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      McCarthy ‘wants to p*** off’ ex-Cardiff boss Warnock after revealing he cleaned Middlesbrough chief’s boots 44 YEARS ago

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      MICK McCARTHY has counted Neil Warnock as a close friend for 44 years.
      Today they will go head-to-head yet again both hoping to p*** each other off.

      Neil Warnock (then Cardiff manager) and Mick McCarthy (then Ipswich boss) shake handsCredit: Rex Features

      Cardiff boss McCarthy and Middlesbrough gaffer Warnock were team-mates at Barnsley.
      McCarthy even used to clean Warnock’s boots as he came through the ranks at Oakwell.
      The pair first met in 1977 and have gone on to have top careers in management. Both are in with a chance of promotion to the Premier League this season.
      Warnock will always be a Cardiff hero for taking the Bluebirds to the top-flight in 2018.

      Now his Boro team are rivalling the Welsh side for a Championship play-off spot.
      McCarthy said: “I have been in football a long time, but I still have that desire to get the best out of people. I’m 62. Neil is 72, so maybe I have got him in my sights!
      “I’ve gone up against him many times and he’s a good friend of mine. For 90 minutes on Saturday he won’t be. It will be the same for him. He’s always been bright and innovative.
      “His teams are likewise. If we come off the pitch on Saturday and I say to him ‘That was a nice game Neil, you were really nice to play against’ I think he’d be as p***** off as I would be.

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      McCarthy (top left) and Warnock (front row, second left) in their Barnsley daysCredit: Rex Features
      “That’s not going to be the case. We’ll be expecting a tough game because they’ll be wanting a reaction after their result against Bristol City.
      “If I can be half as successful as Neil here, I will be delighted.”
      Veteran Warnock worked wonders at Cardiff to take them to the Premier League.
      But he was sacked in November 2019 before bouncing back at Boro.
      McCarthy was parachuted in by Cardiff in January to replace Neil Harris after the Bluebirds lost six straight games to leave them facing a relegation battle.
      But the former Republic of Ireland manager’s impact in the Welsh capital has been astonishing.

      In-form Kieffer Moore has been a crucial part of Cardiff’s great recent runCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      McCarthy has won six in a row and taken 20 points from his first eight games in charge.
      Cardiff have risen to sixth against all the odds and McCarthy said: “Now we’re there to be shot at, but I’d prefer to be here than be in the bottom six and hunted by those teams.
      “We don’t want to drop out of it. Let’s see what happens. We’re looking forward to Boro because we’re winning. Let’s hope it continues, but when we have a bit of adversity that’s when we’ll see what the team is made of. If they keep playing like this there is no reason why we should get beat.”
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      McCarthy has made a giant, physical Cardiff team a nightmare opposition since taking charge.
       “It’s a tough time at the moment with the games coming thick and fast, but we’re managing as best we can and we were never under any pressure to get in the top six.
      “That might have been said when I came in, but to target the top six? Come on, do me a favour. Did I think we were going to get 20 points from eight games? No.

      “Did anybody at the hierarchy of the club? No. Everybody hoped for it. I’m not that stupid to say I expected it, because I didn’t. There was no pressure, but now I’m not getting carried away.”
      Warnock added: “It’ll be purgatory playing them, but I’m looking forward to it to see if we can stand up to the challenge. Not many teams can beat Cardiff at the moment with the way they’re playing.
      “It doesn’t bother Mick, he doesn’t want to please anybody. He wants his team to be horrible and why not? They’ve got some good players and they defend for their lives. It’s a great recipe so he’ll be loving it.”

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      Joey Barton and Ched Evans clashed at Fleetwood over striker’s comedy skit – now Bristol Rovers boss looks to future

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      NIGEL PEARSON has never been a man to suffer fools.
      So when he pays someone like Joey Barton warm compliments, as he did this week, they should be taken very seriously.

      Joey Barton took charge of Bristol Rovers this week just a month after leaving FleetwoodCredit: Rex Features

      The new Pirates boss had a dressing room bust–up with Ched EvansCredit: Rex Features

      The pair arrived in Bristol on the same day, Pearson taking over his eighth club at City, Barton moving into his second job as a manager with Rovers.
      Once the ink was dry on their contracts Pearson found he had been messaged by Barton,  who he worked with at Newcastle.
      He said: “Me and Joey exchanged a few messages. I have a lot of time and respect for him. He’s a very intelligent man. I think he’s got a bright future.
      “People have preconceived ideas but the reality can be different.”

