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      Mick McCarthy set to become new Cardiff manager as he makes swift return to dugout after APOEL sacking

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      MICK MCCARTHY is set to become the new manager of Cardiff.
      The Bluebirds identified the ex-Wolves and Sunderland boss as their number one target after sacking Neil Harris on Thursday.

      Experienced McCarthy, 61, previously managed the Republic of IrelandCredit: Reuters

      Cardiff are in talks with McCarthy’s representatives and details on a deal and the length of the contract are still to be tied up before an announcement is made.
      But former Republic of Ireland boss McCarthy, who left Cypriot champions APOEL earlier this month, is ready for a swift return to management.
      Cardiff turned to experienced McCarthy due to his track record of winning promotion to the Premier League with both Sunderland and Wolves.
      The Welsh club axed Harris following a dreadful run of six straight defeats to leave the club 15th in the Championship table.

      McCarthy, 61, endured a torrid time in Cypriot football, winning only two of eight games with perennial champions APOEL.
      His last spell in English football came at Ipswich Town.
      The Yorkshireman managed the Tractor Boys for six years between 2012 and 2018.
      While sections of the Ipswich support were divided over the playing style during his tenure, McCarthy was able to keep the club in the Championship fairly comfortably on a tight budget, even managing a play-off run.

      McCarthy managed Ipswich Town for six years in the ChampionshipCredit: Reuters
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      Ipswich were relegated the season after McCarthy;s departure under Paul Lambert, following a disastrous spell for successor Paul Hurst.
      They then failed to make the League One play-offs last season, after the campaign was curtailed.
      And they currently sit an underwhelming eighth.

      Mick McCarthy thanks Republic of Ireland players, staff and fans as he wishes Stephen Kenny well in classy farewell More

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      Derby winger Jordon Ibe opens up on depression battle as he reveals he’s in a ‘dark place’

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      DERBY winger Jordon Ibe revealed he is ‘in a dark place’ and is battling depression.
      The former Liverpool winger posted a statement on his Instagram and apologised to his fans around the world.

      Jordon Ibe said he is in a dark place as he battles depressionCredit: Rex Features

      The former Liverpool man revealed his struggles in an Instagram statement

      The 25-year-old has played for the Rams just once this season – a three minute cameo against Stoke in December.
      Ibe faced an internal disciplinary investigation at the Midlands club in the same month.
      And it appears the midfielder has been struggling with personal issues.
      In a statement posted on his Instagram story, Ibe said: “I want to apologise to all my fans around the world.

      “I find myself in a dark place due to suffering from depression.
      “It’s no scheme for the media or to have my name in your mouths, I just find things hard truly.
      “I appreciate all the love and messages from everyone.
      “Times are hard in general due to this pandemic. I have the full support from my family and Derby County Football Club.

      “I will fix myself and this situation which I’m 100 per cent committed to.
      “Not only for my family, close friends or my beautiful daughter but for me.
      “Much love to every single person. Jordon Ibe.”
      Ibe joined Derby on a free transfer from Bournemouth at the end of last season and signed a two-year deal.
      He was banned from driving and fined £7,500 last March after smashing his £130k Bentley into a cafe before fleeing the scene.
      And in May he revealed he was in rehab for his mental health following the incident.

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      West Ham preparing £16m transfer offer for Bournemouth striker Josh King after failing in £13m bid

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      WEST HAM have stepped up their interest in Bournemouth striker Josh King.
      The Hammers have had an offer of around £13million for the frontman rejected by the Cherries.

      Josh King is a wanted man ahead of his contract expiring in JuneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now the Irons are putting together an improved deal worth £16m in a bid to land the Norwegian before the end of this transfer window.
      West Ham are on the lookout for another forward after selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax for £20m earlier this month.
      The Premier League club have turned their attention to King after failing to seal a deal for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri.
      The former Manchester United starlet’s contract at the Cherries runs out this summer – but the Championship club are still looking to cash in on him after rejecting a £20m offer from United last year.

      Despite there being less than six months left on his contract, Bournemouth want more than the £13m West Ham have offered.
      If they do not get the fee they want, they could be prepared to gamble by keeping hold of the star until the summer in the hope they get promoted back to the Prem and he will sign a new deal to stay with them.
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      But King, 29, is believed to want a move back to the top flight now and does not want to be made to see his Vitality contract out.

      Burnley are also interested in signing the Norwegian and either club in claret and blue would appeal to the star, who played in Lancashire at Blackburn before joining Bournemouth in 2015.
      He has scored 52 goals in 182 appearances for the Cherries.

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      Cardiff sack manager Neil Harris after dismal run of six losses in row with club just nine points above relegation zone

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      CARDIFF CITY have sacked manager Neil Harris after a miserable six-match losing run.
      The Bluebirds suffered defeat to QPR last night, a result that left them 15th in the Championship and 13 points off the top six.

