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      Ex-Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber on Tykes success, NY Red Bulls, MLS kids and Premier League dreams

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      GERHARD STRUBER has watched from afar the unfathomable rise of Barnsley.But the Austrian has no doubts about the part he played in helping the Tykes believe they could jump from relegation probables to promotion possibles.
      Struber left Barnsley for Credit: Alamy
      Struber worked miracles at Barnsley last season as they escaped the Championship’s bottom three on the final dayCredit: Rex
      Bottom of the Championship and seven points adrift in November 2019, Struber’s arrival in south Yorkshire sparked an incredible survival drive, escaping the bottom three on the final day.
      The new season brought new hope, but a poor start saw Struber question the ambition of the Barnsley owners in the transfer market as he left for MLS side New York Red Bulls on October 6.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared since under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 games.
      Asked whether this was always a team capable of reaching those heights, Struber admitted: “I pushed the boys in the right way and right direction and gave them an identity of football helpful for success and development. This was my big duty.”
      The 44-year-old coach continued: “When I look back to Barnsley it was the biggest difference to the Austrian league or the European leagues.
      “We had so many games and you had to look at how you managed and handled the situation.
      “This was a big learning curve for me, especially handling boys from England.
      “I like so much working with the culture of English players. They have a very good attitude and it’s a good feeling to work with such ambitious players.
      “In the end they had a big belief in what we did and this was very interesting to see and also for me to learn from for my next step.”
      His next step was a more of a gigantic leap across the Atlantic to MLS giants NY Red Bulls – just the latest move in a few meteoric years for the young coach.
      From coaching Red Bull Salzburg’s U19s in the UEFA Youth League in 2017 to taking charge of one of America’s largest and most successful sides.
      And it was while getting his Pro License that he moulded his fast and efficient “synchronised pressing” playing style and philosophy during educational trips to Germany and Italy.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 gamesCredit: PA

      Two losses against Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy to kick off the MLS campaign was not an ideal start before their first win against Chicago Fire, but preparing a young side during the pandemic has been tough.
      Struber said: “We need patience, we need the right time but we have big ambitions to win trophies in the end. Right now, we are realistic and work very hard for our vision.
      “The goal is to play very attractive and win football games. We will be very successful in the next few years.”
      NY Red Bulls currently have several young English talents on their roster, including Stoke City defender Tom Edwards, Crystal Palace academy graduate Mandela Egbo and former Brentford and Southend midfielder Dru Yearwood.
      Struber explained: “In England you must be a top talent to have the chance to get game time with a club like Southampton or Liverpool or Manchester City. It’s not so easy.
      “But the MLS can be a very good first step in a big professional career. It gives young players a good platform.
      “We can develop young players in a modern direction where they have a big market in the future. In the end, it’s always good when the clubs can make very good deals with players.
      “We have the fantasy that they can play in top leagues in Europe. That is the Red Bull way.”
      After several years of plane-hopping from club to club – and with his family arriving in New York in the summer – Struber is ready to settle and plan for the future with NY Red Bulls.
      But there remains a hole in his heart where English football once was – and has dreams of one day emulating managerial hero Jurgen Klopp.
      He said: “I never forget England. The atmosphere in the stadium I remember with a good feeling and this is a league that is very attractive.
      “It is a big dream for every coach to work in the Premier League. Right now, I have my big focus here in this club with all my energy and we will see what comes in the future.”
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      Swansea report ‘vile racist abuse’ of Morgan Whittaker to police in another shocking incident amid social media blackout