      Those pre-conceived ideas that the 57-year-old talks about are created by the baggage Barton carries around with him.
      In keeping with a life of controversy he headed out of Fleetwood under a cloud.
      Cod Army chairman Andy Pilley who, on appointing him two-and-a-half years earlier described him as a potential great in management, dumped him.
      The decision came after a dressing room bust–up with Ched Evans and clashes with other senior players.

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      The pair are understood to have come to blows over a comedy skit created by the striker that Barton did not find funny and he was dispatched to Preston.
      After he left, Barton revealed he   had fallen out with the man who gave him his first chance as a boss, the day after a ban for betting on matches ended.
      Their relationship, like that between him and some of the players, had soured while some members of staff also left during Barton’s reign.
      The 38-year-old is currently awaiting trial over an alleged clash with former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel following a match at Oakwell in April 2019.
      Barton previously pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and proceedings are due to begin in June.
      Yet for all of the controversy, Barton’s first job suggested many of those who believe him to be one of the brightest young bosses in the game could just be right.
      Having taken control of Rovers, he now has to prove the hype has not all been just hot air.

      Nigel Pearson was appointed Bristol City boss this weekCredit: Rex Features

      Evans and Barton both left Fleetwood within days of each otherCredit: Rex Features
      As a music lover — he has even appeared in a Morrissey video — he will know all about one–hit wonders.
      And if he does not get it right and fast at the Memorial Stadium, a career in management might never make the top of the charts.
      For while club president Wael al-Qadi joined in the welcoming praise, he has already sacked two managers this season in Ben Garner and Paul Tisdale.
      Barton lost his first game, 2–1  at home to Wigan, 24 hours after his appointment.
      He hosts Shrewsbury today with the club only above the League One relegation zone on goal difference.
      His team have lost eight of their last 11 games, winning only once.
      Barton, on a contract until 2023, is determined to prove he is the real deal and certainly talks a good game.
      He did, after all, take Fleetwood into last season’s play-offs.

      Luke McCormick, SkyBet’s Goal of the Month winner, is delighted to have Barton as bossCredit: Instagram / @official_brfc
      He said: “Somebody, at some point, is going to get Rovers right. Mobilise that passionate fan base and get the supporters travelling across the country, pushing their team onto bigger and better things.
      “I think I’m the man for it. I’m absolutely convinced it’s going to be this group of players we’ve got here and this group of coaches.”
      One of those players, Luke McCormick, is delighted to have Barton as his new boss.
      The 22-year-old won SkyBet’s Goal of the Month trophy for his superb January strike against Crewe.
      The box–to-box midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, insisted: “I’m sure to benefit from having someone of Joey’s experience as my manager.
      “He was a Premier League midfielder, that’s where I am aiming for and he can help me get there.”
      Barton might get there himself one day in his new career and prove that life is a gas as a    manager. Instead of it all blowing up in his face.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Joey Barton confirmed as Bristol Rovers manager as he makes swift return to dugout a month after ugly Fleetwood sacking

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      JOEY BARTON is the new Bristol Rovers manager.
      The former midfielder, 38, replaces Paul Tisdale at the Memorial Stadium on a contract until 2023.

      Joey Barton is back in management after taking the Bristol Rovers jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barton spent two-and-a-half years as Fleetwood boss between June 2018 and his ugly departure last month.
      He won 51 of his 128 games in charge with the Cod Army.
      Now the one-cap England international is tasked with keeping Rovers in League One.
      The Gas are currently 18th in the table, one of three teams on 27 points and just two clear of the relegation zone.

      Barton has been joined by assistant manager Clint Hill and first-team coach Andy Mangan.
      They will take charge of their first game when Wigan travel to the Mem tomorrow night.
      Speaking about Barton’s appointment, Bristol Rovers president Wael Al Qadi said, “We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward.
      “Joey’s experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.

