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      Rob Lee on the fence as sons Elliot and Olly battle for family bragging rights in Gillingham vs Charlton

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      ROB LEE’S sons Elliot and Olly will put brotherly love aside on Tuesday as they clash at Gilingham’s Priestfield Stadium.The Newcastle and Charlton legend will be there as Addicks striker Elliot, 26, and Gills midfielder Olly, 30, battle for family bragging rights.
      Rob Lee stands between sons Elliot and Olly as they prepare to face each other on TuesdayCredit: Richard Pelham/News UK
      Brothers Elliot and Olly Lee will be in different camps as Gillingham host CharltonCredit: Richard Pelham/News UK
      Rob, 55, won 21 England caps during his illustrious career that also took in Derby, West Ham and Wycombe.
      And his loyalties could not be more split as not only are his sons in separate camps but he is also covering the match for Charlton TV.
      Rob laughed: “I’m sitting on the fence – a draw with both Lees scoring will be a good result for the family.”
      The boys faced one another in April as Gillingham and Oxford, where Elliot was on loan, were battling for a play-off spot.
      Olly laughed: “We were winning 2-1 when the gaffer took me off and ended up losing 3-2 so I say no more!
      “But Elliot dived about a bit. He always gets his body in the way and then goes down easily to win free-kicks. He’s good at that.”
      Elliot responded: “Yeah, it was great fun and winning the game!”

      But the Gillingham midfielder enjoyed one thing the most in that encounter.
      He said: “One of my team-mates smashed Elliot right away and I was buzzing. I went over and said, ‘Get up.’ We love dishing it out to each other.”
      The siblings have been team-mates. They spent a season together at Luton when the club won promotion from League Two in 2017-18 and also played for West Ham reserves a few times.
      Olly said: “The first game at West Ham was pre-season at Ebbsfleet. Elliot came on and within seconds set me up and I scored in a 3-1 win.
      “Luton was special too. People used to accuse us of only passing to each other but we do have a telepathic understanding.”
      The brothers were blessed to be brought up by a football icon, who was at the height of his powers when they were kids.
      Olly’s earliest memory was watching his dad play in one of the two FA Cup finals Newcastle made in 1998 and 1999. 
      Looking across the kitchen table to his dad, he smiled: “I don’t remember whether it was the Arsenal or Manchester United one because you lost both!”
      “Thanks for reminding me son,” Rob says with a frown.
      Olly added: “But I remember walking up the Wembley steps and thinking, ‘Wow, this is amazing’ and then seeing your dad out there was crazy.”
      Olly went to France in 1998 to watch his old man play in the World Cup and Rob remembers: “There’s television footage of him looking down with his cap on.”
      Elliot added: “I remember us going to St James’ Park and sharing a box with the Shearers. We loved it when they played the Local Hero theme tune. Afterwards, we’d go to the players’ lounge and kick balls around.”
      The brothers had the honour to play with a number of Newcastle legends in their BACK GARDEN.
      Elliot explained: “We had BBQs and there would be Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, Shay Given, Warren Barton.”
      Alan Shearer celebrates scoring for Newcastle with his good friend Rob Lee
      Rob Lee won 21 caps for England during an illustrious playing career
      Rob takes over the story: “We had a big garden so all the lads’ kids would come round too so we’d play eight-a-side.
      “Two of the kids would be captains and they’d choose their teams. Al got the right hump once because he was picked last!
      “He had a brace on that day because he had done his knee so we had to stick him in goal.
      “Newcastle physio Derek Wright was there and not happy with Alan playing at all but we got away with it.”
      Elliot added: “It’s only when you look back at it now we understand how privileged we were.”
      Three years ago while at Luton, the lads were drawn at Newcastle in the FA Cup – and played in the 3-1 loss at St James’ Park.
      Rob said: “The Toon fans gave my boys a terrific reception – they’ve always been so supportive of them on social media too, especially when either of them are up against Sunderland!”
      Elliot joined Charlton last month and was not even born when Rob was wowing The Valley faithful.
      But he said: “The welcome I’ve received from fans and staff who remember dad has been incredible.
      A young Rob Lee during his time at Charlton Athletic where he is now a legend
      “When I signed my contract in the secretary’s office there was a big poster of dad in his Charlton heyday on the wall – and there’s even a huge picture of him in front of me each time I walk out for training.
      “The lads give me banter about it – but it fills me with pride that dad has a legacy at the club. My aim at Charlton is to create my own legacy.”
      Both sons credit their old man for keeping them grounded whatever result and say he is their harshest critic.
      Rob admits: “Regardless of what fans or managers may say to them, I tell them the truth. 
      “My sons have had so many loans but that’s because they’re not content sitting on their backsides on a bench like so many nowadays. They take that from me because when I was at Newcastle I was barely ever a sub. Get out and play games I say rather than just picking up money. As I know, you’re a long-time retired.”
      Both bantered they will share tips with their team-mates on how to stop their sibling – with Olly laughing: “I’ve already told manager Steve Evans that Elliot is small and doesn’t run very fast!”
      And will either of them attempt to nutmeg the other?
      Olly laughed: “We can try but, trust me, that will never happen. Neither of us will be able to pass each other. We both know that if either of us got nutmegged by the other, we’d not be able to live that down.” More

