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      Ex-Man City chief Garry Cook behind new American takeover bid to rescue Wayne Rooney’s Derby

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      DEAL broker Garry Cook is the man behind an American takeover bid at Derby.The former Manchester City supremo, behind some major takeovers in the past, has found American financiers who want to rescue the Rams.
      Cook (right) worked for Man City between 2008 and 2011Credit: Getty
      Cook is in talks with owner Mel Morris and also wading through the Championship club’s financial problems.
      Morris has debts to pay to the tax man, former players and staff on top of the £17.5million owed to MSD Holdings.
      Cook’s team have to sort out those problems in advance and show they have funds to keep the EFL happy.
      The Rams face points penalties for FFP breaches but a new owner may help an appeal.
      Brighton lead the race for Derby midfielder Jason Knight, 20 who is thought to be highly-sought after in the current transfer window.
      Fellow Rams midfielder Sibley could also be on his way out of Pride Park this summer as the club attempt to address the financial difficulties.
      Earlier this month it was revealed Salford City boss Gary Bowyer had decided against a return to Derby.
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      Rooney has been forced to manage Derby through a turbulent periodCredit: Alamy
      The League Two team confirmed Bowyer is staying at Moor Lane, just days after he claimed he was rejoining Derby as U23s boss.
      Meanwhile, former England striker Wayne Rooney remains Derby manager heading into a crucial summer at the club.
      The ex-Manchester United man’s side narrowly avoided relegation down to the third tier on the final day of the season in a dramatic finale.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Inside Wayne and Coleen Rooney’s jaw-dropping £5k-a-week ‘caravan park’ holiday to Wales More

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      Brentford 2-0 Swansea LIVE RESULT: Bees PROMOTED to Premier League after Toney and Emiliano demolish ten-man Swans

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      BRENTFORD pummelled Swansea to lay their Wembley demons to rest and win promotion to the Premier League.An Ivan Toney penalty put the Bees in front early on after Bryan Mbeumo was brought down by Freddie Woodman.
      And Emiliano Marcondes then gave them a second goal inside 20 minutes.
      To make matters worse for Swansea, Jay Fulton was sent off in the second half for a dangerous challenge.
      Unlike a year ago against Fulham, Thomas Frank’s men more than rose to the occasion to reach the Premier League for the first time.
      JANSSON’S JOY
      Brentford skipper Pontus Jansson was understandably delighted after finally booking his place in the Premier League.
      He told Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of this club.
      “Last year [losing to Fulham in the play-off final] was a big disappointment. Finally we got there.
      “We have a very strong group. We believed from day one. 
      “This is what I’ve dreamed of for so long since I came to England.
      “Now I have the Euros to plan for!” 
      FT: BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      At the 10th time of asking, Brentford have won a play-off final and will be playing top-flight football for the first time since 1947.
      It was a thoroughly deserved win for the Bees who came flying out of the traps and took the lead in the 10th minute through their talisman Ivan Toney. The striker scored from the spot after Freddie Woodman had brought down Bryan Mbuemo.
      The London side were in dreamland 10 minutes later when they made it 2-0 when, after a blistering counter-attack, Mads Roerslev picked out Emiliano Marcondes to slot home.
      Toney then saw a shot crash off the crossbar moments later.
      Swansea improved after the restart but when Jay Fulton was dismissed in the 66th minute for catching Mathias Jensen from behind, it was pretty much game over.
      Heartbreak for the Swans but pure delight for Brentford.
      After 74 years in the making, the Bees are going up!

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      BRENTFORD ARE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      90+2. Emiliano Marcondes trots off to a rousing ovation from the Brentford fans and is replaced by fellow Dane Mads Bidstrup. “We are going up” is the cry from the Brentford support.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      90. There will be a minimum of six minutes of additional time. A little bit more nail biting for the Brentford fans to do.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      89. A grimmer of a chance for Dhanda but, under pressure, he slices wide from the edge of the box after Brentford had only half-cleared their lines.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      87. Roberts launches one of his long throws into the area but Pinnock deals with it emphatically. That surely is that.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      81. Toney with a chance to seal it but Bidwell blocks his effort. Bidwell has now gone off for Ryan Manning.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      79. Another substitution made by Brentford as Winston Reid replaces Pontus Jansson.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      75. Thomas Frank shuffles his pack with 15 minutes remaining. Off come Vitaly Janelt and Sergi Canos with Saman Ghoddos and Marcus Forss on in their place.
      HONEST, GUV
      Here’s Fulton protesting his innocence…
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES

