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      ‘Best thing I’ve ever seen,’ cry fans as they spot former Premier League star’s brilliant reaction to red card

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      FOOTBALL fans labelled Ethan Ampadu’s reaction to an opponent’s red card as the “best thing I’ve ever seen”.The former Chelsea man, 23, is now a lynchpin in Daniel Farke’s Leeds side eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League. Jonathan Hogg saw red in first-half injury-time of the Yorkshire derbyCredit: Sky Sports The Huddersfield captain elbowed Junior Firpo while already on a yellowCredit: Sky SportsEthan Ampadu immediately wound up his opposite numberCredit: Sky Sports The former Chelsea man then signalled down the tunnelCredit: Sky Sports And he was right in the thick of the action in the Yorkshire derby away at Huddersfield today.The Terriers took a surprise lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time through Michal Helik’s close-range finish.But just as it looked to be the perfect opening half for the hosts, they lost their captain four minutes into the nine added on.Jonathan Hogg, already booked, flung a stray elbow into Junior Firpo when challenging for a loose dropping ball.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the referee immediately whistled then brandished the second yellow and subsequent red.A stunned Hogg had words for the referee… but captain Ampadu shared some of his own with his opposite number.The Leeds skipper, holding the ball, turned to Hogg and nodded his head repeatedly, appearing to say, “Yeah, yeah f*** off,” in agreement with the official’s decision. Ampadu then brilliantly gestured his thumb towards the tunnel – showing Hogg where to go for his early bath.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the brilliant response from the 49-cap Wales international went down a storm among supporters on social media.One said: “This is the best thing I’ve ever seen.” Forgotten ex-Leeds star scores ‘quickest goal ever’ after netting just TWO SECONDS into non-league matchAnother wrote: “It’s funnier the more times you watch it.”A third added: “My captain.”And a fourth quoted the great literary genius Mike Dean to reply: “Off you pop.”But Leeds were not laughing come full-time as their 100 per cent Championship record in 2024 was ended by their rivals.Patrick Bamford did equalise midway through the second half but the ten-man Terriers dug deep to hold on for a crucial point at both ends of the table.Ampadu and Leeds could not find a winner as they dropped crucial pointsCredit: PA More

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      EFL cult hero rewards fans with brilliant gesture after they came to his rescue by crowdfunding to help him keep medal

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      EX-PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star David Norris passed out the pasties to thank supporters for their generosity today.The now 43-year-old claimed his parents had “disappeared with my savings” back in January.David Norris was dishing out the pasties to fans who came to his rescueCredit: C1 MediaThe ex-Plymouth star put his title medal up for sale after falling into financial troubleCredit: XThe ex-midfielder then put his League One winners’ medal, which he won with Plymouth in 2004, up for sale in an apparent bid to raise some much-needed cash.After his post went viral on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, raised £6,000 for their 2006 Player of the Year on JustGiving in order to stop him having to flog his prized memorabilia.Norris, who went on to enjoy more success with Ipswich, Portsmouth and Leeds, showed his appreciation today by handing out 1,330 Cornish Pasties to fans from both Plymouth and Ipswich ahead of today’s Championship clash between his two old teams.He teamed up with Sky Bet and Plymouth to give away £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks to both sets of fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSky Bet helped deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which champions the modern football fan and fan culture, whilst helping to make their matchday experience better.Norris said: “After being faced with this difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider football community has been incredible.“The generosity and kindness I have been shown has been overwhelming and I’m really pleased I’ve been able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and give something back with help from Sky Bet.” Leigh Peacock-Goodwin, head of brand and sponsorship at Sky Bet, said: “We want to celebrate all the best parts of football fan culture in the UK and the Plymouth fans’ commitment to their former player really stood out.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We’re delighted to have supported David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”Meanwhile, Plymouth’s head of marketing and communications Jamie Yabsley added: “Our fans’ loyalty to the club and its players – both past and present – is clear to see.Plymouth fan goes crazy after he is tripped up by Sunderland fan during half-time competition“The way they showed up for David whilst he is facing a hard time fully embodies the spirit of the club and we are glad to have given them the recognition and rewards they deserve for their generosity today alongside Sky Bet.” Norris scored five goals in 45 matches to help Argyle win promotion to the Championship 20 years ago.Norris was a big hit with fans during his six-years playing for the PilgrimsCredit: Action More

