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      Ex-Burnley and Middlesbrough star Jelle Vossen reveals he cheated death after catching ‘terrifying’ flesh-eating bug

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      Ex-Championship star Jelle Vossen has revealed he cheated death … after catching a flesh-eating bug.The Belgium international spent the 2014-15 season on loan to Middlesbrough, scoring nine goals in 40 games.
      Former Middlesbrough star Vossen spent five days in hospital with the illnessCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Genk striker Vossen then joined Burnley, only to leave for Club Brugge within two months.
      Now with Belgian club Zulte Waregem, the 33-year-old is glad to be alive after being struck down with the terrifying complaint.
      He recalled: “I spent five days in hospital after a flesh-eating bacteria was found in my bloodstream.
      “Believe me, I truly suffered.  I later learned that one person in every five to have this problem dies from it.
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      “I was coughing up blood clots, and struggling to breathe. My wife and youngest daughter could only look on open-mouthed.
      “Had I waited any longer to go to A&E, I don’t know what might have happened with me.
      “It felt weird for my two daughters to see me lying in a hospital bed.
      “I have had to make a long journey to make my playing comeback.
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      “The doctors advised me not to look anything up about the illness on Google, but I did so anyway – and I was terrified.
      “I have had a lucky escape, as I was diagnosed early.  It puts playing football into perspective.
      “I had to build myself up physically once again, as I lost a lot of muscle mass.”
      Vossen has won 12 Belgium caps, and spent 15 years with Genk before joining Boro in 2014. More

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      Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez slapped with one-match ban for holding a flare after Wigan’s late equaliser against Cardiff

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      ARSENAL loanee Miguel Azeez has been handed a one-match ban for picking up a flare during Wigan’s draw with Cardiff.The 20-year-old, who is currently on loan at Wigan from the Gunners, was charged with improper conduct by the FA last week.
      Miguel Azeez threw the flare off the pitch during Wigan’s clash with CardiffCredit: Alamy
      He has been handed an improper conduct chargeCredit: Alamy
      Now he has been slapped with a one-game suspension for the incident.
      Azeez picked up the flare while his team were celebrating a stoppage-time equaliser away at Cardiff in their Championship clash on January 14 – which ended 1-1.
      The missile was launched on to the pitch by a member of the crowd.
      The young midfielder then walked over and removed it from the field of play by throwing it a few yards beyond the touchline.
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      Azeez’s ban means he will miss the league clash with Blackburn on February 6.
      He joined the Latics earlier this month after a short stint with Spanish side Ibiza.
      Azeez also had a short-term loan with Portsmouth from August 2021 to January 2022.
      The Camden-born midfielder joined Arsenal back in 2008 as a young boy.
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      He was in the Gunners’ academy for 12 years but has only made one senior appearance to date.
      That came as an 83rd-minute substitute in a 4-2 Europa League win over Irish side Dundalk in December 2020.
      Azeez has also been capped by several of England’s age group sides up to the U20s. More

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      Reading striker Andy Carroll reveals he regretted West Brom transfer ‘from the second day I was there’

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      ANDY CARROLL recently admitted he regretted his move to West Brom from his “second day there”.The Reading forward, 34, ditched the Royals last January for the Baggies – only to return this season.
      Andy Carroll has played 18 times for Reading this season, scoring four goalsCredit: Rex
      Carroll was recruited by ex-West Brom boss Valerien Ismael after an injury to striker Daryl Dike.
      Just one game later, however, Ismael was sacked – forcing the former England striker into a reunion with old Newcastle manager Steve Bruce.
      Speaking to Berkshire Live last month about his time at the Hawthorns, Carroll admitted: “To be honest, the second day I was there I regretted being there.”
      Carroll left West Brom after scoring three goals in 15 games, being released at the end of his short-term deal.
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      He was a free agent until September, when he penned a deal to return to Reading.
      Carroll then signed an extension earlier this month that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2024.
      The former England striker is now preparing for an FA Cup meeting against Manchester United, with a place in the fifth round at stake.
      But back in October, following Bruce’s West Brom sacking and ahead of their clash with the Baggies later that month, Carroll made a stunning dig at his old boss.
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      He said: “It’s always sad to see people get the sack.
      “Especially when we were guaranteed three points at the weekend. It is a shame but that’s football.
      “You don’t get the results, it’s a business at the end of the day.
      “That’s why you have to keep the lads together and work hard as a manager and get the lads working hard for you.”
      Carroll has played 18 times for the Royals this term, scoring four goals.
      Carroll, 34, played under Steve Bruce at Newcastle and West BromCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Bury back from the dead as Shakers formally apply to play in non-league next season and plot EFL return