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      “He’s got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.
      “We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.
      “I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future.”
      Barton was axed by Fleetwood on January 4 following a fall-out with striker Ched Evans.
      SunSport revealed Barton let the forward join Preston after alleged disciplinary breaches despite chairman Andy Pilley remaining a fan.

      The former Newcastle man also revealed the ‘disconnect’ with the League One side’s owner that led to him leaving Highbury.
      Speaking on Robbie Fowler’s podcast, Barton felt Pilley wanted to dictate transfers and admitted the pair didn’t speak for ten days before his sacking.
      In the same interview, he lifted the lid on the training ground fight with Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City – and offered the Frenchman a shot at ‘revenge’ in a charity match.
      Barton, who has served time in prison and also landed himself in hot water for stubbing a cigar out in a youth team player’s eye, was hit with a six-match ban by the Football Association in 2008 for assaulting his then Etihad team-mate on May 1, 2007.
      He was also given a four-month suspended sentence after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Dabo was left with cuts and bruises as well as a detached retina.

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      Watch Mark Wright score stunning goal on Soccer AM as star shows off his skills following Crawley debut humiliation

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      MARK WRIGHT stole the show on his return to Soccer AM as the former reality star showed off his stunning skills.
      The TOWIE star joined League Two side Crawley in December and made his full debut last weekend against Harrogate.

      Former TOWIE star Mark Wright wowed fans with his skills on Soccer AM

      The Crawley defender hit a top corner piledriver in the practice arena

      But the 34-year-old endured a disastrous opening 45 minutes and was hooked off at half-time with his side 3-0 behind.
      To add insult to literal injury, Wright missed Crawley’s 1-0 defeat to Stevenage on Tuesday with a hip problem.
      However the defender gave fans a reminder of what he can do with his performance on Soccer AM.
      Wright shared a series of clips from his time on the show on Instagram that included one rocket that found its way into the top corner.

      Another saw the left-back expertly chip the keeper in a one-on-one and fans on social media appreciated the skill.
      One tweeted: “Fantastic shoot out with the legend.”
      Another said: “Fair play but what was that keeper doing ?”
      A third added: “He’s taking liberties.”

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      Wright, who played for Tottenham in his youth, had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006-07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      He left the game after becoming a household name as the Reds went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

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      Nile Ranger returns to Southend on month-to-month contract after impressing boss with ‘attitude’ in training

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      SOUTHEND have re-signed Nile Ranger after a trial period with the League Two club.
      The striker, 29, spent time in non-League football after being dumped by the Shrimpers over discipline issues in 2018.

      Nile Ranger is back in the Football League with a second spell at SouthendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      On Thursday, Southend confirmed the deal to sign Ranger as a free agent on a month-to-month contract.
      The terms are ‘incentivised’ as he looks to help out the side in their fight against relegation.
      Southend boss Mark Molesley praised the former Newcastle player’s attitude since he joined up for training.
      Molesley said: “Nile has been in training for two months, getting fit before integrating into the first team training and he’s shown the right attitude ever since he walked through the door. He’s worked hard to get his fitness up.

      “He came in originally on his own away from the group to work on his fitness and we have slowly integrated him into the first team sessions.
      “Nile has still got to earn the right to play for this club and he knows that himself. Everyone has to earn the right.

      Welcome back, @NilePowerRanger 👊We’re pleased to announce the signing of 𝗡𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿! 🔵
      — Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) February 18, 2021

      “He has got to repay the faith I have shown him on the pitch, and I am excited to see a fully fit Nile play for this football club.
      “His desire to play football again is clear and he is very passionate about Southend United, as long as he continues to work as hard as he has been over this period then he will play a part for the remainder of the season.”

      Ranger still has time to revive a career that has been dogged by off-field issues.
      After a stint in a young offenders’ institute at the age of 15, he progressed through the Newcastle setup and made over 50 appearances for the Toon.
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      Problems have also arisen over homophobic comments on social media and a picture of him posing with a replica gun, before he was fined £1,000 for criminal damage after a taxi incident in 2014.
      Ranger was also charged for criminal damage following an incident during his time with Swindon, and he served ten weeks of an eight-month sentence for conspiracy to defraud in 2017.
      On his last spell with Southend, the forward hit 10 goals in 49 appearances.
      And he was most recently seen with non-league Spalding United, working under former Peterborough defender Gabriel Zakuani.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Peterborough teenager Bobby Copping opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ decision to retire aged 19 over head injury

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      BOBBY COPPING has spoken of his heartbreak at retiring from football at the age of 19 following a serious head injury.
      The defender had only made one appearance for the club when he was hospitalised for four days after suffering the injury in July of last year.