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      I’m a Premier League cult hero who became a wrestler and now I’ve come out of retirement at 42 to save non-league club

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      GRANT HOLT was never afraid to tussle with defenders on the pitch.So much so that he turned to professional wrestling after retiring from football.Grant Holt holds legendary status at NorwichCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe went into wrestling and won a 40-man Royal RumbleCredit: WAWHolt has teamed up with a consortium to help non-league Dereham TownNow he is spinning plenty of plates in the “mental place” that is football. Holt, 42, came through the youth ranks at hometown club Carlisle before spells with Halifax, Sorrento in Australia, Sengkang Marine in Singapore, Barrow, Sheffield Wednesday and Rochdale – even working part-time in a factory during his early career.He joined Nottingham Forest in 2006 but, after a season with Shrewsbury, enjoyed his best spell at Norwich from 2009 to 2013. After a 7-1 defeat on debut, he smashed in a hat-trick in the League Cup then was made captain by gaffer Paul Lambert. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHolt fired Norwich to the League One title in 2009-10 and then secured back-to-back promotion as the Canaries reached the Premier League as Championship runners-up.His 15 top-flight goals in 2011-12 saw him crowned player of the year for the third season running and was even tipped to break into the England squad for Euro 2012. Holt had one more season at Carrow Road before finishing his career with spells at Wigan, Hibernian, King’s Lynn Town and Barrow. But he hung up his boots in 2022 after turning out in defence for Norfolk’s Wroxham in the Eastern Counties Football League Premier Division. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlongside his spell in non-league at the end of his playing days, though, Holt made the incredible step from the penalty box into the wrestling ring as he signed a contract with WAW.Dressed as a manager, he dropkicked an opponent over the ropes to win a 40-man Royal Rumble on debut to earn the Crusher Mason Memorial Trophy.Norwich legend Grant Holt wins 40-man Royal Rumble on wrestling debutDad-of-three Holt then added two further wins before calling time on his unbeaten wrestling career to focus on football – working as a Norwich academy coach and then scouting for West Ham. He told SunSport: “WAW put on the event for a couple of kids with cancer. “This event was supposed to be 300-400 people but I spoke to Norwich and we did it with 4,500 at Carrow Road which was absolutely mental. Unbelievable. “I think everyone thought it would spin off into a career in wrestling which was never going to be the case. It was more about raising money for cancer. “I didn’t realise how hard it was going to be – it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life with the training. That’s why I’ve never done it since. “You cannot do it without training. It is so difficult and complex. I wanted to do it properly so I was spending four or five hours a week trying to get all the moves in place. “Definitely fun though! A good buzz. I think they did it that way on purpose but I’m underdefeated.”The three teenage daughters weren’t bothered because there is no embarrassment because I was doing it for charity and raising money for those that need it.”Holt in action for Rochdale way back in 2004Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe finished with a perfect record of three wins from threeCredit: Instagram @holtygrantHolt and his wife have three daughters togetherCredit: instagram @holtygrantHolt is also helping save a non-league club, raising money with a mammoth charity walk, working for a school and spent two years as a first-team scout at West Ham as they signed Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez.The ex-striker is Director of Football at Langley School in Norfolk and has plans to get back into football as a sporting director or manager.However, in February, Holt made a shock football comeback as part of a deal to throw his support behind Dereham Town. He has teamed up with pals in Norfolk to form a consortium to partner with Dereham following their relegation to the ninth tier.The 2002 Northern Premier League President’s Cup winner even registered as a player – taking his tally to 20 clubs – and ironically made his short-lived debut against Norwich’s Under-21s in the Norfolk Senior Cup at Aldiss Park.Holt added: “A couple of friends are Dereham Town fans and like any non-league club it’s been a tough, tough few years for them since Covid. “They are in a bit of trouble so we had a conversation to come in – me on the football side, them on the business side. The aim is to make the club sustainable for a long time. It’s not easy to sustain non-league teams. “Technically I’m a co-owner of the football club. We want the kids to come through to the first team – both boys to the men’s team and girls to the women’s team.”The plan is to help out where I can. I put the boots back on very briefly. I have kept myself fit but I pulled my hamstring a few weeks ago in my only game which didn’t help. That’s more to do with getting old than the fitness! Grant Holt’s football career
      1999 Workington1999–2001 Halifax Town – 6 league appearances (0 league goals)2001 → Sorrento (loan)2001 → Barrow (loan) – 10 (4)2001 Sengkang Marine – 17 (12)2001–2003 Barrow – 59 (31)2003–2004 Sheffield Wednesday – 24 (3)2004–2006 Rochdale – 75 (34)2006–2008 Nottingham Forest – 96 (21)2008 → Blackpool (loan) – 4 (0)2008–2009 Shrewsbury Town – 43 (20)2009–2013 Norwich City – 154 (68)2013–2016 Wigan Athletic – 20 (3)2014 → Aston Villa (loan) – 10 (1)2014 → Huddersfield Town (loan) – 15 (2)2015–2016 → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) – 4 (0)2016 Rochdale – 14 (2)2016–2017 Hibernian – 30 (5)2017 King’s Lynn Town – 3 (1)2017–2018 Barrow – 24 (0)2020–2022 Wroxham – 3 (1)2024– present Dereham Town – 1 (0)Total: 611 (208)

