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      ‘John Terry tipped me to replace him at Chelsea but I only played 16 minutes in the Premier League’

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      JAKE CLARKE-SALTER was  tipped by Chelsea legend John Terry to replace him at Stamford Bridge.And he even went on to win a World Cup for the England Under-20s back in 2017 alongside the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.John Terry thought he found his replacement at Chelsea after his departureCredit: ReutersJake Clarke-Salter trained with Terry but played just 16 minutes in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyClarke-Salter underwent a series of loans before settling at Queens Park RangersCredit: GettyBut while his centre-back partner in that tournament, and ex-Blues team-mate, Tomori has gone on to play Champions League football for AC Milan, Clarke-Salter is battling at the bottom of the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.The defender recently signed a new four-year deal at Loftus Road and hopes his team can win only their second game of the season  when fellow early strugglers Portsmouth comes visiting on Saturday.Clarke-Salter, 27, only had 16 minutes of Premier League action in six years as a pro at Chelsea — coming on as a sub for Pedro in 2016 against Aston Villa.Terry was so impressed, he said at the time: “Jake reminds me of myself.Read More on Football“He’s doing great and I hope he goes on to take my position in the team.”Clearly that did not work out. Clarke-Salter did the hard yards in the EFL on loan with Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse in the Netherlands, Notts County, Birmingham and then Coventry.But he ended up leaving two years ago to sign for the Rs.The centre-half said: “You can say I didn’t live up to what people thought.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That’s something I’ve had to reflect on over the years.“I’m happy now at QPR because I’ve found my home again. I enjoy my football, which is the main thing.”’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Clarke-Salter believes going out on too many loans was what ultimately hindered his progress.And asked what advice he would give to any youngster in a similar  position at a top Premier League side, he said: “In all honesty, be patient.“I had an opportunity to stay around the Chelsea first team and train every day and learn a bit more — but I just wanted to play games.“So I went out at a young age, at 18 to 19, and then ended up breaking and dislocating my elbow while at Bristol Rovers.“At Chelsea, I was  training with some of the world’s best players, people like Eden Hazard, JT and Cesc Fabregas.“So I should’ve shown more patience rather than try to rush off.Looking back at Chelsea stint“Everyone has a different path. I should’ve stuck around, rather than play somewhere else as quickly as possible.“It was never like I thought I deserved to start. I had JT, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger all ahead of me.“You should be spending time learning from them and not taking that kind of experience for granted.”Yet Clarke-Salter did have the privilege  of playing with a then 16-year-old Jude Bellingham at Birmingham.And he admitted: “Everyone knew from day one that he was going to be a world beater because of  his mentality.“We could see all the talent he had  but his willingness to work, as a 16-year-old, I’ve never seen anyone  that age do that.QPR hopes“Every day in training, he’d put his foot in and tell people who weren’t doing it right to  get on it. It’s no surprise he’s one of the best players in the world.”Boss Marti Cifuentes performed a near miracle keeping QPR in the Championship last season after inheriting a side that looked dead certs to go down.And there were high hopes in West London that the team would progress this season and push up the table.But, so far, they have only  beaten Luton Town and are yet to win at home.Yet despite this, Clarke-Salter firmly believes the Spanish coach is the  right man to take QPR to the next level — which is why he committed to a new long-term contract.The defender explained: “The new  manager has been massive for the club and myself.Happy at QPR“I suit the style he wants to play. Hopefully there’s  a good future here.“We’ve got a lot of new players and  a new way of playing — so it’s just about gelling now.“Everyone is trying to implement the gaffer’s ideas. It’s a long season.“What I like about the gaffer is his ideas and the way he sees football — his philosphy, his calming presence, the way he speaks to the players.“He has a good understanding and is a great man-manager.”Newly-promoted Pompey are one spot and two points behind 22nd-placed QPR in the table —  and are the only side in the Championship yet to win a game.But Clarke-Salter said: “The table is so tight right now. One win can just shoot you up the table.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got  great players in this squad and now it’s just about getting that  consistency.”  CopyBet is  official betting partner of Queens Park Rangers. Visit CopyBet.comWho are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘You’ve got to earn it’ – Ex-Man Utd star who played for two foreign England managers brushes off Tuchel criticism

