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      Former EFL club forced to relocate to new town after being warned team could ‘cease to exist as we know it’

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      A FORMER EFL club have been forced to relocate after a warning that the team could stop existing.AFC Rushden & Diamonds will leave their current home, Hayden Road, at the end of the season.AFC Rushden & Diamonds are moving groundA vote was taken with part-owners and an overwhelming majority opted to send the Northamptonshire outfit to the Dog and Duck Football Ground.The club used to play at the stadium and will now groundshare it with Wellingborough FC.A turnout of 69 per cent of part-owners took part in the vote, with 89 per cent choosing the move.Chairman Rob Usher released a statement in which he admitted that if the Diamonds had continued as it was it may “no longer exist”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt said: “For many years our Club hasn’t been operating within its means and whilst we are on course to make a profit this year, the figures show that if we continue as we are, AFC Rushden & Diamonds as we have come to know it will no longer exist.”We can stay where we are, cut our cloth accordingly and carry on, but we’ll become something our supporters don’t recognise and for us as the current custodians of this Club.”That’s not something we’re going to sit by and let happen.”Over the last 18 months since assuming our positions in November 2022, we have had to make drastic changes, easy decisions and tough decisions, to ensure that the Club survived but whilst cutting costs across all areas of the business to ultimately ensure sustainability.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The one area we have never really been able to impact positively is the groundshare agreement at Hayden Road.”It’s the one area of the business where costs have actually increased since we took charge.Hardest Geezer Russ Cook spotted at non-league clash just hours before he’s due to run London Marathon”This dictated that we need to look at alternative options and after very positive conversations with Wellingborough Town’s representatives over the last few months, we were able to table this move to Part Owners.”As a Board, we are pleased with the outcome of the vote.”The club played at the Dog and Duck from 2012 to 2017 but had to move after a clause was invoked by landlord Alper Ozdogan.The Diamonds are currently 19th in the Northern Premier League – Midlands Division.The club is on equal points with 18th-placed Rugby Town but are at threat of relegation.The club was formerly known as Rushden & Diamonds and reached as high as Division Two in 2003.It was relegated back to Division Three in the 2003/04 season before being dumped back to the Conference League in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2011, the club was then expelled from the Conference League due to its unstable financial position, which meant there was no guarantee that it would finish the season.AFC Rushden & Diamonds was formed as a result of being a Phoenix club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Ladbrokes punter turns 66p into £2.6k with genius cash out on Saturday acca

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      CHUCKING some loose change at a big price acca and hoping it sticks for a big payday – we’ve all done it!But how many of us have actually landed it?Ladbrokes punter turns 66p into £2.6k with genius cash out on Saturday accaCredit: GettyLadbrokes: Get £20 in free bets for football*Well on Saturday one plucky Ladbrokes punter did exactly that when staking 66p on a whopping 14,608/1 shot.The unlikely eight-fold consisted of the two 3pm kick offs in the Premier League and six from the Championship.Burnley (8/5) and Brentford (7/5) picked up huge away wins in their relegation encounters against Sheffield United and Luton, respectively.Swansea (23/10) put a massive dent in Huddersfield’s survival hopes in the second tier with their own resounding away day win, scoring four goals in the last 17 minutes.Millwall (5/2) edged their way away from the danger zone with a priceless win at Sunderland, who are going through the motions with nothing to play for at present.Norwich City do but they were held at home to Bristol City to harm their promotion hopes, correctly selected by this bettor at 29/10.While Watford and Hull – also chasing a play off spot – also finished a draw at 5/2.The winning betLadbrokes odds

      Burnley to beat Sheffield United – 8/5
      Brentford to beat Luton – 7/5
      Cardiff to beat Southampton – 8/1
      Swansea to beat Huddersfield – 23/10
      Norwich v Bristol City to finish a draw – 29/10
      Birmingham to beat Rotherham – 13/20*
      Millwall to beat Sunderland – 5/2
      Watford v Hull to finish a draw – 5/2

      ODDS – 14,608/1
      TOTAL STAKE – 66p
      CASHED OUT FOR – £2,593.69
      TOTAL RETURNS (would’ve been) – £9,642.06
      *customer cashed out at 17:07

