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      Watford beat Championship rivals West Brom over Hamza Choudhury transfer race from Leicester on one-year loan deal

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      WATFORD have beaten Championship rivals West Brom to sign Hamza Choudhury on a one-year loan deal.The promotion chasing pair shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns on Monday night.
      Hamza Choudhury has fallen out of favour at Leicester and will join Watford on loanCredit: EPA
      But the Hornets beat the Baggies to sign Leicester City’s former England Under-21 international in a major coup for Watford boss Rob Edwards.
      Choudhury won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021 but has fallen from favour with Brendan Rodgers and wants to kick-start his career with regular football in the Championship. 
      Missing out on Choudhury will frustrate Albion manager Steve Bruce, who made an unsuccessful bid to bring the midfield battler to Newcastle United when he was in charge at St James’ Park.
      Leicester need to offload a number of fringe players this summer as they battle to hold on to stars such as James Maddison, who is wanted by Newcastle.
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      Chelsea are poised with an £80million offer for Wesley Fofana, while Arsenal have been consistently linked with a move for Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.
      The 24-year-old Choudhury, who has played more than 80 times for the Foxes, has been with the club since 2005 having joined the academy at the age of seven.
      However Choudhury only made 12 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes last season and is now ready for a new chapter in his career as he looks to show what he can do for Watford.
      For the first time since joining Leicester from Celtic in 2019, Rodgers is facing real scrutiny from fans. A 2-2 opening weekend draw with Brentford did not help matters.
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      The club narrowly missed out on the Champions League two seasons in a row.
      They then finished eighth last season and many are fearful this time around things will only get worse, with the club so far failing to make any summer signings. More

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      Mick Jones dead aged 75: QPR lead tributes as Neil Warnock’s former assistant manager passes away

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      MICK JONES, the former assistant of manager Neil Warnock, has passed away at the age of 75.London side Queens Park Rangers and Warnock lead the tributes for the ex-coach.
      Mick Jones, left, alongside Neil WarnockCredit: Alamy
      In a touching tribute, Warnock wrote on Twitter: “Sad to report my old assistant manager Mick Jones passed away this morning.
      “We had some unbelievable times. Mick was the sensible one.
      “I’ll miss him loads. Boy did we have some laughs. RIP.”
      Jones worked alongside Warnock throughout much of his coaching career.
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      The pair first linked up at Notts County in 1989 and Jones stayed on as Warnock’s assistant through spells including Huddersfield, Plymouth, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and QPR.
      This stretch ran all the way up until 2012, with Jones finally retiring from coaching in 2013 after almost 40 years.
      Jones also tried his hand at management with Plymouth after Warnock was sacked at The Pilgrims, and managed over 60 games between 1997 and 1998.
      Jones retired from playing football and saw his first coaching role as a player-manager of Kettering in 1977, before leaving two years later to manage Mansfield Town.
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      QPR described him as “quietly-spoken” and a “trusted aide” of Warnock.
      Plymouth and Huddersfield both joined in the tributes and described their clubs as deeply “saddened” by his passing.
      Peterborough, who Jones had played for as a player, confirmed a minute of applause would be held between themselves and Plymouth ahead of their upcoming fixture on Wednesday evening. More

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      Burnley have £2.5m Isaak Davies transfer bid rejected by Cardiff with Southampton also interested in 20-year-old striker

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      BURNLEY have had a £2.5million bid for Cardiff forward Isaak Davies rejected.New Clarets boss Vincent Kompany is keen to bolster his squad after Maxwell Cornet joined West Ham for £17.5m last week.
      Cardiff haves rejected a transfer bid from Burnley to sign Isaak DaviesCredit: Rex
      But Championship rivals Cardiff are holding out for a bigger fee for the 20-year-old, who SunSport reported previously has caught the eye of Southampton and Brentford.
      Kompany’s assistant at Turf Moor Craig Bellamy is a big fan of Davies, having worked with him during his days as an academy coach with the Bluebirds.
      Burnley are on the hunt for attacking options having sold Cornet to the Hammers and Dwight McNeill to Everton, while Matej Vydra left on a free transfer in the summer.
      Chris Wood also departed in a big-money move to Newcastle back in January leaving Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez as their only experienced frontline forwards.
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      Wales Under-21 star Davies was not in the squad for Cardiff’s opening two league matches of the season against Norwich and Reading.
      He had a knee injury which sidelined him during pre-season and that has halted his start to the new campaign.
      A versatile attacker, who can play across the front three positions, Davies became a Cardiff first-team regular last season, making 30 appearances, scoring three goals.
      And the youth team product, who joined the Welsh club at the age of seven, was rewarded in March with a new contract until the summer of 2025.
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      Burnley returned to the Championship after six years after finishing 18th last season.
      Sean Dyche was sacked after ten years at the helm and replaced by Manchester City legend Kompany. More