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      POLICE are investigating after Swansea ace Morgan Whittaker was racially abused during football’s social media blackout.The 20-year-old became the latest player to be targeted with sickening abuse after he scored against former side Derby in the 2-1 win at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
      Swansea have lambasted the vile racist abuse aimed towards forward Morgan WhittakerCredit: Getty
      Whittaker – who left the Rams to join the Welsh outfit earlier this year – is the fourth Swans star to have suffered racist abuse since February.
      Jamal Lowe, Yan Dhanda and Ben Cabango have all been targeted, with the latest incident occurring during the social media boycott.
      The Championship outfit released a statement condemning the abuse, as the said: “Swansea City is saddened, angry and appalled by vile racist abuse received by Morgan Whittaker via social media following Saturday’s game against Derby County.
      “The abuse in question has been reported to South Wales Police and the club is assisting them in their investigation.
      “The fact that this has happened across a period where clubs, players and stakeholders have come together for a boycott of social media for this very reason, again shows just how much work still needs to be done.
      “Morgan is sadly the fourth Swansea City player to suffer such abhorrent and disgraceful abuse online since February – a damning indictment on the world we live in.
      “As a club we will continue to strive for change, urging social media companies to take strong action and implement real change on their platforms that will enable its users to open their accounts and not have to worry about what they might find.
      “Chief executive Julian Winter recently wrote to both Twitter and Facebook, the latter replying with examples of how they try to combat online abuse.
      Whittaker headed in an equaliser against former side Derby on Saturday in a 2-1 winCredit: Getty
      “But with vile incidents appearing on a daily basis, stronger action is clearly required.
      “Morgan has the full and unwavering support of everyone at Swansea City, and our message remains clear. Enough is enough.”
      Meanwhile a statement from SWP read: “South Wales Police is investigating the origin of racially motivated social media posts aimed at a Swansea City footballer following the club’s match against Derby County this weekend.
      “South Wales Police has designated football liaison officers who work with clubs throughout the force area to help prevent and deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
      “Tackling hate crime has always been a priority for South Wales Police – this behaviour is something that will not be tolerated in our community.
      “The force takes hate crime seriously and works closely with those involved in football to raise awareness of hate crime amongst players and supporters.”

      Swansea took a stand against online abuse and discrimination on April 8 by not posting any social media content for seven days.
      The Welsh club called for social media platforms to introduce tougher policing and punishments for those found guilty of sending online abuse.
      Birmingham and Rangers quickly supported Swansea’s stance of a seven-day boycott, and on Friday much of the sporting world followed suit.
      The boycott – which started at 3pm on Friday and runs until 11.59pm on Monday – saw a coalition of football’s largest governing bodies and organisations go silent on social media in a show of solidarity against online abuse.
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      Maurizio Pochettino – son of PSG boss Mauricio – makes Watford first-team debut at 20 as he looks to follow dad’s career

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S son Maurizio has made his senior debut after featuring in Watford’s 2-0 defeat against Brentford.The 20-year-old – who joined the Hornets on a permanent deal from Tottenham in January – has impressed since linking up with the academy.
      Watford youngster Maurizio Pochettino replaced Dan Gosling in the 2-0 defeat against BrentfordCredit: Getty
      Pochettino joined the Hornets from Tottenham during the January transfer window
      He scored a sublime left-footed strike on his debut for the Under-23’s in a 3-2 win against Ipswich.
      And he then found the back of the net in the victories against Millwall and Swansea.
      His stellar form earned him a place on the bench for the Championship clash against Wycombe in March, where he was an unused substitute.
      But he was rewarded with a first-team debut on Saturday as he replaced Dan Gosling with five minutes remaining at the Brentford Community Stadium.
      With the scoreline at 2-0 thanks to goals from Marcus Forss and Ivan Toney, Watford boss Xisco Munoz decided to give Pochettino a run out.
      And within moments after coming on, he almost gifted the Bees a third goal in what was one of his only contributions in the match.
      Pochettino was guilty of slack defending in his own half, with former Liverpool midfielder Sergio Canos beating him to the ball.
      The ex-Barcelona youth star struck the bar with his effort as Brentford beat Watford for the first time since 1977.
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      Pochettino has impressed for Watford’s academy since linking up with the clubCredit: Getty

      Watford’s defeat has no significance to the season as they will finish the 2020-21 campaign in second place as they secured an instant return to the Premier League.
      They have just one game left to play before their season comes to an end, with the Hertfordshire outfit to welcome Swansea to Vicarage Road next week.
      And Watford could bring Inter Milan star Ashley Young back to the club as the 35-year-old mulls over his future.
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      Emi Buendia reveals Messi asked him whether he wants to play for Argentina or Spain after winning Norwich player of year