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      Ex-Derby owner Mel Morris reveals he blew £200M trying to get club into Prem before putting them into administration

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      MEL MORRIS revealed he blew over £200MILLION trying to take Derby to the Premier League – before putting them into administration.Ex-owner Morris admitted his time was a ‘failure’ in his own eyes but also warned that football was running out of people like him willing to pay ‘£3m cheques every month’.
      Morris spent big in Derby’s pursuit of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Morris opened up about his shock decision to put Wayne Rooney’s team into admin and said: “It is not something we entered into lightly.
      “There wasn’t a long-term sustainable position without a purchase.
      “I was going to run out of money completely, every asset I’ve got. You have got to pick a moment. And we have people interested.
      “I wanted to find a purchaser for the club and that continues. Over the weekend we had in the region of 15 inquiries. In terms of serious ones there are two or three, based on reputation, who are very serious.”
      Morris feels he came close to promotion a few times, a result that would have let him sell at a profit, before the latest crash came.
      He said: “I would have sooner tried and failed than not to try at all. But financially I regret it. I have lost in excess of £200m.

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      “I won’t make any recovery on the stadium, I will work with the administrators to make sure we get the right purchaser on board.
      “I put a lot of money into the club and we have had some really good times. But ultimately I failed.”
      Morris claims that a deal was close in January 2020 before the EFL queried the sale of the stadium and reveals others wanted to buy but did not produce the money.
      He warned: “It has been horrendous. At a time of Covid it’s impossible to understand the impact that has. Do I have £30m of revenue or £10m?
      “My biggest mistake was to say I would sell the club and not look to make a profit.
      “That gave me no room to negotiate. People would come in and wait and hope the price would change.
      Morris has praised manager Wayne Rooney for keeping the team competitiveCredit: Getty
      “We are running out of owners of football clubs who will write cheques for £1m, £2m or £3m every month.”
      Morris hailed boss Rooney for his efforts in the crisis and believes the club has a future.
      He said: “This is not the end for the club, it’s an opportunity to get a purchaser on board.
      “Wayne is turning out to be an absolutely first class manager. He deserves every credit from being a player who coached to someone who now looks like a boss and is spot on.
      “He is getting the best out of a lot of these players. He will be a major asset for this club. The Stoke City game was probably his finest moment.”
      Morris also blasted the EFL for treating Derby differently when it came to a potential points penalty for failing to pay their players – and the wrangle over their Financial Fair Play issues.
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby to be handed nine point deduction this season over FFP breaches sending them bottom of Championship More

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      Southampton target Keane Lewis-Potter transfer from Hull with scouts checking on 20-year-old star

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      SOUTHAMPTON are on the trail of Hull’s exciting left-winger  Keane  Lewis-Potter as they look for domestic  bargains.Saints’ top scout Martyn Glover checked on the 20-year-old last week and will monitor him for the rest of the year.
      Southampton are thought to be keen on a move for Hull starlet Lewis-PotterCredit: Ben Early/News Images
      The Tigers may have to cash in on Lewis-Potter in January or in the summer.
      They are under a  transfer  embargo  for  taking out a loan.
      Lewis-Potter began his Hull career in the Tigers Under-18 side in 2018. 
      The fleet-footed winger, finished as Hull’s third-highest scorer last term netting 15 times.
      And his efforts helped the club win the League One title and promotion to the Championship.

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      It is reported the player is keen to model his style of play on Wayne Rooney’s.
      And Tigers backroom staff are thought to admire his ability to play both centrally and on the wing. 
      Lewis-Potter and his team-mates have had a tricky start to life in the Championship.
      The club, who play Stoke City next, have picked up one win from their opening eight games. 

