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      James McClean suspended by Stoke over alleged coronavirus rules breach and will miss Blackburn clash

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      STOKE have suspended Republic of Ireland international James McClean over an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.
      The winger will miss Saturday’s Championship clash against Blackburn while the club launch an investigation.

      James McClean will miss Stoke’s game this weekend over an alleged rule breachCredit: Alamy Live News

      A Stoke statement read: “We can confirm James McClean has been suspended with immediate effect pending a disciplinary hearing into an alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations, namely training in a private gym.
      “As a result of the suspension, McClean will not be available for selection for Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers.”
      McClean, 31, has been a regular in Stoke’s play-off push this campaign.
      In 21 appearances, he has contributed two goals and two assists.

      The Potters travel to Ewood Park on Saturday knowing a win could take them into the top six.
      McClean’s absence may be less keenly felt given Stoke’s recent additions to their flanks.

      Schalke youngster Rabbi Matondo and Tottenham’s Jack Clarke have both arrived on loan this month.
      Clarke is set to make his debut at Blackburn after Matondo came off the bench in the 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Leicester.

      Welsh left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies has also arrived from Sheffield United having spent the first half of the campaign at Luton.

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      Referees charity wants FA to BAN players from coming within two metres of officials amid growing Covid fears

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      A REFEREE charity has urged the FA to ban footballers coming within two metres off officials.
      Refsupport UK has called on football chiefs to implement the tougher rule in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus on the pitch.

      A referee charity has called on the FA to ban players from coming within two metres of officialsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Football stars have already been asked not to celebrate in groups after scoring in a bid to lower the spread risk.
      But with officials seemingly forgotten about when considering on-field social distancing rules, the ref charity have called for change.
      Refsupportuk tweeted: “It would be brilliant if the FA could also state that players should not intentionally be within two metres of a match official.
      “There is no reason whatsoever for a player to be intentionally that close to a match official.”

      The suggestion has reportedly been put to the FA but it has not developed beyond that stage yet.
      It came after minister for sport Nigel Huddleston MP suggested footballers should not be given special treatment as the country battles against the deadly virus.
      He tweeted: “Everyone in the country has had to change the way they interact with people and ways of working.
      “Footballers are no exception. Covid secure guidelines exist for football.

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      It would be brilliant if the @FAalso state that players should not intentionally be within 2 meters of a match official. There is no reason whatsoever for a player to be intentionally that close to a match official. https://t.co/oeovUoA1y4
      — Refsupportuk (@refsupportuk) January 13, 2021

      “Footballers must follow them and football authorities enforce them – strictly.”
      Huddleston’s message came after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters sent a letter to all 20 top flight clubs reminding them of ‘the critical importance of adhering’ to strict Covid protocols.
      He also told clubs ‘handshakes, high fives and hugs must be avoided’.
      Despite the new guidelines, Sheffield United’s players celebrated in a group after they scored their winner against Newcastle on Tuesday.
      And Fulham’s players hugged and high-fived after they equalised against Tottenham on Wednesday.
      This latest development comes after Aston Villa’s clash with Everton on Sunday was postponed as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc with the season.
      The Villans had to play their Under-23 side in the FA Cup last week against Liverpool after a host of positive test results forced them to close their training ground.
      Now Villa will be without a game this weekend again after top-flight chiefs confirmed their game with the Toffees was off.
      A Premier League statement said: “Aston Villa’s home match against Everton, scheduled to be played on Sunday 17 January at 12:00 GMT, has been postponed by the Premier League Board.
      “Following the rescheduling of Villa’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, which was due to be played last night, a significant number of players and staff remain in isolation.
      “As a result, the Premier League Board has agreed to Aston Villa’s request to postpone their match on Sunday.”
      https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/13712322/premier-league-coronavirus-test-results-latest/Latest Covid-19 test figures saw 36 positive results across the 20 top flight clubs. 

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      Derby may be forced to flog kids Knight and Sibley to pay wages as Wayne Rooney’s side face administration

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      CRISIS club Derby County are trying to sell players to raise money for their delayed wages.
      The Rams have alerted clubs that the likes of Jason Knight and Louie Sibley could be sacrificed because of a major problem.

      Derby have alerted clubs that Louie Sibley could be for saleCredit: Rex Features

      Jason Knight is another who is on the transfer list Credit: Rex Features

      Derby were hoping for a takeover by Sheikh Khaled’s Derventio Holdings to be finalised but the money has not come through and they do not have the funds to cover their salaries.
      Wayne Rooney’s Championship strugglers could potentially face players putting in their notice if the wages at 14 days late.
      That would also lead to possible points penalties from the EFL.
      County are set to speak to the EFL about their issues in an attempt to avoid punishment.