      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      70. Janelt goes into the book for diving in on Roberts.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      66. Fulton walks and so do Swansea’s play-off hopes. He catches Jensen from behind and the red card comes straight out. Looks like he might have slipped but there’s no VAR to help Fulton out.
      Red card for Swansea! 🟥Jay Fulton loses his footing and catches Mathias Jensen’s heel – Chris Kavanagh was adamant about his decision…was it the right one? 🤔Watch live on Sky Sports Football now: https://t.co/OB3DA9NueH pic.twitter.com/gr4Q97h2lh— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 29, 2021

      RED CARD FOR SWANSEA!!!!
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      63. Another change for the Swans as former Liverpool man Yan Dhanda comes on for Conor Hourihane.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      62. A Brentford corner causes problems in the Swansea area. Pinnock’s shot clatters off his own man in Jansson. That might have been sneaking in.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      60. First change of the afternoon as Liam Cullen replaces Kyle Naughton for Swansea. Cometh the hour?
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      58. Could have been game over as Canos’ cross finds Mbuemo 12 yards out. However, the Brentford man leans back as he shoots and sees his effort fly miles over the bar. At the other end, Lowe swivels but fires just wide from a tight angle.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      54. Marcondes is caught by a stray arm from Hourihane as the pair contest a header and falls to the floor. Hourihane lets Marcondes know his thoughts on that in no uncertain terms.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      49. Lowe cuts in from the left and skips past a couple of Brentford players before sending his shot high and wide. This is much better from Swansea, though.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      47. What a chance for Swansea. Roberts’ cross from the right is met by the diving Ayew but his header flashes wide. That would have been the perfect start to the second half for the Swans.
      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      46. No changes for either side at the break. Swansea were out extremely early for the second half.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!OFF WE GO AGAIN!
      PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!
      HT: BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      Brentford are 45 minutes away from the Premier League.
      The Bees flew out of the traps and went in front in the 10th minute through Ivan Toney’s penalty after Freddie Woodman had brought down Bryan Mbuemo. 
      It was 2-0 just 10 minutes later when Emiliano Marcondes slotted home after a blistering counter-attack.
      Ivan Toney then saw a shot crash off the bar and bounce down onto the line moments later with a stunning volley.
      Swansea have offered very little and Steve Cooper may well make changes at the break. 

      BRENTFORD 2-0 SWANSEA 
      45. Hourihane’s free-kick causes problems for Raya. His punch isn’t strong enough and it comes off Ayew’s head and clips the top of the bar. Two minutes of additional time will be played at the end of this half.
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      Brentford vs Swansea: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Championship playoff final

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      BRENTFORD take on Swansea at Wembley with a place in the Premier League up for grabs.The Bees were beaten at this stage last season and will hope to go one further after battling past Bournemouth in the semi-finals.

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      Brentford reached the final with a terrific 3-1 win over BournemouthCredit: Reuters
      Swansea meanwhile saw off a spirited Rotherham and are hoping for a return to the top-flight after a three-season absence.
      When is Brentford vs Swansea?

      This season’s Championship playoff final will be held on Saturday, May 29.
      Kick-off is at 3pm BST.
      The sides have met twice in the league this season, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.
      Each team will have X fans cheering them on at Wembley.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Coverage begins at 2pm.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, grab a NOW TV pass to stream on your mobile, tablet or PC.

      What is the team news?
      Marcus Forss is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench against Bourneouth.
      Aside from Christian Norgaard, the Bees have no fresh injury concerns ahead of another trip to Wembley.
      The Swans are also in good shape with Steve Cooper taking a fully-fit sqad to the Home of Football.
      Match odds

      Brentford to win – 17/20
      Draw – 23/10
      Swansea victory – 7/2
      Bees to be promoted – 4/11
      Swansea to reach Premier League – 15/8

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Jack Wilshere released by Bournemouth after failed Premier League promotion as stuttering career takes new twist