      Bobby Copping has been forced to retire from football due to a head injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Having made a full recovery, he returned to the Peterborough bench for a game with Cambridge in November as he looked to return to action.
      However, only a week later, Copping was ruled out again with the same head injury.
      Still suffering from issues on a daily basis as a result of the injury, the teenager made the tough decision to retire to preserve his long-term health.
      On Thursday, Copping confirmed his move ahead of taking up a backroom role in the Posh academy.

      He said: “Over the last few months, I have been doing all I can to recover whilst having conversations with a specialist who had suggested I try a medication to see if that would stop the injury from reoccurring.
      “Unfortunately, this didn’t work, so that left few options open to me.
      “I have had various conversations with the club and the specialist and we all came to the same conclusion that for my long-term health and to prevent further damage, retirement from football completely was the obvious decision to make and that has been backed up by the fact I still have problems on a day to day basis because of the injury.
      “This decision was extremely heartbreaking to make and not just for me, but also for my family who have invested so much into my football journey.

      Thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      Bobby Copping

      “Words cannot describe how truly gutted that I am.
      “Firstly, I would just like to thank everyone at the club, especially the staff and my teammates for all their support in such a difficult time for myself.
      “They have been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to come through this without their support. I would also like to thank my family.
      “They have been my rock throughout this tough time. From the very start of my footballing career they have been there and it hurts a lot knowing we can’t continue my career any further.
      “Finally, thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      “Although this is a very difficult time for myself, moving forward I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to stay a part of the club.
      “I will be taking up a new role at the club as I now progress my career down the business side of things.
      “Thank you again to everyone that has been involved with my football career from the start, I am extremely gutted but anyone that knows me knows that I will bounce back from this.”

      Copping joined League One Peterborough after Bury collapsed in 2019, having previously been part of Norwich’s academy.
      Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony paid tribute to the youngster’s response to the ‘horrendous setback’ ahead of his move behind the scenes.
      He said: “Myself and everybody at the club were bitterly disappointed for Bobby and what he has been through physically and mentally.
      “He is such a lovely young man who in my mind will bounce back from this horrendous setback to have a great career in the game.
      “We are delighted that he is staying with the club and excited for the next chapter in his journey which in mind will be the making of him.”
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      Sunderland takeover CONFIRMED by EFL as billionaire heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, 23, promises new era for Black Cats

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      KYRIL LOUIS-DREYFUS’ takeover of Sunderland has been completed after Football League bosses green-lit the deal.
      An agreement to buy the majority of Stewart Donald’s stake in the League One club was agreed late last year.

      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ family is thought to be worth over £4billionCredit: Rex Features

      Sunderland have been taken over by the billionaire heir after EFL approvalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Louis-Dreyfus has also taken over as Mackems chairman with immediate effect.
      But the deal will see Donald retain a minority share in the club, along with Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven.
      Kyril, 23, is one of three sons of the late French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus and his wife, Margarita.
      Robert, whose grandfather Leopold first set up the historic Louis-Dreyfus trading company, was CEO of Adidas and Saatchi & Saatchi before a long spell as majority shareholder of Marseille until his death in 2009.

      Kyril remains an avid supporter of the Ligue 1 side alongside twin brother Maurice who The Athletic say is being lined up as a director at the Stadium of Light.
      And the new Sunderland owner’s family is thought to be worth north of £4billion.
      On Thursday, Louis-Dreyfus stated his ‘excitement’ at taking over the Black Cats.
      He told the club website: “I would like to thank Stewart, the Board of Directors and the EFL for their diligence and support throughout the recent process.

