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      LAST year’s EFL Trophy final to be played the day before THIS season’s Papa John’s showpiece on Wembley Weekender

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      PORTSMOUTH and Salford will finally contest LAST season’s EFL Trophy final NEXT month at Wembley, but the winner will be holders for only 24 HOURS.
      The EFL revealed there will be a ‘Wembley Weekender’, with the 2020 and 2021 finals played on successive days in March.

      Portsmouth are the current holders of the EFL Trophy – and could win the 2020 trophy in MarchCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      The 2020 Checkatrade Trophy final was due to take place last March but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and not rearranged for before the start of this current campaign.
      It has now been confirmed for March 13 at Wembley. However, the final for this season’s tournament will take place just a day later and also be at the home of football.
      With both Pompey – who won it in 2019 – and Salford already out of the rebranded Papa John’s Trophy in 2021, two of Lincoln, Oxford, Sunderland and Tranmere will compete in this season’s final once the semi-final ties are played.
      Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett said: “For players, management, staff and supporters going to Wembley Stadium is always a special occasion and we’re pleased to now have a date for the 2020 final.

      “It obviously won’t be the same without the fantastic Pompey supporters there to cheer us on, but we’ll do everything we can to win the game for them.”
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      Sunderland are one of the four teams left in this season’s Papa John’s TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Graham Alexander led Salford to the final after a penalty shoot-out win over Newport last February.
      However, the League Two club will be led out at Wembleyt by his successor Richie Wellens.

      Portsmouth are currently holders after they beat Sunderland on penalties to win the tournament in 2019.

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      Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard agrees terms to historic takeover of women’s side

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      THOMAS SANDGAARD has agreed terms of a historic takeover of Charlton Women.
      The women’s side has been a separate organisation from the men’s team for more than a decade.

      Thomas Sandgaard has agreed terms of a historic takeover of Charlton Women

      The takeover would bring the two clubs under the same ownership for the first time since 2007.
      Addicks Women were controversially booted out and were kept afloat initially by Charlton Athletic Community Trust and then by fan and local businessman Stephen King.
      Sandgaard completed a takeover of the men’s side from East Street Investments in August.
      He said: “I am looking forward to being able to complete the takeover of Charlton Athletic Women.

      “I have loved my first few months in charge of the club and people will have probably seen that I’ve been bitten by the Charlton bug. 
      “One of the first things I did when I was in London after the takeover was go and watch Charlton Athletic Women play and I knew then that I wanted to bring the two clubs back together.
      “Women’s football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and you can see that a lot of the big clubs are investing in their women’s team.

      “My long-term aim for Charlton is to reach the highest levels with both the men’s team and the women’s team, so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

      The team currently play in the Championship and signed five aces ahead of the January transfer deadline.
      King added: “I am delighted to be able to direct Charlton Athletic Women into such safe hands.
      “The last ten years has been an exciting yet challenging time in charge with some great highs, including the promotion in 2018 and turning semi-professional.”

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      Emma Hayes rubbishes AFC Wimbledon role as step up from Chelsea job as ‘insult’ to women’s football

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      EMMA HAYES has slapped down speculation linking her to League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.
      And the Chelsea boss rubbished the view that the Dons’ managers job would be a step up from her current role at the helm of the WSL champs. 

      Emma Hayes says AFC Wimbledon cannot afford her Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes has dismissed rumours linking her to the vacant manager’s role at AFC Wimbledon Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, 44, was speaking to journalists following reports of her being shortlisted to become AFC Wimbledon’s new manager. 
      But the Blues gaffer revealed she is happy to be leading her WSL title-winners and that her focus is on Chelsea’s Conti Cup semis clash with West Ham. 
      And the highly-rated coach reckons the Dons could ‘absolutely not’ afford her. 
      Hayes said: “First of all, I think it’s important we talk about my game tomorrow – I’m the manager of Chelsea. 

      “I manage and represent elite world-class players and for me, this is an amazing job I’ve spent nine years cultivating all of my energy into. 
      “I’m not looking for another job, I’m blessed with working with wonderful humans day-in, day-out.
      “I just don’t know why anybody would think women’s football is a step down. 
      “If coaching World Cup champions, winners, players who have represented their countries in the Olympics or Euros is a step down from anything.