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      MICHAEL CARRICK insists the pathway for English coaches isn’t broken and does not care if it’s a German or not in charge of the Three Lions as long as they “earned it”.Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager on an 18-month deal has caused huge debate amongst former players and supporters.Michael Carrick believes the pathway for English coaches is not brokenCredit: AlamyGerman Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new manager this weekCredit: PAMiddlesbrough boss Carrick’s ex-Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville believes it will have a damaging impact for our homegrown coaches and says there are “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.When asked what he thought the problem was regarding a so-called lack of English candidates for the role, Carrick said:  “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong particularly.“It’s not for me to really say. As an Englishman I fully support the team and the manager and I hope that he does really well.“The FA have had a decision to make, they’ve made that and good luck to them.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCarrick continued: “It’s just like playing being a coach, whatever it is it comes down to what you are achieving really.“What’s right or wrong? There’s not a duty really.“It’s up to every club really to pick who they want as players and managers. In the end, you have to be good enough.“It would be nice if there were more [English coaches] at the top level for sure and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.Carrick played under England’s first two foreign coaches, the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, and says having someone from overseas in charge made no difference.The 43-year-old, who celebrates two years in charge of Boro next week, added: “I played under two. Sven gave me my debut and Fabio after that.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling career“From a players point of view, when you play for your country and you are representing yourself, your family and your nation and you give what you can.“I think that there is a respect for the coach and staff but then you’ve got your own responsibility and duty to try and perform, and I don’t think that really changes [whoever is in charge].”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s role at Leeds United explained as ex-Liverpool boss takes up Red Bull transfer job

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      DANIEL FARKE brushed off wild claims that Jurgen Klopp could REPLACE him at Leeds United.The ex-Liverpool manager was this week confirmed as Red Bull’s new head of global soccer.Daniel Farke has dismissed talk of Klopp joining LeedsCredit: APThe compatriots are close frendCredit: AlamyWithin hours a report in Germany stated that one of his first tasks was to keep a “close watch” on his compatriot at Leeds, the club Red Bull bought a minority stake in this year.Farke has lost just one of the opening nine Championship games this term as he looks to go one better than last season’s play-off final defeat and return to the Premier League.However, after the talk about Klopp and a far-fetched claim that he could perhaps even replace him, Farke insisted he had no concern that his friend would be observing him.He said: “There are obviously a few Red Bull teams like in Leipzig, Salzburg, New York and so on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We are Leeds United and for that it is clear, he has a big impact on the Red Bull clubs and for us not that much.“We are Leeds United and I think no one of our supporters would allow us to try and copy something or follow a similar philosophy.“We are a pretty unique club and also have our own values, principles, philosophy, our own way that we want to play.“As far as I know, this is exactly what the 49ers are standing for. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”They know how special this club is and they don’t want to copy someone else and for that, we will always be Leeds United.”Farke is looking to move level on points with second-placed Sheffield United tonight by beating them at Elland Road and bouncing back from the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser at Sunderland a fortnight ago.The game will see his right-back Jayden Bogle face his former employers for the first time since leaving them for Leeds in the summer.How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tacticThe 24-year-old said: “It will be an interesting one but I think we just need to make sure that we prepare well and, as I said before, use that fire from the last game going into this game to do the right job.“It will be tough, just like when any team comes to Elland Road, they try and make it tough and difficult for us. “But I think the main thing for us is to focus on ourselves and apply ourselves in the right way, work hard over the next few days in training and approach the game in the right way.” More

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      When is FA Cup first-round draw? Date, time, ball numbers, TV channel and FREE live stream as 48 EFL sides enter the hat

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      THE draw for the FA Cup first-round proper will take place on Monday night.48 EFL clubs from League One and League Two begin their campaigns at this stage, alongside the 32 non-league teams who have progressed through qualifying.The FA Cup first-round proper gets underway in NovemberCredit: PAPremier League and Championship sides will join the iconic competition from the third round stage in the new year.But before that, teams from the lower end of the footballing pyramid will battle it out in the first-round proper.SunSport has all the information you need ahead of the huge draw.When is FA Cup first-round draw?The FA Cup first-round draw will take place on Monday, October 14.The draw will take place from 7pm BST.Bradford City’s Valley Parade will host proceedings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is the FA Cup first-round draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?The FA Cup first-round draw will be broadcast live on BBC Two.You can live stream the event for FREE on the BBC iPlayer website/app.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will provide full coverage of the draw.FA Cup first-round ball numbersThe ball numbers for the FA Cup first round are as follows:1. Accrington Stanley2. AFC Wimbledon3. Barnsley4. Barrow5. Birmingham City6. Blackpool7. Bolton Wanderers8. Bradford City9. Bristol Rovers10. Bromley11. Burton Albion12. Cambridge United13. Carlisle United14. Charlton Athletic15. Cheltenham Town16. Chesterfield17. Colchester United18. Crawley Town19. Crewe Alexandra20. Doncaster Rovers21. Exeter City22. Fleetwood Town23. Gillingham24. Grimsby Town25. Harrogate Town26. Huddersfield Town27. Leyton Orient28. Lincoln City29. Mansfield Town30. Milton Keynes Dons31. Morecambe32. Newport County33. Northampton Town34. Notts County35. Peterborough United36. Port Vale37. Reading38. Rotherham United39. Salford City40. Shrewsbury Town41. Stevenage42. Stockport County43. Swindon Town44. Tranmere Rovers45. Walsall46. Wigan Athletic47. Wrexham48. Wycombe Wanderers49. Rushall Olympic or Peterborough Sports50. Tamworth51. Oldham Athletic52. Hartlepool United or Brackley Town53. Kettering Town54. Altrincham or Solihull Moors55. Rochdale56. Scarborough Athletic57. York City58. Harborough Town59. Curzon Ashton60. Gainsborough Trinity or Boston United61. Hednesford Town or Gateshead62. Alfreton Town63. Guiseley64. Taunton Town or Maidenhead United65. Horsham66. Aldershot Town67. Southend United68. Sutton United69. Boreham Wood70. Weston Super Mare71. Wealdstone72. Dagenham & Redbridge73. Barnet74. Chesham United75. Tonbridge Angels76. Woking77. Forest Green Rovers78. Maidstone United79. Worthing80. Braintree TownWhen will FA Cup first-round ties take place?FA Cup first-round ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.Most read in FA Cup More