      If owner Mel Morris cannot conclude his takeover with the sheikh then the club face a huge headache – either going into administration or being handed to their main creditors.
      American financiers MSD Holdings lent Derby around £30 million and have ambitions to own the outfit if they are given the chance.
      It comes after the club were hit with a coronavirus crisis with a number of first-team staff members and players having tested positive.
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      Derby were forced to shut their training ground, which came before they were stunned in the FA Cup by Chorley.
      Non-League Chorley enjoyed the magic of the cup as they beat Rooney’s men 2-0 at their home ground.
      The Manchester United legend was forced to watch from home as his team of kids were sent crashing out.

      Chorley’s love affair with FA Cup goes on as they beat Rooney’s Derby and celebrate by singing Adele’s Someone Like You More

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      Man Utd looking to send keeper Nathan Bishop, 21, out on loan transfer this month to Championship or League One side

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to loan goalkeeper Nathan Bishop out to the EFL this month.
      The stopper, 21, signed from Southend last year and then put pen to paper on a contract extension on Monday, tying him down at Old Trafford until 2023.

      Nathan Bishop has signed a new contract at Manchester United but is now set for a loan move to the EFLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There is an option of an extra 12 months, too, for the youngster who has been involved in first-team training but yet to make a senior appearance.
      But with Bishop behind David De Gea, Dean Henderson and Sergio Romero in the pecking order – and battling with Paul Woolston and Ondrej Mastny in the Under-23s – the club are trying to find somewhere for him to build experience.
      And it is thought United want to send the former England U20 international to the Championship or League One.
      Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Yes, I think Nathan’s next step should be a loan deal.

      “He could be ready for the Championship or League One for sure.
      “The young boys need a step up from the U23s, because sometimes that level doesn’t prepare you for a man’s game.”
      Bishop made 39 senior appearances – 31 of those in the third tier – for Southend between December 2017 and joining United in early 2020.
      Asked about whether a loan move appeals to him at this stage, Bishop was clearly in favour.

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      He told the United website: “Yeah definitely. You learn your trade in playing games, that’s the most exciting thing, playing games and preparing for them.
      “I’m very excited to step out and hopefully be able to play for a team and put all the year’s work into that.
      “We do this for a job and when you know there are things on the line for people you have to step things up and make it count.
      “To just get three points and go home knowing you’ve done the job that you were there to do is a very exciting thing to hopefully go and do.”
      Despite not making a first-team appearance just yet, Bishop is clearly a popular man in the dressing room.
      Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata and De Gea all commented their support when his new contract was confirmed this week.
      The Portuguese star, who also arrived last January, said: “Well deserved kid! Top lad and amazing professional.”

      Dean Henderson, left, and David De Gea are the two goalkeepers battling for the No1 spot at Old TraffordCredit: The Mega Agency

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      FA Cup star Declan Thompson reflects on how memory of cruel kids mocking him in wheelchair helped fuel footballing dream

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      DECLAN THOMPSON has never forgotten how other kids cruelly laughed at him for being in a wheelchair.
      That memory and sheer bloody-mindedness drove him to become a professional footballer.

      Declan Thompson made his debut for Sheffield Wednesday at Exeter Credit: GETTY

      Young Declan shortly before he was diagnosed with Perthes diseaseCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Thompson came off the bench in Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup win over ExeterCredit: Rex Features

      And on Saturday he climbed off the bench to make a fairytale debut for his beloved Sheffield Wednesday in their FA Cup win at Exeter.
      Thompson, 18, spent a year-and-a-half in a wheelchair from the age of five after being diagnosed with Perthes disease – a rare childhood condition that affects the hips.
      And his parents Lee and Gemma were told he may never walk again, let alone play football.
      But, after undergoing a number of surgeries, Thompson was not only able to walk, but made a full recovery by the age of 11 to allow him to pursue his football dream.

      He told SunSport: “What hurt me the most back then was when I went to a Christmas fete, I saw people looking and laughing at me.
      “I want to say to people who look at others and think they’re more disadvantaged than them, that’s not the case.”
      In fact, Thompson was so determined not to allow his disability to make him different from other kids, he still enjoyed playground kickabouts even in his wheelchair.
      And, after he had pins and plates removed from his hips, he would play while using a ZIMMER FRAME.

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      Declan was only a toddler when dad Lee made his EFL debut at BostonCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Declan shows off the shirt he wore on his Wednesday debut with dad LeeCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      He said: “Seeing my friends kicking a ball made me want to join in.
      “It wasn’t about becoming a footballer at that point – it was just about enjoying it.
      “I’m the sort of person if I’m going to do something, I won’t let anything stop me.”
      Thompson used to watch Wednesday from the Kop and remembers being taken to his first home game against Notts County as a birthday present.
      He comes from a huge football family. Dad Lee, 38, was a midfielder who played in the Football League for Boston.
      There, Lee was team-mates with Brighton boss Graham Potter, former Belgium assistant and Luton manager Graeme Jones, ex-Leeds chief Neil Redfearn and Sheffield United old-boy Peter Duffield.
      And his granddad Craig, 63, used to coach at Leeds, Sheffield United and in local non-league.
      Thompson credits his grandfather for helping him beat the odds to become a professional footballer – as he would take him to games and coach him while his dad was busy with his own playing career.
      He said: “My granddad took me to every match but he hasn’t been well since having a heart attack a couple of years ago.
      “But he doesn’t let it affect him. He’s more resilient than even me – that’s where I’ve got it from.
      “Along with my dad, he has played a huge part in helping me to where I am today.
      “I went around his house on Sunday and took the shirt I wore at Exeter with me.”