      The Tigers have netted five goals in their first eight Championship Games with their last match ending in a 3-1 home loss to Sheffield 
      And Lewis-Potter is currently the team’s highest scorer in the second tier with two in eight games. 
      His last effort against the Blades helped Hull end a ten-hour drought in front of goal.
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      Wayne Rooney’s Derby heading into administration and twelve point deduction after owner notice amid financial crisis

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      WAYNE ROONEY’s Derby County are heading for administration after owner Mel Morris gave notice of the drastic move.The Rams will be slapped with a 12-point penalty when they go through the process which was started on Friday evening.
      Derby are heading into administrationCredit: Getty
      That massive blow for Rooney came when the club’s solicitors gave notice to the High Court that they will appoint an administrator.
      Derby confirmed the news with a statement on their official website, claiming: “This action was made necessary by a number of developments.
      “Last week, it became clear that the process which has been underway to identify a purchaser for the club likely would not be productive over the near term, despite the number of negotiations with credible parties.
      “Because the Covid-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the revenues and profits of all of its businesses, the club has been unable to service its day-to-day financial obligations.
      “The directors had no choice but to make the tough decision to take this action and protect the club.”
      An EFL statement read: “With confirmation from Derby County Football Club that they have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, the EFL can tonight confirm that the Club will be subject to an insolvency event under the terms of the EFL’s Regulations.

      As a result, the Club faces a 12-point deduction. 
      Once the EFL has received formal notification of the application, the deduction will be applied. 
      “The EFL will in due course engage in discussions with the relevant parties with the aim of achieving a successful outcome for the long-term future for the Club.
      “The League is disappointed with the comments made by the Club in respect of COVID lending facilities.
      “The EFL entered into a debt raise to provide its Clubs with access to funds that would support them in dealing with the impact of COVID and, as with any loan, this was subject to a timeframe and eligibility criteria which Derby County was unable to meet.”
      Rooney was preparing the team for a clash with Stoke City on Saturday as Morris took the ‘nuclear option’ after months of financial battles.

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      The players will have to be paid in administration as they are football creditors and they should have their money this month.
      However, other creditors face massive losses and Morris will lose control of the club he has run for years.
      Derby have pinned their administration on the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming to have taken a £20MILLION hit on their cash flow.
      The statement continued: “The irony is that the club’s financial forecasts show the emergence of a financially sustainable picture.
      “Absent the Covid-19 pandemic, we undoubtedly would have been able to trade through.”
      “However, the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and the unpredictability it has created represents too much of a strain.
      “As the Covid-19 pandemic and lock down tightened their grip, the club’s revenues and cash flow took a circa £20m hit.
      “This season, Covid-19 has continued to have a negative effect on the club’s revenues…
      Several Derby players are out of contract in January, including Phil JagielkaCredit: PA
      “We had significantly reduced our wage bill, but the major benefit of these reductions were not going to take effect until this season.”
      Derby also highlighted the complications of selling a football club during a pandemic and blamed the EFL for not helping them.
      They club added: “The Covid-19 lockdown also meant that we were unable to have face-to-face meetings with a number of potential purchasers who could not visit the stadium or training ground.
      “A planned sale of the club and stadium that was due to close in January 2020 collapsed when the EFL was coerced into challenging the stadium sale transaction, a charge that would be dismissed some nine months later.
      “The ongoing litigation and charges in regard to the P&S regulations and the protracted timetable for this to reach a resolution, added further uncertainty and made negotiations challenging.”
      “These issues also led the EFL to preclude the club from drawing down circa £8.3m of financial assistance, as was made available to all other Championship clubs in respect of settling PAYE liabilities, further aggravating our cash flow and ability to meet our financial obligations.
      “Even today, we await the EFL’s response in these matters. This response is important to the club, its supporters and also to any prospective purchaser.”
      Wayne Rooney will not realistically be able to keep Derby up this termCredit: PA
      Derby were already facing separate points penalties for old Financial Fair Play breaches and are yet to receive their punishment from the EFL.
      Rooney’s side are expected to be slapped with a nine-point penalty, meaning they could eventually be docked 21 points with more suspended.
      It is a hammer blow for the Manchester United icon, who put a brand new squad together in the summer despite the club’s impending doom.
      Many of those, such as Phil Jagielka and Sam Baldock, are only signed until January and may not be kept on following Friday evening’s news.
      Derby have also been threatened with a two-season transfer ban if they don’t settle their transfer debts by the end of September.
      The team have made a decent start to the Championship season – considering their situation – picking up seven points from seven games.
      But the cash-strapped club are now facing relegation to League One and a descent down the English football pyramid.
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby to be handed nine point deduction this season over FFP breaches sending them bottom of Championship More