      “I’m there if they are short – my role is not to be a player but to get the club in a position to go forward.”Holt continued: “It’s all about getting the knowledge, I’ve got the director of football role at the school, I’m shaping the non-league team, I’ve got my coaching, I do some ambassador work at Norwich.”I had enough of travelling and leaving the kids so I’m back in Norfolk. I’ve got my A licence, B licence, finished my diploma in Football Management. “I don’t like being pigeon-holed into one thing so I’ve tried to get all my stuff in the background. It’s a good CV.”I’m busy – sometimes too busy. I like having challenges.”Speaking of challenges, Holt and four others are taking on the mammoth task of walking 100 miles in April to raise money for Norwich-based Big C Cancer Charity.The former footballer is training by going out at 5.30am every Saturday morning. Holt said: “We will walk 100 miles from Cromer to Hunstanton to King’s Lynn FC to Dereham FC then back into the Big C. “It is going to take 36 to 40 hours, no sleeping with a couple of hours break. “It’s hard to mentally prepare. We walk 22km around the Norwich ring road at 5.30am on Saturday mornings, there are 37 people now but five of us for the 100-mile walk.”We have to be conscious as it’s not great to have loads of people walking down the road like Forrest Gump!READ MORE SUN STORIES”It will be tough going but all for a worthwhile cause. Everyone needs money at the moment but not everyone has money at the moment so please donate what you can whether that’s 50p, £1 or £10, anything helps.”
      To find out more about Grant Holt’s 100-mile walk and donate to the Big C, go to their JustGiving page
      Holt helped make a name for himself at Nottingham ForestCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe spent time as a scout for West HamCredit: Instagram @holtygrantHe helped Hibernian win the Scottish ChampionshipCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun GlasgowOnly five men have scored more goals for NorwichCredit: Action Images – ReutersSkipper Holt powered Norwich into the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe striker celebrates promotion into the Premier LeagueCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Coventry ace Callum O’Hare ready to seal Premier League free transfer after snubbing Sky Blues contract offer

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      SOUTHAMPTON are interested in signing Coventry star Callum O’Hare this summer but will face Premier League competition.O’Hare, 25, is available on a free transfer at the end of the season having snubbed a new contract at Coventry.Southampton are set to compete with Premier League clubs to sign Callum O’HareCredit: RexSouthampton have been tracking the attacking midfielder for while and considered a move in January, but O’Hare’s preference was to see out the season with Mark Robins’ side.Fulham have sent scouts to watch the former Aston Villa man of late while relegation battling Everton have also kept tabs.The midfielder is expected to attract far more interest as the summer window draws closer.O’Hare missed the start of the season with a cruciate ligament injury but has still managed to rack up nine goals and four assists in all competitions since returning in October.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCoventry are yet to fully give up on hopes of a new deal for their star man, but O’Hare has made it clear he wants to move on at the end of the season.Given the Premier League interest, Southampton’s chances may hinge on whether Russell Martin is successful in taking them back to the top flight or not.A poor recent run of form, losing three of their last four Championship games, has dented hopes of automatic promotion significantly.The Saints are on the lookout for a central midfielder after Carlos Alcaraz joined Italian giants Juventus in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlcaraz had struggled for game time under Martin and the loan deal to Turin includes an option to buy this summer.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot More

