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    ‘How am I going to survive?’ asked non-league star after dream transfer into EFL turned into a nightmare

    A NIGHTMARE summer transfer to Crawley Town left non-league striker Muhammadu Faal asking himself: “How am I going to survive?”From landing his dream move and putting a deposit down on a brand new house for his young family, to being told his contract was INVALID, Faal was left feeling depressed and ashamed.Muhammadu Faal was left worried about finances and work after Crawley let him go following a nightmare three monthsFaal was on top of the world when he was publicly announced as newly promoted League One side Crawley Town’s latest striker on July 22.It came 12 days after his cousin Liverpool star Joe Gomez watched on from the bench as England lost the Euros final to Spain.Faal told The Athletic: “It felt like my second bite of the cherry, my second chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.”But less than three months later, Faal’s attitude to football has changed. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe lost the opportunity to play at the highest level in his career so far when the EFL found his contract with Crawley was not valid.The agreement was a six-month contract with an 18-month extension option – which broke EFL rules as an extension period is not allowed to be longer than the initial deal.Faal then says there was told by Crawley’s football leadership that there was no room for renegotiation. A devastated Faal went to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for support, but was told that they couldn’t help.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I waited for the PFA, and within those three weeks I wondered, ‘How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to just… survive? “I’ve got a wife, I’ve got a child, I’ve got rent to pay, bills to pay. How am I going to do this? What am I going to do?’”‘I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedMuhammadu Faal was involved in Crawley’s 6-3 preseason defeat to Crystal PalaceHe added: “When Crawley became interested, I thought that this was the chance of a lifetime. I couldn’t miss it. Great playing style, good manager… it doesn’t matter about the terms — I have to take it.”He has since received legal support from Muslim athlete collective Nujum Sport.But what happened before that? Faal signed the contract on July 15 and he completed his medical three days later, with signing pictures taken.The first stumbling block came when club sporting director Tobias Phoenix incorrectly told him he’d failed his medical.Faal recalled to The Athletic: “He told me ‘the deal’s off because you failed’. He said he didn’t want to disclose on what grounds.”But Crawley chiefs seemingly backtracked during a meeting with Faal and his agent just 24 hours later.The move was back on. That day, he was announced as a Crawley player, and appeared on the club’s social media channels.To Faal’s knowledge, at this point he was a Crawley player — though his agent was still pressing the club for a finalised copy of the contract.Setback after setback came again before he was told that he hasn’t been registered yet for a Carabao Cup against Swindon in August.Faal had paid the holding deposit on his dream home less than 48 hours before.He admitted that he was affected by the update — and didn’t perform up to his usual level in training.His senses were correct and he was let go by the club the next day.I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.Muhammadu FaalThe problem was that the contract which Faal had signed was for six months, with an 18-month extension option. Under EFL rules, an extension is not allowed to be longer than the initial contracted period. The issue meant Faal could not be registered.Faal added: “I was in disbelief. My agent and I didn’t know how it could happen. I signed a contract. Surely you can’t just let me go?”At that point, I just wanted to give up football. I didn’t see the point of continuing. My life’s goal was to make it pro and do that to the best of my ability. “But every time I’ve taken the step, I’ve been met by problems outside my control. I love football, but it’s unfair as well.”The Hackney-born ace lost his deposit on the house, but bigger things were also at play.He was now jobless, with his mental health receiving a battering.The 6ft 5in striker explained: “I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.”Faal of Barnet has had spells at Barnet, Enfield and MaidstoneAccording to Faal and his lawyer, his registration was not a key condition of the contract.Faal has since refused to sign the proof of termination document. He feels that he is owed that six-month contract — and is planning to take the club to an employment tribunal, according to The Athletic.In recent weeks, he has joined nearby Worthing to play games — dropping back down three divisions to return to the National League South. He now earns less money than he did before the Crawley move.Faal believes he has contracts with both Crawley and Worthing — but is allowed to play because he is only registered with the latter.When announcing his departure, on September 13, Crawley said Faal had joined Worthing for an “undisclosed fee”.But they would have been unable to receive money for him as an unregistered player — and is instead classed as a free transfer.Faal says Crawley told him that it was done to help the image of all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESFaal began his career in Italy with Serie C side L’Aquila as an 18-year-old, making five senior appearances.He then enjoyed a series of free transfers to non-league sides Dulwich Hamlet, Kingstonian FC and Enfield Town. More