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      Sutton’s Craig Dundas says ‘dreams have come true’ as he makes league debut aged FORTY amid club Covid and injury crisis

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      CRAIG DUNDAS admitted it was “a dream come true” as he made Football League history — and helped Sutton create a slice of it for themselves.Sub Dundas, the club’s fitness trainer, became one of the oldest outfield players to make his League debut aged 40 years 207 days as 123-year-old Yellows secured their first win in the EFL.
      Craig Dundas became one of the oldest outfield players to make his EFL debutCredit: Rex
      Dundas was called up for his 568th Sutton appearance after Covid, injuries and international call-ups hit Gander Green Lane.
      The attacker, who has 109 goals for the club, said: “It was a dream come true. I’ve been in non-league football for over 20 years and it has always been a dream of mine to play in league football.
      “It’s one of my biggest life goals achieved. I never gave up on my dream. It was all about consistency, persistence and determination.
      “Not stopping until you get there. Thankful to the management for trusting in me.
      “I wanted to help the team get this massive win. Main goal is to stay in the league, especially as it has taken us 123 years to get there!
      “When the time comes to stop, my body will tell me. Hopefully for another season. I’m 40 years young.”

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      Dundas replaced two-goal Richie Bennett, who levelled on  58 minutes after Elliott List had put Stevenage in front ten minutes after half-time.
      Bennett scored the winner from the spot on 63 minutes after Boro defender Terence Vancooten handled in the box and was sent off. Sutton boss Matt Gray signed Oldham-born striker Bennett, 30, in the summer.
      Bennett scored the winner from the spot on 63 minutes after Boro defender Terence Vancooten handled in the box and was sent off. Sutton boss Matt Gray signed Oldham-born striker Bennett, 30, in the summer.
      And Bennett believes he has “found a home” in the south.
      He said: “I’m settled. Everyone has been welcoming. Every player needs to find where they feel comfortable to get the best out of themselves.
      “The gaffer  has given me a lot of confidence.”
      Stevenage boss Alex Revell says his side, winless in five league matches, must “knuckle down”.

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      They have picked up  just two points in that run.
      Revell said: “What you have to do in these times is knuckle down, keep pushing, work extremely hard and hopefully Lady Luck turns a little bit.
      “Football’s tough. It’s on moments. Some of the play at Sutton was excellent but we still haven’t had that complete performance.”
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      Newport unveil incredible Goldie Lookin’ Chain-inspired third kit to celebrate city’s ‘unique heritage and culture’

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      LEAGUE TWO side Newport County have brilliantly collaborated with hip-hop legends Goldie Lookin’ Chain for their new third kid.The strip is inspired by Burberry – a fashion brand synonymous with the group – and the Welsh city’s ‘unique heritage and culture’.
      Newport have collaborated with Goldie Lookin’ Chain for their new kitCredit: Newport County
      The design is inspired by fashion brand BurberryCredit: Newport County
      Newport are competing in League Two this seasonCredit: Newport County
      Newport announced their partnership with Goldie Lookin’ Chain on Wednesday and claimed they were ‘rolling back the years’.
      The EFL outfit first collaborated with the group for a kit in 2004-05, when GLC were at their peak and the Exiles were a non-league team.
      GLC are a comedy rap group from Newport, who achieved national fame in 2004 with the release of ‘Guns Don’t Kill People Rappers Do’.
      The song charted at No3 and the group went on achieve six Top 40 singles before fading from the limelight during the mid-noughties.
      GLC’s songs joked about ‘chav’ culture and life in South Wales during that era – and the band continue to make music and perform today.
      Newport’s website reads: “The Exiles and GLC want to celebrate our city’s unique heritage and culture, so we thought now would be an excellent time to celebrate the famous jersey and bring it back up to speed.

