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      Karren Brady: It’s a case of Deja Roo as Wayne Rooney follows England pals Gerrard and Lampard onto managerial scrapheap

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      WITHOUT question the most important item on a football club agenda is the choice of manager, more fashionably a head coach.The team will stand or fall by this decision. Wayne Rooney at Birmingham was the latest to confirm that getting the chop could also be as brutally swift as the slide of the guillotine.
      Wayne Rooney was given the boot by Birmingham after a horror run of formCredit: Reuters
      He must have been aware that it might. After all, it had happened to two of his former England team-mates, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who found that being great footballers was no defence against managerial botch-ups.
      Rooney was the last of the turn-of-century Three Musketeers to slip off the manager’s saddle, after only two wins in 15 Championship games.
      Vastly popular at Everton and Manchester United, the rest of the country wasn’t far behind in delight at his ability to score stacks of goals combined with thrilling ball skills.
      Birmingham fans were just as admiring, at least until the new American owners accompanied his appointment by ruthlessly sacking the relatively successful John Eustace, a local boy, after he led them to sixth in the Championship.
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      There can be fewer jobs as stressful, unpredictable and unrelenting than being a football boss where only two things are guaranteed — the sack or a move to a bigger club.
      The man in charge must be trusted by players, staff and chairman. He has to be deeply knowledgeable in all things football. And most of all he must be a leader.
      The fact that he was a great footballer hardly matters.
      So where did our golden boys go wrong? My guess is that, above all, the players didn’t get it. Simply weren’t on the same wavelength.
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      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is feeling the heat – managing out in SaudiCredit: Getty
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      I remember an England player telling me that in training their star man was challenged by the coach to hit the bar from 15 yards out.
      He tried twice and failed.
      The coach placed the ball in the same spot and struck the bar first time. “Easy as that,” he said, striding away.
      The victim was undermined. And the coach didn’t last too long.
      Is it fair to say that Rooney seemed the most unlikely of the three to make an outstanding manager? But you never know.
      Did mouthy Brian Clough strike many people as a possible double European Cup winner?
      I am told by football oracles that Rooney did a sound job at Derby and his trouble at St Andrew’s was introducing a fresh style too quickly.
      Birmingham City have enormous potential. The way forward is by meticulous planning and an ambitious boss of humbler origin is crucial, unless Pep Guardiola is up for a new challenge.
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      Had they studied a list of previous appointments, they would have been aware of a similar farce at the club when Gary Rowett was axed for Gianfranco Zola in 2016.
      The Italian star lasted slightly longer than Rooney. Not so much ‘deja vu’ as ‘deja Blues’.
      Frank Lampard has not found managing as easy as he seemed to make playingCredit: Getty More

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      I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

