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      Angus Gunn suffers ankle ligament injury forcing Stoke to apply for emergency goalkeeper transfer amid crisis

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      ANGUS GUNN has given Stoke City a keeper crisis – with an ankle ligament injury. 
      On-loan Gunn faces a six week lay-off to leave the Potters looking to an emergency replacement. 

      Angus Gunn is set for six weeks out on the sidelines Credit: PA:Press Association

      Stoke are set to recall England under-21 prospect Josef Bursik from Doncaster Rovers where he is on loan for experience. 
      Bursik played for the Young Lions in midweek and could now step into the Championship for the first time. 
      Stoke lost their main goalkeeper Jack Butland at the end of the window when he signed for Crystal Palace.
      He left for only £500,000, despite Stoke demanding £23million for their star stopper just 15 months earlier.

      The Potters were forced to sell him on the cheap as Butland’s contract was due to expire next summer.
      Butland, 27, would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms in January with other clubs ahead of a free transfer next summer.
      The ex-England star will now compete for a starting spot back in the Premier League under Roy Hodgson – who gave Butland his first four England caps.

      Stoke currently sit eighth in the Championship after an encouraging start to the season.

      Their inconsistency means they have won three and lost two of their last five.
      But one of their wins included a brilliant 3-0 victory over table-toppers Reading. More

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      Government’s £300m sport bailout revealed with £135m to rugby union, £40m to horse racing and £9m to Championship clubs

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      THE Government has announced the full details of its £300m sports bail out.
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston outlined the ‘winter survival package’ in a Commons statement that provides much-needed security for sports peering into the financial abyss as a result of the Covid crisis.

      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has outlined his ‘winter survival package’Credit: PA:Press Association

      As expected, rugby union was granted the biggest share of the loans made available, with a £135m fund.
      Of that, £44m will go straight to the RFU, facing a £120m shortfall with no fans allowed inside Twickenham since March.
      Premiership rugby clubs will get a share of £59m, with £9m available to clubs in the Championship and a further £23m to those clubs further down the pyramid.
      Horse racing gets the next biggest share, with courses splitting £40m between them.

      Football’s lowest reaches will receive £28m, including the pre-announced £10m Lottery funding for the National League.
      Steps 3-6 of the pyramid, from the tier below National Leagues North and South to regional leagues, will be able to claim part of the £14m on offer, with £3m available to the upper two levels of the women’s game.
      Other money will go to rugby league (£12m), motorsport – with Silverstone, Goodwood, the British Automobile Racing Club, and MotorSport Vision sharing £6 million – while the Lawn Tennis Association has been offered £5m.
      Netball, basketball and elite ice hockey will each get £4m, badminton £2m and greyhound racing £1m.

      Premiership rugby clubs will get a share of £59mCredit: Reuters

      Huddleston said: “Over the past few weeks we have worked tirelessly with sport governing bodies and clubs across the country to fully assess what support is needed, as a result of the decision to postpone the return of fans. 
      “We know the vast majority of sports – many of which operate on tight financial margins – have been making serious cost reductions, such as locking down grounds, taking up the furlough scheme for many staff and halting excess payments. 

      Sports clubs are the beating hearts of their communities, and this £300 million boost will help them survive this difficult winter period
      Oliver Dowden

      “It is absolutely right that we now intervene to protect entire sports, and the communities they support, as we navigate this pandemic.”
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “Sports clubs are the beating hearts of their communities, and this £300 million boost will help them survive this difficult winter period.”
      And Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “These are unprecedented times for our sector, and those sports and leagues that rely so heavily on spectators for their income that have been especially impacted by the pandemic. 
      “The role they play in their local communities is vital and this package of support from Government will be hugely welcomed.”

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      Inside ex-QPR owner Fernandes’ stunning Ayrshire estate up for sale for £2.5m with wine cellar, sauna and tennis court

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      FORMER Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes has put his stunning £2.5million Ayrshire estate up for sale.
      The Malaysian entrepreneur, like many, has felt the pinch of the coronavirus pandemic.

      Fernandes is selling the stunning estateCredit: Savills

      The property is nestled within 125 acres of landCredit: Savills

      The home features a modern gym and sauna areaCredit: Savills

      Fernandes stepped down as QPR chairman in 2018Credit: AFP – Getty

      And as he fights to save various business ventures, his stunning Scottish pad has had to go.
      Fernandes, 56, had resided at Skeldon House in Dalrymple, Ayr for seven years.
      But he’ll now sacrifice the beautiful property for his business empire.
      A stunning five-bedroom property, on 125 acres of land, the home offers privacy and class in abundance.