      Cardiff City have sacked manager Neil HarrisCredit: PA:Press Association

      Now owner Vincent Tan has decided to wield the axe on the ex-Millwall boss.
      A Cardiff statement read: “We can confirm that first team manager Neil Harris and Assistant Manager David Livermore have left Cardiff City football club with immediate effect.
      “The Board of Directors would like to thank Neil and David for their efforts during their time with the Bluebirds and wish them every success for the future.
      “A new permanent manager and assistant will be announced in due course via club channels.”

      Tan added: “I’d like to thank Neil and David sincerely for their hard work at Cardiff City.
      “Their efforts to propel us towards a fifth-place finish and Play-Off position last year are recognised and appreciated, although sadly we are in a result-orientated business and our on-field results of late and progress this season has been very poor.
      “As such, we have had no choice but to relieve them of their duties in an effort to improve results and league position with a change of manager.
      “I’d like to personally wish Neil and David the very best with their future undertakings and endeavours.

      He added: “They will always be welcome faces at Cardiff City Stadium and I wish them good luck and good health. God bless.”
      Harris succeeded Neil Warnock as Cardiff boss in November 2019 and guided them to the Championship play-off semi-finals last season.
      But results have dipped dramatically this term with the club now on their worst losing run since 2018.

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      Emiliano Sala’s family demand the ‘full truth’ about tragic plane crash on 2nd anniversary of Cardiff striker’s death

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      THE family of tragic Emiliano Sala has demanded to know ‘the full truth’ about the Cardiff striker’s death.
      In a statement to mark the second anniversary of the fatal air crash that claimed the life of the 28-year-old Argentine, the family’s lawyer called for a formal inquest to be held after the trial of charter pilot David Henderson.

      Emiliano Sala’s family have demanded a formal inquest after David Henderson’s trialCredit: AFP

      Henderson denied endangering the safety of an aircraft and attempting to discharge a passenger without valid permission or authorisation when he appeared before Cardiff Crown Court in October.
      The 66-year-old is alleged to have arranged the flight from Nantes to Cardiff that crashed into the Channel near Guernsey and took the lives of Sala and the pilot, David Ibbotson.
      His trial has been set for this October and lawyer Daniel Machover, on behalf of the family, urged swift action by the UK authorities.
      Machover said: “It is a tragedy that two years have passed since Emiliano’s death and we still do not know exactly how and why he died. 

      “An inquest is the only way to establish the full truth. 
      “I very much hope that the Dorset Coroner will now set a date for the inquest to start immediately after David Henderson’s trial, so that Emiliano’s family do not have to endure another bleak anniversary with no answers.”
      The statement comes one month after former Man United star Fabio revealed he spoke to Sala on the afternoon of his tragic death.
      Fabio said: “In the afternoon he was going to take the plane, he asked me so many things about Cardiff, because he knew I had played there.

      “I told him that anything he needed or wanted from me, he could text me. And then, in the morning, when I heard the news, it was shocking.
      “Before he signed he asked me and I told him how the fans were, how everyone is in the stadium, how the club works.
      “He was such a professional and to be honest, I was happy for him, because I knew Cardiff fans would have loved him. He was a fantastic character.”

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      Arsenal in Emi Buendia transfer blow as Norwich boss Daniel Farke claims there’s ’99 per cent’ chance he stays in Jan

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      NORWICH manager Daniel Farke said there is a ’99 per cent’ chance Emi Buendia stays in January coming as a transfer blow to Arsenal.
      The Gunners have an attacking midfielder in mind as they enter the winter window.

      Norwich manager Daniel Farke said there is a ’99 per cent’ chance Emi Buendia stays in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

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      But their interest in Buendia could be over after his boss appeared to confirm they will keep hold of the versatile Argentine.
      Farke said: “No, nothing will happen.
      “In this business you can never say 100 per cent guarantee, but I would label it 99 per cent.

      “It makes no sense for any of my key players to leave at this moment. And it makes no sense for us as a club right now to sell any of my players.
      “These players have the potential to play for one of the best clubs in this country, and Arsenal [are] definitely one of the best in this country and also Europe.
      “They have the potential to play there one day, but it makes no sense in January. Let’s be honest we are in a great position.”
      Buendia, who can also play out wide, has scored seven goals and chipped in with six assists so far this campaign.

      It has helped guide the Canaries to the top of the Championship this season.

      Buendia moved to Norwich from Spanish side Getafe in 2018 and signed a four-year deal.
      He lives in England with his wife Claudia and their son Thiago.
      The playmaker has been linked with the Gunners throughout the season, with interest strengthening after Mesut Ozil’s departure.
      German Ozil signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, ending his spell frozen out at the Emirates.

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      Jack Wilshere suffers disappointing Bournemouth debut in loss as ex-Arsenal ace Bielik suffers bloody head injury

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      JACK WILSHERE made his Bournemouth debut during the 1-0 defeat to Derby on Tuesday.
      The 29-year-old struggled to make his mark after he was introduced in the 78th minute.

