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      Andy Carroll re-joins Reading in free transfer on tiny contract five months after finishing West Brom contract

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      READING have re-signed Andy Carroll on a short-term deal.The former Liverpool striker, 33, has signed a contract until January – the club has announced.
      Andy Carroll scored two goals in eight games in his first spell at Reading last season
      Carroll scored two goals in eight games for the Royals last season before leaving to join West Brom in the January transfer window.
      But he was subsequently released by the Baggies and was a free agent over the summer until Paul Ince decided to snap him up.
      Carroll trained with Reading this week and impressed Ince with his leadership skills before he was offered a four-month deal.
      Ince said: “I am really pleased to have Andy with us.
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      “Of course, a striker of his prowess gives us power and a battling presence at the top of the pitch and I’m sure that will translate into goals.
      “However, Andy’s arrival also offers us another strong voice in the dressing room. He is a leader, both on and off the pitch, and having trained with us all this week I can already see the positive influence he will have on the players around him and the boost he will no doubt give to the fans.”
      Reading Head of Football Operations Mark Bowen said: “Andy is a striker with proven pedigree and so much experience in the game.
      “It is also so important that he is a player who already knows this club and the fight we will need to show to rise to the challenges we expect to face during the course of this season.
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      “And, above all else, Andy is a top-class professional. So I’m delighted he has chosen to return to Reading!”
      More to follow… More

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      Huddersfield line up shock move to bring back David Wagner after sacking Danny Schofield with Sean Dyche also linked

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      HUDDERSFIELD are lining up a shock move to bring back David Wagner after sacking boss Danny Schofield.Wagner, 50, is the top target but the Terriers are also considering experienced top flight manager Sean Dyche.
      Wagner is the top target for an exciting reunion with HuddersfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ex-Burnley manager Sean Dyche is also on the shortlistCredit: PA
      German Wagner took them into the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2017 — and then kept them up.
      However, he left in 2019 with the club bottom of the top flight.
      Since leaving, the 50-year-old has managed Germans Schalke and Young Boys in Switzerland. 
      West Brom tried to tempt him back to England last year but a return to Yorkshire could appeal.
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      A source close to the club said: “Wagner is the top target. He is out of work, is a proven winner here and would be a huge favourite with fans.”
      Schofield was sacked after 69 days in charge following the  2-1 defeat by Wigan on Tuesday.  
      Ex-Burnley chief Dyche and Belgium No 2 Anthony Barry have also been linked.
      Dyche was sacked by long-time club Burnley in a last-ditch bid to beat the drop.
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      It did not work and the Clarets were relegated to the Championship.
      Dyche had been in charge at Turf Moor since 2012, leading them to two Premier League promotions.
      The 51-year-old remains out of work. More

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      West Brom sign Erik Pieters on free transfer as Steve Bruce finishes spending spree two weeks after end of window

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      STEVE BRUCE says he has finally ended his summer signing spree – two weeks after the transfer window closed.The West Brom boss completed his eighth signing of the summer when former Stoke City and Burnley defender Erik Pieters agreed a one-year deal with the Hawthorns club.
      West Brom have signed Erik Pieters on a one-year dealCredit: Twitter @WBA
      The 34-year-old left-back won 18 caps for Holland and impressed Bruce so much during his six weeks training with the Baggies, he has added Pieters to his squad for Wednesday’s local derby against Birmingham City at the Hawthorns.
      Pieters’ signing follows hot on the heels of another incoming free transfer, after former Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic committed himself to Albion on Monday.
      But the Baggies’ boss says that’s his final Brucie bonus until the window opens again in January.
      “That’s us,” confirmed the West Brom boss.
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      “I’m not going to scour anymore.
      “Erik has been with us for six weeks but he has joined us permanently now.
      “He might have a part to play earlier than most signings because he’s been training with us, so we know where he’s up to.
      “His fitness levels are very, very good. He’s got good experience, he’s looked after himself. He’ll be a good acquisition.”
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      Pieters promised Baggies fans: “I have been working really hard to keep myself in shape and it’s up to me to show what I still have in me.
      “I want to prove I’m worthy of being signed and still have what it takes to play at this level.
      “From the first day I walked in the lads have been great with me and I’ve had a really good relationship with the manager.
      “I feel really at home here – I’m ready to go.” More

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      West Brom snap up former Celtic star Tom Rogic on free transfer after leaving Scots in summer

