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      Premier League cult hero on brink of leaving Championship club… amid fears they can’t afford to sack him

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      JON DAHL Tomasson’s future at Blackburn Rovers is hanging in the balance after his explosive attack on the club.The Dane has not resigned while Rovers are still considering their position but are understood to be deeply unhappy with his comments.
      Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson is on the brink of an exit from Ewood ParkCredit: Getty
      It is even unclear whether the skint Championship club can afford to sack the manager who still has half of his three-year contract to run.
      But a decision on whether he stays or goes is expected within the next 24 hours.
      Tomasson declared this week how frustrated he has been for months over massive cuts in transfer spending.
      The 47-year-old said: “It was very serious in the summer when everything changed with a hand grenade that changed everything, cutting the budget.”
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      The plan of the club owned by Venky’s and Director of Football Steve Waggott was to spend little and cash in on players coming through the academy.
      But Tomasson, with one win in eleven league games, insisted: “I’m a little bit more ambitious
      “It’s a difficult moment but that’s why Steve Waggott spoke about staying in the league, developing players.
      “It can’t come as a surprise, I told the club in the summer. The alarm clocks are on.”
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      Tomasson is also privately furious that 19-year-old home grown midfielder Adam Wharton was sold to Crystal Palace for an up-front £18m plus £4m of add-ons last week.
      He told Sun Sport recently that “would find it hard to believe” that Rovers would sell in the January window with a potential battle against the drop looming.
      Crystal Palace seal £22.5m Adam Wharton transfer as he leaves Blackburn on deadline day
      Meanwhile a loan deal for Orlando striker Duncan Maguire was blocked by the EFL after Rovers failed to complete all the paperwork on transfer deadline day.
      An appeal against the EFL decision will be heard this week although the club are not hopeful of success.
      It is now the THIRD time in the space of a year that Rovers have seen a transfer fall through due to admin errors.
      In January last year, forms to green light the signings of Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest and Ethan Brierley from Rochdale were both not handed in before the deadline.
      An appeal was then rejected by the EFL. More

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      Football star handed four-month ban for breaching FA rules by placing 484 bets on football matches including OWN team

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      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN star Kian Harratt has been suspended for four months after placing 484 bets on football over a three year period.He has been handed a £3,200 fine for the rule breaches – which include betting on his OWN team.
      Kian Harratt has been banned for four monthsCredit: Rex
      The ban relates to a series of betting breaches that run from June 2020 to June 2023.
      As part of the FA hearing which decided on the length of the ban, Harratt admitted to betting on matches he was involved in.
      In his statement, Harratt said: “I am also cognisant of the fact that some of the bets that I have placed are more problematic than others, in particular those involving my own team.
      “While the vast majority of the bets I have placed on football do not involve my own team, I recognise the issues that placing betsinvolving my own team can cause.”
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      The forward went on to admit that he had bet on his team to lose on multiple occasions, saying: “Of the 44 bets of this nature that I placed, 36 involved Huddersfield.
      “I was not in the matchday squad for any of the fixtures involving Huddersfield that I bet on, as I was either on loan or training with the reserves at that time.
      “Nine of the 36 bets involving Huddersfield included selections for Huddersfield to lose. While, as explained above, I was not in the squad for these fixtures, I accept that these are perhaps the most serious of the bets on football that I have placed.
      “As is demonstrated by the spontaneous nature of the bets that I placed, I did not plan or give much thought to the teams that I included.
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      The rule breaches covered loan spells at Port Vale and Bradford – where he admitted to still betting on Huddersfield gamesCredit: PA
      “Looking back, I find it difficult to explain how or why I would have selected certain teams or fixtures to bet on.
      “In particular, I am unable to explain why I would have placed bets against my own team, when it is clear to me now that this is something that footballers should not do.”
      Harratt explained to the FA he began gambling when he opened an online betting account on his 18th birthday.
      The striker initially limited his betting to horse-racing but explained that this extended to football soon after.
      He told the FA: “Unfortunately, as my betting history included in the FA Charge Letter shows, once I started to place bets on football, I found myself unable to stop, despite numerous attempts to do so.”
      “I can now see that the number of bets that I placed directly corresponds with the amount of time that I spent on the pitch.
      “I found myself continually trying to replicate the feeling of playingregular first team football and when such opportunities were not forthcoming, my gambling activity increased in order to get an adrenaline rush or the same ‘buzz’ I got from playing.”
      He went on to confirm that all the bets he placed were in his own name, and he made no attempts to conceal his identity when gambling.
      That’s despite Harratt admitting: “I readily accept that I received training and education sessions which included sections on gambling as an academy player and I was aware that the rules say that footballers cannot bet on football.”
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      Huddersfield released a statement in response to the ban saying: “Kian immediately admitted the offences upon being charged and has fully cooperated with the subsequent FA and club investigations.
      “The club will now support Kian, who is currently recovering from hamstring surgery, through the next four months ahead of his return to football activity.” More

