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      Joey Barton in talks with Bristol Rovers over becoming new boss – just month after being axed by Fleetwood

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      JOEY BARTON is talking to Bristol Rovers about their boss position – a month after League One rivals Fleetwood Town sacked him.
      Former Manchester City midfielder Barton, 38, has revealed he left Town after a bust-up over transfers, including not speaking to chairman Andy Pilley for ten days.

      Joey Barton has reportedly been negotiating with Bristol Rovers after their League One rivals Fleetwood Town axed himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the Mail claim one issue with Rovers could be how much control Barton would have, as they have a director of football in Tommy Widdrington.
      Rovers, who are two places below Fleetwood in 18th place, sacked Paul Tisdale last week.
      And Barton is still rated as one of the EFL’ s bright young managers, having guided Town to the play-offs last season – although their form has fallen away this season since November.
      The Mail suggest ex-Man City, Newcastle and QPR star Barton has held “constructive” negotiations with Rovers.

      But he will want to know how ambitious they are, compared to his own hopes.
      And in particular, Barton might have to be clear about how much power he would have on the footballing side, including on transfers.
      Just days ago, he praised Fleetwood supremo Pilley for his initial support – before admitting he felt he was not getting the backing he needed to revive their play-off hopes this term.
      He told Robbie Fowler’s podcast: “He was brilliant. He gave me an enormous opportunity probably when no-one else in world football would.

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      “The chairman was good as gold [at first] in that he didn’t force his opinion on me as a senior chairman and he let me make a few of my own decisions in terms of transfers – some good, some bad, some indifferent. We finished in the play-offs in the second season.
      “We came back this time and were trying to rebuild the side and I think what happened was he went into a transfer embargo.
      “Where we were, eight points out of the play-offs, if we get a couple of bodies in we’ll be there or thereabouts.
      “We don’t need Sergio Aguero but he disagreed and felt we should have gone with the younger players.
      “It got to the point where we both couldn’t be right.”
      And Barton also spoke out on his infamous training ground fight with then-City colleague Ousmane Dabo – offering the Frenchman “revenge” with a charity fight.
      The FA banned Barton for six games and he was given a four-month suspended sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman More

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      Referee Darren Drysdale facing ban after he’s charged by FA over angry clash with Ipswich’s Alan Judge

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      REF Darren Drysdale faces an FA commission and likely ban – despite making a public apology to Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge.
      Lincolnshire whistler Drysdale, 49, was charged with improper conduct by Wembley disciplinary chiefs less than 24 hours after his angry clash with the Irishman.

      Darren Drysdale is facing a likely FA ban after being charged for clashing with Ipswich Town’s Alan JudgeCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Drysdale locked heads with Judge and then seemed to square up to him in the latter stages of the Portman Road clash against Northampton.
      The astonishing scenes saw Ipswich boss Paul Lambert demanding an investigation by the EFL and FA.
      SunSport understands that Drysdale’s performance was criticised by players on both sides throughout the game.
      But the referee is said to have flipped and used foul and abusive language when Judge insisted he had been brought down and not dived in a bid to win a spot kick.

      The Ipswich midfielder responded to the episode on Wednesday night and told his club’s website that Drysdale’s reaction did not upset him.
      Judge said: “Referees have a tough job to do and it was heat of the moment stuff that happens in football.
      “The photo makes it look worse than it was and to be honest, the matter was finished with from my end as soon as I walked off the pitch.
      “I wasn’t looking for the referee to apologise; I wasn’t looking for him to be charged. There was never going to be a complaint from me and I made that clear.

      As I said in this 👇. There was no need for an apology. I wasn’t looking for one or looking for any action to be taken. In football as everybody knows stuff happens in the heat of the moment in a game. We all make mistakes and for me that is the end of this https://t.co/ujQsF9lQ4N
      — alan judge (@10judgey) February 17, 2021

      “Like I said, for me – it was finished with straight away.”
      In a statement issued through the ref’s governing body PGMOL, Drysdale said: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
      “I’m sorry that I did not do that and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
      Aston Villa’s England internationals Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish suggested the FA should let the issue blow over. 
      Mings Tweeted: “Everyone makes mistakes…..nothing to see here.”
      Grealish added: “Ah come on?! No need to apologise at all! I think it’s brilliant.”
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      But FA beaks had already opened a probe into the incident and Drysdale was charged with a breach of rule E3.
      However, in a twist, the case is being treated as neither “standard” – which would have seen a fixed sanction – nor “non-standard” because of circumstances.
      Instead, a commission will determine the next step if Judge accepts his guilt, as now seems likely, with a short ban of up to three games the anticipated punishment.