      Ladbrokes: Get £20 in free bets for football*

      The biggest odds in this bet and on the Championship card came at the Cardiff City Stadium, when Cian Ashford struck a 96th minute winner to complete a come-from-behind win over automatic promotion hopefuls Southampton.Picked at a monstrous 8/1 on the coupon, the Bluebirds scored twice in the final quarter of the contest to earn the three points after Joe Aribo’s early strike.That left the punter with a huge decision to make, after selecting Birmingham to pick up a priceless three points against already-relegated Rotherham.The game was suspended for the best part of half an hour following a medical emergency in the crowd with the game goalless.With every other result in, the punter opted to cash out their bet at 5:07pm, with the game hitting 66 minutes on the clock – and a £9,642.06 potential return should Birmingham grab a winner.Instead, the game finished a draw and the punter’s return of £2,593.69 was absolutely the right play.Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “We love a big win story, and as if 96th minute drama in Cardiff wasn’t enough, this has to go down as one of the savviest cash outs we’ve seen all season.”Ladbrokes: Get £20 in free bets for football*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

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      Antony disgusts fans by goading Coventry supporters before Man Utd flop is absolutely savaged by ex-Premier League star

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      ANTONY was labelled a “horrible person, horrible player” after he allegedly goaded Coventry fans after their defeat to Manchester United.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster as they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Some Man Utd players were ready to celebrate – Antony decided it was a good idea to goad the Coventry fansCredit: GettyCoventry fans won’t be happy to see this snapAntony was slammed after Man Utd’s penalty shootout win over Coventry CityCredit: AlamyBut that was only after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous triumph.United looked to be cruising towards a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Ellis Simms pulled one back on 71 minutes before Callum O’Hare set-up a nervy finish with eleven left.Haji Wright then kept his nerve in stoppage time to score from the spot to send it to extra time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntony had been brought on just before Coventry’s first goal, and he did not step up once the match came to the shootout after Victor Torp’s 120th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.His fellow Brazilian Casemiro stepped up first but had his effort saved before Wright slotted home to give Coventry the lead.Diogo Dalot made no mistake and then Torp smashed it into the top corner, then Christian Eriksen drilled it in low with United’s third – but this time Andre Onana dived to his right to keep out O’Hare’s effort.Captain Fernandes sent the goalie the wrong way to put United ahead, then Ben Sheaf fired way over the crossbar.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat left Rasmus Hojlund with the job of stepping up to win it, and the Dane sent the goalie the opposite way as he raced off in celebration.However, Antony reportedly started cupping his hands to his ears in the direction of the Coventry end as he goaded either their supporters or some of their players.Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itThat led to ex-Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison telling BBC 5Live: “He needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing the Championship next season.”And a host of other supporters could not wait to go two-footed on the winger, who had made little impact after replacing Alejandro Garnacho.One post on X read: “Antony taunting Coventry fans after Hojlund’s penalty. The absolute nerve of it.”“That bro has lost shame,” declared another while he was also labelled as being “unbelievably small time”.A long-suffering supporter said: “The standards have dropped at this club.”Antony’s actions were called “classy as ever” while another fan fumed: “Bro thinks he won the World Cup.”He allegedly cupped his ears and started goading the Sky Blue supportersCredit: Getty More

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      I played with Mark Noble and was coached by Souness but I hung up my boots at 21 for career in totally different sport

