”
      Sema has played 27 times in the Championship so far this season, scoring five goals and laying on six assists.
      Sema, 29, had a brilliant gameCredit: Rex More

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      Birmingham and a ‘number of individuals’ charged by EFL with ‘rule breaches’ over failed takeover involving Maxi Lopez

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY and a “number of individuals” have been charged by the English Football League with alleged rule breaches.SunSport understands the latest controversy to hit the Championship club centres around the failed takeover bid by Paul Richardson and Maxi Lopez, which collapsed in December after five months of talks.
      Birmingham and a ‘number of individuals’ have been charged with alleged rule breachesCredit: Getty
      Former Barcelona star Maxi Lopez was involved in the failed takeoverCredit: Getty
      Former AC Milan and Barcelona striker Lopez and fashion industry businessman Richardson fronted a consortium bid to buy Blues from current owners BSHL.
      However they pulled the plug after their company Maxco Capital was unable to agree terms after being granted exclusivity to complete a takeover in the summer.
      Now the EFL has revealed an investigation into ‘a takeover bid,’ has produced “sufficient evidence” to issue misconduct charges against the club and individuals.
      Those charges allege that a number of people were allowed to act as ‘relevant persons’ without EFL approval.
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      There are also charges alleging the passing over of control of the club happened without requisite approval.
      The multiple cases will be referred to an independent disciplinary commission and the EFL have said they will make no further comment.
      Birmingham have been owned by China-based Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited since 2016.
      The EFL has not confirmed the identities of anyone involved in the case however SunSport understands the EFL had concerns over statements made by ‘lifelong Birmingham fan,’ Richardson and Lopez at the time of the proposed takeover in July.
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      They sought clarification over their claims that the takeover would be completed “within three weeks.” 
      Images of the pair welcoming new signings to St Andrew’s which appeared on Sky TV – before they had passed the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ test.
      Last night the club issued a short statement which said: “Birmingham City acknowledges the decision of the EFL and its charges of the Club with alleged breaches of EFL Regulations following the conclusion of its investigation into the proposed acquisition of Control.
      “The multiple matters will now be referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission.
      “No further comment will be made.”
      The league has not disclosed the sanctions it wants to impose on Blues if they are found guilty of breaching their rules but points deductions and heavy fines are some of the punishments available to them. More

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      Premier League clubs must give up £20m EACH a season to prevent ‘catastrophic’ price of relegation, say EFL chiefs

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are being urged to each give up £20million per season to end the “catastrophic” cost of relegation.EFL chairman Rick Parry outlined measures he feels are necessary to keep their clubs alive — which include up to £400m a season from the Prem’s cash pot.
      Rick Parry urged Premier League clubs to dish out £20million each per seasonCredit: Getty
      He said: “The current system with parachute payments leads to irrational behaviour by clubs in the Championship and that is unsustainable. Our plan would actually increase the values of the non-top-six clubs over time.
      “They’d make them ALL more valuable because, with the de-risking, it would no longer be catastrophic to be relegated or not to be promoted.”
      Under the Parry plan, there would be a pooling of Premier League TV revenues — currently worth around £3.5billion per year — and the EFL’s £595m deal.
      Three quarters would go to the 20 Premier League clubs with the EFL sharing the rest.
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      But the new model, mooted in the week the Government is set to publish the White Paper that includes an independent regulator, would also see a change in the ‘merit rake’.
      The EFL want the Prem’s bottom club to earn half of the TV money the champions get, like in the Championship.
      Using 2018-19 as a model, Parry said: “That season Huddersfield, who came bottom of the Premier League, earned £97m while Norwich took £8.2m for winning the Championship. It’s a gap of £88m, pretty much unbridgeable.
      “If we pool the revenues and split it 75-25, change the merit rake and abolish parachute payments, we can reduce it to £44m.”
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      Parry’s words prompted a strong pushback from Premier League chiefs, signalling a lack of any agreement.
      A spokesman said: “We have made clear financial proposals relating to increased funding for the pyramid and accompanying financial regulation.
      “The Premier League has clear parameters for discussions provided by a club mandate agreed in November.” More

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      Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman wants to make shock transfer move to beloved Norwich after revealing he is huge fan

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      HOLLYWOOD superstar Hugh Jackman revealed he wants to join Norwich in a blockbuster shock transfer move.And the X-Men and Wolverine actor also had numerous opportunities to invest just £1 into football clubs to become their co-owner.
      Hugh Jackman revealed which football team he supportsCredit: PA
      Ryan Reynolds is having a blast as Wrexham co-ownerCredit: AFP
      Jackman has seen fellow celebrity performer and ongoing comedic rival Ryan Reynolds enjoy success since buying Wrexham with Rob McElhenney in 2021.
      But Australian Jackman, 54, wants to go one better than his Deadpool 3 co-star by playing on the Carrow Road pitch for his beloved Norwich.
      And The Prestige man would love to conjure up another piece of magic to down pal Reynolds.
      Jackman told the BBC: “I will admit to you that when Ryan bought that team, I did get more than one offer from rivals of that team for £1 to come in as a co-owner and it did seriously tempt me.
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      “This whole thing of outsiders coming in and buying football teams, it feels a little, I don’t know, easy.
      “I have decided to go one step further.
      “I am actually going to try out for the team.
      “So Delia Smith, Stephen Fry, I’m coming to try out.
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      “I think if I really want to stick it to Ryan Reynolds, then if Wrexham get to play Norwich, because obviously there’s a level here, I think it would be best if I was heading in the winner.”
      Asked about the Canaries nickname, he joked: “It doesn’t sound intimidating, but everybody knows it’s everybody’s second-favourite team.”
      Wrexham have been on a remarkable journey under their A-list owners and have dreams of bringing Football League action back to the Racecourse Ground next season.
      Fans were joined for a pre-match pint by Will Ferrell last week while Saturday saw a dramatic 96th-minute to beat Aldershot to continue their promotion charge.
      Jackman joins Stephen Fry and Delia Smith as Norwich’s celebrity fansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More