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      “Featuring a two-colour heritage check with entwined GLC logos, this County x GLC shirt is sure to be one for collectors.
      “The design is predominantly sesame and consists of a check pattern, which is made up of red and black lines across the front of the shirt.
      “The club crest has also been modified to a blacked-out special edition to blend in with the rest of the shirt.”
      Reception of Newport’s fresh kit has been mixed, with some fans on social media loving it and others not so keen.
      One tweeted: “Ordered. Looking forward to getting my hands on the worst/best football shirt ever made.”
      But another wrote: “Is this real or just a p*** take?”
      And one supporter tweeted: “Going to need to get myself one of these beauties.”
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      Former Wycombe and Barnet player Glyn Creaser, 62, ‘stable’ after suffering cardiac arrest during charity match

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      GLYN CREASER is ‘stable’ after suffering a cardiac arrest over the weekend.The 62-year-old was involved in a charity match at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium when the incident occurred.
      Glyn Creaser, right, helped Wycombe to promotion in 1993Credit: Alamy
      Creaser lifts the FA TrophyCredit: Rex
      Creaser collapsed just as the second half was due to begin, with the match subsequently being abandoned.
      Thankfully, Stevenage have now confirmed that the former Wycombe Wanderers and Barnet favourite is in a ‘stable’ condition.
      A statement on their website read: “Stevenage Football Club is pleased to inform supporters that former Barnet player Glyn Creaser, who suffered a cardiac arrest at half-time during Sunday’s Martin Gittings Benefit Game, is now in a stable condition in hospital.
      “The Club and the player’s family would like to thank the prompt action of Club Doctor Kevin Zammit and the onsite Pro-Medicus Staff, who saved his life with the aid of a defibrillator.
      “The incident has once again highlighted the importance of defibrillators in sporting environments at all levels of the game.
      “The Club’s wishes Glyn a safe recovery and would like to thank those who attended Sunday’s match for their understanding of the situation which arose.”

      Creaser played 181 times for Wycombe between 1988 and 1995, having already racked up over a century of appearances for Barnet in the four years prior.
      After hanging up his boots, Creaser moved into coaching – going on to take charge of Aylesbury United between 2015 and 2017.
      The charity match was being played in order to raise funds for Stevenage legend Martin Gittings, who has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy.
      A Paul Fairclough XI took on Barry Fry’s Barnet – who Creaser had been representing.
      The event was well attended, with around 1,200 fans believed to have turned out.
      England manager Gareth Southgate comments on the possibility of having a FIFA World Cup every two years More

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      Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere offered move to League One side Wigan with 29-year-old considering retirement

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      JACK WILSHERE has been offered a footballing lifeline – with Wigan Athletic open to taking the former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder on board. Wigan chairman Talal Al Hammad has tweeted Wilshere saying he is ‘most welcome’ to turn out for the League One side.
      Jack Wilshere made 18 appearances for Bournemouth between January and JuneCredit: Reuters
      He also won two FA Cups during his time at ArsenalCredit: The Sun
      The 29-year-old is without a club with Bournemouth choosing not to offer Wilshere a new contract after he spent six months with the Cherries during the second half of last season.
      But Wigan fans shouldn’t get their hopes up of seeing the 34-cap England international turn out at the DW stadium.
      Wilshere has suggested that a move abroad would be the best option for him at this point in his career after even considering retirement.
      In a revealing interview with The Athletic, he explained: “I’ve said before that I’m open to going abroad. In fact, I probably want to go abroad.
      “I want to try something different. I think it’ll be good for me, for my life, for my family.
      “Have a fresh start somewhere where people, clubs, fans don’t think, ‘Oh, that’s Jack Wilshere. He’s going to get injured today’, or, ‘He’ll play five games and that’s it… waste of an investment.”

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      Wilshere left Arsenal for West Ham three years ago, but left just 12 months into a three-year deal, starting only six Premier League games.
      He told the Athletic that he still has the ‘hunger’ to play the game, but is yet to respond to Wigan’s contract offer.
      The midfielder suffered serious ankle problems and a broken leg during his ten year spell at Arsenal, with persistent injuries following him after his move to the London Stadium.
      During his time at the Emirates Wilshere made 198 appearances, including THAT display against Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League last-sixteen that has gone down in Arsenal history.

      A 19-year-old Wilshere put in a man of the match display in a 2-1 win against the Catalan giants during the height of their European dominance.
      He was the best player on the pitch that day despite lining up against footballing legends Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets in the heart of midfield.
      A move to League One side Wigan would represent some difference to games like those, but it would likely offer Wilshere the opportunity to get back to playing first team football on a regular basis.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
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