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      Former Premier League winners labelled ’embarrassing’ as THREE transfers in a year fall through due to admin errors

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      BLACKBURN fans have slammed the club after their THIRD transfer within a year fell through due to admin blunders.The Championship side did business late in the window as they sold star man Adam Wharton to Crystal Palace on Deadline Day for £22million.
      Duncan McGuire is now in limbo as he waits to find out if his move to Blackburn gets ratifiedCredit: Getty
      They were then ready to sign Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire on loan until the end of the season.
      But the deal was not completed before the window slammed shut as the correct documents were not submitted in time.
      McGuire, 22, flew across the Atlantic to sign for Blackburn – but he is now in limbo as the club launches an appeal.
      A Rovers statement explained the situation and what could be in store next for the player.
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      It read: “Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move to Blackburn from MLS side Orlando City has not been approved by the EFL to date due to the registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.
      “All of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 10pm on Thursday February 1st, however due to an administrative error, the forms were not processed within the prescribed time.
      “Detailed discussions with legal representatives and the relevant football authorities have taken place over the past few days to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter.
      “The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL Board, who will consider the case on Thursday February 8th. 
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      “Orlando City have allowed McGuire to remain in the UK, pending the EFL Board’s decision.
      “He will return to the United States, where he will re-join his club ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season, should his registration not be approved.
      Crystal Palace seal £22.5m Adam Wharton transfer as he leaves Blackburn on deadline day
      “Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens.”
      This is not the first time Blackburn have made an error when submitting the relevant transfer paperwork.
      In January last year, forms to green light the signings of Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest and Ethan Brierley from Rochdale were both not handed in before the deadline.
      An appeal was then rejected by the EFL.
      O’Brien was instead loaned out to DC United as their transfer window was still open and he never played for Blackburn.
      As for Brierley, he also never pulled on the Rovers shirt and instead returned to Rochdale as their was still a place in the squad for him.
      After Blackburn made the same mistake this year with McGuire, fans have hit out at club chiefs.
      One said: “Absolutely embarrassing.”
      Another added: “Whoever is responsible needs sacking. Plain and simple.”
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      A third raged: “Honestly the worst run club in England – you all should be ashamed of yourselves.”
      The 1994–95 Premier League winners currently sit 18th in the Championship.
      Lewis O’Brien saw his move to Blackburn fall through due to an admin issue last yearCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League star wakes up unemployed after RIPPING UP Stoke contract

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      DWIGHT GAYLE has left Stoke and is currently a free agent.That is according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who reports Gayle, 34, has terminated his contract with the Potters.
      Dwight Gayle has terminated his contract with StokeCredit: Alamy
      Gayle has struggled for minutes this season with StokeCredit: Getty
      The striker joined the Championship club in 2022 and is leaving with three goals and six assists in 50 appearances under his belt.
      The Walthamstow star fell down the pecking order this season and only managed a mere one assist in 14 appearances.
      Gayle burst onto the scene in 2013 when he became Crystal Palace’s record signing for £4.5million having impressed with Peterborough.
      The centre-forward went on to amass a total of 25 goals and three assists in 74 appearances during his three-year stint at Palace.
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      That led to a move to Newcastle, who saw him as the club’s next big star during a trying time.
      Gayle moved to St James’ Park for £10m and helped fire the Magpies back to the Premier League with a stellar return of 23 goals in 32 games in the Championship.
      But he couldn’t hold down a place or find consistent form in the Prem for the Toon.
      And so he was loaned out to West Brom for the 2018-19 season and was top goalscorer during their run to the play-offs.
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      Gayle managed a total of 24 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances for the Baggies.
      After three more unspectacular seasons on Tyneside he returned to the Championship with Stoke in 2022.
      The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History
      Gayle could entice both Rangers and Celtic but he would still likely command a fair wage. More

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      When is Sunderland ‘Til I Die season 3 released? All the details you need ahead of final season of Netflix documentary

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      SUNDERLAND ‘Til I Die will return for its third and final season on Netflix next week.The debut series followed the Black Cat’s relegation from the Championship to League One and gained many fans from the footballing world.
      The third and final series of Sunderland ‘Til I Die will cover the Black Cat’s promotion back to the ChampionshipCredit: GETTY
      In the following season, the cameras covered Sunderland’s first season back in the third tier in 2018/19, which ended in play-off heartbreak.
      The third and final series will capture the Black Cat’s return to the Championship under former manager Alex Neil and the arrival of the new owners.
      Fans have waited since 2022 for the series to be aired on Netflix, but that wait is almost over.
      When is Sunderland ‘Til I Die season 3 released?

