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      Frank Lampard one of ‘EIGHTY’ applicants for vacant EFL job as owner confirms Chelsea legend has applied

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      FRANK LAMPARD could be set for a return to management with Coventry City – but there’s no shortage of competition. The 46-year-old has been out of work since a spell as interim boss of Chelsea last year. Frank Lampard has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: RexThe former England midfielder endured a miserable tenure with EvertonCredit: GettyLampard has managed the Blues, Derby County, and Everton since hanging up his boots in 2016. The three-time Premier League champion is now in the running for the vacant managerial position at Coventry.Sky Blues owner Doug King has confirmed Lampard is being considered for the role. The club parted ways with Mark Robins last week after a poor start to the Championship season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKing told Sky Sports: “We’ve received a huge amount of CVs from high-quality people of which Frank is one. “We’ve done nothing on that process. But clearly we’re in the international break, and we’ll be assessing everything.”We’ll work out who’s going to make the shortlist and we’ll go from there.”King also confirmed as many as 80 applications have been received by the second-tier club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRobins’ departure was a shock among Coventry fans, who watched the former Man Utd star drag them from League Two to the cusp of the top-flight. Coventry reached the Championship playoff final in 2022/23, losing on penalties to Luton Town. Frank Lampard hints at next job after Chelsea sacking he’d be ‘crazy’ to turn downRobins guided them to a ninth-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final last year, but despite serious investment the club currently sit 17th. Following the surprise sacking last week, Coventry legend Steve Ogrizovic spoke of his “shock” at the decision. Ogrizovic told BBC CWR: “Very few things in football shock me but this is a poor decision.”Mark Robins had more to give, look at the club since the day he came in and it’s been year-on-year success and progression.”The sun has been shining on Coventry and they got back into the Championship and along the way there were some great memories for people.”The stadium is full now and it wasn’t when Mark Robins first came to the club.”Mark Robins was sacked by Coventry City last weekCredit: PALampard has not had a managerial position since an interim role with Chelsea in 2023Credit: GettyLampard is a free agent after being sacked by Everton last year.He left the club 19th place in the Premier League, earning just 12 wins from 44 games in charge. Earlier this month, Lampard was tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Sky pundit Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT: “Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought. “He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.” More

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      ‘I blacked out and found myself on the kitchen floor’: Tony Mowbray plotting return to football after cancer battle

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      TONY MOWBRAY has opened up about his brave battle with cancer.The 60-year-old boss was in charge of Birmingham last season before health issues forced him into resigning.Tony Mowbray has lifted the lid on his battle with bowel cancerCredit: ReutersHe replaced Wayne Rooney at St Andrews after he was sacked in January but managed just eight games due to his bowel cancer diagnosis coming a month later.Mowbray revealed his family were left fearing the worst during his worst spell in hospital.The ex-West Brom, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Sunderland gaffer told BBC Radio Teesside: “It’s been the toughest year of my life. “Out of the blue, my illness was diagnosed and my world came crashing down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When you get an illness like what I got, it’s about the family, really. “I remember sitting in a hospital bed, my kids had tears in their eyes not sure whether I was going to get through it or not.”I was very, very ill. Some days, you were feeling great and other days, I would collapse and black out and find myself on the kitchen floor.”Mowbray underwent a ten-hour operation to save his life, which proved successful.Most read in FootballAnd the EFL legend has not given up hope on one day returning to the dugout.He said: “I do want to go back to work because football is in my blood, it’s what I do.”I still have issues, at the moment not 100 per cent ready for work.”I haven’t got the energy that is required to be a football manager. But I will, I’m pretty sure.”I’m fine in myself but it’s very difficult with the condition I’m living with at the moment. “The doctors tell me it will resolve itself in time and I look forward to that day.”I’m going to take my amazing wife away on holiday in the next couple of weeks and in the new year. “I’ll see what is out there, what opportunities come and hopefully my body is tells me I’m ready to go.” More

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      If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here – now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life