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      Premier League icon Tony Pulis, 66, lined up for sensational return to management four years after retiring

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      STOKE CITY are on the hunt to replace boss Steven Schumacher with former legendary boss Tony Pulis.Pulis retired from management back in 2020 and the ex-Premier League icon could be looking at a third spell at the club.Stoke have eyed up Tony Pulis to replace Steven Schumacher at StokeCredit: GettySchumacher only became manager at the club in DecemberCredit: GettyPulis, who is now retired, managed at the Championship side twiceCredit: PA:Empics SportSchumacher only took on the leading role at the BET365 Stadium in December but is already on the brink of losing his job.Stoke have won just two games this year and currently sit on the brink of relegation.And the club have eyed up 66-year-old Pulis – one of the club’s all-time greats – to come and save the day for the third time.As Stoke hopes to retain their Championship status they have eyed up someone who knows the club very well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the ex-Bournemouth star has reportedly made it clear he does not want to come out of retirement any time soon.Pulis guided Stoke through a tough 2002–03 season avoiding relegation on the final day of the season. He then spent two more seasons with Stoke before being sacked in 2005.The Welshman then returned a year later after spending a season at Plymouth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in the 2006–07 season Pulis guided Stoke to the Premier League in the 2007–08 season by finishing runners-up in the Championship.With Stoke amongst the favourites for relegation upon their return to the top flight after a 23-year absence, they went on to comfortably survive and finished in 12th position. Pulis made history during the 2010–11 season as he guided Stoke to their first FA Cup Final after beating Bolton 5–0 in the semi-final.While they lost to Manchester City in the final they qualified for the Europa League the following term.But ended up losing 2-0 on aggregates in the Round of 32 against Spanish giants Valencia which ended in Pulis leaving the club at the end of the season. More

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      FA Cup final could be hit by scheduling chaos with Championship sides set to cause major headache

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      THE FA CUP final could be hit with major scheduling chaos due to the date of the Championship play-off final.That is because the FA Cup final scheduled for May 25 – just one day before the Championship play-off final on May 26.The FA Cup final faces a schedule clash with the Championship playoff finalCredit: GettyPromotion-hunting Leicester or Leeds could see a play-off final date clash with the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyAs it stands, four Championship teams remain in the FA Cup; Coventry, Leicester, Leeds and Southampton, with the latter two in action tonight against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.Each of these teams is in the hunt for promotion, which may lead them to the Wembley play-off final.Leicester lead the second tier but could be clawed back by the likes of Ipswich and Leeds, who are level on points with the final automatic promotion spot up for grabs.Southampton are close behind them and sit fourth in the table and firmly in the play-off spots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Coventry are just five points outside the top six.The magic of the FA Cup means any of these four could make the Wembley final.However, with the showpiece so close to the playoff final it could cause a real headache for event organisers. Since the play-offs were introduced in 1987, such an event has never occurred, with second-tier sides who have made the FA Cup final not appearing in the play-off final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is no plan for it happening, either.SunSport understands that in the event this does occur, the Championship game would be moved to facilitate the FA Cup, with the EFL making a final decision on a prospective new date.’I’m telling you how it is’ – Shearer instantly shakes head after Lineker question live on BBC for FA Cup coverageBut before all of that, there are FA Cup quarter and semi-finals to contend with, not to mention the rest of the Championship season.SunSport has simulated the draw for the last eight, with a tasty Manchester derby on offer if injury-stricken Manchester United can beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. There is also the chance for an all-Championship tie between Leicester and Southampton if the Saints can overcome Carabao Cup winners Liverpool.The real draw commences tonight at 7pm. You can keep up with the draw with SunSport’s live blog. Simulated FA Cup quarter-final draw in full
      Newcastle vs Coventry
      Man City vs Forest/Man Utd
      Southampton/Liverpool vs Leicester
      Brighton/Wolves vs Chelsea/Leeds More