      Sunderland ‘Til I Die season 3 will be released on Tuesday, February 13th.
      The final season will consist of just two episodes.

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      What TV channel is Sunderland ‘Til I Die on and can it be live streamed?

      Sunderland ‘Til I Die season 3 will be available to watch on Netflix.
      You can download the Netflix app for FREE onto your mobile or tablet device.
      If you are not currently a Netflix customer, prices range from £4.99 to £17.99 per month.

      What has been said?
      Ben Turner and Leo Pearlman are lifelong Sunderland fans and the makers of Sunderland ‘Til I Die.
      On the third and final season, Pearlman said in 2022: “This time we are purely focussing on the play-off win from last season.
      “There will be two episodes that look at the incredible finale to the season with the play-off semi-finals and the play-off win against Wycombe at Wembley.
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      “We are ending Sunderland Til I Die on a high.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League star now playing for Gary Neville’s team at 37 thanks to huge change to my diet

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      ADRIAN MARIAPPA is still marshalling defences at the ripe old age of 37.The centre-back made his professional debut as a fresh-faced teenager 19 years ago after rising through the ranks at Watford.
      Adrian Mariappa made his professional debut back in 2005 while he was at WatfordCredit: REUTERS
      The centre-back is still going strong at the age of 37Credit: GETTY
      Mariappa would spend the next 16 seasons playing in the Premier League and The Championship during his two stints with the Bees and spells with Bristol City, Crystal Palace and Reading.
      The Jamaica international is still going strong in League Two with Salford United, much to the surprise of many.
      And Mariappa attributes his longevity to his vegan diet, which he adopted nearly seven years ago and has helped alleviate his tendonitis.
      He told The Mirror: “I felt it had a big impact on inflammation, especially on my tendons.
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      “I had tendonitis on my knees and that cleared up – I don’t have it anymore.
      “That was the catalyst to cutting out pretty much all animal products from my diet and it’s something I’ve stuck to ever since.”
      Mariappa doesn’t know if his change in diet is the sole reason why’ he’s able to play deep into his thirties, although he’s only missed THREE matches through injury since ditching animal-based products.
      He said: “You don’t know what would have happened if I had stayed on my previous diet, but since that time I’ve missed three games through injury.
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      Adrian Mariappa attributes his longevity to his vegan dietCredit: GETTY
      “I’m obviously over 30 and I’m playing in League Two now, where I am probably running more than I ever have in my career.
      “I’m still hitting top speeds of 34.5kph – they’re good numbers for any centre-half, especially one at my age.
      “I’m able to put myself through training every day and be available. I always wanted to play as long as I can and it’s tied in nicely.
      “A common misconception of going plant-based is that it will affect your performance.
      “If I felt it had, I probably would have reversed my decision. But so far I’ve been thriving on it and it’s just part of my lifestyle now.”
      Getting his hands on nutrient-dense and tasty vegan food is a lot easier now than it was when Mariappa initially adopted the lifestyle.
      He said: “I think society has changed and become a bit more open-minded.“There are a lot more options.
      “Society has shifted and I’ve never had any troubles or dramas with that sort of thing.
      “Lots of footballers follow different diets now and the clubs will want to maximise how the player feels and what is best for them, so more often than not they are willing to cater to them because everyone is different.
      “When I first decided to make the decision, I got quite a bit of banter about it.
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      “One thing I found though was that the meals I was getting looked so good that a lot of the boys were trying them anyway.
      “I’m always open to have conversations about it. I don’t try to put it in peoples’ faces; people just see that I’m eating differently and ask questions about it, which I’m always happy to answer.” More

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      My dad’s a Premier League legend – I’m making my own way in Championship using Erling Haaland as inspiration