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    Leicester lining up shock transfer for Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson but could offload star to get him on loan

    LEICESTER want to buy Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson from Brighton in a bid to beat the drop.The Foxes think the target man, 20, would be ideal for their side as they battle for Prem survival.Evan Ferguson is attracting interest from LeicesterCredit: RexAlbion may send Ferguson out on loan but Leicester cannot do that as they already have Facundo Buonanotte on a temporary spell from them.City do not have a spot for a second Prem loanee unless they move out Odsonne Edouard, who has struggled since arriving from Crystal Palace.So Steve Cooper’s side will have to chase Ferguson on a full-time basis and that makes it doubly hard for them to succeed.Ferguson fancies a Prem loan but it may be hard for him to find.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Burnley are interested if he lowers his sights to the Championship.Ferguson made his Premier League debut for the Seagulls in February 2022.He ended his half season with the team scoring six goals, before adding six more last season before an ankle injury ended his campaign.His impressive early form saw him linked with sensational £100million transfers to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut this season he has one goal from seven league appearances.He played four minutes off the bench in their 2-1 win against Bournemouth.Coronation Street legend who plays Roy Cropper spotted singing X-rated chant at Premier League match More

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    Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney ready to raid Liverpool in loan transfer for striker to boost Plymouth survival bid

    WAYNE ROONEY is ready to raid Liverpool to bolster his attacking options at Plymouth.The Manchester United legend has had a mixed start to his time at Argyle since being appointed manager in the summer.Wayne Rooney is looking at a loan move to sign Jayden DannsCredit: RexThe Liverpool striker scored twice in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: GettyRooney, 39, has led the Championship side to 19th in the league with four wins, five draws and seven losses.However, Plymouth have only found the net 17 times in their opening 16 games.This has seen Rooney look to the loan market in order to add reinforcements in January.They are interested in Liverpool teenage striker Jayden Danns.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 18-year-old is back in training after recovering from injury and is aiming to appear in games before the new year.Reds boss Arne Slot could opt to loan out Danns should he decide it is best for his development.A temporary switch to Home Park Stadium could be beneficial, as Danns could learn from Rooney’s wealth of experience.Danns has already made five first-team appearances for Liverpool in his career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored twice for the club in their 3-0 FA Cup victory over Southampton back in February.He also made an appearance for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham Meanwhile, Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports could buy a club in France at the second attempt.The Americans pulled out of a move for struggling Bordeaux but have kept their contacts working on an alternative.Several French clubs have changed ownership recently, and many are open to doing business at the right price.Rooney’s most recent game in charge of Plymouth ended in a 2-2 draw against Watford.The Hornets took the lead however their fans produced a bizarre delayed reaction.Argyle struck late to earn a point as Andre Gray fired in a curling effort in the 96th minute.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Coventry vs Sheff Utd descends into chaos as mass brawl breaks out and star is sent off for moment of madness

    SHEFFIELD UNITED’S clash with Coventry descended into chaos as a mass brawl erupted.With 44 minutes on the clock, Blades star Anel Ahmedhodzic was fouled by Sky Blues striker Norman Bassette.Norman Bassette taunted Anel Ahmedhodzic after a foulCredit: Sky SportsAhmedhodzic shot up and grabbed Bassette by the neckCredit: Sky SportsThe Coventry man then hit the deck to spark a huge fightCredit: Sky SportsBassette winked at a Sheffield United player after the brawlHe also appeared to kiss his lipsThe Belgian, who had already scored in the game, shouted at the opposition centre-back and lightly grabbed him by the neck as he lay on the deck.A fuming Ahmedhodzic then jumped to his feet and pushed Bassette in the neck.He dropped to the floor and the incident sparked a mass brawl with several players involved from both teams. Sheffield United star Vinicius Souza sprinted across and charged forcefully into Milan van Ewijk, with the Brazilian perhaps lucky to not be punished.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCallum O’Hare, who used to play for Coventry, also had heated words with Jack Rudoni.Once things had calmed down, Ahmedhodzic was sent off for violent conduct.Bassette, who also appeared to wink and kiss his lips towards a Sheffield United player after the incident, got a yellow and no other cards were given.Fans were left shocked by what happened, with one saying: “Absolute head loss from Ahmedhodzic.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere were clashes all over the pitch as tempers flaredCredit: Sky SportsVinicius Souza charged into Milan van EwijkAnother added: “Ahmedhodzic is a muppet for reacting, but Bassette rolling around holding his face when he pushed his throat is embarrassing.”A third commented: “Bassette is a Neal Maupay regen I swear.”Sheffield United stars held back as Championship clash with Portsmouth descends into brawl at full-time whistleThe shocking brawl occurred just before half-time, with Sheffield United 2-1 up at the time. More