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      JONNY WILLIAMS has gone to three major tournaments, deputised for Gareth Bale and played with and against some of the world’s greats.The midfield playmaker also can boast he has competed in all four of this country’s top divisions.
      Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale in training for Wales
      Williams is now plying his trade for League Two club Gillingham
      And today he hopes to add another chapter to his football story by helping League Two club Gillingham topple Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Priestfield.
      Williams, 30, hung up his boots for Wales only last March.
      And when he returned home last summer to Kent, the county of his birth and upbringing, it dawned on him what an incredible adventure he has been on.
      From playing in the top-flight after winning promotion at Wembley with Crystal Palace to helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-final, he had a whirlwind start to his career.
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      Then he helped Charlton climb into the Championship in 2018, played at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament before being selected to go to last winter’s World Cup in Qatar despite being a League Two player at Swindon!
      He told SunSport: “I pinch myself at times. I’m moving into a new home back in Tunbridge Wells, sorting through boxes and seeing memorabilia of things I did.
      “Going to the Euros and a World Cup were things I could’ve only dreamed of.
      “My only goal as a kid was to play one senior game for Crystal Palace so to go to those tournaments and score twice for my country, as well as win two Wembley play-off finals, were incredible life experiences.” 
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      Williams made his international debut by coming on as a half-time sub for the injured Bale against Scotland in 2013 before deputising for the Wales legend four days later.
      And the Gills midfielder played during what was a golden age in Welsh football.
      He said: “Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people too. 
      “They set the tone for the rest of the group and what followed. There were no egos because that wasn’t the way we were going as a nation.
      Williams in action against England at Euro 2016 in France
      Our man Justin Allen caught up with Jonny Williams at Gillingham
      “The two let their feet do the talking because they’re natural-gifted footballers blessed with unbelievable talent with and without the ball.
      “And the desire to improve and work hard in training set the tempo for the rest of us. 
      “When I was very young, Craig Bellamy was the same — he led by example. 
      “It makes you understand and learn quickly what needs to be done if you want to play for Wales. I was fortunate enough to have those boys to look up to.
      Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people tooJonny Williams
      “They always spoke to everyone, players and staff, with respect. I know it should be a given in life but sometimes in football it’s not and I’ve had team mates who struggle with that.
      “I learned massively from Gareth and Aaron — from when I was playing in the Premier League to when I was in League Two, they still treated me the same as they did Wayne Hennessey.
      “And the squad had some great professionals in it. The other ones that stood out for me were Joe Allen, who got into the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, and Ben Davies.
      “It’s Ben’s 12th season playing for Wales and to stay at that level for that length of time you’ve got to be a top footballer.
      Williams played during a golden era for Welsh football
      The midfielder prepares to warm up at the Qatar World Cup last winter
      “I’m sure once Aaron comes to the end of his time, Ben will be the natural leader to step in because he’s great in the dressing room as well.”
      Bale announced his retirement from all football following the World Cup in Qatar and a glittering career that took in Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.
      And Williams said: “I’m sure he’d have loved to have won the Premier League — but with five Champions League titles and all his Wales achievements I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.
      “I still keep in touch with those two. Aaron’s close to returning from injury with Cardiff. I’ve not spoken to Gareth for a couple of months but he’s probably busy playing golf with that spare time he’s now got!”
      Today’s opponents Sheffield United evoke some fond but also emotional memories for Williams.
      Former Blades player and manager Gary Speed was the man who first promoted him into the Wales squad — and nurtured the then rookie before tragically taking his own life in 2011.
      Williams said: “Gary was a phenomenal bloke in the short time I spent with him. 
      “He was a Premier League legend and I’d seen many of his games as a kid — and in the Wales team as well as I was making my way through the youth ages, watching him playing in the senior set up.
      Gary Speed gave Williams his first Wales senior squad call-up before losing his life in tragic circumstances
      “To this day, we don’t know why he took his life. We’ll be asking for years why? 
      “I remember walking out of church that Sunday morning learning he had passed away. It was tragic news. 
      “I’ll be forever grateful for him giving me that senior call up and showing that belief in me as a 17-year-old to work alongside the likes of him, Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and all the Wales superstars coming through at the time.
      “He took me out for a coffee or hot chocolate in St David’s in Cardiff — and told me straight away, ‘You’re good enough to be here, don’t just think this is a token call-up. You’re playing at a good level, you’ve been playing well and I want you in the senior team. Just enjoy the experience and playing with these players — and this is the start of your future.’
      “Not many managers would’ve done that. I was only a teen but he sat me down and took 15 to 20 minutes to get to know me as a person. I didn’t get much time with him in the end but those small moments I’ll remember forever.”
      Today he potentially faces his former Wales team-mate Rhys Norrington-Davies, who came on as a late sub at Man City for his first outing for FOURTEEN months after being sidelined with a career-threatening hamstring injury.
      And Williams said: “Rhys is so talented and deserves to be in the Premier League. I hope he can kick on.
      “I was gutted for him missing the World Cup because he’s so good around the dressing room too. 