      FA rules do not allow a suspension before any hearing but it is expected PGMOL will take him off their officials’ list for this weekend pending the resolution of the case.
      The incident comes with the FA looking to scrap the current “maximum” 10-year ban for violence towards referees and allow life suspensions.
      The FA insists grassroots officials have not been put off by incidents of violence and abuse but is keen to ensure younger referees remain convinced they can progress through to the highest levels of the game.

      Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss More

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      Northampton eye Aldershot boss Danny Searle in shock move as they look to replace the axed Keith Curle

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      NORTHAMPTON are weighing up a surprise move for Aldershot boss Danny Searle.
      Cobblers are on the hunt for a replacement for Keith Curle, who was axed last week after a run of one win in ten league games left them scrapping for League One survival.

      Northampton are eyeing Aldershot’s Danny Searle as their new bossCredit: Rex Features

      Searle, 42, has impressed Northampton chiefs with his work in the National League and would jump at the chance to step up.
      Although he has no experience as a No 1 in the EFL, Searle has previously worked as youth coach at Chelsea and is the former head of West Ham’s academy.
      He helped the likes of Declan Rice break into the first team at the London Stadium.
      And his ability to work with young players is a huge plus for the cash-strapped Northampton.

      SunSport understands the club have made contact with his representatives
      But Northampton are yet to make an official approach.
      Other high-profile candidates who appear to be in the mix include Arsenal legend Sol Campbell and former Huddersfield chief Danny Cowley.
      Paul Tisdale is also looking for a new job after leaving Bristol Rovers and has been linked with the position.

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      Leyton Orient and Northampton players in 17-MAN BRAWL as last-minute equaliser sparks fiery clash More

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      Middlesbrough 2 Huddersfield 1: Watmore scores a stunner before Fletcher completes comeback to reignite play-off hopes

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      MIDDLESBROUGH are back in the play-off hunt after coming from behind and hanging on with ten men against Huddersfield.
      Isaac Mbenza’s stunning free-kick broke the deadlock, but a moment of magic from Duncan Watmore and Ashley Fletcher’s penalty Boro to within three points of the top six.

      Duncan Watmore produced a magical strike as Boro came from behind against Huddersfield

      They were forced to do it the hard way after Paddy McNair was sent-off with ten to go but held on to ensure Carlos Corberan’s team remain winless since December 29.
      Mbenza superbly curled home a free-kick to give his side a deserved lead.
      Watmore watched agonisingly on as no-one was able to tap home after he toe poked the ball through the keeper’s legs and across the open goal from the right.
      Passing was the last thing on his mind when he next picked up the ball out on the right as he majestically skipped inside past Lewis O’Brien and Sarr on to his left foot to curl it low round Ryan Schofield inside the far post.

      Boro were asking all the questions now and took the lead before the break courtesy of Fletcher after Darnell Fisher had been chopped down.
      Marcus Bettinelli saved Kieran Phillips’ header and Fraizer Campbell blazed over.
      And then Boro were forced to hold on for the final ten after McNair was shown a red for a studs-showing challenge on Bacuna.
      But Neil Warnock’s side survived by a lick of paint as Phillips cut in from the left and beat the keeper only to see his shot hit the inside of the post and across goal to safety. 

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      Warnock said: “Duncan’s getting fitter but if that goal was in the Premier League we’d be talking about it for weeks.
      “It’s nights like this when I’m proud to be manager of a team like that.
      “We got caught the first ten minutes but after that we dominated and should have been out of sight by half time. And until the sending-off we were in control.
      “The linesman gave it, he’s 30 yards away, how can he give it? It’s scandalous. If the ref had given it I could take it because he’s there. But it was the linesman and we will appeal.
      “Paddy is distraught. He hasn’t touched him.”
      Corberan said: “We started well and scored the goal. We struggled to contain Watmore, they started to play more physically, and we didn’t find a way to control it.
      “They were two goals we should have avoided. But the reaction in the second half was what I was looking for.
      “Being honest, I liked the reaction of the team. We started to move the ball and create the chances. 
      “We created enough chances to get something from the game but unfortunately we didn’t.”

      Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss More

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      Fans could attend FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals at Wembley with FA hoping to have 27k supporters at Euro 2020 games

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      FANS could be allowed in to watch the two domestic cup finals – in a trial to help ensure supporters for Euro 2020.
      The FA is determined to open up some of the Wembley turnstiles for the seven games due to be played in the stadium during the tournament in June and July.

      Scenes of fans spaced out across Wembley Stadium may be welcomed back in the springCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times

      And that could see up to 10,000 supporters in for the April 29 Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Spurs and the FA Cup final the following month.
      Both events would be staging posts towards the summer, with the FA hoping to be able to fill 30 per cent of Wembley’s 90,000 capacity by the Euros.
      FA chiefs are part of the Government’s Sports Technology Innovation Group, headed by Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross.
      Discussions over the past year have included concepts such as digital Covid passports for spectators, with football bosses signalling their willingness to act as “guinea pigs” for the safe re-opening of the country.

      And even getting reduced numbers in to Wembley in the spring would be a huge staging post in the right direction.
      Expectations of a lifting of Covid restrictions in the coming weeks will make the possibility of reopening turnstiles more realistic, although there is no expectation of fans being back in Prem grounds before next season.
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      The FA is understood to have told Uefa it hopes to be able to allow in around 27,000 – representing 30 per cent of capacity – for the Euros, although Wembley will still be used to hold matches if no supporters are allowed in.

      That would be part of a gradual easing of crowd restrictions at other sporting events, including Test cricket, Wimbledon and summer horse racing events like the Derby.
      Government approval would be required for all such measures but trials for the two finals would also allow sports governing bodies to judge the ease and efficiency of entry regulations which could be rolled out across other events.

      Boris Johnson reveals he WILL set out lockdown lifting target dates when he announces roadmap on February 22 More

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      Sean Ash hoping to unite Millwall and West Ham in charity walk like Captain Tom – and has already raised £75,000 for NHS

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      CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE brought the nation together at a time of crisis to raise funds for the NHS.
      Now disabled Millwall fan Sean Ash wants to unite rival Lions and West Ham supporters to back his efforts to support our incredible and selfless health staff.

      Millwall fan Sean Ash walked a lap on his zimmer frame to raise funds for the NHS

      The lifelong Lion, 39, is a 999 emergency call handler for the London Ambulance Service.
      And in August he became paralysed from the waist down by a rare condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome that could have seen him lose his life.
      So inspired by Captain Tom, Sean walked a lap of The Den on his zimmer frame – and has so far raised £78,000.
      Now Millwall’s fiercest rivals West Ham are backing his fundraising campaign and have given him the green light to do a lap around their London Stadium pitch to support his fundraising campaign.

      It was written in the stars that the day Sean picked to do his walk at The Den – which took ONE HOUR – was on the same day when Captain Tom sadly passed away.
      And the great man himself even sent Sean a special message via his Twitter account days before his death after hearing about his story and fundraising efforts.
      In it, the 100-year-old World War II veteran wrote: “Such an inspirational young man. Amazing effort.”
      Sean told me: “Captain Sir Tom united the nation – Brexiteers and Remainers and people of all creeds, politics and beliefs – behind one goal … to raise funds for our amazing NHS.