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      BECOMING a professional athlete comes with twists and turn but Keith Barker’s sporting career has been on a roller coaster.Initially, Barker set his sights on a football career and his early days were spent at Blackburn Rovers.Keith Barker had his sights set on a football career playing at Blackburn in his early daysCredit: RexBarker then swapped to become a cricketer and has represented Warwickshire and HampshireCredit: GettyBut the 37-year-old left football behind and transitioned to cricket and has now been a professional cricketer for 15 years, representing both Warwickshire and Hampshire in the County Championship.A switch that is quite uncommon as Barker went from earning a living by kicking a ball to mastering the art of batting and bowling.He spoke with talkSPORT about his time as a footballer before switching to cricket.Barker said: “I started at Blackburn Rovers at the age of nine and got offered a contract at 16, and I was there for another four years after that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I had a loan spell at Rochdale and Cercle Brugge, Blackburn Rovers’ feeder club.”I then played in St Patrick’s in Ireland for a few months, and then, it slowly went downhill.”I was at Northwich Victoria, and at that point, things weren’t looking too great, so at 21, I said I was done with it.”I got offered a trial at Warwickshire against Hampshire, and it went from there.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter hanging up his boots at 21-years-old Barker has played in 163 first-class matches, amassing more than 5,000 runs and claiming over 500 wickets.His cricket journey began when David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd first noticed his potential, leading to observations by Warwickshire’s second team and eventually a trial.Football icons’ strange hobbiesBarker’s performance during the trial was remarkable, marking the end of his football pursuits.Along the way, he has also shared the field with several renowned players.He continued: “[At England youth level] There was James Morrison, Mark Noble, David Nugent.”I played for England Under-19s and 20s, and that was a good experience, and I learned a lot from that.”Barker’s career path intersected with Mark Hughes, who had a successful four-year stint with the Rovers prior to joining Manchester City.Although Barker may not have played for Blackburn’s senior team, he held Hughes in high regard.He added: “Mark Hughes was a bit different.”I didn’t spend that much time around the first team when he was there. He seemed like a good man-manager.”I remember Craig Bellamy being there and Robbie Savage, who saw himself as the big fish. He had some egos in there, managed them well, and got the most out of them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Barker’s football tenure was short lived it was filled with unforgettable memories playing under Graeme Souness who was boss at Blackburn during his youth career.Barker said: “I would love to re-live those experiences – they were brilliant.”Barker played alongside Mark Noble in the England U19s and 20sCredit: GettyBarker also played under Graeme Souness at BlackburnCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Watch the horror moment Blackburn keeper ‘does a Paul Robinson’ as he scores nightmare own goal

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      BLACKBURN goalkeeper Aynsley Pears was left red-faced after scoring a disastrous own goal against Sheffield Wednesday.The 25-year-old was in action for John Eustace’s side in a crucial match in the Championship relegation battle.Dominic Hyam sent a backpass back to his goalkeeperCredit: X/SkyFootballAynsley Pears took a swing at the ballCredit: X/SkyFootballTo Pears’ horror the ball ended up in the back of the netCredit: X/SkyFootballAynsley Pears could not believe his gaffeCredit: PAWith Rovers already trailing 2-1, defender Dominic Hyam sent a backpass to his goalkeeper.Pears went to clear it first time, but inexplicably sliced the ball horribly into his own net.Following his nightmare moment he waved his arms in frustration before picking the ball out of his own net.Pears had produced an incredible performance as his side beat promotion-chasers Leeds 1-0 at Elland Road last week, but this time out he had fans tearing their hair out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the gaffe, reminiscent of Paul Robinson’s 2006 error against Croatia for England, fans fumed on social media.The former Tottenham goalkeeper infamously missed a Gary Neville backpass when trying to clear while playing for the Three Lions.Seeing Pears’ mistake, one fan wrote: “He’s moving like Paul Robinson.”While a second added: “Is your goalie a Paul Robinson regen?”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third claimed: “Got to be one of the greatest own goals of all time.”And another added: “There’s no way he turned around the blamed the defender.”Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away Having seen his team lose to Blackburn last week, one Leeds fan fumed: “Nice of Aynsley Pears to do this every weekend except when he comes to Elland Road, where he channels his inner Buffon.”While a second moaned: “Absolutely, he has made a right pair of clangers today, has a worldie against us, typical.”With Wednesday fighting for their Championship lives, fans of their relegation rivals were also fuming with Pears.One wrote: “I give up.”While a second cried: “We’re doomed.”Pears began his career with Middlesbrough, going on to play 25 times for his boyhood club.During this time he broke into the England youth set-up, earning two caps for the Under-19s.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2020 he joined Blackburn, for whom he has gone on to make 60 appearances.Following their 3-1 win, Sheffield Wednesday climbed out of the relegation zone, moving a point clear of Birmingham and to within one of 20th placed Plymouth Argyle and two of today’s opponents Blackburn.Paul Robinson endured a moment to forget against CroatiaCredit: Sky SportsPears was left gutted after his mistakeCredit: X/SkyFootball More