      “I think the football world needs to wake up and recognise that women’s football- while the game is played by a different gender to men – is exactly the same sport.”
      “This is not a conversation about Emma Hayes and AFC Wimbledon, but we should be having larger conversations about creating opportunities in the men’s game are not limited to those in privileged positions.”

      Hayes has won 11 major trophies with Chelsea’s women’s side Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, who is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, has won 11 major trophies with the club. 
      A move to the Dons would have seen the Camden-born coach become the first woman in history to take charge of a men’s football league side.

      Women’s football is not a step down from anything
      Emma Hayes

      However the former Arsenal assistant manager questioned why anyone would want to leave elite women’s football management for coaching a lower tier men’s side battling relegation.
      And her view was echoed by England Women’s legend Fara Williams who believes Hayes would face an uphill struggle in the Dons’ hotseat. 
      England’s most-capped player said: “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No. I think the odds would all be against her going into that position.
      “The positions she’s in with Chelsea is a much better position.”
      WRONG STEP
      Hayes added: “Women’s football is not a step down from anything. 
      “Women’s football in its right is something to celebrate and the quality and achievements of all the females I represent.
      “Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, Beth England, Magda Eriksson, Millie Bright, Maren Mjelde, do you want me to keep going? 
      “These are world-class players and I think that’s what I’m disappointed with, not being linked to a football job as a football coach, regardless of gender.
      “But as you can see with – I’m happy at Chelsea and I love my job here and I’ve always been clear about that. Nothing has changed.” 
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Hayes says she is happy to be managing world-class talent at the BluesCredit: Prime Media

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Rangers confirm transfer of Nnamdi Ofoborh from Bournemouth on pre-contract with midfielder first going on Wycombe loan

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      RANGERS have confirmed the pre-contract signing of Bournemouth midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh.
      The 21-year-old has signed a four-year deal but will spend the rest of the season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers.

      Nnamdi Ofoborh has signed a four-year deal with RangersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He will then move to Ibrox in the summer, with Gers due to pay a training compensation after Ofoborh rejected a new Cherries contract.
      Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said: “We look forward to welcoming Nnamdi to our group in the summer. We are extremely impressed by his qualities and he is a player that has real progression in him.
      “He has a positive and determined personality and is very much looking forward to becoming a Rangers player at the end of this season.
      “In the meantime we are really pleased that Nnamdi will play week in week out until the end of the season in the Championship at Wycombe, a club he excelled at previously under Gareth Ainsworth.”

      GET THEM IN QUICK
      It comes after Gers pushed through deals to land Jack Simpson and Scott Wright for the title run-in.
      The Bournemouth defender and Aberdeen attacker had signed pre-contract agreements to move to Ibrox in the summer.
      But Steven Gerrard was desperate to get them on board immediately and they beat the midnight deadline to sign the pair. Both players have penned four-and-ahalf year deals which will keep them at Ibrox until the summer of 2025.
      Rangers forked out £200,000 to bring in 23-year-old Wright now rather than wait another five months.

      The money will be deducted from the £350,000 Aberdeen had already agreed to pay for Scotland Under-21 star Ross McCrorie.
      McCrorie was initially on loan until the end of the current campaign but his move will now become permanent.
      Simpson, who has been a standout for Bournemouth in the Championship this term, flew into Glasgow yesterday.
      The 24-year-old completed the formalities of his switch, having already passed a medical and sorted the terms of his new contract last week.
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      Ofoborh will see out the season in the English Championship with WycombeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Gerrard has been a long-time admirer of the left-sided centre-half, who was an England Under-21 international.
      Simpson and Wright could both feature against St Johnstone tomorrow night as Rangers attempt to keep their unbeaten Premiership record intact.
      Wright will fill the voids left by Jordan Jones’ loan move to Sunderland and Brandon Barker’s temporary switch to Oxford United.