      The estate possesses a luxurious wine cellar for whenever the new owner fancies a tipple.
      A gym and sauna will also enable them to work out in style and comfort.
      And an all-weather outdoor tennis court features, nestled in the shadow of the surrounding forest.
      A games room surely kept Fernandes entertained.

      A spiral staircase binds the house togetherCredit: Savills

      Fernandes could cook up a storm in the modern kitchenCredit: Savills

      The new owner could serve up a storm on the all-weather tennis courtCredit: Savills

      The master bedroom doesn’t lack for spaceCredit: Savills

      And the dining room can accommodate guests aplentyCredit: Savills

      And, amid the carefully manicured lawns, feature two other impressive buildings – the coach house and castle cottage.
      The interior is equally opulent, blending traditional features with modern conveniences.
      A classy spiral staircase binds the home together, with four bathrooms, a large kitchen and cosy dining room.
      Fernandes may have owned QPR during two separate stints in the Premier League.
      But perhaps he’d have enjoyed life at Kilmarnock or Ayr United more… just to sample even more time at his gorgeous Dalrymple mansion.

      Another dining area doesn’t lack for natural lightCredit: Savills

      The new owner won’t be short for spaceCredit: Savills

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      Mario Balotelli held talks with Barnsley over free transfer as Championship strugglers fight drop

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      MARIO BALOTELLI has been in talks with Barnsley about making a sensational move to the South Yorkshire side.
      The Italian bad boy was offered to the Tykes when contact between Balotelli’s agent and Oakwell co-chairmen Chien Lee and Paul Conway was made recently.

      Mario Balotelli is a free agent after being released by Italian outfit Brescia

      Both sides were initially interested in the move before Balotelli’s enthusiasm to play in the Championship cooled.
      And the 2012 Premier League winner is now believed to be considering other options.
      The 30-year-old is currently a free agent after having his contract with hometown team Brescia terminated because he repeatedly missed training in June and July.
      He has been training with Serie D minnows Franciacorta as he approaches the autumn of his controversial career.

      Trouble followed him throughout his time at both Milan clubs, Manchester City, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille and Brescia.
      But Barnsley believed the former Italy international could boost their chances of staying up.
      Balotelli – who hasn’t played in England since 2015 after leaving Anfield for AC Milan on loan – was even linked with a move to Watford last month.
      The 2009 Champions League winner was at the centre of controversy in October following a a sick rape joke he made on Italian TV.

      He appeared as a guest on Italy’s version of Celebrity Big Brother where his brother, Enock, is one of the contestants.
      During his interview, Balotelli was asked about Brazilian model Dayane Mello, who formerly claimed she had a fling with the forward – which he has denied.
      The host said: “Dayane wanted you in the house.”
      Balotelli then responded: “Yes, but then she’d go ‘stop, stop, it hurts.'”
      He then burst into laughter while other contestants on the show looked visibly shocked with his comment.

      Mario Balotelli walks off pitch following racist abuse by Verona supporters More

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      John Terry could rival Wayne Rooney for Derby manager job with Aston Villa willing to let Chelsea legend go

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      JOHN TERRY could rival Wayne Rooney for the vacant Derby manager job, according to reports.
      The Rams sacked Phillip Cocu at the weekend with the club bottom of the Championship and winning just one of their first 11 league games of the season.

      John Terry could rival Wayne Rooney for the vacant managerial post at DerbyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rooney, Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker have been left in charge of training and are on course to take Saturday’s game away at Bristol City.
      Rooney does not have his coaching badges yet, so respected coach Rosenior will be the senior qualified face in the Derby dug-out for the time being.
      According to the Daily Mail, Rooney, 35, will want to know the details of the new owner’s plans before committing.
      But with a £60million takeover by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan close to completion, even an initial upturn in results may not guarantee the positions long term.

      Sheikh Khaled – a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family and a cousin of Manchester City bankroller Sheikh Mansour – is yet to decide on his first-choice manager and has made no contact with Rooney or his camp during their bid to buy the club.
      And the report suggests Rooney’s former England team-mate Terry could be in the running.
      The Chelsea hero, 39, has been part of Dean Smith’s backroom staff at Aston Villa for the last two years.
      But – like fellow ex-Three Lions skipper Rooney – he is keen to step into management just as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have.