      Williams with the Wales team after being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup
      “Football can be a cruel sport but I’m sure he would have had his friends and family around him to get him through that period and now he’s back fit and he’s got the opportunity to play in the top division.”
      And Williams himself still has plenty of ambitions going forward in his club career.
      Read more on The Sun
      First he hopes to cause an upset today and then his next goal is clear: “To win promotion.
      “I’ve gone to the Premier League and Championship — and now I want to complete the hat-trick set and get Gillingham back into League One where they belong.” More

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      Swansea name Luke Williams as new manager with Star Wars video as fans say ‘he should rip up the contract’

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      SWANSEA have announced the arrival of new manager Luke Williams with a bizarre Star Wars video.The Championship side sacked Michael Duff in December after less than six months in charge following a run of just one win in eight games.
      Swansea confirmed Luke Wiliams as their new manager on Friday afternoonCredit: Getty
      The announcement video for the ex-Notts County boss was a Star Wars spin-offCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      An edited version of a scene from the film revealed Williams’ face under a black hoodCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      The bizarre clip left fans divided on social mediaCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      The clip ended with forward Jamie Paterson’s face photo-shopped onto YodaCredit: X @SwansOfficial
      Now they have appointed a permanent successor in Williams, 42, who leaves League Two side Notts County to join the second-tier outfit.
      But the unveiling of the club’s new head coach was carried out in an unorthodox manner.
      Swansea shared a 34-second video with the caption: “Luke, you are our gaffer 🦢.”
      In the edited Star Wars clip, a person walks through a door on a ship with a green lightsaber and a black hood covering their face.
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      It then pans to a number of characters from the film, before it switches back to the individual with the hood as they remove it to reveal themselves as Williams.
      But the incredible video didn’t end there.
      Yoda pokes up from behind a chair and edited onto the iconic green Star Wars creature is the face of Swans forward Jamie Paterson.
      Some fans praised the attempt, with one saying: “Welcome Luke 🙌 brilliant signing and very excited by it. Swans Media team – you have won the internet too 😂👏”
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      While another added: “Absolute work of art lol 🤩😭🙌🏻🦢.”
      But others were not a fan as someone responded: “What the f*** is this?”
      And a second replied: “He should rip up the contract and come back [to Notts County] after this monstrosity.”
      Williams, who has also coached Swindon, led Notts County to promotion from the National League through the play-offs last season after they finished second behind Wrexham with a club-record 107 points.
      He was previously a member of Swansea’s backroom staff under Russell Martin during the 2021/22 campaign.
      The Welsh side sit 16th in the Championship table, eight points adrift of the play-offs and 10 above the relegation zone.
      Swansea forward Jamie Paterson appeared as Yoda in Williams’ announcement videoCredit: Getty More

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      I’m a Sunderland star and lifelong fan but all my pals are Newcastle, I can’t wait to knock bitter rivals out of FA Cup

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      DAN NEIL has dreamt of wearing Sunderland’s red and white stripes in a Tyne-Wear derby since he could kick a ball.And he reckons the Championship promotion chasers could pull off an FA Cup shock against Saudi-backed neighbours Newcastle on Saturday.
      Sunderland fan Dan Neil hopes he will be celebrating against Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      A season-ticket holder with his dad and grandad from the age of six — around the same time he joined the club’s academy — talented midfielder Neil was brought up in Jarrow where Mackems are a rare breed.
      Most of his mates at school were Toon fans and they have been texting him and asking for tickets since the clubs were drawn together last month — for their first meeting since March 2016.
      Neil saw his first derby in October 2008 as Kieran Richardson’s stunning free-kick secured a 2-1 win — the Black Cats’ first home derby win for 28 years.
      And in the Stadium of Light’s   press  room,   surrounded by images of the side who beat Leeds 1-0 in the 1973 FA Cup final — legendary boss Bob Stokoe, keeper Jim Montgomery and match- winner Ian Porterfield — Neil, 22, said: “When I heard the draw, I was delighted.
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      “You never know whether you’re going to ever play in one of these games.
      “Being a fan growing up, it’s a game I have always dreamed of. I’ve seen a lot of derbies, gone to most of the home ones from 2008 and watched highlights of ones from before I was even born and it’s just a massive game.
      “The rivalry is fierce and I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable.
      “These are the type of games you want to play in.
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      “It’s a massive chance as a team and as an individual to really make a name for yourself and put yourself down in   history around this area.
      “If you can get on the scoresheet, you’re written down in history.”
      A lot has changed since the sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw at St James’ Park on March 20, 2016.
      Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought the Magpies in October 2021 and have spent £374.6million on players so far.
      Sunderland’s current squad has cost about £10m.
      Neil, who is being monitored by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, added: “It’s a derby so it gets magnified but as a Championship squad, we’re just relishing  the chance to play against a Premier League team.
      “We go into every game believing we can damage an opponent and if we keep them out, we’ve got a good chance of scoring.

