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    Chris Wood has gone from Barnsley loan flop to outscoring Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins in feelgood story of 2024

    LET’S just call him Saint Christopher, the patron saint of footballing travellers.A journeyman, targetman, everyman hero, who is living proof good things can come to those who have a loan spell at Barnsley terminated after seven matches and no goals.Chris Wood has excelled for Nottingham Forest this seasonCredit: ReutersWood, 33, was largely written off at NewcastleCredit: GettyThe Indian summer of Chris Wood’s career has been the feelgood story of 2024.Nottingham Forest are Wood’s FIFTEENTH club and, at the age of 33, the big Kiwi unit is on course to lead them into the Champions League.At a time when old-school centre-forwards are officially recognised as an endangered species by the World Wildlife Fund, Wood is leading the revival like an uncharacteristically randy panda.And despite decent spells at Leeds and Burnley, nobody saw this coming.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle’s Saudi owners were ridiculed for panic buying when they shelled out £25million on a 30-year-old Wood three years ago.And the Toon Army smirked when Forest spent £15m on his signing 18 months ago — right up until  Boxing Day last year when Wood turned up at  St James’ Park and netted a hat-trick, which included two deliciously cool finishes.On Sunday, Wood netted Forest’s opener in a 2-0 win at Everton with a rinky-dink chip which sent Nuno Espirito Santo’s side second in the table and belied his unfair caricature as a limited carthorse.Toffees boss Sean Dyche, who oversaw Wood’s previous best spell at Burnley, declared him the difference between the two sides.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWood has also played for West Brom, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol City, Millwall, Leicester and Ipswich, as well as three clubs in his New  Zealand homeland.He was on the books of the Baggies for four years but in that time managed more loan spells — five — than goals for his parent club — two.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ That loan at Oakwell with the Tykes, an agreement ripped up by mutual consent, was an early setback from which Wood rebounded pretty well.Throughout the majority of his career he was seen as a decent Championship striker, winning promotion with Leicester and scoring 27 goals in a second-tier season with Leeds.But for Wood to have netted 21 times in the Premier League since Boxing Day 2023 —  more than Kai Havertz or Ollie Watkins, more than twice as many as Marcus Rashford — is extraordinary and heartening.Wood narrowly missed out on the Premier League’s greatest miracle when he was sold by Leicester to Leeds the summer before their 2015-16 title triumph.Back then, Jamie Vardy’s rise, from playing at Stocksbridge Park Steels with an offender’s tag on his ankle, was the Hollywood storyline.But if Nuno’s Forest make the Champions League — as looks increasingly possible after a fifth straight win — theirs would be English football’s unlikeliest story since the Foxes topped the pile.Marcus Rashford has struggled for goals in 2024Credit: GettyWood has even outscored Ollie WatkinsCredit: RexWandering gun-for-hire strikers are a great footballing breed.Peter Withe, one of that tribe’s finest, won Aston Villa the European Cup while playing for the tenth of his 13 clubs.Wood is far from being the most nomadic of all. Trevor Benjamin represented 29 clubs from the Premier League to the Northern League Division Two over a 16-year career.Meanwhile, the legendary non-league highwayman Jefferson Louis has changed clubs 51 TIMES and is still going strong for Southern League Thame United, aged 45.But Wood is now the standard-bearer for these merry travellers — and that’s without even mentioning the air miles clocked up in an 80-cap international career for New Zealand.He spends international breaks on the opposite side of the world, scoring shedloads of goals in routine, savage beatings of Pacific Islanders from Samoa, Tahiti and Vanuatu.At a time when old-school centre-forwards are officially recognised as an endangered species by the World Wildlife Fund, Wood is leading the revival like an uncharacteristically randy panda.Dave KiddHis is not the only heartwarming personal story at the City Ground — Nuno was seen as a busted flush after a miserable spell at Tottenham, yet Forest now sit 13 points above his former employers.Ryan Yates did the loan rounds from Barrow to Scunthorpe before playing a lead role in his hometown club’s journey to the brink of history.Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga were all struggling to fully emerge in the Premier League before they put down roots with the Tricky Trees.And Serbian hardnut Nikola Milenkovic is Nemanja Vidic reincarnate.Those who can remember Brian Clough leading Forest to back-to-back European Cups will relish his old club’s revival.Indeed, Nottingham boasts as many European Cups as London, Paris and Rome combined.This is a great club and, at the forefront, is a man on a most round-the-houses mission.Real ‘East’ End starIT WAS heartening to see the warm reception given by West Ham fans to Ludo Miklosko on Sunday, after their 63-year-old former keeper announced he has withdrawn from further cancer treatment.There were very few foreign footballers in the English game when Czech Miklosko signed for the Hammers  in 1990 — and even fewer from behind the old Iron Curtain.But during eight years as a player, and a further stint as a Hammers goalkeeping coach, big Ludo became the very definition of a cult hero.He also managed to inspire one of the most geographically challenged terrace chants of all time: “My name is Ludo Miklosko, I come from near Moscow.”Miklosko’s native town of Prostejov is closer to East London than to the Russian capital.Ludo Miklosko received a brilliant reception back at West HamCredit: RexSale awayTHE transfer window opens this week and the questions are endless.Will Manchester City sign a Rodri replacement? Will Arsenal get a proper centre-forward?Will anyone in their right minds join Southampton, on course for the worst season in Premier League history?But whatever happens don’t believe the old chestnut that there are no good long-term signings to be made mid-season.Liverpool bought Luis Suarez and Virgil van Dijk in the New Year sales, while Sir Alex Fer­guson signed Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in the same January week.Man Utd have had January window joy in the pastCredit: GettyDart MaddFURY among Tottenham fans on social media that James Maddison went to the darts at Ally Pally after the 2-2 home draw with Wolves.How dare their leading Premier League goalscorer go out and have some fun?Because, as we all know, the best way to get over a frustrating day at the office is to sit alone in a darkened room and never, under any circumstances, go out  somewhere and enjoy yourself.James Maddison and Brennan Johnson headed to the darts on SundayCredit: RexGo ‘All inTHERE was a 20-man brawl in the tunnel at half-time during Newcastle’s 3-0 thumping of Aston Villa last week.And I don’t know about you but I was staggered to hear that Toon manager Eddie Howe’s No 2 Jason Tindall was red-carded for being at the centre of it all.READ MORE SUN STORIESGood luck finding character witnesses if there is an FA hearing.Jason Tindall is never one to sky away from the limelightCredit: ReutersA VERY Happy New Year to you all!Here’s to 2025, to triumphs Down Under in The Ashes and for the Lions, to Ryder Cup glory for Europe in the States, to England qualifying for the World Cup in style under Thomas Tuchel — and to a stunning collapse for Liverpool in the title race. More