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      George Baldock’s old club hold emotional minute’s applause for tragic star before FA Cup clash vs Wayne Rooney’s brother

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      GEORGE BALDOCK’S former club Tamworth paid a touching tribute to the late Greece, Premier League and EFL hero after his tragic death.Baldock was found dead on Wednesday night at his home in Athens after drowning in his swimming pool at the age of 31.Tamworth held a minute’s applause for ex-player George Baldock before their FA Cup matchBaldock was found dead at his home on Wednesday at the age of 31Credit: APThis tragic loss has seen the British and Greek football community come together in mourning with tributes pouring in for the popular full-back, who moved from Sheffield United to Panathinaikos last summer.National League side Tamworth also paid their respects to the Greece international and his family ahead of Saturday’s fourth qualifying round match in the FA Cup at The Lamb Ground.The Lambs lined up in the centre of the pitch along with opponents Macclesfield, where Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John, 33, plays.The two teams and the crowd then held an emotional minute’s applause for Baldock, who played for Tamworth on loan from MK Dons in 2012.Read More on FootballThat moment of solidarity moved the fans, who took to social media to also pay tribute to the defender.One fan tweeted: “For you, George Baldock.”Another commented: “Once a Lamb, always a Lamb.”A third wrote: “That’s for George.”Most read in FA CupThis fan said: “Dedicating it to George.”And that one stated: “That’s for you George.”Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England Baldock made 18 appearances during his brief stint with Tamworth, where he also scored a goal.The Sheffield United legend then moved to Bramall Lane in 2017 and enjoyed tremendous success as he amassed 219 appearances and helped the team reach two Premier League promotions.The Buckingham-born ace also played a big part in the Blades’ stunning 2019-20 campaign that saw them finishing in the top half of the Prem table in their return to the top flight after 12 years.Ex-Sheffield United team-mate David McGoldrick didn’t forget that as he pointed to the heavens to dedicate his dramatic late equaliser for Notts County during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chesterfield.Baldock died the day before Greece, which is the homeland of his late grandmother, faced England, the country of his birth, at Wembley in the Nations League.The Greek national team went on to pick up an upset 2-1 win over the Three Lions and his team-mates dedicated the victory to their fallen brother in arms and his family.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Inside EFL giants’ abandoned stadium plan to build 40,000-seater new home next to infamous PRISON

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS were once close to leaving their iconic ground and moving to a stunning new home next door to a prison.Loftus Road has been the Championship club’s home since 1917 and they remain there today.Stunning images show what the ground would have looked likeCredit: QPRThe new home was going to be up the road from an infamous prisonCredit: QPRQPR remain at their iconic Loftus Road homeCredit: PABut back in 2013, QPR chiefs had plans drawn up to ditch the 18,439 capacity stadium for a new 40,000-seater.At the time, the Hoops were in the Premier League and managed by legend Harry Redknapp.QPR wanted to increase their revenue and then-chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build a new stadium.The local council were eyeing a major regeneration project in the Old Oak area – just two-and-a-half miles from Loftus Road.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes was keen to seize the opportunity to move across West London, unveiling plans for a stadium dubbed New Queens Park.Incredible computer-generated photos were released to show fans what the ground would look like.One stand has three tiers and there are several new-build apartments overlooking the stadium.The plot of land used would have seen QPR move just up the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandes said at the time: “Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity.”Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR’s needs as the club progresses and grows over the years ahead, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepair”This will be the catalyst for the regeneration of a forgotten area.”However, the plans never made it any further after the club were relegated to the Championship in 2015.Yet they did look at moving grounds again in 2018, when they looked at redeveloping the Linford Christie Stadium.The local running track and football pitch is a mile away from Loftus Road and is also next door to Wormwood Scrubs, as well as Hammersmith Hospital.But a year later, QPR announced they were abandoning plans to modernise the Linford Christie Stadium.The club remain keen on replacing Loftus Road and are reportedly looking for investors to pump cash into “Project Big Ben”.They want to “produce a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium, as part of a major regeneration in West London.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      I’m an ex-EFL boss… club owner kicked me up the backside for goading fans before running off to do same thing