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      JACK WILSHERE has been released by Bournemouth – bringing his second spell with the club to an end. Wilshere rejoined the Cherries in January, four years after he first left, and played 17 times for the club, scoring twice. 
      Jack Wilshere has been released by BournemouthCredit: Reuters
      He helped Bournemouth reach the play-offs after finishing sixth, but they were beaten by Brentford over two legs.
      Facing another season in the Championship, the Cherries confirmed Wilshere’s departure but wished him all the best.
      A statement read: “A class act on and off the pitch.
      “We’d like to thank Jack Wilshere for his efforts since returning to the club and wish him all the best moving forward.”
      Wilshere, 29, joined Bournemouth from West Ham, where he failed to make an impact having struggled with injuries.
      The former Arsenal star was a fixture in the Cherries midfield, but now admitted he does not know what the future holds.
      Wilshere posted on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone @officialafcb for the last five months.
      “My teammates, All the staff and especially the fans. You were amazing last time and continued to support me this time.

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      “Being honest, i don’t know if this is the end. The coming weeks will tell.
      “Unfortunately we didn’t reach our goal of promotion but there is plenty of positives and experience to take into next year to get this club back where it belongs!
      “Have a good summer.” More

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      FA confirm 2,000 extra Championship play-off final tickets in huge boost to Swansea and Brentford fans

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      THE FA have confirmed that an extra 2,000 tickets have been made available for the Championship play-off final on Saturday.Brentford and Swansea City will do battle at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
      Wembley will have 12,000 fans for the Championship play-off final between Brentford and Swansea City on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      In accordance with government guidelines, the match’s original attendance was due to be capped at 10,000, with each club receiving an allocation of 4,000.
      But, after extensive lobbying by the EFL, an extra 2,000 fans will be admitted into the 90,000-seater ground – taking the overall attendance to 12,000.
      This is because event organisers have agreed to take part in a new pilot, as the NHS app is trialled.
      The extra 2,000 tickets have been assigned equally to the clubs involved.
      And supporters with these tickets will have to download the new NHS app – not to be mixed up with the existing NHS COVID-19 app.
      Upon entry, those with these tickets will be asked to show proof of a verified NHS app, which aims to demonstrate their Covid status.
      An EFL spokesperson said: “Having moved our Play-Off schedule to align with the Government’s move to Step 3 protocols and enable fans to attend, we look forward to welcoming supporters back to Wembley at the eagerly anticipated Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals, after a season behind closed doors.
      “While the small increase in the Championship Final is welcome, we would of course have preferred to admit fans in much greater numbers, but like other public events are subject to the Government’s Step 3 guidance.
      Swansea fans were back at the Liberty for their semi-final win over BarnsleyCredit: Rex
      Brentford fans cheered their side to victory over BournemouthCredit: Rex
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      “Unfortunately, the Play-Offs were not selected to operate as a pilot event as part of the Government’s Events Research Programme – despite a request from the EFL on behalf of the Clubs involved and their supporters – which meant that achieving significantly greater capacities at all three Finals was not possible.
      “The EFL shares the disappointment of the Clubs and their supporters that many fans will be absent but we will continue to liaise with the Government in the coming weeks as we pursue our aspiration of a return to full stadia for the start of next season.”
      Of the total 12,000 in attendance, each club will have 5,000 supporters each, with the remaining 2,000 seats being dished out to sponsors and Club Wembley members.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Blackburn striker Ben Brereton, born in Stoke, gets shock CHILE call-up to link up with Man Utd flop Alexis Sanchez

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      BLACKBURN ace Ben Brereton received a shock call-up to Chile on Monday night.The Stoke-born forward, 22, qualifies for the South American nation through his mother who was born there and he will link up with Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez.
      Blackburn ace Ben Brereton has been called up for ChileCredit: Simon Whitehead/News Images
      Brereton has represented England at Under-20 level but has been on La Roja’s radar since the end of last year.
      He produced his best season to date with seven goals and five assists for Rovers this term.
      And that has been rewarded by being named in Martin Lasarte’s squad for their June World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia.
      Brereton will link up with Sanchez who has a staggering 44 goals in 133 games for his nation.
      Well known stars Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel have also been called up.
      The coastal nation sit sixth in the South American qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Lasarte’s side are eight points behind group leaders Brazil.
      Chile’s next game is against Argentina on June 3 before they host Bolivia in the capital Santiago five days after.
      If he impresses, former Nottingham Forest star Brereton could be picked for this summer’s Copa America which takes place in Argentina in June and July, and follow on the footsteps of legends Ivan Zamarano and Marcelo Salas.
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      Chile – who won the tournament in 2015 and 2016 – will face Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay in the group stage.
      Blackburn finished 15th in this season’s Championship.
      The former Premier League winners beat Birmingham 5-2 on the final day.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Swansea 1 Barnsley 1 (2-1 agg): Steve Cooper’s side cling on to set up Wembley showdown with Brentford after early scare