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      COLBY BISHOP has revealed he is lucky to be alive after marking his incredible comeback from heart surgery with a goal.The Portsmouth striker scored 21 goals last season as the club won the League One title and were promoted to the Championship.Colby Bishop returned from heart surgery with a goalCredit: RexHe admits he is lucky to be alive after a heart scan picked up a problemCredit: RexHis wife Annabel posted an emotional message on social mediaCredit: Instagram @annabelcbishopBishop underwent a routine heart scan in the summer and it identified an irregularity that required immediate surgery.With his wife Annabel heavily pregnant at the time, the 28-year-old feared his football career was over.The open heart operation was successful, but he has been unable to play this season until making his emotional return on Saturday.Bishop came off the bench in Pompey’s 3-1 win over Preston in the 78th minute and he was on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goal left him “overcome” and “a little bit teary on the pitch”.He told Portsmouth News: “For me, scoring on Saturday has probably got a little more to it than when we won the title.”Three months ago I didn’t know whether this was going to happen again, I didn’t know if I was going to play again. I’m very grateful to be here.”I originally had a heart scan in 2014 at Notts County. I don’t know how, but I’ve missed it since. Most read in Football”I am very lucky, I don’t see it as a detriment, I see it as being very lucky that someone found that.‘If I was a painter or a builder or a dentist, I might not have had that heart scan and something could happen to me.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery”My wife and my first child were at Fratton Park on Saturday, football is everything, but sometimes you have to sit back and think there’s a lot more to life. “It’s just great to know that I’m now OK and I’m going to be OK for my family.”Bishop called up on former Rangers and Brighton defender Connor Goldson and England rugby star Nick Isiekwe for advice as both have continued their sporting careers following heart problems.His wife Annabel has also stood by him every step of the way and she posted an emotional message on social media after her husband’s comeback.She wrote: “Hearing the words your husband needs heart surgery is something you never ever want to hear, especially not at 39 weeks pregnant. “The scariest times were ahead of us, and we had no choice but to schedule surgery for when our baby was just 12-days-old. “Despite the perfect photos posted online, my postpartum reality was actually in a hotel next door to the hospital whilst Colby was in intensive care. “The road to recovery has been hard, incomparable to other football injuries. “But Colby’s strength and dedication has been unbelievable. “Everyone close to him knows just how much he has put into this, to be back three months later. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Watching him step back onto the pitch, whilst holding my baby in my arms was all I ever wished for. “The goal yesterday was more than just a goal, it was everything for our family.”Bishop revealed he was emotional on the pitch during his comebackCredit: Rex More

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      Robbie Savage snubs lucrative offer for huge TV show to stay in unpaid manager’s job in 7th tier of English football