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      LIONEL MESSI asked Emi Buendia what country he wants to play for, the Norwich star has revealed.The midfielder has had a season to remember, scoring 14 goals and assisting 17 on the way to winning Norwich player of the year – with the Canaries also being crowned Championship winners on Saturday.
      Emi Buendia was presented with the Norwich player of the season trophy ahead of the Reading match – as the Canaries sealed the Championship title
      Lionel Messi seems to be keen for Buendia to play alongside him for Argentina
      And his form has captured the attention of Barcelona superstar Messi, who spoke to Buendia about his international commitment, the 24-year-old told The Guardian.
      He said: “I maybe did something good to impress him.
      “He [Messi] asked: ‘What do you want to do? Do you want to play for Spain or Argentina?’ Quickly I said: ‘Of course I want to play for Argentina. I want to play with you – it is a dream.’
      “The target this year was to be back in the Premier League, so that one is achieved, but everyone wants to play for his national team.
      “It would be something very special for me. I work every day to try to be better and to try to get this chance to represent my country.”
      Buendia has only been fortunate enough to represent Argentina at Under-20s level, despite first being called up by Spain U19s.
      It is not surprising that Messi is keen for Buendia to play for La Albiceleste, as he has had a brilliant season.
      He is the key creative spark for Norwich and has supplied so many goals for Teemu Pukki, who often grabs the headlines.
      Buendia was also named Championship player of the year this week
      An ecstatic Delia Smith embraced Buendia after he picked up the award
      Buendia was asked about the pair’s relationsip on the pitch, and whether he could pick out Pukki with his eyes closed:
      He added: “Yes, sometimes without looking at him, I try to know every time where he is.
      “I think we are playing for years, in my case, together with some players. I know how it works with everyone. For example my connection with Teemu is something special.
      “When I have the ball, I just know he is running in behind to get the ball. Also with Maxi [Max Aarons] on the right wing.
      “Those connections can make the difference in games.”
      Buendia is also confident that Norwich will make a better fist of the Premier League next season, after being relegated in 2019-20.
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      He points out the greater experience in the side that exists now, explaining that the squad knows each other’s games really well after playing together for several years.
      He added: “The experience in this squad means a lot and now with this team and these players, we have played a few years together so everyone knows everyone.
      “This is very good. I think the structure and the project, looking forward it will be good to do it properly next year.”
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      Wayne Rooney reveals he ‘knows everything’ as Spanish businessman tries to buy struggling Rams

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      WAYNE ROONEY says he “knows everything” about the latest takeover bid for Derby County.Rooney takes relegation-threatened Rams into Saturday’s crucial clash at Swansea with uncertainty behind the scenes.
      Wayne Rooney is staying focused on Derby’s relegation battle amid talk of a takeoverCredit: PA
      Erik Alonso is said to be keen to keep Wayne Rooney as manager
      Owner Mel Morris has had to assure the players they are being paid this month, three weeks after Spanish businessman Erik Alonso announced his Pride Park buyout.
      The deal has not yet been officially approved by the EFL and there are doubts if Alonso is able to complete the takeover.
      Morris is said to be reluctant to fund salaries in future months.
      Derby are fighting for Championship survival amid the planned sell-off.
      Asked if he is in the loop on the deal, Rooney said: “I know everything.
      “I haven’t once spoken to the players about the takeover, the focus is very much on the football.
      “The players are getting paid for doing their jobs.
      “There was no worry that the players weren’t going to get paid.
      “We can’t focus on that — it’s not an issue.”
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      SunSport has revealed a major factor in Alonso’s desire to buy Derby was the chance to work alongside someone of Rooney’s legendary status, who can attract potential new signings.
      And in an earlier statement he said: “We are looking forward to working with Wayne Rooney and his team, and will do everything possible to support the club’s vision and ambition.
      “We are privileged to take ownership of one of the founding members of the Football League and to build a fresh future for the fans, staff and players of Derby County.
      “It has undoubtedly been a difficult period both on and off the pitch for the club over the last two seasons and we recognise that all of the staff have been dedicated and worked tirelessly behind the scenes.”
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      Chelsea in transfer talks to sell Ike Ugbo to Watford in £5m deal after 14 years at club following Cercle Brugge loan

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      CHELSEA are in talks over selling Ike Ugbo to Watford for £5million, according to reports.The forward has been on the books at Stamford Bridge for 14 years but looks to be on the way out permanently after impressing on loan at Cercle Brugge this season.
      Chelsea are considering selling Ike Ugbo (right) to Watford in a £5m dealCredit: Rex
      The forward has been on the books at Stamford Bridge for 14 yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 22-year-old is of Nigerian descent and was born in Lewisham, South London.
      He joined the Blues academy in 2007 and linked up with their Under-10s.
      And the forward has since spent time on loan at Barnsley, MK Dons, Scunthorpe and Roda JC before joining Brugge on a season long loan at the end of last season.
      Ugbo has scored 16 goals in 32 appearances this season as Brugge narrowly avoided relegation.
      And his performances have caught the eye of Watford who are in line to seal the deal, according to the Athletic.
      Brugge are said to have had an option to make the deal permanent but the player is keen on a move elsewhere.
      Ugbo has a year left on his contract which is why the Blues are in line to receive a fee.
      An initial discussion between the London clubs reportedly took place earlier this month with another meet is in the diary for the coming weeks.