      Jack Wilshere has joined Bournemouth until the end of the seasonCredit: Rex Features

      Ex-Arsenal star Wilshere joined the Cherries on a free transfer in a bid to reignite his career.
      Just one day after the move was confirmed, he was named on the bench for Jason Tindall’s side.
      He replaced team-mate David Brooks with just 12 minutes of the game left to go.
      Wilshere was unable to inspire his new team to glory and the game ended 1-0 to Derby.

      The 29-year-old has been training with the Cherries for the past three weeks after being left without a club.
      It was announced in October that Wilshere had agreed to terminate his West Ham contract.
      He spent two years at the London Stadium, but injuries limited him to just 19 appearances.
      Krystian Bielik bagged the only goal of the game on Tuesday after he suffered a nasty cut above his eye.

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      Krystian Bielik needed medical treatment after a collision with Jefferson LermaCredit: Rex Features

      The former Arsenal ace hit the deck after an accidental collision with Jefferson Lerma.
      He received treatment from Derby’s medical team as blood poured down his face.
      But the Polish hardman decided to play on before he found the net in the 32nd minute.
      After the match, Bielik said: “We dug in until the final minute today.
      “It wasn’t easy but we showed quality, togetherness, energy and we deserved three points.
      “We think about the next game now.”
      Derby are 21st in the Championship following Wayne Rooney’s first win as permanent manager.

      Jack Wilshere has been training with Bournemouth for the past three weeksCredit: PA:Press Association

      Krystian Bielik scored the only goal of the game on TuesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Middlesbrough physio embarks on 240km rowing mission to raise vital funds for seriously ill nephew’s cancer treatment

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      MIDDLESBROUGH’s head physio Chris Moseley is rowing 240km to raise crucial funds for charity and help his seriously ill nephew.
      Despite Boro’s action-packed Championship schedule, he is putting down his magic sponge to row 8k a day throughout January.

      Boro physio Chris Moseley is rowing 240km to raise crucial funds to help his seriously ill nephew

      Moseley is attempting to clock up the distance between Teesside and the Crewe home of his nephew Georgy, who is suffering from a rare form of bone cancer.
      And he has set a target of £4,000 to help pay for the specialist Cancer treatment the eight-year-old needs.
      He has already received plenty of support and has passed the £3,500 mark, but he hopes to increase that amount before the end of month.
      Georgy’s mum, Moseley’s sister Helen, explained: “On Easter Sunday 2018 our Georgy, aged just 8, fell over in a friend’s back garden and after taking him to A&E we were given the devastating news that he had a highly malignant and very rare bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma.

      “The following 12 months passed in a whirlwind of hospital stays where he had high dose of aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He was unable to eat and lost a lot of weight.
      “As a result of this treatment, the majority of his right arm was taken away and replaced with a titanium prosthesis. 
      “Georgy went into remission in March 2019 and life started to become normal(ish) again! Georgy went back to school and we started to see our gorgeous boy become the funny and happy person that he’s always been.
      “In April this year, we were dealt the devastating blow that the cancer had returned but this time in his left sinus, just under his eye socket and in the back of his nose.

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      “Scans showed that this horrible and aggressive cancer had already destroyed some of his cheekbone and was growing into the base of his skull.
      “Georgy was rushed back into hospital to start preparations for his treatment whilst we waited to hear if he would have a stroke or lose his eyesight immediately.
      “Luckily, our brave boy came out as strong as he went in.”
      The youngster has undergone four rounds of chemotherapy and is currently having radiotherapy.
      However, his mother said: “After researching all avenues, we know that his rare and specific condition cannot be treated with targeted drugs for Georgy on the NHS at this present time, despite the amazing work of his medical team.
      “Patients with relapsed Ewing’s have a very poor prognosis and as his parents, we are determined to try and raise as much as we can so our gorgeous boy can live a carefree life, something he has not had for three years now.

      Moseley is head physio at the Championship club
      “After lengthy discussions with a stem cell transplant hospital in a top medical treatment centre in Asia, we are thrilled that they are willing to accept Georgy! 
      “The transplant will involve removing the faulty mother cell and harvesting new purified cells from a donated umbilical cord into his body to stop the cancer from returning, these procedures have very high success rates.”
      She added: “Throughout all of Georgy’s treatment we have been absolutely amazed with our NHS, he wouldn’t be here now without them but the cost of this treatment is going to be around the region of £240,000 which simply cannot be funded by our NHS and we really do understand this.
      “Georgy has always taken his illness in his stride, he is a well-mannered and courageous young man and has the best sense of humour ever!
      “When we told him about the possibility of having this procedure his reply was ‘will I still have my memory?’”
      You can sponsor Moseley by clicking here.

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