      Rooney, right, has been taking training alongside Shay Given, left, Liam Rosenior and Justin WalkerCredit: Rex Features

      And should he be offered a role as head coach elsewhere, Villa would not block his departure.
      Rooney remains the bookies’ favourite to land the Pride Park post with Terry second.
      Rafa Benitez, Steve Cooper, Eddie Howe and Danny Cowley are also high in the running.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      The former England captains both have eyes on taking on a managerial postCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Rooney remains the bookies’ favourite to replace Cocu at Pride ParkCredit: Reuters

      John Terry mocks Spurs-supporting pal in hilarious video as Chelsea legend shows off jam-packed trophy cabinet More

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      Wayne Rooney faces huge battle saving Derby from relegation and risks putting pride before a fall

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      WAYNE ROONEY risks putting pride before a fall as he leads Derby’s coaching staff from Monday.
      It would be all too easy for Roo to get romantic about the situation with County’s new owners expected to move in this week.

      Wayne Rooney should be cautious about accepting such a tough job as DerbyCredit: PA

      Ex-PSV Eindhoven chief Phillip Cocu has exited Pride Park with the Rams bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Rams have a history as one of England’s most illustrious clubs, linked with legendary figures like Brian Clough, Dave Mackay, Francis Lee, Peter Shilton and Roy McFarland.
      And Rooney’s arrival as Phillip Cocu’s player-coach in January was always supposed to lead him into his first job as a manager.
      That’s why he walked away from a lucrative  contract that still had two years to run at MLS club DC United and his progression was supposed to be set in stone.

      FROM 2004 LIONS TO THE DUGOUT

      TEN of England’s starting XI against Portugal at Euro 2004 have now gone into coaching or management. Here is what they have done.

      DAVID BECKHAM: England (2010, coach).DAVID JAMES: Kerala Blasters (2018, manager).PAUL SCHOLES: Oldham (2019, manager), Salford (2014-, owner; 2020, manager).WAYNE ROONEY: Derby (2020-, caretaker manager).GARY NEVILLE: England (2012-16, assistant) Valencia (2015-16, manager).STEVEN GERRARD: Liverpool (2017-18, youth coach), Rangers (2018-, manager).FRANK LAMPARD: Derby (2018-19, manager), Chelsea (2019-, manager).ASHLEY COLE: Derby (2018-19, coach), Chelsea (2019-, coach).SOL CAMPBELL: Macclesfield (2018-19, manager), Southend (2019-20, manager).JOHN TERRY: Aston Villa (2018-, assistant).MICHAEL OWEN: None

      The scenario was that Cocu would make way once he had led the Rams back to the Premier League.

      Cocu, 50, appeared to have all the right credentials as Rooney’s mentor.
      He took PSV Eindhoven to three Eredivisie titles in four years, made 101 appearances for Holland and spent six years playing at Barcelona.
      And 35-year-old Rooney should have been able to take notes on how to get  a Championship club  promoted.
      Yet England’s 53-goal record scorer wasn’t even able to take notes on crisis management because Cocu appeared clueless about that side of the job.

      On July 1, Rooney scored the only goal in the win at Preston that took Derby to seventh in the table, one point off the play-offs.
      They then fell like a stone, taking one point from their next five games before a final-day 3-1  triumph at Birmingham.
      This season, Derby have won once in 11 league games — meaning they have just TWO victories in their last 17 league matches — and are rock bottom.So saving them would be a huge feather in Roo’s cap.

      Player-coach Wayne Rooney has stepped up to replace Dutch manager Phillip Cocu after just one Championship win for Derby so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But those 17 Championship games show he should be under no illusions if prospective new owner Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan offers him the job.
      Derby’s form suggests not only a complete lack of leadership by Cocu but also that too many of the players have had a true grit bypass.
      They are playing like losers and, even as captain, Rooney has been unable to shake them out of their lethargy.
      By the time he takes charge against Bristol City on Saturday, County could be five points adrift of 21st place if Coventry beat Brum the night before.
      The job facing Cocu’s replacement is surely not one for a virgin soldier like Rooney, despite spending nine years working under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, while becoming their record scorer with 253 goals.
      Fireman Sam Allardyce would be a better bet to keep Derby up, or fellow street-fighter Tony Pulis.
      But 24 hours before current owner Mel Morris finally got rid of Cocu, Pulis was appointed as Garry Monk’s successor at Sheffield Wednesday.
      And even the Owls are above Derby, despite having suffered a six-point deduction.

      The hope for the Rams would be boat-loads of cash for a transfer-window splurge.. But it might already be too late.

      Sheikh Khaled and his takeover company Derventio Holdings, can be expected to throw money at the problem.
      He is a distant cousin of another member of Abu Dhabi royalty, Manchester City’s Sheikh Mansour.
      The hope for the Rams would be he will pour boat-loads of cash into a January transfer-window splurge and all will be well.
      But it might already be too late by then.