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    Sky Sports commentator stunned by ‘one of the strangest reactions to a goal I’ve ever seen’ by Watford fans

    WATFORD fans’ bizarre celebration of one of their goals against Plymouth Argyle left a Sky Sports commentator absolutely stunned.The Hertfordshire side drew 2-2 with Wayne Rooney’s troops at Home Park, with Vakoun Issouf Bayo opening the scoring for the visitors with a tap-in inside the 18-yard-box.Vakoun Issouf Bayo opened the scoring in Watford’s 2-2 draw with Plymouth on FridayCredit: GettyBut Watford fans didn’t celebrate the goal for nearly six seconds after the ball had hit the back of the netCredit: REXBut the travelling Hornets fans seemingly didn’t realise the Ivory Coast international had broken the deadlock as they celebrated SIX SECONDS after the ball had hit the back of the net.And Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman was left stunned, saying: “Well, that was one of the strangest reactions to a goal I think I’ve ever seen from an away section.”They had no idea where the ball had good.”You see it nestle in the back of the net. [Well], what they could see.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe clip of Watford fans’ delayed celebrations went viral and received a slew of comments on social media.One wrote on X: “Interesting reaction lol.”Another said: “Fans were buffering.”And another said: “Watford fans watching on the fire stick.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAndre Gray secured a point for Plymouth with a stoppage-time equaliserCredit: REUTERSOne remarked: “Was the away fans watching this on Netflix?”Another chimed in: “Interesting reaction.”I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney Andre Gray put Argyle back on level terms in the 23rd minute, although Watford restored their lead just before half time through Ryan Porteous.But the spoils ended up being shared thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from former Hornet Gray.Watford will be back in action on Tuesday night, welcoming Bristol City to Vicarage Road.Plymouth, meanwhile, will travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich City. More

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    My manager asked me to draw an ELEPHANT in a team meeting – but there’s a good reason behind bizarre request