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    Former Premier League star, 38, makes retirement U-turn to join seventh tier minnows just weeks after quitting football

    FORMER Premier League striker Matt Derbyshire has come out of retirement to sign for a seventh tier club.Derbyshire announced that he was hanging up his boots just last month.Former Bradford star Matt Derbyshire has completed a retirement U-turn by signing for a non-league clubCredit: GettyIn a statement on social media, he wrote: “What a privilege in life to play this wonderful game of football. I have never taken a single day for granted waking up and being able to do this as my job for the past 22 years.”It has allowed me the privilege to play for my home club Blackburn Rovers, the team that I supported grown up as a local boy and where I made my Premier League debut.”I could not and would not have picked a better club to start my journey and will be forever grateful to them.”I have been so fortunate to have experienced and played in every level of English football and I am so proud to have represented my country…Read More in Football”I wish I could do it all over again but now it’s time for me to pass on my knowledge and help the next generation of young footballers.”Now, just eight weeks on from his announcement, the 38-year-old is making a retirement U-turn.Derbyshire has signed for non-league side Matlock Town.The seventh-tier club is managed by Ryan Cresswell and player-coach Adam Clayton, who played with the striker at Bradford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCresswell said: “Myself and Clayts went to the Rotherham game today and he was the guest speaker in the lounge.”Clayts played with him at Bradford City so knew him really well. He wants to play football and we put a deal together to suit all parties for him to come on board.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”He’s really excited to be involved and get back playing and had offers from multiple non-league clubs but is really excited about the work we’re doing at Matlock and wants to be a part of it.”Derbyshire was released by Bradford at the end of the 2023-24 season and struggled to find another club before announcing his retirement.The striker has also played for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Wrexham, Olympiacos, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and Blackpool. More

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    Newcastle lining up £20million James Trafford transfer but Burnley set to push back on England star leaving