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      Reading ace Williams thinks odds could be ‘stacked against’ Emma Hayes in AFC Wimbledon hotseat

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      FARA WILLIAMS reckons Emma Hayes could face an uphill struggle if she takes charge of AFC Wimbledon. 
      And the England Women’s legend thinks the highly-rated Chelsea manager is better off at the helm of the WSL champs.

      Reading ace Fara Williams believes Emma Hayes would be better off staying as Chelsea bossCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Emma Hayes is reportedly on the short-list for the vacant manager role at AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Williams, 37, who is the country’s most decorated Lioness, was speaking hours after the Express revealed Hayes is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next Dons manager.  
      Such a move would see the Kingsmeadow chief, who led Chelsea to a record-breaking 33 game unbeaten run, become the first woman in history to boss a men’s football league outfit. 
      The League One strugglers, who are currently one place above the drop zone, called time on Glyn Hodges’ tenure after a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals MK Dons.
      Williams told talkSPORT 2’s Women’s Football Weekly: “I think it’s credit to the work Emma has done over the past years and certainly for the past year with her Chelsea team. 

      “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No.
      “I think the odds would all be against her going into that position 
      “I would say the position she is in at the minute with Chelsea is a much better position for her.
      “But I think it’s great that she is being spoken about in that bracket to go and work within the men’s game. 

      “If it is to happen, it’s fantastic and it opens up doors for many other women within the game.” 

      Hayes, 44, is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hayes, 44, whose Blues will take on West Ham in the Conti Cup semis, is considered to be one of the best coaches in women’s football.
      In addition to leading Chelsea to three league titles and two FA Cups, the Camden-born gaffer won 11 major trophies during her three-season spell as Arsenal’s assistant manager. 
      Hayes, who joined Chelsea in 2012, is reportedly being eyed for the AFC Wimbledon post alongside ex-Dons players Ian Holloway and Luke Garrard, and ex-England and Gunners star Sol Campbell.

      We just need somebody to break the mould
      Emma Hayes

      Other names being touted include Morecambe coach Derek Adams and former Fleetwood manager Joey Barton.
      Days before the story broke Hayes told SunSport that she hoped to see women coaching men’s sides in the future.
      The Chelsea boss said:”I’m like everyone, I would hope for a fair and equal society and making great strides to create opportunities for women in the men’s game. 
      “Are we at the stage where a Premier League or Championship club is close to hiring a female?
      “You would have to ask the board because they’re the people that have to make the decisions about who they hire.
      “I just hope we do start to see more females coaching teams like you see across American sports.
      “And I suspect that when that happens the first time and there is a success to it, that it will happen subsequently. 
      “We just need somebody to break the mould.”

      Hayes has led Chelsea to 11 major trophy wins since taking charge of the WSL side in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Reading ace Williams, who is working with England Women’s Under-17s as part of an FA Elite Coaching Programme, believes Hayes could blaze a trail for women managers in men’s game. 
      And the Royals striker, who has 168 England caps, hopes to see the Blues gaffer one day take charge of the Lionesses.
      Williams added: “I would like to see Emma be that driving force for women to take opportunities within the men’s game.
      “I certainly think she has the capabilities to do that and I hope an opportunity comes up for her but I just don’t think this AFC Wimbledon one is the one. 
      “But for me in the long-term, I would love to see Emma Hayes – after she has achieved things at Chelsea and worked in the men’s game – take the England Women’s job further down the line. 

      Hayes and her Chelsea stars are targeting a WSL title and Champions League win this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “That would be something special.” 
      Hayes was heavily linked with managing Chelsea’s Prem side following Maurizio Sarri’s departure in 2019.
      And the Blues boss has previously worked as a W-League coach in the USA where she managed Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College and Chicago Red Stars. 
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Man City signing Kwadwo Baah is Rochdale starlet who was Crystal Palace cult hero ball boy after Adrian antics

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      MANCHESTER CITY starlet Kwadwo Baah is hungry like the Wilf as he looks to tear apart Premier League defences.
      The 18-year-old forward, also courted by Bayern Munich, signed from Rochdale after a stellar start to life in League One.