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      WEST BROM’S new Aussie arrival Tom Rogic admits he felt the urge to go walkabout this summer after 10 trophy-laden seasons at Celtic.The 29-year-old Australian international midfielder has joined Steve Bruce’s Baggies as a free agent after agreeing a one-year-contract, with a further year’s option in the club’s favour.
      West Brom have confirmed the signing of Australian international Tom RogicCredit: Getty
      The former Celtic midfielder left the Scottish champions in the summerCredit: Getty
      Rogic signed for the Baggies as a free agent on an initial one-year dealCredit: Getty
      The roving midfielder with an eye for goal enjoyed the perfect farewell from Celtic, clinching his SIXTH Scottish title to clock up a staggering personal haul of 16 domestic trophies in Scotland.
      But he admits the challenge of returning Albion to the Premier League appealed to his sense of adventure.
      Rogic confessed: “I’d been set in one place for quite a while and I was looking for a new challenge and a change of scenery.
      “I certainly have that here, so I’m really looking forward to getting started.
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      “I have a lot of fond memories from my time at Celtic and I was fortunate to have the perfect send off there.
      “But I was looking for a change of scenery and a fresh challenge. 
      “It was important for me to take my time and make sure my next club was the right club. I had some time to reflect and I now feel refreshed and re-energised and excited about the future.
      “I’ve met all of my new team-mates and they seem like a great group of guys.”
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      Rogic says he has been busy swotting up on his new teammates since Bruce made his move for him last week.
      He said: “Things moved pretty quickly to be honest. I spoke with the manager and I spoke with my agent and here we are. 
      “It was a pretty broad chat with the manager. He told me lots about the club, the team and what football is like here.
      “Since I heard about Albion’s interest in me I’ve tried to watch as much of them as possible and I’ve been doing my research. 
      “I think it’s fair to say the team hasn’t got the results the performances have warranted.
      “The most exciting thing for me now though is the future and playing my part in what I hope will be a really successful team.”
      Rogic made over 250 appearances for CelticCredit: Getty
      The 29-year-old has been capped 51 times by AustraliaCredit: Getty More

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      EFL confirm Championship, League One and League Two to return from tomorrow after postponement following Queen’s death

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      THE EFL have confirmed that its fixture schedule will resume from tomorrow following the death of The Queen.The Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday – marking an end to her historic reign and making her son, Charles, King.
      The EFL have confirmed that its fixtures will resume from TuesdayCredit: EFL
      The Championship, League One and Two is returning tomorrowCredit: Rex
      The Premier League and EFL postponed all matches last weekend as Scotland followed suit along with a host of other sporting events to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
      Now the EFL have announced that its midweek fixture list will go ahead as planned.
      A statement read: “The EFL fixture programme will return as scheduled from Tuesday 13 September, with tributes to be paid to Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at grounds around the country.
      “A minute’s silence will be held before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags to be flown at half-mast and the National Anthem to be played in stadiums.
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      “With a national policing plan now in operation, the League and Clubs will continue to work with forces in respect of any challenges that may emerge regarding policing of specific fixtures.
      “Consideration to individual circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis, in line with standard match Safety Advisory Group (SAG) protocols.”
      Meanwhile, football chiefs and police are continuing talks today over a number of potential match postponements for this coming weekend.
      The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has been confirmed for Monday 19 September in London.
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      A host of police officers from across the country are set to be drafted into London to work on it and the other events surrounding the send-off with millions of mourners due to descend on the capital.
      As we reported last week, that means that Sunday’s Premier League games between Brentford and Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and Manchester United vs Leeds are among those being discussed about being postponed or moved.
      Up in Scotland, Rangers’ Champions League fixture at home to Napoli has been delayed for 24 hours and away supporters have been banned.
      SunSport understands that England’s representatives in Uefa’s competitions this midweek will not be affected, with Arsenal’s Europa League clash in North London against PSV on Thursday still scheduled to go ahead.
      But talks are still ongoing regarding the domestic top-flight clashes for next weekend.
      Switching games to the opposition’s venue has already been discussed, but they have also hit major roadblocks.
      For example, Liverpool’s neighbours Everton are also playing at home on Sunday, meaning Chelsea switching their game to Anfield is highly unlikely.
      Meanwhile, a huge police presence is expected at Old Trafford for the game between heated rivals United and Leeds, which would also stretch resources.
      And EFL fixtures are also at risk in and around London with Millwall, QPR and Watford due to be hosting matches.
      But officials are still “hopeful” that a positive conclusion could be reached.
      A National Police Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing.
      “This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”
      More to follow… More

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      Andy Carroll set for return to football with Reading on free transfer after finishing West Brom contract

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      ANDY CARROLL is set to return to Reading, according to reports.The former England striker spent the first half of last season with the Royals before joining West Brom in January.
      Andy Carroll is set to return to Reading for their Championship campaignCredit: Getty
      He was released by Steve Bruce’s side at the end of last season, but is now set for a return to the game.
      According to The Reading Chronicle, Carroll is close to re-joining the Royals and could even be in training tomorrow – with a view to being ready to play after the international break later this month.
      Belgian side Club Brugge showed an interest earlier in the summer, but turned down Carroll, 33, after medical tests.
      The ex-Liverpool ace was then a shock target for Wolves as Bruno Lage’s side sought an emergency option upfront.
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      Following injuries to Sasa Kalajdzic and Raul Jimenez, the Molineux side considered a swoop for Carroll.
      But when their work permit appeal was successful for Diego Costa, they opted to sign the former Chelsea ace instead.
      Carroll scored two goals in eight games for Reading last term.
      He then netted three times in 15 outings for the Baggies as Bruce’s men missed the play-offs.
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      Reading have so far been this season’s surprise package in the Championship.
      Widely tipped for relegation during pre-season, Paul Ince’s side find themselves third after eight games.
      They beat Stoke 2-1 last time out with Lucas Joao bagging both goals.
      Their trip to Watford was postponed at the weekend following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – but they are expected to be back in action on Wednesday when they are scheduled to host Sunderland. More