      Captain Sir Tom Moore paid tribute to Sean’s efforts days before he sadly passed away

      It took Sean Ash about an hour to complete his lap of The Den
      “So it got me thinking, ‘Why can’t we unite massive rivals like Millwall and West Ham too?’
      “There is a huge history of problems between the clubs and while I’m all for banter it can sometimes get serious.
      “But, as a 999 emergency call handler, it doesn’t matter to me if you’re a West Ham or Millwall supporter or whoever, I want to save your life.
      “Having almost died last year and being left paralysed opened up a new perspective to me.
      “And while we endure this pandemic, like we would a war, we should do so side by side – and that means Millwall and West Ham fans too.”
      Sean recently lost two cousins, Paddy and Michael Byrnes, to coronavirus and cancer respectively. Both were big Hammers fans.
      So much so that West Ham put photographs of them on their matchday screen at the London Stadium ahead of their game with Burnley.
      Sean said: “I’m so glad West Ham and the owners of the London Stadium have agreed to join Millwall in supporting this.
      “I believe it would be a fitting tribute to my cousins as well as uniting two footballing foes behind something that is much more important than football or rivalries.”

      Sean’s cousin, and West Ham fanatic, Paddy Byrnes died of Covid-19

      His other cousin – another Hammers fan – Michael Byrnes died of cancer last year
      Sean started working for the emergency services last April during the peak of the pandemic.
      And he saw first-hand how selfless and vital his emergency services colleagues were.
      His own life was saved when it was discovered he had the rare Cauda equine syndrome – a severe spinal condition where all the nerves in the lower back suddenly became severely compressed.
      He said: “I had a disc that came out of the socket in my lower back and it compressed the spinal cord so bad I have paralysis below my waist.
      “I also have bladder and bowel dysfunction – as well as around my saddle areas.
      “It all suddenly happened in August as I was driving to see my parents in Deal, Kent.

      It would be a fitting tribute to my West Ham-supporting cousins as well as uniting two footballing foes behind something that is much more important than football or rivalries.”

      “They say it’s rare but a lot of people suffer with it but just don’t know they’ve got it.
      “Duncan James out of Blue is a recent example.
      “Some people just get pain killers but there’s a 24 hour window to operate or you’re left completely paralysed.
      “When I had my operation at King’s College Hosptal because I had a heart condition as well, there was a chance I could die.
      “I was given two choices, ‘Don’t have the operation and be completely paralysed for life’ or ‘have the op but there is a chance you might not pull through.’
      “I chose the latter and had to phone my children to say goodbye just in case. Thankfully, the operation was a success.”
      Sean has slowly been on the mend since and amazed doctors by being able to walk with the aid of a zimmer frame.
      And he incredibly managed to walk a mile – split into two segments – to raise funds for the NHS.

      Sean has been awarded a service medal by London Ambulance Service for his selfless efforts in raising funds for the NHS
      Last week he was back taking emergency calls without any assistance.
      He said: “I’ve overcome so many odds to get to where I am today and when Sir Captain Tom uplifted the nation it really inspired me.
      “And I thought if I just could start walking then I can do a challenge.
      “If I could do something that was deemed impossible then that could give some other people hope.”
      You have to applaud this inspirational man’s efforts and let’s hope Hammers and Lions alike put their rivalries aside for a common goal that surely everyone in the country supports.
      To donate to Sean’s NHS fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/goingthextramile

      BLACKBURN skipper Darragh Lenihan is certainly made of stern stuff.On Friday night – for the Lancashire derby with Preston at Ewood Park – he was the only player on the pitch to brave the MINUS SIX temperature by wearing a short-sleeved shirt.
      It was great to see most of the players deciding against wearing gloves that so many big-shot Premier League stars wear even when it’s mildly chilly.
      But Darragh is certainly different gravy. No ice baths needed for him right now! More

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      Brentford refuse to take knee before Barnsley game because it ‘no longer believe that this is having an impact’

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      BRENTORD’S players refused to take the knee before today’s clash with Barnsley.
      The Bees squad issued a statement on Saturday night reinforcing their commitment to eradicating racism and discrimination, but explained they believe the gesture is ‘no longer having an impact’.

      Brentford’s players did not take the knee prior to their clash with BarnsleyCredit: Rex Features

      Josh Dasilva raises his right fist as Brentford players decided not to take a kneeCredit: Rex Features

      And they lived up to that announcement as their stars remained stood while Barnsley’s players did continue to take the knee prior to kick off.
      The decision to ditch the gesture, which began in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, comes just days after Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha said it was ‘degrading’ for black players to have to take the knee to ‘show that we matter’.
      The Brentford players’ statement read: “We have been taking a knee before games since June but, like many of our fellow players at other clubs, no longer believe that this is having an impact.
      “We believe we can use our time and energies to promote racial equality in other ways.