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE has snubbed a highly-lucrative TV show offer to remain in an unpaid role as manager of Macclesfield FC.The Cheshire-based phoenix club are working their way through the non-league pyramid and currently sit top of the English seventh tier.Robbie Savage turned down a TV job to stay with Macclesfield FCSilk Town are 13 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League – the third tier of non-league football.But despite the boom that comes with being the ONLY UNBEATEN side left in the top seven tiers, Macclesfield were at risk of losing former Premier League star Savage.After five months in the job, Savage, 50, was asked to step away from Macclesfield and take up a high-paying, but undisclosed, TV job offer.But the former Prem star turned it down and vowed to finish what he started with Macclesfield after a heart-to-heart with his players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told The Telegraph: “I’ve sold the dream to players coming here. “I’ve got a kid from Blackburn, James Edmondson, who is magnificent. His family have put their trust in me. “If I was then to leave for self-gain or self-promotion I’m not that person they trust. I’m letting them down. I simply couldn’t turn my back on the club.”Nevertheless, he asked the players in the WhatsApp group chat for their opinion and the answer was a resounding “no”.Most read in FootballJames Edmondson, 19, joined Macclesfield on loan from Blackburn last monthCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I am genuine. I am meticulous, serious, obsessive. You have to be.”I want the narrative to change – this pantomime villain, this guy. Some people still see me as that.”BBC Sports host Emma Louise Jones calls Robbie Savage a ‘w—er’ and says ‘any excuse’Savage joined as director of football in October 2020 but was named manager in June.Despite not formally earning a wage for his role as team boss, Savage earns a few bucks as a shareholder and board member.Last month, he exclusively revealed to The Sun, that he wished he’d gone into management earlier.At the time of his appointment the club website wrote: “This is a campaign we simply cannot fail.”The former Leicester and Birmingham midfielder added: “It’s true. It means we have to be promoted because anything else is a failure.”I will hand in my resignation, 100 per cent, if we don’t because we have the best team.”Help from old team-mateSavage has suffered only one defeat since making his managerial baptism – in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round at Tamworth.He previously launched a successful media career and has done 15 years as a host on BBC Five Live’s popular 606 phone-in show.Meanwhile, he also offers co-commentary and pundit duties on European nights on TNT Sports. Savage is assisted by Peter Band while his former Leicester teammate Emile Heskey was appointed in a “position-specific role as and when required”.Savage’s appointment saw Michael Clegg, who was appointed as manager in February, leave the club.Macclesfield’s website lists Savage as the third-largest shareholder with 18.7 per cent.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new club was born in 2020 after Macclesfield Town was wound up in the High Court over debts totalling more than £500,000.The 146-year-old National League club was forced into liquidation during a hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court.Macclesfield FC are flying high in the Northern Premier LeagueCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunA new era at Macclesfield FC was born in 2020Credit: Ray Bradbury – The Sun More

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      EFL club issue update on new £130million stadium as part of stunning complex with gym and 180-bed hotel

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      AN EFL club has issued a “really positive” update on plans for a new £130million stadium.Oxford United are planning on moving from the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium to a new 16,000-capacity eco-friendly ground.Oxford United are planning on moving to a new 16,000 seater stadiumCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_The club currently plays at the Kassam StadiumCredit: PAThe U’s have been at the Kassam Stadium since it opened in 2001.The club has now submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council over plans for the new stadium.The plans include a potential stunning complex, which would include a 180-bed hotel and a gym.The land known as the Triangle north of Oxford would also see a restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza created.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJonathan Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, said: “Requests for additional information are common with large-scale developments.”This is another really positive step forward in the process.”We remain fully focused on obtaining the necessary planning permission and preparing to build.”The club is also keen to improve the ecology of the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis means that a transport model has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions A footpath and cycleway has also been proposed to provide “additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options”.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The club will also increase the number of on-site cycle parking spots from 150 to 446.It has also been claimed that the new stadium will be “the first all-electric stadium in the UK”.The U’s are currently sitting in 16th place in the Championship after a mixed start to the campaign.Manager Des Buckingham has overseen the team pick-up 17 points from their opening 15 games.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Sky Sports forced to get a stool for Sheff Utd star in live TV interview and he still can’t reach 6ft 7in team-mate

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      SKY SPORTS were forced to use a STOOL to interview Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer alongside giant teammate Harry Souttar.The two aces played starring roles as the Blades beat rivals Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 on Sunday.Gustavo Hamer was spotted on a stool alongside Harry Souttar – who stands a foot tallerSheffield Utd won their derby against Wednesday 1-0 thanks to Tyrese Campbell’s goalCredit: AlamyTyrese Campbell scored the only goal of the game at Bramall Lane.And United’s latest win saw them go joint-top of the Championship with Sunderland.After midfielder Hamer and defender Souttar were both interviewed live on air by Sky Sports.But there was literally a huge problem for the cameraman.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because Hamer is just 5ft 7in tall.While team-mate Souttar stands an entire foot higher at 6ft 7in.The height discrepancy meant one player was always going to be out of shot.And to solve the problem, Sky Sports had Hamer stand on a white stool to considerably boost his height.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEven then, the ace was still not as tall as Leicester loanee Souttar.And fans found the whole situation hilarious as they reacted online.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersOne said: “Is this a perspective thing?”Another declared: “Who brought that stool to the ground?”One noted: “No way this is real.”Another added: “They lying about heights now.” More