    KELLEN FISHER was asked to draw an ELEPHANT by Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup in front of stunned team-mates.But the Canaries right-back, 20, says there was a method to the madness as he revealed the Dane’s way of working.Kellen Fisher was asked to draw an elephant by Norwich boss Johannes Hoff ThorupFisher plays for England’s Under-21sFisher explained: “Everyone’s striving to do well since the new manager came in during the summer. Each day he’s asking us to be consistent.“We had a meeting and he got me up to draw an elephant.“After doing so, he asked how good I thought it was? I told him, ‘Not very’.“And then the manager asked, ‘If you practised it every day, how good would your elephant be?’READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I replied, ‘Pretty good’. He said, ‘In six months, your elephant will be perfect’.“He was comparing practising drawing an elephant to what we’re doing here.“We’ve just got to keep working hard and keeping our standards high to achieve better results.“It’s just the way this manager explains things, it’s eye-opening.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Going up to draw an elephant on the board and comparing that to football isn’t something I was thinking about!”Although Norwich are lower mid-table as they travel to West Brom on Saturday, this has still been a breakthrough few months for the rookie.Delia Smith gives up control of Norwich City after 27 years and legendary cook won’t receive a penny from saleFisher, who was in non-league last year, has made ten Championship starts this term and earned a first England Under-21 squad call-up.It has been a whirlwind since he joined Norwich in the summer of 2023 from Bromley.Fisher was expected to be playing for the Canaries’ under-21s for a couple of years.Yet he was quickly dining with then-club owner Delia Smith and put in the first team by ex-boss David Wagner.And Fisher said: “Delia invited me and my family for a meal before a game to get to know us, asking where I’d been and stuff like that. She wanted to make us feel welcome.“I don’t think she physically cooked it but the food was so good, maybe she did! We had steak pie, mash and gravy.“She gave me a cooking book and signed it, which I’ve given to my mum because she’s a fan of hers.”Within six weeks, Fisher was handed his debut and set up Jonathan Rowe’s last-minute winner at QPR.Fisher went on to make another two starts and came off the bench six times.Fisher started his career at Sunday team Kingfisher based in BromleyCoaches and ex-team-mates at Bromley told SunSport they believe he will make it to the Premier LeagueHe admitted: “I struggled to adapt to this level for about  six months but everyone helped me settle in.“It was great working with Wagner. I thank him for giving me my debut. I really enjoyed working for him.”Under Thorup, since starting in the 4-1 win against Watford in September, the youngster has been an ever-present.Fisher was gutted the other week when his equalising ‘goal’ in a 3-3 epic with Middlesbrough was given as an own goal to keeper Seny Dieng.The right-back’s slightly miscued cross appeared to be heading in before the Boro stopper palmed it into the net.Fisher said: “I thought it was mine but then suspected it might be taken away.“I put the ball across the front zone and it went a bit more to the right than expected. It’s gone in off the keeper and the place erupted. It was a great moment.”Fisher even enjoyed a spot of dinner with former Norwich director and chef Delia SmithNorwich sit 14th in the Championship, seven points of the play-off placesFisher is yet to score in his senior career, which also included two loan spells at Welling and Cray Wanderers while at Bromley.But he used to be an attacker until Bromley academy coach Steve Harris switched him to right-back.Fisher said: “I was playing as a winger for the under-21s and randomly one game he said, ‘I want you to play right-back’.“At the time it was short-term because, after a few games, I was a winger again.“But then during the off- season Steve told me, ‘Right- back is your position now — and you’re not changing’. I’ve been there ever since.”Fisher rose through the ranks at Bromley after making his debut in an FA Trophy game at Dover, aged 17, in 2021.And he credited his ex-boss Andy Woodman for helping him grow into a man — including a half-time rollicking after a poor performance.Fisher said: “We were winning 1-0 in a game and, before half-time, conceded two stoppage-time goals. “He told me I wasn’t being aggressive enough and that I was playing like a little boy.“At the time I was a little boy but I understood what he meant. It was the first time he had a real go at me.“But the next day he pulled me in to check if I was OK. In football, you do sometimes need a little push.”There is no doubting that Fisher is a huge talent with so much potential.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoaches and ex-team-mates at Bromley told SunSport they believe he will make it to the Premier League.Maybe the youngster who started his football journey for local Bromley Sunday league side Kingfisher is destined to become a real King Fisher.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    I played for Man Utd legend and ex-Premier League manager – he taught me absolutely nothing