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      BURY could finally be back up and running next season after the expelled EFL club yesterday formally submitted an application to play non-league.The Shakers — who were formed in 1885 — have submitted a business plan to the FA setting a target of returning to the EFL by 2031 and are likely to be placed in the North West Counties League.
      SunSport can reveal Bury have applied to rejoin the football pyramidCredit: PA
      The club were booted out of the Football League in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      SunSport’s Justin Allen visited Gigg Lane and is pictured with the club’s applicationCredit: The Sun
      A friendly against a Premier League or EFL club has been pencilled in for July 1Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bury’s last season in football saw them clinch promotion to League One at Tranmere
      Club sources have revealed to SunSport that they already have experienced and successful non-league managers who have applied to build a team with a friendly at Gigg Lane against either a Premier League or EFL club pencilled in for July 1.
      Bury have not kicked a ball at their spiritual home since 2019 when the then League One team were controversially booted out after previous owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a subsequent takeover bid collapsed — ending their proud 125-year EFL membership.
      But in October 2021 the Bury Football Club Supporters Society successfully purchased the Bury FC name, intellectual property, history, memorabilia and, crucially, their Gigg Lane stadium from the club’s administrators.
      In that time since, the stadium, which suffered vandalism and decay while it sat dormant, has been slowly but surely spruced up, mostly thanks to the help of volunteers and local businesses offering their services, hardware and equipment for free. As well as benefactors donating funds to the project.
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      SunSport has seen the impressive 230-page application that has left virtually no stone unturned as the club detail how they plan to grow steadily from a non-league team to eventually restoring their EFL status.
      The North West Counties League are tiers nine and 10 of English football’s pyramid so the club would need to win a minimum of five promotions to return to the EFL.
      Already the club are renting space inside the stadium with plans in place to install more office space to hire out.
      The ground has been opened up for community use and already 39,000 people have passed through the doors — whether it be playing football, using the community hub, watching legends games, local league cup finals and women’s football. The ground has also hosted kids’ soccer camps in the summer.
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      Bury will be installing a new pitch in March and April before hoping to host local cup finals before final preparations are made for the new season.
      The club is making its application under the name Bury Community United Football Club but are hopeful the FA will ratify its bid to be called Bury FC from the onset.
      The club, however, will be able to rebrand itself to Bury FC in 18 months anyway.
      Bury Football Club Supporters Society were handed a £1million government grant from its levelling-up fund to purchase Gigg Lane and develop the stadium for community use.
      So far, despite no first-team fixtures, they have turned over £133,000 with £50,000 in the bank.The community club will use the German model of being 51 per cent fan owned with 49 per cent made up of investors. This is to safeguard it from being taken over by rogue owners. More

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      Kolo Toure SACKED by Wigan after just two months in charge as ex-Arsenal and Man City star fails to win any of 9 games

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      KOLO TOURE has been sacked by Wigan – after failing to win any of his NINE games in charge.The ex-Arsenal defender left his role as a coach at Leicester in November 2022 to take his first managerial job.
      Kolo Toure was unable to lead Wigan to a single win during his brief tenureCredit: Alamy
      But a torrid run of results means the Latics have axed the Ivorian, with the club bottom of the Championship.
      Assistants Kevin Betsy and Ashvir Johal have also departed.
      Wigan’s CEO Malachy Brannigan said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Kolo, along with Kevin and Ash, for their efforts during their time at the football club.
      “Unfortunately, the results on the field have not been as we would have liked and as tough a decision as this was, the board felt it necessary to give us the best possible chance of remaining a Championship club next season.

      “We know that this time of year is a key period for any football club, ourselves included.
      “Therefore, we will now work swiftly and effectively to ensure the right person is appointed as the next permanent manager of Wigan Athletic, with the immediate objective of remaining in the second tier for next season.”
      Toure, 41, was appointed boss at the DW Stadium on November 29 – just 58 days ago – after his brother Yaya turned down the job.
      He had previously worked under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and Celtic before they were reunited at the King Power.
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      But the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool man – who was part of the Invincibles team in 2003-04 – failed to get his Wigan team going.
      They managed three draws and six defeats under Toure’s management – with one of those stalemates earning an FA Cup replay against Luton which they lost at home.
      Saturday’s 2-0 Championship defeat – again to Luton – proved the final straw to end his short two-month tenure.
      Toure had brought in former Anfield team-mate Steven Caulker to strengthen his back line and on-loan Arsenal ace Miguel Azeez who offered quality in midfield. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Championship table with Vincent Kompany enjoying stunning first season at Burnley

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Championship table – and it is good news for Vincent Kompany.The former Manchester City captain only took over at Turf Moor this season following Burnley’s relegation to the second tier.
      Vincent Kompany hopes to secure the Championship title for BurnleyCredit: Getty