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      Blackburn wonderkid Adam Wharton ready to snub Premier League transfer interest to stay at hometown club

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      BLACKBURN kid Adam Wharton is ready to stick with his hometown club despite growing Premier League interest.Wharton, 18, has caught the eye after breaking into the Rovers line-up this season.
      Adam Wharton has impressed since breaking into the Blackburn teamCredit: Getty
      Yet the midfield powerhouse is keen to sign a new deal before his current contract runs out in the summer.
      Wharton made his professional debut as he started the 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Hartlepool last month.
      He followed that up with another fine display against Bradford in round two.
      The rising star featured alongside his defender brother Scott who also came through the Blackburn academy.
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      Then boss Jon Dahl Tomasson gave his teenage ace his league bow.
      Wharton came off the bench at half-time at home to Stoke before being put into the starting XI for the Championship win at Blackpool and defeat against Bristol City.
      Teenage team-mate Ashley Phillips, 17, is also set to sign on at the Championship club despite Tottenham’s interest.
      Blackburn managed to keep hold of star striker Ben Brereton Diaz this summer.
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      The Chile international looked on course to leave for the top flight as Everton, Fulham and Leeds circled.
      However, Brereton Diaz stayed put and will be offered a new deal at Ewood Park.
      But should he move on in January, SunSport revealed Rovers will target Sunderland’s Scottish hit man Ross Stewart as his replacement. More

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      Premier League and EFL call off all weekend’s football following the death of The Queen as sporting world pays respect

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      PREMIER LEAGUE and EFL chiefs have cancelled this weekend’s football following the death of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.After talks between bosses and government officials, the decision has been made to abandon the scheduled programme.
      West Ham paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on Thursday eveningCredit: PA
      There was a minute’s silence at Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United’s game against Real SociedadCredit: Reuters
      As a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed.— Premier League (@premierleague) September 9, 2022

      A Prem meeting and a call between sport bodies and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport took place this morning.
      The Government informed sport bodies that they were under no obligation to cancel scheduled games.
      But the decision has been made to call off the weekend’s Premier League and EFL matches after The Queen died yesterday, aged 96.
      Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement that Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away peacefully at Balmoral.
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      The FA have also confirmed that all fixtures across the English football pyramid, including grassroots games, have been postponed, meaning no fixtures will take place at any level.
      Monday evening’s Prem clash between Leeds and Nottingham Forest has also been called off.
      A Premier League statement said: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 
      “To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”
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      They added: “Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”
      Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.  
      “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.  
      “This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
      Meanwhile an EFL statement said: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
      “This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.
      “Further information, in respect of how football, Clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point.
      “Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course.”
      Confirming the entire English football pyramid will come to a halt this weekend, the FA said: “Her Majesty the Queen was a long-standing patron of the Football Association and has left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game.
      “As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, English football has united to postpone all football fixtures between 9-11 September.”
      “The FA can confirm that all football fixtures across the Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, and the Isuzu FA Trophy, will be postponed this weekend.
      “We can also confirm that all football fixtures across the National League System [NLS], Steps 1-6, including the Vanarama National Leagues, the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP], Tiers 3-7, and matches across grassroots football in England will be postponed.
      “The Premier League and the EFL have all confirmed that their fixtures this weekend will be rescheduled for a later date.
      “All flags at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park will continue to fly at half-mast over the weekend.
      “Our thoughts remain with our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, and the whole of the Royal Family during this time.”
      But the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League will still go ahead as English teams would forfeit any matches they fail to take part in.
      An announcement on the weekend’s football fixtures has been made before fans start travelling up and down the country for tomorrow’s games.
      Prem chief Masters and his board were aware of a potential backlash if they played the matches as scheduled.
      Another factor considered was the potential drain on police resources as towns and cities up and down the land pay tribute to The Queen.
      Talks over whether to move next weekend’s London fixtures due to issues with policing are also set to go ahead.
      Tottenham host Leicester on Saturday 17th, while Brentford vs Arsenal and Chelsea vs Liverpool are scheduled for the following day.
      Games are permitted to go ahead on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, which is expected to take place on Monday 19 September.
      Again officials have said there is no obligation to cancel fixtures, but sport bodies may want to consider postponing games or readjusting kick-off times on the day as to not clash with the service.
      It had already been confirmed on Thursday that the two EFL fixtures scheduled for today, Burnley vs Norwich and Tranmere vs Stockport, had been postponed.
      Last night’s European games involving Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham all went ahead.
      A minute’s silence was observed before United hosted Real Sociedad in the Europa League and West Ham played FCSB in London.
      Players also wore black armbands in tribute.
      Arsenal’s match against FC Zurich in Switzerland saw a minute’s silence carried out at half-time after the news broke while the game was in play.
      A full Football League fixture list went ahead three days after King George VI, The Queen’s father, died in February 1952.
      But the decision has been made to postpone this weekend’s games as the UK enters a period of national mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
      Wembley pays tribute to Her Majesty Elizabeth IICredit: Splash More