    NEWCASTLE UNITED are lining up a £20million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.The England Under-21 star has impressed in the Championship this season at the Clarets.Newcastle are interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordCredit: GettyTrafford, 22, has kept 13 clean sheets in his 22 league outings, with only nine efforts going past him. SunSport understands that Burnley will do its best to stop the player from leaving the club before the summer.The Clarets are currently third in the Championship, just three points behind league leaders Leeds.Manager Scott Parker believes Trafford is a key part of the club’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle have been long-term admirers of Trafford and saw a £15m bid rejected for him last summer.His asking price is likely to be closer to £20m now.If Burnley were to accept an offer in that region, then it could give Parker a cash injection to invest in his squad.The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss could then bolster his squad in the January window to boost their promotion credentials.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club could then put faith in stopper Vaclac Hladky who has been the number two at Turf Moor this season.The 34-year-old played a crucial role in Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Prem last season.Newcastle fans brutally troll Man Utd with umbrella hats, flippers, goggles and wet suits at leaky Old TraffordHe played in every game as the Tractor Boys sealed automatic promotion.Newcastle currently have Nick Pope as the No.1 as well as Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie as backup options.Vlachodimos was signed from Nottingham Forest in the summer window but has only made one appearance in the EFL Cup.The Magpies also have an interest in Aaron Ramsdale and may look to sign the Southampton stopper if they are relegated.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Alex Neil returns to management after more than a year unemployed as Millwall confirm appointment of Scottish boss

    ALEX NEIL has been announced as the new head coach of Championship side Millwall.The 43-year-old has penned a long-term deal with the Lions following the resignation of Neil Harris.Alex Neil has been announced as Millwall’s new head coachCredit: RexHe will be joined by assistant coach Martin Canning.On the appointment, Millwall chairman James Berylson said: “We’re excited to welcome Alex to the club. Having met with him over the last couple of weeks, I have really enjoyed his passion and energy for the role.”We have a clear vision and strategy at the club that Alex is aligned with, and he has some really exciting ideas of how we can progress with those objectives and ambitions together across the entire club.”All our support is there for Alex, and I can’t wait to see what he can do for us. I, alongside everybody at Millwall, wish him the very best as our new Head Coach.”Read More in FootballNeil will take charge of his first match on Wednesday, when Millwall face Oxford United at The Den.The Scot has previously managed Hamilton Academical, Norwich City, Preston North End, Sunderland and Stoke City.However, he had been out of work for over a year until now.Neil was sacked by Stoke in December 2023, with the club 20th in the Championship table.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPrior to his career in management, he played as a defensive midfielder.He starred for Scottish teams Airdrieonians and Hamilton Academical as well as English clubs Barnsley and Mansfield Town.Millwall fans boo their own light show at The Den ahead of Leeds clash More

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    Tottenham face transfer competition from Premier League rivals for Sunderland star Anthony Patterson

    WOLVES have Sunderland No 1 Anthony Patterson on their radar again in case they lose one of their own keepers at Molineux.Portugal ace Jose Sa is back in the Wanderers side under new boss Vitor Pereira, with previous first-pick Sam Johnstone shocked to be dumped to the bench.Wolves are interested in signing Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony PattersonCredit: GETTYBut the Prem strugglers will face competition for his services from TottenhamCredit: ALAMYThat situation is unlikely to continue so the Midlands outfit have reopened their files on Black Cats’ Patterson, 24, who is also an option for Spurs.Patterson, however, won’t come cheap as he inked a new long-term deal at the Stadium of Light last September.After putting pen to paper, he said: “You can see the trajectory the club is on and it’s an exciting time to be here.”It’s obviously an absolute dream to come through the academy to where I am now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When you first join the club at the age of 10, you don’t ever think too much about actually playing for Sunderland.”Black Cats Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said of the academy graduate: “He’s establishing himself as one of the best young English goalkeepers.”We have confidence in him and his ability to further improve, and equally he has confidence in us, which I feel is important.”As an academy graduate, we couldn’t be happier for Anthony.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnthony Patterson penned a new long-term deal with Sunderland last SeptemberCredit: GETTY”And his journey so far is a testament to the work undertaken by him and so many staff over a significant period of time.”Patterson has conceded only 14 league goals so far this season, keeping seven clean sheets for the Black Cats.He and his Sunderland team-mates will be back in action this afternoon, travelling to the bet365 Stadium to take on Stoke City. More

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    Liverpool scouting Championship wonderkid Ryan One, 18, after breaking into promotion-chasing Sheffield United first XI