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      EFL legend Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on the craziest moments of his career.Hessenthaler, 59, starred for Watford, Hull and Gillingham during his playing career. Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on some of his stunning experiences from the EFLCredit: GettyAfter hanging up his boots in 2007 he then moved into coaching, and has managed Gillingham, Dover, Leyton Orient and Eastleigh.His experience across the football pyramid has churned up some remarkable stories, ranging from furious managers to wild owner antics.The icon lifted the lid on some of his experiences as part of SunSport’s “What the EFL series?”Best ever player?Kevin Phillips would be the standout player for me in the EFL because the amount of goals he scored and he had a fantastic career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost annoying EFL fans?Got to be Millwall. (Laughing) Has to be.Maddest dressing room tale?Lindsay Parsons, bless him he’s passed away now. We was losing a game – I can’t remember who it was against – and he lost his head. He kicked the door and as he’s kicked the door his foot got stuck in the door. Everyone was trying to keep a straight face but he actually couldn’t get his foot out of the door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCraziest transfer story?I signed Paulo Gazzaniga from Valencia and we ended up, within a year once he got in to the team, we were selling him to Southampton.But the craziest thing for me was I got to Southampton with him and another agent turned up out of the blue. Ex-owner of Rangers Craig Whyte reveals HMRC top brass told him they should have struck a deal before club’s administration in 2012There were two agents saying they represented the lad so we couldn’t do the medical. Fortunately for the lad it went through and he signed for Southampton.Wildest owner antics?Old Leyton Orient chairman [Francesco Becchetti]. We were playing on boxing day against Portsmouth. We were losing the game, and the manager was getting a little bit of stick from the fans but at half-time the owner had come down and sat behind our dugout. I kept looking around, the subs were looking. I was like ‘what’s up with this guy? Has he been drinking? What’s happening?’ All he kept shouting was ‘Andy, Andy’. We won the game and the guys who were giving Ian [Hendon] the manager a little bit of abuse, I sort of cupped my ear a little bit, to say you’re not going to give him any stick now. And as I did that and we come out of the dugout and stood up somebody kicked me up the backside.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’ve turned round and it’s the owner, the next minute the owner just ran off down the side of the pitch, took his coat off, ran past the Orient fans clapping them, went over to the Portsmouth fans and started goading the Portsmouth fans. I couldn’t believe it, I’ve just been attacked by the owner.Leyton Orient chairman Francesco Becchetti and Andy Hessenthaler had a bizarre exchange on boxing day 2015Credit: Sky SportsBecchetti kicked Hassenthaler after a comeback win before goading rival fansCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele ‘in advanced talks’ over shock manager job in Championship

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      CLAUDE Makelele has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Cardiff City.The Chelsea and Real Madrid legend is out of work after leaving Greek team Asteras Tripolis. Claude Makelele has been linked with the managerial post at CardiffCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Chelsea star is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generationCredit: AFP – GettyMakelele, a World Cup runner-up with France, left Tripolis last week after barely a month in charge.The 51-year-old fell out with the club’s owners and is now back on the market. Cardiff have been without a manager since sacking Erol Bulut three weeks ago. The Welsh club are currently bottom of the Championship after mustering just five points from 9 games. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to French outlet Foot Mercato, Makele is in “advanced talks” with the Bluebirds.Makelele retired in 2011 after a stellar two-decade career. He won the Champions League with Madrid and lifted two Premier League titles during five seasons with Chelsea. After hanging up his boots, the Frenchman was an assistant at PSG before taking up his first managerial role with Bastia. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has also enjoyed an assistant role at Cardiff’s rivals Swansea and managed Belgian side Eupen between 2017 and 2019. Makelele returned to Chelsea in 2020 to become a youth coach and technical mentor.Shocking moment Cardiff star left with gash on leg after advertising boards collapse on him as fans celebrate goalJoining up with Asteras Tripolis last month had signalled he was ready for another crack at management.But his fall-out with the board resulted in him leaving the club just weeks after arriving. Makelele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team.”It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. “This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”However, according to WalesOnline’s Glen Williams, Makelele is “not under consideration” for the vacant role with the Bluebirds.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlaven Bilic is currently favourite with the bookies to take on the role in South Wales.Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher, and Ruben Selles have also been linked with the job. More