    MARK HUGHES was a huge disappointment as Bradford boss and lacked people skills.That is the damning view of Bantams midfielder Richie Smallwood, who has revealed how underwhelmed he was by the Manchester United legend’s spell at the club.Richie Smallwood was expecting much more from Mark HughesCredit: RexHughes was an Old Trafford hero as a striker and managed Man CityCredit: AlamyHughes had an illustrious playing career which also took in Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.He also managed Rovers, Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke, Fulham and QPR in the Premier League as well as his home nation, Wales.But he had 19 months in charge at Valley Parade before he was sacked in October 2023 with the club sitting 18th in League Two.Smallwood, 33, took a two-division drop in 2022 having just racked up 42 Championship appearances as Hull captain because of the lure of Hughes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Sparky could only lead the Bantams to play-off semi-final agony in his only full season in charge.Asked if he enjoyed working for the former star striker, Smallwood said: “To be honest, no. We didn’t get the job done despite having a good enough team.“I didn’t learn anything from him. I was expecting a lot more. That’s how it is in football sometimes.“Hughes was the big draw for people to come here.Most read in FootballHughes, who was a popular frontman for the Red Devils, hasn’t managed since being sacked by Bradford in October 2023Credit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Because of the player he was and the capabilities he had you think that’s going to transfer over as a manager.“But sometimes it didn’t and that led to us not getting the job done. That was the way it was. I didn’t learn too much from him.”Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers Smallwood even hit out at his lack of man-management and communication skills.He added: “That wasn’t one of his strengths. That’s my honest opinion.”Bradford sit ninth, two points behind the play-offs and five off the automatic places ahead of entertaining Accrington on Saturday.And Smallwood believes the team are heading in a better direction under Hughes’ successor Graham Alexander.The former Salford, Scunthorpe, Fleetwood and MK Dons boss may not have had the glittering career of Hughes but he has played at all levels from League Two to the Premier League.Smallwood, who played for Alexander at Scunny, said: “He’s intense and gets to work. He’s always early doing his analysis, research and getting his stats together.“Graham got to know the players when he replaced Hughes and has put his stamp on things during the summer. It has paid off.“The big thing is our home form, that’s improved hugely this season. We all respect him greatly.”Bradford has been a tough job to crack in recent years.The Bantams get almost 17,000 fans at home and yet this is their fifth season stuck in League Two — and it has been 20 years since they were in the second tier and 24 since the Prem.Bradford chief Graham Alexander, seen dishing instructions to loan defender Jay Benn, has been praised by SmallwoodCredit: RexSmallwood said: “People look from the outside and see we get big crowds and have a big  stadium.“There is a big expectation that comes from that but we’ve not been able to deal with it.“We’ve had a lot of players here who haven’t played in front of those sorts of crowds before. That might be a factor.“Also opposing teams set up to keep the crowd quiet and frustrate us — and they can get edgy if we don’t score.“But things are changing. And there is a great stat that is consistent now — when we score first, we go on to win the game. We’re scoring the first goal more often.”Smallwood’s drop into the fourth tier from being a Championship captain did seem a strange one from the outside — even with the lure of  Hughes.Yet Smallwood said: “Hull went through a takeover and you find new owners want to get their own people in.“Often the captain bears the brunt of that.“But I was excited by the project here. The head of recruitment, Stephen Gent, is a relative of my missus and he sold it to me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My partner was also expecting at the time and while some players who left Hull were patient to wait for an offer, I wasn’t. “I don’t regret it and, hopefully, we can be promoted this season.”Smallwood is now targeting promotion under AlexanderCredit: Getty More

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    Championship star forced to take £500 taxi to match after 15-hour flight back from international break he didn’t play in

    WATFORD star Francisco Sierralta was forced to take a £500 taxi for his side’s next match after a 15-hour flight from Chile — where he was left on the bench for the entire international break.Hornets ace Sierralta, 27, faced a rough trip back to England after being called up by international boss Ricardo Gareca for World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Venezuela.Francisco Sierralta took a £500 taxi after a 15-hour flight to make Watford’s next gameCredit: GettyChile drew with the former 0-0 before ending the break with a 4-2 win over the latter.But Sierralta’s 15-hour flight to South America proved fruitless as he was an unused sub in both games.The defender then had to make another 15-hour flight back to London’s Heathrow Airport.Yet his torturous trip was far from over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter touching down in the capital, Sierralta next had to jump straight in a taxi and drive for five straight hours to Plymouth.His side Watford play Argyle in a crunch Championship match tonight.And the Hornets stumped up a crisp £500 to ferry Sierralta directly to their seaside base.It meant the centre-back was on the move non-stop for over 20 hours.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile his entire round trip clocked in at a mammoth 15,620 miles.It now remains to be seen whether Sierralta faces Plymouth tonight, with Watford boss Tom Cleverley keen to assess his condition.Watford interim head coach Tom Cleverley explains what attracted him to managing The Hornets gaffer said: “It’s a situation I’ve never seen before in my career where you’ve got a player who is going straight to the team hotel without a training session.“He lands at Heathrow this morning and then will get a cab straight down to Plymouth.“We’re sending a physio down there to work with him and help get the journey out of his legs and back.“The first time I’ll see him will be when I get to Plymouth, which will be strange. “He’s an important player for us, so we’re managing things to give him the best chance of being in the best condition.” More