      Thompson, pictured here with his dad and granddad, comes from a big football familyCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Declan with proud granddad Craig as he signed pro forms for WednesdayCredit: LEE THOMPSON
      Thompson is going to get his shirt framed and give it to his grandfather, so it can hang on the wall next to the one of his dad’s from his own Boston debut.
      He said: “I was heartbroken that, with no fans allowed, he couldn’t come to watch my debut.
      “That had always been my No1 priority when I was coming through the Wednesday academy.”
      A video posted on social media of his dad in tears at home while watching his son come off the bench went viral.
      And Thompson joked: “My dad has got more fame out of this than me.
      “I wasn’t able to watch the video all the way through because I got too emotional.
      “To see my family name on Twitter has made me so proud.”
      Thompson’s story so far has been inspirational stuff but the rookie does not want to stop there.
      He wants to write many more chapters – and ideally with the club he has always supported.
      He said: “There is no limit to what you can or can’t do.
      “If you want to become something, you can be whatever you want to be whether it’s a plumber or footballer.
      “I now want to kick on and become a household name.”

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      Brentford lead race for Peterborough star Siriki Dembele after glowing Ivan Toney reference following transfer request

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      BRENTFORD lead the race for Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele – after a glowing reference from Ivan Toney.
      Championship top-scorer Toney, 24, left Posh for the Bees in the summer in a £9million deal.

      Brentford are leading the race for Peterborough’s Siriki DembeleCredit: Rex Features

      And he has urged his new employers to sign up former team-mate Dembele.
      The 24-year-old hotshot has told Brentford that the winger is the best player in League One.
      Dembele wants to leave Peterborough this month.
      He has handed in a transfer request, as SunSport exclusively revealed on January 4.

      Bournemouth and Watford are also big admirers.
      And Premier League side Fulham have been checking the ex-Grimsby man out too.
      But heading the queue now are Brentford.
      And the Bees have a proud history of developing lower league talent.

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      Toney has 16 league goals already this term.
      He is their most recent rough diamond plucked from down the pyramid.
      And he follows in the footsteps of two other big-hitters.
      Striker Ollie Watkins is now starring for Aston Villa in the top-flight after a big-money move.
      And his team-mate Ezri Konsa also came through their ranks in West London.

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      Cardiff star Sol Bamba diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will undergo chemotherapy aged just 35

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      CARDIFF star Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will undergo chemotherapy aged 35.
      The Welsh side announced the sad news on their website and asked fans to send any messages of support to the club.

      Cardiff defender Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: Rex Features

      A Cardiff statement read: “We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.⁣
      “With the close support of the Club’s medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.⁣
      “Universally admired by teammates, staff and supporters in the Welsh capital, Sol has begun his battle in typically positive spirits and will continue to be an integral part of the Bluebirds family.
      “During treatment, Sol will support his teammates at matches and our younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.⁣

      “All future updates on Sol’s progress will be provided only via official Club channels.
      “While we request privacy for him and his family at this time, messages of support to be passed on to Sol may be sent to club@cardiffcityfc.co.uk.⁣
      “We are all with you, Sol.”
      Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system in the body which is a system of vessels and glands.

      We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.With the close support of the Club’s medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.➡️ https://t.co/xvwoA7oVxqWe are all with you, Sol. 💙 pic.twitter.com/O2KSn4nAoh
      — Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 11, 2021

      Fans and pundits were quick to send Bamba their sympathies online.
      Sky’s Geoff Shreeves wrote: “That is awful news. Wishing Sol a full recovery as soon as possible.”
      Former Cardiff player Andy Legg wrote: “Sol I’m so shocked to hear this news and I am saddened by it.
      “But I know how strong you are as a person and I know you will get through this battle.
      “My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. You have my number ring if you need to talk. Be strong.”
      Last summer, Bamba was robbed of his Range Rover, a Louis Vuitton bag and a Cartier watch in a £90,000 raid on his home.

      Sol I’m so shocked to hear this news and I am saddened by it. But I know how strong you are as a person and I know you will get through this battle. My thought s are with you at this difficult time. You have my number ring if you need to talk Be strong
      — andy legg (@leggy191) January 11, 2021

      Hi,That gives me positivity. I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago so it’s great to see someone with long term survival. If you don’t mind me asking what stage and treatment did you have??
      — Scott Whitham (@Scott_Antony) January 11, 2021

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