      “The derby is a different type of game and we need to just rest and recover, get ourselves right mentally, work in training and stick together.
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      “I’m under no illusion, it’s going to be a tough game.
      “But it’s a magical Cup and anything can happen.” More

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      Ex-Championship star leaves current non-league club ‘skint’ after bagging seven while on £75-per-goal bonus

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      FORMER Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman left his club “skint” after scoring seven goals in a non-league match.The 35-year-old, who now plays for Wessex League club Shaftesbury FC, ended 2023 on a high after putting seven past Christchuch in a huge 8-2 win.
      Former Portsmouth star Brett Pitman now plays for non-league side ShaftesburyCredit: Rex Features
      🔥Rockies Man of the Match 🔥Brett Pitman 🔥sponsored by CPD Specialist Works. Here he is Receiving his Man of the match award from management team Jim Milligan & Luke BurbidgeNot forgetting his can of 7️⃣ up 😂 pic.twitter.com/29tJ6h17rc— Shaftesbury F.C (@SFC1888) December 30, 2023

      Having joined the club from Portchester ahead of the 2023-24 season, he reportedly agreed a £75 goalscoring bonus.
      That means Pitman would have picked up an extra £575 on top of his additional wage after Saturday’s match.
      The striker was unsurprisingly named Player of the Match at full time.
      He even posed for a picture with champagne and a can of 7Up to celebrate.
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      The Shaftesbury social media admin later joked that the club had become “skint” as a result of Pitman’s goalscoring form.
      In response to a fan, a tweet from the club’s official account read: “Beans on toast for us tonight. Skint now.”
      Pitman is now the league’s top goalscorer.
      The striker kicked off his professional playing career with Bournemouth in 2005 before joining Bristol City five years later.
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      He then returned to Bournemouth on loan in 2013 before sealing a permanent move back.
      Pitman scored 102 goals in 302 appearances for the Cherries across his three separate spells.
      He also played for Ipswich, Portsmouth, Swindon, Bristol Rovers and Eastleigh. More

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      Six lower-league FA Cup stars to watch including England hero’s brother, goal ace and forgotten Premier League cult hero

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      THE FA CUP third-round is always one of the biggest weekends in the football calendar as Premier League, EFL and non-league sides mix it up.SunSport’s JUSTIN ALLEN takes a look at six players below the top-flight to look out for this weekend in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.
      Jobe Bellingham (left) will relish facing Premier League Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Paul Appiah (right) stars for Maidstone, the lowest-ranked team left in the CupCredit: Gary Stone
      Eastleigh’s 6ft 4in defender Ludwig Francillette is ready to face NewportCredit: Rex
      JOBE BELLINGHAM (Sunderland)
      REAL MADRID and England star Jude Bellingham’s younger brother is enjoying his breakthrough season with the Black Cats.
      And what a game for the 18-year-old midfielder to show his talents this weekend as the Black Cats face their bitter rivals Newcastle in Saturday’s big North East derby at the Stadium of Light.
      PAUL APPIAH (Maidstone United)
      ROOKIE defender will be turning out for the National League South club against Stevenage on Saturday on loan from Leicester.
      The 21-year-old is highly rated and already appeared four times in the EFL Trophy for the Foxes Under-21s side but been sent to the Kent team to get more week-to-week action against senior players. Was superb for the Stones in their second-round win over Barrow.

      LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE (Eastleigh)
      The 6ft 4in ace, 24, is from Guadeloupe and came through the youth system at Newcastle and has two seasons under his belt at League Two club Crawley. Will be hoping to snub out Newport and 17-goal Will Evans this weekend.