      But he looks well on course to send them flying back into the Premier League at the first attempt – with an exciting brand of quality football.
      And the number-crunching machine BETSiE is convinced they will soar to the Championship title.
      The Betting Expert supercomputer simulated the remainder of the Championship season a whopping 100,000 times, taking into account results so far this season, pre-season expectations and xG for and against for all 24 clubs.
      And the results churned out will make happy reading for Clarets fans.
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      Burnley come out on top with a projected tally of 26.2 wins, 13.1 draws and 6.6 defeats – totalling 91.9 points.
      Then it is Sheffield United who are expected to claim the second automatic promotion slot on 86.4 points with 25.2 wins, 10.8 draws and 10.0 losses.
      Millwall are tipped for third place – on 73.1 points – in what would be their highest finish since the 1993-94 season.
      Middlesbrough, now managed by ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, and Watford are fourth and fifth respectively on 72 points with West Brom completing the play-offs just a point behind.
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      It means Swansea, Norwich and Luton just miss out on their chance for Wembley glory with Sunderland leading the mid-table pack.
      Rotherham finish bottom in the predicted league table with their 10.2 wins, 13.2 draws and 22.6 defeats seeing the Millers manage just 43.8 points.
      Mick McCarthy is unable to work his magic to keep Blackpool up – as the Tangerines end the season in 23rd on 44.3 points.
      And completing the bottom three are Wigan on 46.5 points – meaning Huddersfield and Cardiff make narrow escapes from relegation.
      Michael Carrick is trying to lead Middlesbrough into the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Teemu Pukki looks set to be left disappointed as Norwich miss out on a play-off spotCredit: Getty More

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      Pierre van Hooijdonk’s son Sydney wanted by four Championship clubs as Bologna striker targets transfer to England

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      SYDNEY VAN HOOIJDONK is wanted by four Championship clubs.The Dutch striker, 22, is the son of ex-Nottingham Forest and Celtic forward Pierre, and has attracted interest from Stoke, Swansea, Cardiff and Millwall.
      Sydney van Hooijdonk is wanted by Stoke, Swansea, Cardiff and MillwallCredit: Rex
      Clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium are also monitoring van Hooijdonk’s situation.
      Van Hooijdonk is contracted to Serie A Bologna but has had a loan spell at Eredivisie side Heerenveen, where he scored seven goals in 18 appearances this season.
      He also netted seven times in 15 matches in the Netherlands in his initial loan with the same club in the second half of last season.
      But van Hooijdonk is now keen on a move to England with a loan in the January window.
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      It is likely that there will be the possibility of an option to buy.
      The forward is out of contract with Bologna in the summer of 2025.
      Forest and Sheffield Wednesday have previously looked at van Hooijdonk junior.
      Dad Pierre fired Forest to promotion in the 1997-98 season before infamously going on strike at the City Ground.
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      Forest have already added to their squad this month and in the striker position.
      The club signed Newcastle forward Chris Wood on loan for the remainder of the season. More

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      Everton trying to find £15m transfer funds for Iliman Ndiaye with Sheffield United star target to help Prem strugglers

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      EVERTON are trying to find £15million to land Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye.The Senegal ace is a scoring hit in the Championship with ten goals and seven assists from 28 games.
      Iliman Ndiaye has been in fine form for Sheffield United this seasonCredit: PA
      His displays have caught the eye of Premier League strugglers EvertonCredit: REUTERS
      He also took his speed and skills to the Qatar World Cup in the latest part of his fairytale career.
      Now Toffees chiefs want Ndiaye to join their attack for the relegation fight and are putting together the funds to buy him.
      Ndiaye, 22, is central to the Blades’ bid to get back to the top flight but his contract is up after next season.
      Boss Paul Heckingbottom will be anxious as Ndiaye would be a huge loss and there are doubts about how much of the sale he would get to spend.
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      Blades are now under a transfer embargo for failing to keep up with old payments, so a sale would go into sorting that out.
      Everton would be a large lure for Ndiaye with a Prem contract to offer to a player who was with Boreham Wood for three seasons.
      Owner Farhad Moshiri is reacting to fan fury over their recent struggles.
      Ndiaye would be a good addition if he can take his form to the top level with the Toffees.
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      Everton are also closing in on a deal for Arnaut Danjuma, 25, at Villarreal.
      They are willing to pay the Spanish club a huge loan fee of £2.5m, which could double if the former Bournemouth star plays enough games.
      Danjuma will net £100,000 a week and a deal for the Dutchman could see Anthony Gordon being sold to Newcastle or even Tottenham.
      It’s unclear who will be at the Everton helm come the end of the month as manager Frank Lampard is under a huge amount of pressure.
      Defeat to West Ham on Saturday sent the Merseysiders to the bottom of the table and extended their torrid run to just one win in their last 12 league matches.
      Frank Lampard’s future at Goodison Park is up in the airCredit: REX
      A defiant Lampard said of his future: “Those things are not my choice.
      “It is my job to work, focus and keep my head down.
      “I have confidence in how I want to coach. There’s difficult conditions that I am aware of.
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      “I just do my job and talk about what I can affect.
      “And that’s the players trying to get the right results.” More