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      ‘Who makes these terrible decisions’ – Sky Sports in fresh scoreboard blunder after making fans angry over new changes

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      SKY SPORTS came under fire last night following another scoreboard blunder.Fans lashed out on social media during Friday’s Premier League opener between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park as they hated the new scoreboard graphic.
      Fans took to social media once more to complain about Sky Sport’s scoreboardCredit: Sky Sports
      This time the graphic didn’t show how much stoppage time was added onCredit: Sky Sports
      That is because it didn’t include any letters, instead it only showed the clubs’ badges, the scoreline and the time during the Gunners’ 2-0 victory.
      This time, it was a Championship match that sparked outrage on social media.
      Fans flooded Twitter during the clash between West Brom and Watford as Sky Sports’ new scoreline graphic didn’t show how much stoppage time was added on.
      One fan tweeted: “So Prem games on Sky have that god awful scoreboard and EFL games have the normal one but they’re now not showing how much is added on. Who makes these terrible decisions.”
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      Another posted: “Are Sky Sports just not going to show how much extra time has been added on the scoreboard tonight.”
      A third said: “Why are the sky graphics wrong with no added time?”
      This fan wrote: “Why does Sky not show us how much added time there is?”
      West Brom and Watford’s Championship clash ended with a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns.
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      Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for the Hornets after just 12 minutes after an incredible strike from inside his own half.
      Karlan Grant equalised for the hosts just before half-time in the second minute of stoppage time.
      Fans were not impressed with Sky Sports’ new scoreboard for Premier League gamesCredit: Twitter @stator_ More

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      Watch Watford star Ismaila Sarr score wonder goal from inside OWN HALF but then miss penalty in 1-1 draw with West Brom

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      ISMAILA SARR managed to score from 50 yards but then blew it from 12 as Watford drew at West Brom.The winger was in action for the Hornets tonight at their fellow promotion hopefuls but managed to go from hero to zero.
      Ismaila Sarr went from hero to zero as Watford drew at West BromCredit: Rex
      The star took aim from just inside Watford’s half
      He scored from inside his own half but then missed a late penaltyCredit: Sky Sports

      It only took 12 minutes for the 24-year-old to produce a moment of magic.
      With the score still goalless, Sarr received the ball around five yards inside his own half with his back to goal.
      He found himself under no pressure from West Brom, which allowed him to turn and spot Baggies stopper David Button off his line.
      Without a moment of hesitation, Sarr instantly decided to pull the trigger, despite still being inside his own half, and watched on as it sailed towards goal.
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      Button attempted to scramble back, but he was too far out, and he could do nothing as the ball floated over his head and into the net as Sarr raced off celebrating.
      Former Watford midfielder David Payne told on BBC Three Counties Radio: “What a goal, what a finish. That is some goal.
      “Watford have been under severe pressure, but the ball drops middle of pitch and Ismaila Sarr does that. David Button has to look at his positioning.
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      “Sarr delivers a powerful chip – I don’t even know how you describe it.”
      While another fan tweeted: “Ismalia Sarr with the goal of the season already.”
      As another commented: “Oh wow! Sarr has just scored a ridiculous goal for Watford.”
      It sparked memories of David Beckham’s iconic half-way line goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon.
      That memorable moment came on the opening day of the 1996/97 Premier League season.
      However, Grady Diangana equalised for the Baggies on the stroke of half time with the hosts going on to dominate most of the second period.
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      Then another big moment arrived for Sarr to win it when the Hornets were awarded a penalty with just 17 minutes remaining after a foul on the attacker.
      Sarr took it himself, but 12 yards proved to be too close for him as Button gained redemption and saved it to earn his team a point. More

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      Arsenal boost as Brooke Norton-Cuffy signs new contract with 18-year-old set to join EFL side on loan transfer