      JONNY WILLIAMS (Gillingham)
      VASTLY-experienced midfield playmaker who until last year was a Wales international.
      The 30-year-old former Crystal Palace, Charlton, Cardiff and Swindon ace has featured at two Euros (2016 and 2020) plus was selected for the World Cup squad in Qatar last winter despite being a League Two player!
      DION CHARLES (Bolton)
      STRIKER is on fire as the Trotters aim to win promotion this season from League One.
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      The 28-year-old has an impressive 17 goals already and will be hoping to add to that this weekend and take the scalp of Premier League strugglers Luton.
      JOSH COBURN (Middlesbrough)
      THE lively striker has just turned 21 and highly rated at the Riverside.
      Coburn, back from a season on loan at Bristol Rovers, has scored twice in his last two games and should get a chance against Premier League Aston Villa — although both teams do have bigger fish to fry in their respective divisions.
      Jonny Williams will use all his experience for Gillingham against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      Dion Charles will be Bolton’s main goal threat at Premier League LutonCredit: Rex
      Josh Coburn has scored two in his last two for MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty More

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      Birmingham ‘draw up 20-man list’ for Wayne Rooney replacement with Frank Lampard tipped for stunning move

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      TWENTY candidates are reportedly in the running to be Birmingham’s new manager following the sacking of Wayne Rooney.The Blues axed the Manchester United legend after he won just two matches in 15 games.
      Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham after winning just twice in 15 matchesCredit: PA
      Frank Lampard is on Birmingham’s shortlistCredit: PA
      Rooney surprisingly took over from John Eustace despite the club making a good start to the season and were as high as sixth in the table when he was dismissed in October.
      Birmingham have since slid down to 20th in the Championship under Rooney’s watch.
      The club are now on the lookout for a new boss with technical director Craig Gardner and chief executive Garry Cook leading the search.
      Ex-Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is set for talks later this week, claim the Daily Mail.
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      Reports also suggest that Frank Lampard is in the running.
      He has a large enough profile to appeal to US owners Knighthead but it is unclear whether the Chelsea legend would want the job.
      A return for Eustace has been considered and players are supposedly open to his comeback.
      However, such an appointment could undermine NFL legend Tom Brady and the rest of the club’s owners.
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      Gary Rowett and Nathan Jones are also on the 20-man list.
      Rowett managed Birmingham from 2014 to 2016 and is popular with supporters.
      Meanwhile, Jones impressed when in charge of Luton while they were in the Championship but failed to do similar when with Southampton in the Premier League.
      Previous speculation has linked ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, England Under-21s gaffer Lee Carsley and recently sacked Nottingham Forest chief Steve Cooper with the Birmingham job.
      It’s claimed many more options are being considered at this stage.
      Tony Mowbray appears to be the front-runnerCredit: Reuters More

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      Bournemouth ready to sell £40k-a-week World Cup star with Leeds and Ipswich among clubs in five-horse transfer race

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      BOURNEMOUTH are open to letting Kieffer Moore leave this month – alerting a number of Championship sides.Wales international Moore, 31, has been largely unused by Cherries chief Andoni Iraola.
      Bournemouth are ready to offload Kieffer Moore in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      The forward has only started one game – which came in the League Cup – this term with Dominic Solanke the undisputed first-choice centre-forward at the Vitality.
      It is now expected Moore will leave Bournemouth in January, though his wages of around £40,000 a week mean a loan to the second-tier is more likely.
      Cardiff – who sold Moore to Bournemouth in 2022 – are believed to be pushing hardest for his signature.
      While there is tentative interest from Middlesbrough, whose priority position to strengthen is at the back.
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      The likes of Leeds, Ipswich, West Brom, Birmingham and Sunderland are all keen on bringing a new forward in the winter window so will likely be aware of Moore’s situation.
      Though Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys – another of Moore’s former sides – are pursuing Jay Stansfield, whose loan to St Andrew’s could be cut short this month.
      Moore, who has 39 caps and 12 caps for Wales, has played up the divisions all the way from non-league for the likes of Forest Green, Barnsley, Wigan and Torquay.
      Since arriving on the south coast he has managed to find the net nine times in his 43 appearances.
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      While Bournemouth’s main man Solanke has already netted 12 times in the Premier League this season alone.
      Should Moore depart, Bournemouth could dip into the market to replace him.
      Moore has been playing second fiddle to Dominic Solanke this seasonCredit: Reuters More