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      SWANSEA booked their ticket to face Brentford at Wembley after seeing off dogged Barnsley at the Liberty Stadium.Steve Cooper’s side were in the driving seat from the first leg, having come back from Yorkshire with a priceless 1-0 advantage.
      Matt Grimes curls Swansea into the leadCredit: PA
      Swansea celebrate taking a 2-0 aggregate leadCredit: Rex
      Cauley Woodrow wheels away after handing Barnsley a lifelineCredit: PA
      And skipper Matt Grimes’ beautiful left-footed effort on the stroke of half-time seemed to have made it comfortable for the Swans.
      But Brentford’s rousing comeback against Bournemouth earlier in the day proved that nothing can be taken for granted in the play-offs.
      And Barnsley proved to make it difficult after all, with Cauley Woodrow hauling the Tykes back into the game in the 71st minute, as he swept home a crisp right-footed effort.
      Barnsley knocked on the door, but Cooper’s side managed to hold on, moving one step closer to returning to the Premier League after three years away.
      They will now face the Bees under the Wembley arch on May 29, in the ‘richest game in football’.
      After the game, Swans skipper and goalscorer Matt Grimes told Sky Sports: “It wasn’t the prettiest game but we got the job done and dug in at the end.
      “It means the world to me [to score] but to get us to Wembley and the chance of promotion is what it was all about.
      “The fans were different class and it was great to get them back.
      Returning Swans fans cheered on their teamCredit: PA
      Both managers kicked every ball on the touchlineCredit: Rex
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      “In that last 20 minutes they threw the kitchen sink at us and we had to dig deep.
      “We’ve come a long way under Steve Cooper in the last few years. We play good stuff when we need to but we also showed we can dig deep.
      “We have the perfect blend, loads of experience and top players.”
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      Swansea vs Barnsley LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, team news and kick-off time – Championship play-off latest updates

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      SWANSEA welcome Barnsley to South Wales tonight for the second leg of their Championship play-off.The Swans have a one-goal advantage going into this match, with the winners to face Brentford at Wembley next weekend.

      Kick-off time: 6.30pm GMT

      Follow ALL the build-up and action with our live blog below…

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      Swansea hold a slender advantage going into the clash in South WalesCredit: Getty
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the drama live on Sky Sports Football.
      Coverage will begin at 6pm.
      If you’re not a Sky subscriber, you can stream on your mobile, tablet, PC or games console by getting a NOW TV pass from £9.99.

      What is the team news?
      After victory in South Yorkshire, there are no fresh injury concerns for the Swans.
      Wayne Routledge will hope to start after coming off the bench at Oakwell, but Steve Cooper could opt for the same starting XI.
      Alex Mowatt returned from injury for Barnsley in the first leg and suffered no setbacks.
      TEAM NEWS
      Steve Cooper has no new injury concerns, while his Barnsley counterpart Valerien Ismael decided on his starting XI on Friday morning. It’s thought Carlton Morris could be in contention to come into Ismael’s team.
      “I think we have a lot of possibilities, and it is always a possibility that Carlton starts the game,” said Ismael.
      GOOD EVENING FROM THE LIBERTY STADIUM
      It’s advantage Swansea as they host Barnsley in the second leg of the Championship play-off final. The Swans won 1-0 at Oakwell in midweek thanks to a beauty of a goal from Andre Ayew.
      Tonight’s game will see 3,000 fans return to the Liberty Stadium for the first time in 443 days.
      “It was great to have supporters back in the stadium [in the first leg],” said Swans boss Steve Cooper. “There was a great atmosphere. It felt real again. 
      “It was a reminder to us all how important supporters are and how much we’ve missed having spectators in the ground.
      “Now we’ve got the opportunity to do the same in our own stadium. It’s something to really look forward to. 
      “It’s been long overdue. It is something to look forward to and to cherish. We’re excited about it.
      “We’ve got to get motivated to play well in front of the fans. 
      “We’ve definitely missed them. It hasn’t been the same without them. I think it’ll be more positive going forward when we get full crowds back. We’ve got to really focus in on giving the supporters something to cheer.”

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