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      ARSENAL starlet Brooke Norton-Cuffy has reportedly penned a new long-term contract at the Emirates following his loan spell at Lincoln.The 18-year-old starred during the second half of last season at the League One outfit where he scored once in 17 matches.
      Brooke Norton-Cuffy is claimed to have signed a new long-term deal with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Gunners right-back Norton-Cuffy impressed during his loan at Lincoln last campaignCredit: Getty
      He then impressed at the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summer where he helped the Young Lions beat Israel in the final.
      It was claimed in March how a new deal was on the cards for the teenager, who is highly-rated in North London.
      And now The Athletic have stated the right-back has put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
      Arsenal were keen to extend his stay with the defender attracting plenty of interest having entered the last 12 months of his previous deal.
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      It has been said that the Gunners are likely to officially announce the extension later this week.
      They have also declared that the youngster could once again depart the club on a temporary switch.
      A move to a Championship side has been mooted for Norton-Cuffy, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea when he was 12.
      His former Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, now in charge at Blackpool, has tipped Norton-Cuffy to have a huge future at Arsenal.
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      He told Lincolnshire Live in March: “I don’t want Arsenal ringing me up saying ‘what have you said that for?’
      “But I’ve been saying it behind the scenes, I think he will play for Arsenal’s first team on a regular basis.
      “It might not be for a couple of years but it’s definitely going to happen.
      “He’ll hopefully continue his progression over the next few games.
      “There’s one or two things that I think I can help him with, but by the time he goes back to Arsenal, he’ll be much better.”
      Teenager Norton-Cuffy helped England win the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Coventry vs Rotherham Championship clash POSTPONED over pitch safety fears after Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches

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      COVENTRY CITY’S clash with Rotherham on Sunday has been called off over concerns over the pitch.It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
      The Rugby Sevens tournament for the Commonwealth Games took place at the Ricoh ArenaCredit: Getty
      The pitch has been deemed unsafe for Coventry to play Rotherham tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      Now after a pitch inspection this afternoon, the match officials have deemed the surface unplayable for the Championship match to take place tomorrow.
      A Sky Blues statement read: “Coventry City are extremely disappointed to confirm that Sunday’s game against Rotherham United has been postponed.
      “Following an inspection by a senior match official on Saturday, the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena has been deemed unsafe and unplayable.
      “This follows an inspection that took place on Friday by the EFL and a local referee, which was also attended by Manager Mark Robins and Chief Executive Dave Boddy.
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      “We are very frustrated that the pitch at the Arena is not up to standard, and share the huge disappointment that fans, players and staff will feel that our opening home game has been postponed under these circumstances.
      “Promised investment by the Arena into a new pitch has unfortunately not materialised over the summer, which has been compounded by concerts on the pitch and then a huge amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last weekend.
      “We appreciate the efforts in difficult circumstances that have been made by the Grounds Staff who work for the Arena.”
      Dave Boddy, chief executive at Coventry City, added: “We are extremely disappointed at this postponement due to the condition of the pitch.
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      “It has been deemed unplayable and unsafe by the inspecting official and, having seen it myself, I can understand this decision.
      “Last season the condition of the pitch was highlighted as a concern and we expected that this would be addressed by Wasps and the Arena, who are responsible for the pitch, over the summer – sadly this has not been the case, and this is the result of that, plus the large amount of use at the Commonwealth Games last week.
      “I am seeking urgent talks with Stephen Vaughan, the Chief Executive at Wasps, and the Arena over the condition of the pitch, and expect immediate and significant improvements to be made to make the pitch playable as soon as possible.”
      Coventry confirmed that all tickets purchased for the game will be eligible for the re-arranged game against Rotherham United as they also vowed to keep fans updated with regards to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Bristol City.
      All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
      It took place between July 29 and July 31.
      South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s. More

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      Vincent Kompany’s Burnley considering making fresh transfer bid for £10m-rated Metz ace Boubakar Kouyate

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      BURNLEY may bid again for Boubakar Kouyate.Metz want £10million for the centre-back after the Clarets offered £2.5m plus extras.
      Burnley are keen on Metz defender Boubakar KouyateCredit: Getty
      Now they could bid £5m – plus a big sell-on clause.
      The 25-year-old impressed last season but couldn’t prevent Metz from going down from France’s top-flight.
      He made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 and also featured in Metz’s opening game of Ligue 2 this campaign.
      Burnley though are considering whether to lodge a fresh bid for his services.
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      Kouyate joined Metz in 2020 from fellow French side Troyes.
      The defender has been capped 12 times by Mali and would add steel to Vincent Kompany’s defence as he aims to guide the Clarets back to the Premier League at their first attempt.
      It’s been a busy summer at Turf Moor, with both incomings and outgoings in double digits.
      Maxwel Cornet was the latest to depart, joining West Ham in the week after the Londoners activated his £17.5m release clause.
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      But on the pitch Kompany has enjoyed a solid start to life as Burnley boss.
      His side kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 win away at Huddersfield on the opening day.
      That was followed up with a 1-1 draw to last season’s play-off semi-finalists Luton Town today. More