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      Rotherham vs Birmingham clash SUSPENDED and players taken off pitch due to medical emergency in crowd

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      SATURDAY’S Championship game between Rotherham and Birmingham was suspended for nearly 40 minutes due to a medical emergency in the crowd.The bottom-of-the-table clash saw Brum travel to already-relegated Rotherham looking to secure their own second-tier safety.Rotherham vs Birmingham was suspended after a fan suffered a medical emergency in the standsCredit: GettyBut just eight minutes in, with the game at 0-0, the ref halted proceedings after being made away of an incident in the home stands.A supporter had sadly suffered a medical emergency in the crowd.And the official suspended play as medics rushed to help the stricken fan.After several minutes, players from both sides then left the field as the emergency in the stands continued.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRotherham tweeted: “A temporary pause in play for what appears to be a medical emergency in the crowd.”Another message added: “Players from both sides have been taken into the dressing rooms as the medical teams respond to the emergency. “Our best wishes to the person involved.”Birmingham also tweeted: “We’ll have a small break in play here owing to a supporter medical emergency. Sending our best wishes to those involved.”Most read in ChampionshipNearly 20 minutes after players left the field, Rotherham tweeted again to reveal the fan had been whisked to hospital.Both the supporter and medics at the scene received a standing ovation from the crowd.Rotherham said: “The supporter has now left the stadium with medical professionals. “We would like to thank everyone for their compassion and patience and it goes without saying that all our love and thoughts are with the casualty. “We would ask that the supporter’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”Another tweet confirmed the game would shortly recommence from the 11th minute, making for a 37 minute delay.It added: “The game will restart with the clock at 11 minutes at 3.45pm following a short warm up period for the two teams.”Another tweet thanked medics, reading: “We cannot put into words our gratitude to the paramedics, medical professionals and both sets of supporters for the incredibly compassionate way in which such a difficult situation has been handled. “Sincerely, from every single one of us at Rotherham United, thank you.”At half-time, Rotherham then released an official club statement on the incident.It read: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to place on-record our sincere thanks to the paramedics, medical professionals and both sets of supporters for the professionalism and compassion which was displayed throughout the medical emergency at AESSEAL New York Stadium this afternoon. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the supporter, who was taken to hospital from the stadium after being treated on-site by medical support from St. John’s Ambulance and the respective doctors of both clubs. “In unimaginably difficult circumstances it was incredible to see allegiances on the pitch put aside and the efforts of the medical professionals and support staff receive the commendation that they deserved from everyone inside AESSEAL New York Stadium. “We now ask that the supporter’s privacy is respected during this time.”The match was Steve Evans’ first back in the Rotherham dugout after quitting Stevenage last week.He previously managed them between April 2012 and September 2015.And Evans’ first task will be to lead Rotherham back to the Championship following Leam Richardson’s sacking.Rotherham have won just four games all season, leaving them 22 points off safety.As for Birmingham, they are only out of the drop zone thanks to their superior goal difference over Huddersfield.But with a game in hand, they will be eager to avoid relegation to League One after a dismal season which has seen them go through SIX managers.John Eustace started the season in charge before being brutally sacked for Wayne Rooney.Wazza then lasted just 15 games before Steve Spooner took charge of one match as interim boss.READ MORE SUN STORIESTony Mowbray was then hired as boss but was forced to step away due to a health issue.Mark Venus went into the dugout for the next six matches, with former manager Gary Rowett now in charge until the end of the season. More

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      Coventry boss Mark Robins saved Fergie’s job at Man Utd in 1990 FA Cup.. now he may hammer final nail in Ten Hag coffin