      Kwadwo Baah celebrated his first senior goal in styleCredit: Rex Features

      Baah followed that up with a double at CharltonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Baah likes to run with the ball, here taking on Oxford’s Josh RuffelsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 18-year-old will look to turn on the style at the Etihad

      He will join and summer and he will be doing somersaults over his move to the Etihad.
      Baah struck his first goal for Dale against Wigan last year and celebrated acrobatically. He followed it up with two against Charlton last month.
      He will spend the rest of the season on loan at Rochdale and join City in the summer.
      Baah has taken the Wright path to the Premier League after early career heartache.

      His most notable contribution at Crystal Palace came off the pitch.
      Baah caused controversy in 2016 as an Eagles ball-boy, when he tried to stop West Ham keeper Adrian time-wasting by placing the ball in the six-yard box for him so he could take a goal kick.
      Having been released by Palace at 14, Londoner Baah dropped into non league before joining Dale as a scholar last September, making his debut a month later at 16. 
      Excited about his potential, boss Brian Barry-Murphy sees shades of Ian Wright, Wilfried Zaha and Victor Moses in the German-born starlet, whose parents are Ghanaian.

      “Kwadwo’s got everything,” said Barry-Murphy, whose club have seen players such as defender Craig Dawson, striker Scott Hogan and Luke Matheson move on to bigger clubs.
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      “If you speak about his ceiling or potential there is none. It’s purely about where he can take it.
      “There’s a lot of comparisons. If you see a lot of the wide players Crystal Palace have produced, they end up being like this – Ian Wright, Wilfried Zaha, Victor Moses.
      “Of course I’m not saying he’s of that level yet and there’s still a lot of hard work to do. But he’s a very exciting talent.

      “He’s a tough resilient lad, comes from an amazing family and, similar to our team, he’s overcome a lot of adversity.
      “He was at Crystal Palace at a very young age, went out of the game and worked hard to come back. That’s what he’s got to keep doing, keep working hard. But he’s found a real home here.
      “The beauty of our club is he’s amongst really good guys, really demanding guys who know when to ask more from him and really encouraging guys who let him be himself, be expressive and be that creative force that you saw against Wigan.”

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      EFL clubs didn’t declare a PENNY in January transfer fees as coronavirus crisis hits home

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      EFL CLUBS have not declared a PENNY in January transfer fees.
      The astonishing lack of spending is the clearest sign yet of a collapse in the market due to coronavirus.

      Derby signed Teden Mengi on loan from Manchester United in one of the most high-profile temporary deals in the EFLCredit: Rex Features

      ⚽ Read our DEADLINE DAY BLOG for the very latest transfer news
      Across Europe, as expected, deals were down markedly from this time last year, when Premier League clubs alone spent £230million.
      This year top-flight deals were worth less than £100m, with similar declines across Europe.
      But the change was even more graphic in the EFL.

      The vast majority of signings were loans, with a number of free transfers and “undisclosed” deals.
      Championship clubs spent £60m in January 2019 and £37m a year later but did not declare a single fee this time round.
      Analysts at Football Index predicted the market across the Big Five leagues would be down 61 per cent, with Premier League clubs recording a transfer deficit of less than £50m.
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      That comes despite Prem teams splashing £1.3billion on players in the summer, despite the Covid crisis.
      Elsewhere the National League wants a Government rethink to stop clubs folding. The league’s three divisions will vote this week on abandoning the season.
      It comes after clubs were told £11m in Government money will be in loans and not grants, as expected.
      Dagenham and Redbridge’s Steve Thompson said: “I fear maybe a third of clubs in the National League will not be able to keep going if this money is not another grant.”

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      Emma Hayes, shock contender to manage Wimbledon, has respect of Chelsea owner Abramovich and is inspired by Brian Clough

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      EMMA HAYES has enjoyed a meteoric rise, from growing up in a working class, football mad house in Camden – to one of the most respected figures in the game.
      Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has trusted Hayes at the club for nine-years, during which there have been EIGHT managers of the men’s side.

      Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes is reportedly in consideration for the AFC Wimbledon top jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She has won eight trophies with the West Londoners since taking the top job in August 2012.
      So it’s no surprise that AFC Wimbledon are considering an astonishing approach to make Hayes English football’s first female manager.
      The Dons parted company with former boss Glyn Hodges on Saturday after their 2-0 home defeat to bitter rivals MK Dons.
      SunSport understands Hayes has not been contacted about the job yet.