    LIVERPOOL continue to compile a dossier on Sheffield United’s teenage striker Ryan One.Kop spies like the look of the powerful Scot, 18, who has already made it into Blades’ promotion-chasing squad.Ryan One is being monitored by Liverpool after impressing for Sheffield UnitedCredit: AlamyThe teenager netted his first goal for the Blades against Bristol City in NovemberCredit: PAOne is the type of physical frontman Liverpool lack in their ranks of emerging talent – and they are poised to move for him.Blades see One as a player for the future so would look for a big fee if Anfield chiefs do come calling.The teenager spent his early career north of the border at Hamilton, before joining United in 2023.He made his debut for the club away at Arsenal last season, before the Blades dropped back to the Championship. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe powerful striker has since featured 10 times for Chris Wilder’s side, catching the eye of scouts from Merseyside.One netted his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Bristol City at the start of November.The son of former Scottish lower-league striker Armand One, Ryan has already impressed on the international stage.He was included in Archie Gemmill’s Scotland under-21 squad back in October, getting minutes against Belgium and Kazakhstan. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I didn’t expect it at all because I’d been selected for the Under-19s but it was a great feeling.“The standard in training has been really good.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly “But that’s what you’d expect with so many of these players playing first-team football. “I’ve just tried to keep up with it but I think I’ve done well.”Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.Meanwhile, Derby have joined the growing list of clubs keen to take forward Jayden Danns on loan if Liverpool clear the move.The promising striker, 18, has been prolific at youth level for the club and has previously been linked with a move to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. More

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    Steve Cooper lined up for return to management with Championship club – but would have to accept big drop from Prem

    STOKE are ready to sound out the experienced Steve Cooper as they look for a managerial saviour.The Potters axed Narcis Pelach, 36, on Thursday after a nightmare nine-match winless run.Stoke are considering appointing Steve CooperCredit: PAPelach only took charge in September and won just three of his 19 games.Cooper, 45, is available after his short Leicester spell — and he previously did well at Nottingham Forest and Swansea.But it is a big drop for him to take on Stoke, who are 19th in the second tier.Ryan Lowe is in the frame but is similar to Steven Schumacher, who was axed by Stoke in September.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLowe left Preston in August but does not have the depth of Cooper’s CV.Cooper has a Championship promotion under his belt having guided Forest to the Prem in 2022.He also kept them in the top flight before he was sacked in December 2023.Prior to that he spent two years at Swansea where he boasted a 45 per cent win ratio.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStoke are on the search for their seventh manager in six years, having already sacked Schumacher as well as Pelach this season.The club have reportedly fielded “a lot of interest from high calibre” candidates, with Mark Robins and Russell Martin amongst those linked. More

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    Stoke announce iconic Premier League hardman as caretaker boss as Narcis Pelach sacked after just three months

    ICONIC Premier League hardman Ryan Shawcross has been plunged into caretaker management with Stoke just two years after quitting playing.The struggling Championship side sacked Narcis Pelach, 36, only three months after appointing the inexperienced Spaniard.Ryan Shawcross quit playing in 2022 and is now stand-in Stoke chiefCredit: PANarcis Pelach arrived in September but has been axed with the Potters just three points and three places above the drop zoneCredit: RexEx-England defender Shawcross will now step up from coaching Stoke Under-21s to taking charge at home to high-riding Sunderland on Sunday.The 37-year-old was involved in some brutal controversies amid 453 appearances for the Potters from 2008-2021.Shawcross was in tears after breaking Aaron Ramsey’s leg in two places in 2010.He saw red for that tackle, which Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger labelled “horrendous” and kept Ramsey out for a year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also broke Sheffield Wednesday striker Francis Jeffers’ ankle and injured Gunners’ attacker Emmanuel Adebayor.But as well as critics, Shawcross had his backers, who rated him a fierce but fair tackler.The once-capped centre-back, who retired as a player after a year with Inter Miami, will now be under a different sort of piercing spotlight.The Potters revealed Shawcross will be assisted by Alex Morris, Dean Whitehead and Darren Behcet for Sunday’s Championship clash.Most read in ChampionshipShawcross was upset after breaking Ramsey’s legCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 19th-placed Potters axed Pelach 24 hours after a 2-0 Boxing Day home defeat to Leeds.Stoke sporting director Jon Walters – who was himself a tough team-mate of Shawcross – took “full responsibility” for the failure of the former Huddersfield interim boss.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeEx-Republic of Ireland frontman Walters, 41, said in a club statement: “Narcis is a talented coach with huge potential.”He works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.”However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.”I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.” More