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      ERLING HAALAND has been used as inspiration to help Liam Delap flourish during his loan stint at Hull.Liam, 20 – the son of Premier League hero Rory Delap – has been enjoying significant success at the MKM Stadium with seven goals and two assists in 26 Championship appearances.
      Liam Delap is the son of Premier League hero Rory DelapCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Liam is currently playing on loan at Hull from Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Liam is using Man City superstar Erling Haaland during his developmentCredit: Getty
      And the Tigers’ manager Liam Rosenior revealed he shows the striker clips of Manchester City superstar Haaland in order to develop in his role up front.
      Rosenior wants the England Under-21 international to lead the attack just like the Norway international as a pure No9.
      And the 39-year-old tactician expects a lot from Rory’s son as he compared him with other Premier League greats, such as Bobby Zamora and Andy Cole.
      Rosenior said: “We’re working with Liam on being – and showing him clips of Haaland at the moment – in the middle of the goal.
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      “We need Liam in this period and for a young player, I think he showed some outstanding stuff.
      “I played with some unbelievable strikers, Andy Cole when he was in his 30s at Fulham, Bobby Zamora at Brighton when he was in his 30s, Brian McBride was in his 30s and what happens over time, is you get those pictures of where you need to be in the six-yard box.
      “Glenn Murray, and he won’t mind me saying this, he couldn’t trap a bag of cement but he knew where the goal was and he played in the Premier League until he was 37.
      “Liam’s learning those pictures as he goes. For me, it’s my job and [assistant head coach] Justin [Walker] who works with him on a daily basis on the attacking stuff to accelerate his learning.
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      “I think Haaland’s a beast. He understands the games that quickly and he just knows where he needs to be. For me, Liam’s improving.”
      If Liam continues to evolve at Hull then there is a chance he could actually play with Haaland at City one day.
      That is because the centre-forward is still in the Citizens’ books following two other loan stints at Stoke and Preston.
      Rory, 47, amassed a total of 359 appearances in the Premier League during a 19-year career that saw him playing for the likes of Derby, Southampton, Sunderland and Stoke.
      The former midfielder is currently the assistant manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv where he works under former Republic or Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane. More

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      I was on the bench vs Man Utd two days ago – today I scored the winner for my new club after driving overnight

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      JOE HODGE scored the winner for his new club – less than 48 hours after sitting on the bench against Manchester United.The Wolves youngster, 21, was not used by Gary O’Neil on Thursday night as the Red Devils sealed a dramatic 4-3 victory.
      Joe Hodge was on the bench for Wolves against Manchester United on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
      He came on to score the winner against Blackburn on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Hodge and three other outfield players remained in the Wolves dugout as Pedro Neto appeared to rescue a point before Kobbie Mainoo’s 97th-minute finish.
      The match kicked off at 8.15pm on Thursday evening – finishing just after 10pm.
      And at 11.05pm – five minutes after the transfer window officially closed – QPR confirmed they had signed Hodge on loan for the remainder of the season.
      Hodge then drove down from the West Midlands to West London overnight to train with his new team-mates on Friday.
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      And after getting to know Marti Cifuentes and his squad, it is understood the Rs headed up to Lancashire later on Friday – a 224-mile journey from the TSG training ground in Hounslow to Ewood Park.
      Hodge was then named among the substitutes when the team news was announced at 2pm for the Championship clash.
      Cifuentes turned to Hodge as part of a triple change on 58 minutes.
      And just seven minutes later, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international tucked home in style.
      Most read in FootballJoe Hodge’s hectic 48 hours

      THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY

      7.15pm – Named on Wolves bench vs Man Utd
      8.15pm – Wolves vs Man Utd kicks off
      10.17pm – Full-time at Molineux
      11.00pm – Transfer window closes
      11.05pm – QPR announce Hodge loan signing

      FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY

      Hodge drives 140 miles from Molineux to London
      Trains with new QPR team-mates at TSG training ground
      QPR team travel 224 miles to Blackburn

      SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY

      2.00pm – Hodge named on QPR bench
      3.00pm – Kick-off between Blackburn and QPR
      4.16pm – Hodge comes off bench for debut
      4.23pm – Hodge scores to make it 2-0
      4.59pm – Full-time at Ewood Park as QPR win 2-1

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      That put the Hoops 2-0 up with two goals in three minutes.
      And although Sam Gallagher pulled one back for Blackburn, there was no repeat of the late chaos from two nights ago as QPR held on for a crucial three points as they battle to avoid relegation to League One.
      Unsurprisingly, there was plenty of adoration for Hodge on social media after his whirlwind couple of days.
      One fan said: “Joe Hodge I love you with all my heart xx”
      Another wrote: “What a start to Hodge’s career. Glad you made the trip down from Wolves. Thank you!”
      A third added: “Could Joe Hodge be the best thing Gary O’Neil has done for QPR since getting sent off at Wembley?”
      And a final user commented: “Don’t fall in love with a loan player, don’t fall in love with a loan player, don’t fall in love with a loan player… (10 mins into Joe Hodge debut) Never leave.” More