      Who is Emma Hayes?
      Hayes MBE, 44, was born in Camden, London on 18 October 1976.
      She is currently head coach at Chelsea, having previously served as Arsenal Women assistant coach between 2006-08.
      After graduating from Liverpool Hope University in 1999, she became manager of American side, Long Island Lady Riders between 2001 and 2003.
      She was then head women’s football coach at Iona College in New Rochelle between 2003 and 2006.

      Hayes announced she was pregnant in December 2017 but one of the twins she was expecting did not make it past the third trimester.
      The West London manager gave birth to her son on 17 May 2018.
      With Chelsea she has won the WSL three times, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup and Community Shield – but never the Champions League.

      Roman Abramovich invited Hayes and women’s side to Israel last summer, having not watched the men play in over a yearCredit: PA:Press Association

      Chelsea owner Abramovich has trusted Hayes with the women’s side for NINE yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
      Chelsea dynasty
      Hayes lost 11 of her 12 games in her first full season – but she has well and truly since repaid Abramovich for his patience.
      Few bosses in the men’s game have been given the keys to create a dynasty as huge as Hayes has at Chelsea.
      The club chairman, Bruce Buck, has become her right hand man, as well as director and transfer guru Marina Granovskaia.
      She told SunSport in January: “Everybody always thinks when you talk about support it’s financial. It’s not.
      “It’s making sure that we feel an integral part of the club, and that we’ve been well built into the club and all the support mechanisms around that.
      “I’ve made no secret that I’ve had a close relationship with my chairman, Bruce, but also with Marina.
      “I work first hand with Marina on transfers and she’s very invested in what the team is doing and the players that we’re bringing in. 
      “I think that support has grown the more time that I’ve been here and one that I’ve been extremely fortunate to cultivate. 
      “People even from other clubs, they say ‘what is the secret?’
      “And I always say you need to find your person at the board level or wherever that might be that will help drive that.”

      Hayes with Chelsea women’s general manager, Paul Greenhe, after winning the FA Cup in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Former Blues caretaker boss Casey Stoney has hailed Hayes for building Chelsea from scratch Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Casey Stoney was caretaker manager of Chelsea Women in 2009.
      She recently revealed: “You couldn’t get anything, not even a tracksuit from the club back then.
      “You have to put all the credit for the changes on Emma’s shoulders.
      “She led the way. By proving she could do the job, she role-modelled the message to other clubs that women can manage football teams.”
      Abramovich invited the women to Israel for a friendly with the national team last summer, having not watched the men play in over a year.
      He has also ensured they train at the men’s plush Cobham base and developed Kingsmeadow into Hayes’ fortress.
      The Blues boss added: “There has always been a huge interest from the owner, for example when we went to visit Israel last year.
      “He absolutely loves watching the team and what we’re doing here and I hope I’ve built him a team he can be proud of.”

      Hayes grew up in Brian Clough mad, working class household in CamdenCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Hayes has won eight trophies with Chelsea
      Early influence of Brian Clough
      Hayes’ love for football stemmed from her dad, who was a big fan of former Nottingham Forest boss – Brian Clough.
      She said: “I grew up in a household where my father loved him, and watched his teams a lot. I was a massive fan of Cloughie and his team.
      “I went to a lot of Nottingham Forest games live when they were in London,
      “So, I’ve grown up always admiring his football, the type of football and he’s straight-talking
      “I was only a child, but I was very influenced by my father, who always spoke highly of John Robertson and always talked about John Robertson in that early team.
      “We talked a lot about the recruitment of players, and the importance that Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor in my household.”

      Hayes has hailed Old Big ‘Ead for inspiring her straight-talking approach in management.
      She added: “I don’t think we’re conscious about what we’re going to become, I’m sure he’s played a small part in that for me.
      “I’ve grown up in a house with a self-employed person their whole life.
      “My dad’s only ever worked for himself, he’s made his own money and brought cash home everyday and put it on the table and he’s grafted.
      “I find it refreshing to hear some honesty.”

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