      ⚽️ CHELSEA TRANSFER STORIES ⚽️
      🔵 BLUE-KAKU Chelsea plot £90m deal for Lukaku
      🔵 NEW HORIZONS Blues in talks over selling Ugbo 
      🔵 GIROUD NEWS Veteran striker stalls on deal

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      The deal is described as being in ‘the early stages’ with other European sides still keen.
      Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, Belgium club Genk and Ligue 1’s Monaco are said to be keeping tabs.
      The £5m sum is also said to be negotiable with the payment structure of any deal still to be confirmed.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Harry Kane named London Footballer of the Year pipping Rice, Mount and Son while Bukayo Saka collects young award

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      HARRY KANE is the London Premier League Footballer of the Year – pipping Son Heung-min, Mason Mount and Declan Rice.And Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka picked up the youngster award at tonight’s London Football Awards.
      Harry Kane was crowned Premier League player of the year at the London Football Awards
      Bukayo Saka picked up the gong for the best youngster of the 2020-21 campaignCredit: Subject to BAPLA Terms & Conditions & Premier League’s Licence Agreement. Copies available
      Tottenham striker Kane, 27, has racked up an impressive 31 goals and 16 assists in 44 appearances so far this term.
      And that saw the England captain voted the No1 Premier League player for the season.
      His Spurs team-mate Son, Chelsea star Mount, Mount’s best mate Rice and fellow West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek were all in contention for their respective campaigns.
      But while Rice and Soucek missed out, there was some cheer at the London Stadium this evening as David Moyes won the manager of the year award and Lukasz Fabianski the goalkeeper gong.
      The Hammers will be desperate to complete the campaign by finishing in the top four – especially at the expense of London rivals Chelsea.
      In what has been a turbulent season for Arsenal, versatile Saka has been a rare shining light.
      The wide man, 19, is one of the first names on the team sheet this term and chipped in with seven goals.
      Accepting his award after beating Rice, Mount, Reece James and close pal Emile Smith Rowe, the four-cap Three Lions international said: “I’m really happy to win this award.
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      “I want to say a big thank you to everyone for your support and of course another big thank you to everyone who voted for me.
      “I promise to keep giving my all on the pitch to make you happy and keep you entertained.”
      Elsewhere, Brentford striker Ivan Toney – whose 29 goals have fired the Bees into the play-offs – collected the EFL award at the virtual ceremony hosted by Alex Scott and Harry Pinero.
      On the women’s side, it was a double for Chelsea as Fran Kirby and Niamh Charles were crowned the women’s player and young player of the year respectively.
      Erik Lamela’s outrageous rabona finish in the North London derby ensured the Argentine won the goal of the season.
      As revealed by SunSport, Roy Hodgson followed in the footsteps of Frank Lampard, Ian Wright and Glenn Hoddle with the outstanding achievement award.
      London Football Awards 2021 Winners

      Premier League Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
      Manager of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: David Moyes (West Ham)
      EFL Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Ivan Toney (Brentford)
      Goalkeeper of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Lukasz Fabiański (West Ham)
      The FA Women’s Super League Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Fran Kirby (Chelsea)
      Women’s Young Player of Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
      Young Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
      Outstanding Contribution to London Football Award
      Awarded to Roy Hodgson
      Goal of the Season (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur) Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (14th March 2021)
      Community Project of the Year (2020)
      WINNER: Dons Local Action Group (AFC Wimbledon Foundation)

      The Crystal Palace manager, 73, is now in his 46th season as a coach and the LFA panel recognised the longevity of his footballing career with this year’s lifetime achievement award.
      Finally, the AFC Wimbledon Dons Local Action Group picked up the community project award.
      Initially set up last March as a food donation project for older and vulnerable individuals in the local area, their 2,000-strong army of volunteers have delivered more than 160,000 one-week food boxes as well as 1,950 laptops and tablets across Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston.
      Funds from the seventh annual London Football Awards will support Willow, the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40.
      The foundation, set up by ex-Gunners goalkeeper Bob Wilson alongside his wife in 1999 in memory of their daughter Anna who died of rare cancer aged 31, has provided more than 17,000 Special Days to young adults with life-threatening conditions.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      West Ham picked up two awards with Lukasz Fabianski and David Moyes recognised for their seasonsCredit: The Sun