      “As a group we are fully behind and proud of Brentford’s desire to become the most inclusive club in the country and the drive towards equality under the #BeeTogether banner.
      “We have experienced racist abuse first hand and have also seen some appalling comments made to other players past and present.
      “There is a clear need to continue to push for an end to all discrimination and, as players, we will be part of that at Brentford FC, in football in general and in the wider community.
      “Racism is the opposite of what we stand for.

      “As players we will show our commitment to togetherness and racial equality on and off the pitch between now and the end of the season, and beyond.
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      The movement was started by American footballer Colin KaepernickCredit: AP:Associated Press

      What is ‘taking a knee’, and how did it start?

      Taking the knee began as a protest against the unfair treatment of black Americans.

      “We will also support our colleagues at other clubs that still want to take a knee before games.”
      Speaking last week, Zaha said: “The whole kneeling down? Why must I kneel down for you to show that we matter?
      “Why must I even wear Black Lives Matter on the back of my top to show you that we matter? This is all degrading stuff.”
      Football stars began taking a knee before the start of games following the coronavirus break.

      The action was seen as an act of solidarity with George Floyd, an unarmed black man whose death during an altercation with police shook the world.
      All 20 top flight clubs also wore a BLM badge on their shirts.
      The movement started during the American football pre-season in 2016 when the San Francisco 49ers’ black quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat instead of stood during the national anthem.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ivan Toney talks about how many goals he wants to score at Brentford More

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      Alex Scott: It’s no surprise brilliant Emma Hayes was linked with AFC Wimbledon after building a dynasty at Chelsea

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      I REMEMBER Emma Hayes pulling me to one side at Arsenal and telling me I could be the best right-back in the world one day.
      She was assistant coach at the Gunners from 2006 to 2008 when I was at the club, and I could tell she would go on to do big things.

      Emma Hayes was always destined to go to the top and has built a dynasty at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The SunSport columnist was delighted to see Hope Powell and Brighton cause a WSL shockCredit: Supplied

      It’s no surprise she was linked to the top job at AFC Wimbledon, to become the first woman to manage an elite men’s side in this country.
      Emma is a brilliant, committed leader and has a holistic approach with players.
      She gives thoughtful, constructive criticism which has such a tangible impact on her players. She even took time out of her week to do individual training sessions with me.
      Emma has built a dynasty at Chelsea over her nine years.

      Casey Stoney recently revealed that players could not even get a tracksuit at the Blues when she was interim manager in 2008.
      So for them to now share the men’s Cobham training base, have their own stadium at Kingsmeadow and be competing in the Champions League is a huge testament to Emma.
      But credit must also be given to Denise Reddy, who became the West Londoner’s new No 2 in August last year.
      She has done brilliant things in the American league and it was a really smart move for Emma to recruit her.

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      Once again it proves, in the best way, that Emma doesn’t like to sit in her comfort zone.
      The club’s TWO-YEAR record run of 33 games unbeaten came to an end against Brighton last weekend.
      They quickly reacted to that disappointment by beating the Gunners in midweek.
      That shock loss against the Seagulls might have been a wake-up call and will make them even more ruthless.
      But as fans of the women’s game, this is what we love to see.
      We want a competitive edge to the games and not just the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal running away with the title.
      The Gunners may not even be in contention for a Champions League spot this term but — as much as it pains me to say it — that’s brilliant for the development of women’s football.
      It’s great to see smaller teams causing upsets like we have seen in the Premier League this season.

      Alex Scott, front row second left, worked under Hayes, middle row far right, at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOPE HERO
      When the WSL was created in 2010, Hope Powell was very outspoken about ensuring there was more parity across the division.
      She has done so much to push women’s football on, and it wouldn’t be professional right now without her and everything that she has fought for.
      When Hope was England manager she broke down barriers to get where we are today, attracting the best players from across the globe.
      So with the greatest respect to all teams — for the love and benefit of the women’s game, I’m thrilled Hope’s Seagulls beat the champions and ruffled a few feathers!
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More