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      Portsmouth star Colby Bishop scores just minutes into comeback following open heart surgery

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      COLBY BISHOP was given a hero’s welcome at Portsmouth as he scored just minutes into his return after major surgery.Bishop, 28, was diagnosed with a heart problem in June before undergoing open heart surgery in August.Colby Bishop was given a ‘special’ welcome back by Portsmouth as he scored in a 3-1 win over PrestonCredit: RexBishop came off the bench to score a penalty in his first match since undergoing open heart surgeryCredit: RexAfter months on the sideline as he recovered, the forward was finally able to make his return in Portsmouth’s Championship clash with Preston on Saturday.Bishop was a shock inclusion on the bench for John Mousinho’s side.He was able to get his first minutes of the season when he was brought on in the 78th minute for Kusini Yengi with Pompey 2-1 ahead.And when Portsmouth won a penalty in the 89th minute, Bishop was then able to mark his emotional comeback with a goal as he netted the home side’s third goal of the afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe penalty sealed a 3-1 win that lifted Portsmouth off the bottom of the table.Bishop paid tribute to the fans after the game for their warm welcome, declaring that they made him feel “so special”.He told The News: “I am so grateful to the fans, they make you feel so special.”I have thought about these moments for the whole 3-4 months, getting that reception. I’m hoping there are quite a few videos, because I would like to watch it back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Even when I was scoring in the warm-up, they were standing up singing.”I have a very special connection with the fans here and through the whole three months when people have seen me, they’ve been so nice to me.Watch jubilant Portsmouth’s captain’s speech get interrupted by very rude act as fans hail ‘simply incredible’ moment”They’ve not once asked ‘When are you back?’ or anything like that. “It has always been ‘Are you okay? Is your family okay?’. That shows how much the people of Portsmouth care.”I know football is obviously the main thing, but they also care about you. I have a special connection with them and again I am grateful for that.”Bishop signed for the South Coast club from Accrington in 2022.He scored 24 goals in his debut season before adding another 21 to his tally in his second year.On the reaction the fans gave him as they applauded him on to the pitch, Bishop added: “It gave me shivers down my back, it was loud, very loud.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I had asked my partner to video it, I cannot wait to watch it. “It’s one of those you would like to look back on in the future.” More

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      Borussia Dortmund line up stunning bid for Jude Belligham’s brother Jobe but scouting mission hits stumbling block

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND want Jobe  Bellingham to follow in brother Jude’s footsteps by moving to Germany.The Bundesliga giants have stepped up interest after the 19-year-old’s displays for Championship high-fliers Sunderland.Borussia Dortmund are keeping tabs on Jude Bellingham’s brother JobeCredit: RexReal Madrid superstar Jude enjoyed a stunning career after leaving DortmundCredit: RexJude joined the Bundesliga club as a 17-year-old from Birmingham for £30million in 2020 and moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £115m three years later.Dortmund were due to have scouts watching Jobe at Preston on Wednesday — but changed plans after he got a three-game ban.Sunderland would want around £20m for the midfielder and Dortmund will back their judgment with cash.This comes as Nottingham Forest are chasing Sunderland duo Chris Rigg AND new star Tommy Watson.Read More on FootballForest have tracked left-winger Watson for a while and watched him  at Preston but the 18-year-old played on the right, making it hard to judge his display.Therefore, Sunderland may be careful about letting Jobe go if they lose two key players.The playmaker would love to follow in Jude’s footsteps after his glittering three-year stint at Dortmund.The England international stood out for Real last season with a staggering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Jude has struggled this term and only just scored his first goal after a six-month drought with the reigning Spanish and European champions.The 21-year-old netted during Los Blancos’ 4-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheJude then issued a passionate post on Twitter: “Even in s**t times, giving up is not an option.”Madridistas, thank you for your incredible support in the good moments and the bad ones.” More