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      Watford back to the Premier League with yet another manager and model that should never work… but usually does

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      THE Watford blueprint for promotion, it’ll never catch on.Six years ago it was four different managers in a season, followed by a parting of ways with the manager who ultimately got the team promoted.
      Watford boss Xisco Munoz is thrown into the air after the Hornets secured promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Owner Gino Pozzo celebrates at Vicarage Road on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      This time around, it was the appointment of a little-known coach with just eleven games’ experience in Georgian football.
      It shouldn’t work. It should never work. But at Watford under the Pozzo family, it normally does work.
      After relegation, the club approached the season with a confidence bordering on arrogance, as players repeatedly stated that Watford had the best squad in the league.
      But for the first time since the Pozzo family took over the club in 2012, that confidence was not completely shared by the supporters.
      They had seen a team that had been playing far below its ability for more than 18 months, following the 6-0 FA Cup final defeat to Man City in 2019.
      And where once the fans wore every change of head coach as a badge of honour, there was bafflement that despite the owners taking full responsibility for transfers at Watford, the head coach was the only person who ever seemed to get the blame for a squad that was underperforming on the pitch while certain players were repeatedly misbehaving off it.
      Javi Gracia – the manager who got Watford to the FA Cup final before being harshly sacked, Quique Sanchez Flores – a former Europa League winner, Nigel Pearson – mastermind of the famous 3-0 win over Liverpool and Vladimir Ivic – a successful coach at PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, had all failed.
      So how was Xisco Munoz, a manager without a Uefa Pro License, who led Dinamo Tbilisi to a 6-1 defeat in the Faroe Islands, supposed to succeed?
      There were jubilant celebrations in Watford town centre over the weekendCredit: Reuters
      Ultimately, by proving what the club always believed – that the Watford squad the Pozzo family had assembled was simply too good to be in the Championship.
      A coach who was hardly ever seen without a smile on his face, Munoz removed the black cloud that had been hanging over the squad under defensively-minded disciplinarian Ivic and allowed the players to express themselves again.
      And in a perverse twist of fate, a long-term injury to captain Troy Deeney may have helped Munoz do this, as it proved the catalyst to a switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, which gave the team extra mobility up front and allowed Ismaila Sarr, who very nearly joined Man Utd last summer, to attack more quickly down the right.
      Each home game, of which Watford won every single one after January 22, became almost an action replay of the last, with Sarr picking up the ball in the first 20 minutes and earning either a goal, an assist or a penalty.
      The defence and midfield would then be competent enough to play out a one or two-goal win while barely seeming to break a sweat.
      Xisco Munoz is rarely seen without a smile on his faceCredit: Reuters

      Watford 2 Derby 1
      Watford 2 Wycombe 0
      Watford 1 Nottingham Forest 0
      Watford 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0
      Watford 2 Reading 0
      Watford 1 Millwall 0
      The story was the same every time, with the opposition knowing exactly what was coming but being able to do nothing to stop it as the squad proved it was indeed one of the best in the league.
      As promotion was secured, the most meaningful words were spoken by Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury, who seemed genuinely hurt that the club had not been as united during the pandemic as during the previous eight years of the Pozzo family’s ownership.
      He said: “There were moments where we weren’t perhaps achieving what we thought we would do and people were turning against us, and the fans were turning against us, but we believed in what we were doing.
      “We believed in the players, we believed in the vision and then people came with us.
      “I’ve always said from day one that together we can achieve great things and it’s not just rhetoric, it’s the truth. 
      CEO Scott Duxbury has called on the club to stick together during the new Premier League campaignCredit: PA

      “That’s been our biggest strength that, as a fan base, as an ownership, as a management, we’re all together. And if we stay together, we will continue to achieve great things.”
      Watford’s owners may be English football’s most unsentimental when it comes to hiring and firing managers, but they truly do want to be loved.
      And with the club back in the Premier League and ready to pick up where they left off after their last game at a full Vicarage Road – THAT 3-0 win over Liverpool – they will be once again.
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