      Oxford-born businessman Stewart Donald bought the club from Ellis Short in 2018Credit: Reuters
      “I am proud to become a custodian of this esteemed institution, but I also recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it.
      “Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Sunderland AFC’s history and although the current landscape facing football dictates that there are challenges to overcome, I am confident that together we can weather the present storm and put solid foundations in place to bring sustainable and long-term success to the club.”
      Sunderland fans will be desperate to see the club reverse its dire fortunes of recent years.
      Relegated from the Premier League in 2017, the team dropped straight through to League One and have so far failed to win promotion despite outspending their third-tier rivals.
      Lee Johnson’s side sit seventh in the table and secured a place in next month’s EFL Trophy final when beating Lincoln on penalties last night.
      Having resigned his chairman role last summer, Donald highlighted his work behind the scenes as his controversial two-year stint as Sunderland chief came to an end.

      It is no secret that – despite spending the highest transfer fees and playing wages in League One history – progress on the pitch has not followed suit.
      Stewart Donald

      He stated: “I am delighted to welcome Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to the club as our new chairman and controlling shareholder.
      “Kyril’s commitment, acumen and integrity convinced us to accept his proposal.
      “His vision and desire to bring success back to Sunderland was obvious from the outset and his bid is the one that we feel gives the club the best chance of long-term success and sustainability.”
      Donald added: “I am proud to say that we have achieved what we set out to in terms of SAFC’s finances – the club is debt-free, was breaking even prior to the pandemic and has retained its Category One Academy status.
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      “However, it is no secret that – despite spending the highest transfer fees and playing wages in League One history – progress on the pitch has not followed suit.
      “That has been a bitter disappointment for us as owners, and we can only apologise for falling short in this regard.
      “Whilst we certainly made mistakes, everything was done with the best of intentions with the view to deliver this aim, but we just fell short and in football, unfortunately, a miss is as good as a mile.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Sunderland secure third Wembley trip inside two years as Grant Leadbitter seals EFL Trophy shoot-out win over Lincoln

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      SUNDERLAND are heading to Wembley for the third time in two years as Grant Leadbitter kept his cool against Lincoln.
      The skipper scored the fifth and final penalty after Imps ace Remy Howarth hit the crossbar to seal a 5-3 shoot-out win following a 1-1 draw.

      Sunderland are heading to Wembley for the third time in just two yearsCredit: Rex Features

      The Sunderland-born veteran slotted home the final kick to set-up a date with TranmereCredit: Rex Features

      The Black Cats are now set for a date under the arch with Tranmere Rovers for the EFL Trophy on March 13 after coming from behind.
      Following a tight and tense opening period with little action, the deadlock was almost broken just seconds after the break.
      Tom Hopper was sent clear down the left and raced into the box only for his low drive to gathered by Black Cats stopper Lee Burge at the second attempt.
      Sunderland suffered another let off as the Imps began to turn the screw and up the ante.

      Sub Cohen Bramall darted forward and teed up the completely unmarked Brennan Johnson on the edge of the box, only for the on-loan Nottingham Forest ace to blaze high and wide.
      But Lee Johnson’s side’s luck ran out on 64 minutes – despite Burge’s best efforts.
      Bramall was the architect again down the left, this time cutting the ball back for Conor McGRandles to side-foot low from 12 yards towards the bottom corner.
      Burge brilliantly got down well to stop the shot, but Anthony Scully pounced on the rebound to spark wild celebrations.

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      Lincoln keeper Alex Palmer excellently tipped over a Charlie Wyke header before he denied him from the resulting corner at the near post.
      But he could do nothing to stop the striker from equalising moments later as he met an Aiden McGready cross with a bullet header into the bottom left corner with 15 to go.
      Former Celtic winger McGeady made the goalie work from 20 yards but Sunderland’s pressure failed to tell as it went down to a shoot-out lottery.
      Max Power, Luke O’Nien, Chris Maguire and McGready had all hit the target before Leadbitter kept his nerve to convert after Howarth’s strike cannoned back off the bar.
      Sunderland boss Lee Johnson said: “Grant Leadbitter was the coolest man in Sunderland.
      “It’s nothing without the fans of course, that’s a frustration, but we can give everyone a lift.
      “We know we’ll have the whole of Sunderland behind us in spirit.”
      Lincoln boss Michael Appleton said: “I’m disappointed and frustrated for my players but we have to regenerate quickly now.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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