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      IT was one of my favourite FA Cup memories — not as a player but as a fan.I was in the away end at what was then called the Ricoh Arena to watch Coventry City suffer a first-round giant-killing at the hands of non-league Worcester City in 2014.Mark Robins netted a vital goal early in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United careerCredit: GettyFergie had been under pressureCredit: APRobins now faces United as the manager of CoventryCredit: AlamyErik ten Hag takes on Coventry in the FA CupCredit: GettyMy brother Ellis, a loose-cannon of a central midfielder, was playing for Worcester and I had a thoroughly good day out, shouting myself hoarse, watching his team cause a proper upset.Fast forward a decade and Championship Coventry will face Manchester United at Wembley tomorrow in an FA Cup semi-final.It says a lot about the Cup’s special place in the English football calendar that Coventry can experience such extreme fortunes in the competition.Indeed, back in the 1980s, the Sky Blues won the Cup in a classic final against Tottenham and then lost to non-league Sutton United a couple of years later.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoventry and their supporters have been to hell and back in the last decade or so.They have had to play home matches at Birmingham’s St Andrew’s and Northampton because of a dispute between their former owners and the arena operators.I was at Birmingham when they were sharing St Andrew’s and I managed to snap my Achilles playing against them in an ‘away’ fixture at our ground.Coventry fell into the fourth tier at one point. For a club which was a fixture in the top flight for three decades that was a hell of a fall.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are back under local ownership, after years of being run by a hedge fund — although the only cloud might be Mike Ashley owns their ground, now known as the Coventry Building Society Arena.Mark Robins, whose seven years in charge make him the fourth-longest serving manager in English football, has done a tremendous job, taking Coventry to within a penalty shoot-out of the Premier League last season.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Mark is a terrific bloke, who knows football inside out. He is such a decent and generous man.He has this aura about him which makes him a big personality without having to shout and scream.He has consistently had to sell Coventry’s best players — especially Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer last summer — but still manages to rebuild impressively.He famously scored the FA Cup third-round winner for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest to save Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in 1990.And if Cov pull off a win at Wembley, he could do the opposite for Erik ten Hag, whose job as United boss is hanging by a thread.I genuinely think Coventry have a chance, mainly because you never have a clue which United are going to turn up on any given day.Also, Coventry have two forwards who can really cause problems.Ellis Simms, who has scored five goals in their last two Cup ties, and the American, Haji Wright, both have the ability to make runs behind United’s defence and that is exactly what the Premier League side don’t want to encounter.Simms, signed from Everton last summer, is one of many players whose careers have been revived by Robins at Coventry. He might not be absolutely top-drawer but he has a real eye for goal.He scored twice in a dramatic 3-2 win at Wolves in the quarter-finals and a hat-trick against Maidstone in the previous round.Like some of their team-mates, Simms and Wright will be thinking ‘one big game here and I could earn myself a Premier League move’.This is a free hit for Coventry’s players. They have already earned a massive day out for their supporters — a Wembley trip for the second successive season after the Championship play-off final against Luton.Nobody is expecting them to win but they have a real chance. Anything is possible in the Cup, as I remember from my day out with Worcester City.My main memory of that match was that Sean Geddes, who I’d played with at Walsall, scored both of Worcester’s goals.All I can remember of my brother’s performance is that he got booked for a heavy challenge!READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there will be plenty of Coventry fans at Wembley tomorrow who will have seen their team lose at home to Worcester.And when you have experienced bitter moments like that — especially with people like me goading them from the away end — then the good times taste all the more sweet.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Swansea star Sam Parker, 17, wanted by two Champions League giants as they battle Burnley for wonderkid transfer

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      SAM PARKER is wanted by PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Burnley.The Welsh teen star, 17, made his Swansea debut in the Championship away at Coventry last December.Swansea ace Sam Parker is targeted by RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and BurnleyCredit: GettyParker, 17, has put together some impressive performances in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe made three first-team appearances at right wing-back – two in the league and the other in the FA Cup – before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.But Parker’s promise has alerted clubs both domestically and in Europe.And they have lodged their interest in the Wales Under-17 international.Dutch giants PSV have a track record of looking to develop British talent.Read More on FootballEindhoven helped improve Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.Parker is under contract with the Swans until the summer of 2026 after signing his first professional deal last August.The teenager, who turns 18 in July, has been with the Welsh club from Under-9level, and has since progressed through the ranks.Parker was also a member of the Wales squad that played in the European Under-17 Championships in Hungary in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPSV and Leipzig would be able to to offer the teenager Champions League football next season.Burnley, on the other hand, have found themselves in an intense relegation battle.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashThe Clarets are 19th in the Premier League table with six points separating Vincent Kompany’s men from safety. More