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      ‘Is this an elaborate April Fools?’ ask fans as Birmingham announce legendary band to perform for FREE at Blues game

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      FANS were left asking if April Fools’ Day had come early after Birmingham City announced fans who attend their match with Preston will get to see a UB40 concert for free.Championship side Blues joined forces with the Second City’s most famous band to officially launch the club’s naming rights partnership, St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, on Monday 1 April 2024.
      UB40 are set to perform at the home of Birmingham CityCredit: BCFC
      Fans who attend their game with Preston will get to see the band perform for nothingCredit: Rex
      And the World Premiere of the band’s new album UB45 will be thrown in by the club’s new American ownership to mark the occasion.
      The event will be UB40’s ‘kick off’ concert for their extensive 2024 World Tour and forms part of an Easter Day double-header with Blues’ match against Preston kicking off at 3pm.
      The UB40 concert is included in the price of the ticket for the match and will start at 5.45pm after the match and will last for an hour.
      The English ska band, who have had more than 50 UK hit singles and sold more than 70 million records worldwide, are thrilled to be finally playing at St Andrew’s – 35 years after they last performed there.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Guitarist and founder member of UB40, Robin Campbell said: “UB40 and Blues are Birmingham.
      “It has always been the band’s ambition to play at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park again. We did it in 1989 and it was amazing.
      “We would like to thank Garry Cook (Birmingham City CEO) and his team for the opportunity to make our dream a reality.
      “Our music is from the terraces and streets of this great city. Everything we do starts in and speaks of Birmingham.
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      “So, we could not be prouder to perform a World Premiere of the new album and kick off our World Tour after the Preston match at a place that we call home.”
      Supporters can expect to hear the much-loved classic hits along with a sprinkling of new material from the upcoming ‘UB45’ album on a pre-built stage behind the goal in the Gil Merrick Lower Stand.”
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      However, some were left completely bemused at the announcement as they took to X following the news.
      One joked: “Incredible scenes when people turn up, UB40 aren’t there and it turns out it was the most elaborate, April fools, joke ever created.”
      Another echoed those sentiments by asking: “April fools?”
      As another wrote tongue-in-cheek: “Tbf every one will be going home by 330 when we’re 2 down to preston.”
      However, others were delighted with the news.
      One commented: “Fair play to all involved for putting it on and trying to do something different.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Another joked: “Doubled the attendance that day.”
      While a third said: “So looking forward to this! Brilliant!” More

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      Ex-Premier League and England U21 star now playing for Zimbabwe targeted in three-horse Championship transfer race

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      BRENDAN GALLOWAY is wanted by Championship trio Coventry, Middlesbrough and Blackburn on a free transfer.The Plymouth Argyle centre-back, 27, is out of contract in the summer.
      Brendan Galloway has been in brilliant form for the PilgrimsCredit: Rex
      And the ex-Everton star has held talks with Argyle’s second tier rivals who are fighting it out for his services because he is in the final six months of his current deal.
      The Pilgrims have yet to make a new offer for Galloway which could allow the fellow Championship sides to snap up his signature.
      The centre-back has been a stand out performer for Argyle this season.
      Galloway has made 20 appearances for the Devon club and scored against Leeds in the 4-1 FA Cup fourth round loss.
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      He joined Argyle, who were promoted from League One last season, from Luton on a free transfer in 2021.
      Galloway has represented England for Under-17 to Under-21 level before switching to play for Zimbabwe – the country of his birth – in 2021.
      Since then he has won two senior international caps.
      The defender has suffered from frequent injury issues in recent years.
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      He was limited to just six appearances for Luton in two seasons.
      During his first Argyle campaign he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November 2021.
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      Following his return last term he made 18 appearances as the Pilgrims won League One under Steven Schumacher, missing a large chunk of the campaign, and its run-in, due to hamstring issues.
      Having been ruled out for the first three months of this term he has become a regular under Schumacher and then successor Ian Foster, playing in 17 of Argyle’s last 18 Championship games.
      Galloway, 27, played for Everton in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Empics Sport More