      Everything suggests Rooney would be mad to start his first job as a manager in a grim battle for survival with players who have lost their way.
      Derby have been in the third tier of English football twice before.
      Making it three, under his management, would not look good on his CV and he could be left ruing the day he let his heart rule his head.

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      Rangers target Kenny McLean transfer from Norwich as Steven Gerrard sets sights on Scotland’s Euro 2020 hero

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      STEVEN GERRARD is looking to sign Norwich’s Scotland Euro 2020 hero Kenny McLean to boost Rangers’ title and European bids.
      Boyhood Gers’ fan McLean sent the Tartan Army to a major finals for the first time since 1998 with penalties in both of the shootouts on the way to glory.

      Norwich midfielder and Rangers fan Kenny McLean is being eyed by Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard after his penalty helped Scotland reach the EurosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kenny McLean might be keen on switching from the Championship to Rangers to get regular football before the Euros next summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the lure of being a regular at club level in the run-up to the big games in the summer makes a move to Rangers appealing for the midfielder.
      Gerrard is keen on McLean, who has been in and out of the Canaries team since they were relegated to the Championship.
      McLean, 28, could be willing to go home as the Glasgow giants try to stop Celtic winning ten titles in a row.
      Rangers may  offer a deal paid in instalments or possibly take McLean on loan with a guaranteed buy in the summer.

      Rangers tried for McLean in the last transfer window.
      And insiders claim that the player would be up for the switch north if Norwich are willing to let him go.
      But Canaries boss Daniel Farke refused to consider selling McLean in their relegation season, insisting he was “incredibly important” and still developing.
      McLean himself has spoken before of an Ibrox approach.

      He told Si Ferry’s Open Goal: “There was talk a couple of times about Rangers but nothing ever materialised for me.
      “Even when I was out of contract at Aberdeen, I had six months left on my deal and there were talks but nothing too big to be honest with you.
      “Nothing for me to get excited about because there was nothing ever in front of me.”

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      Wayne Rooney named Derby interim boss after Phillip Cocu AXED with Rams rooted to bottom of Championship

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      WAYNE ROONEY is Derby’s new interim boss after the shock axing of Phillip Cocu.
      Former England and Manchester United star Rooney, 35, takes the reins with Liam Rosenior as Dutchman Cocu’s backroom staff were also dumped.

      Wayne Rooney has been added to the coaching staff after Derby sacked Phillip CocuCredit: Reuters

      Cocu and Rooney worked together closely as skipper and coachCredit: Rex Features

      Derby County Football Club have parted company with manager Phillip Cocu, Chris van der Weerden and Twan Scheepers by mutual agreement and immediate effect.Full story👇#DCFC
      — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) November 14, 2020

      Derby skipper Rooney said: “I am sorry Phillip and his staff have left the club.
      “And I want to thank him personally for all of his help and encouragement as part of the coaching staff.
      “The most important thing now is to stabilise the club and start moving up the table. I have been asked to be part of the staff to help the team’s preparations for next Saturday’s vital match at Bristol City.”
      Rooney, Rosenior and fellow coaches Shay Given and Justin Walker will oversee training.

      And Roo added: “The coaches and I will speak with players on Monday.”

      Former Premier League keeper Shay Given is one of four interim coachesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Liam Rosenior will also share first-team duties Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former Barcelona and Holland midfielder Cocu, 50, only took charge at Pride Park in July 2019.
      But the Rams are rooted to the bottom of the Championship and have won just one of their 11 league matches this term.
      Cocu said: “Although this season has not gone as we all would have liked on the pitch I believe passionately in the project that we started to build.”

      Rooney does not have his coaching badges yet, so respected coach Rosenior will be the senior qualified face in the dug-out for the time being.
      But Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan and his team have made no contact with Rooney or his camp during their bid to buy the club.
      Although there has been agreement for over a week there has been no feeler put out in his direction, raising doubts about whether the Arab and his advisers have other candidates in mind.
      Aston Villa coach John Terry’s name has been whispered while Steve McClaren could be asked back in a senior role.

      A Derby statement read: “Derby and Phillip Cocu have parted company by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
      “Assistant manager Chris van der Weerden and first-team coach Twan Scheepers also left the club by mutual agreement.
      “The club would like to record its appreciation for the way Phillip and his staff conducted themselves in what were some extremely challenging situations during his tenure.
      “Phillip made significant financial contributions and personal efforts towards the club’s community projects during the Covid-19 pandemic, which the club are extremely grateful for.”

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