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      Brentford on longest unbeaten league run in English football, leaving Pep Guardiola’s in-form Man City trailing

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      IVAN TONEY has warned rivals that his Brentford side will be unstoppable when they hit top gear.  
      Striker Toney claimed his first hat-trick since arriving at Bees in September in Saturday’s 7-2 win over Wycombe, taking his tally to 19 in 25 Championship games.

      Brentford are on the longest unbeaten run in English football

      It helped extend Brentford’s unbeaten League run to 18 games – the best in English football ahead of Premier League leaders Manchester City.
      The victory took the Bees to third and they will climb into the automatic promotion places if they win their game in hand.  
      The huge winning margin also ensured they have a better goal difference than any of their Championship top-six rivals.
      And Toney reckons the competition should be worried.  

      He said: “There are certain games we’ve played where we haven’t hit top gear and we’ve still come out with a result.
      “As soon as we hit the gear we need, we can be unstoppable.  
      “I think we showed part of it against Wycombe — and hopefully it continues.  
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      Ivan Toney scores in the demolition of WycombeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “If we want to get where we want to be, the Premier League, we have to show character.”
      Toney was not officially credited with the first of his trio, a volley,  but replays showed the ball crossed the line before Tariqe Fosu made sure — and the club promised to appeal if the mistake is not corrected.  
      Toney added: “Everyone in the changing room said it was three goals. Tariqe is like a brother to me and even he admitted it and said it was over the line.  Whoever is in charge of changing it, I’m sure they will.”  
      Bees boss Thomas Frank was delighted to see Toney end a barren run which stretched back to mid-December.

      Frank said: “I am very pleased for him. Before this game, if I could have picked one player I wanted to score, it was Ivan.
      “I never doubted he would score in one of the next two or three games, if not in this one, but it was important because a striker needs to score to keep their confidence.
      “The big difference between good teams and top teams is the mentality they show. We needed to produce the same top-quality performance against Wycombe as we did against Swansea.”

      Man City beat Sheffield United as Pep Guardiola earns historic 500th win as a manager More

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      Arsenal target Emi Buendia has most red cards in English football since 2018 – but Norwich pal compares him to Messi

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      BEN GIBSON insisted the Norwich camp won’t be too tough on Emi Buendia after his latest red-card shame.
      Ref Keith Stroud sent off the Argentine in the 67th minute for collecting two yellow cards in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough.

      Buendia has four red cards since 2018

      Worryingly for Arsenal target Buendia – and the Canaries – it was the third time he’d been dismissed in the last seven months.
      He has four red cards since the start of the 2018-2019 season, more than any other player in English football.
      The midfield ace walked again after picking up cautions for fouls on Jonny Howson and George Saville.
      But Norwich centre-back Gibson compared Buendia to his compatriot Lionel Messi.

      He said: “It’s important we’re not too hard on Emi.
      “He’s missed out on that occasion, but his counter-pressing has won us balls up the pitch many a time, which has led us to goals and chances.
      “He has been absolutely fantastic – we won’t be too harsh on him.”
      Buendia’s dismissal rounded off a grim afternoon in which he failed to find an answer to the visitors’ man-marking tactics.

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      Buendia’s challenge on George Saville led to a red card on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ex-Boro defender Gibson said: “That’s something he’ll have to deal with – he’ll have to learn how to deal with.
      “I’m sure he has had it for the last couple of years. When you’re that talented a player, teams will set up to nullify you.
      “That’s a massive compliment to Emi – and it’s important he builds on that, he doesn’t sulk, he takes it on the chin.

      “Look at Messi – he gets kicked from pillar to post every single game, never moans, gets up, gets the ball, keeps asking for it.
      “Emi does the same, to be fair to him. He’s a little warrior and we love to have him in the team.
      “He’ll be absolutely fine and every experience like this is a big learning one for him.”

      Mikel Arteta reveals he thought Arsenal vs Man United was a pretty fair game More

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      Rochdale have scored most goals in English football in 2021 – and star Matty Lund models himself on Man Utd’s Fernandes

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      ROCHDALE are the great entertainers of English football.
      The League One side hold that tag because they have the highest aggregate of goals in the top five leagues this season with 85, one more than Oldham.

      Rochdale have scored the most goals in the top four tiers in 2021

      In the past nine games alone, they have featured in matches with a  whopping 47 goals.
      And they have scored more goals than any other side in England’s top four divisions in 2021.
      Although Dale — in 18th spot and just one point above the relegation zone —  have only won one of those matches.
      Top-scorer Matty Lund admits recent results and scorelines — such as a 5-0 win at Wigan in December,  Tuesday’s 4-3 home defeat by Oxford and a 4-4 draw at Charlton — have been “crazy”.

      And he would happily take a 1-0 victory at his former club Bristol Rovers today.
      Lund, 30, said: “We want to be entertainers going forward but I dread to know what Rochdale fans’ heart rates are like watching us at the moment.
      “It’s been incredible — and the games have been  rollercoasters.
      “It has been enjoyable but also  frustrating, as we don’t seem to be able to hang on to a result.

      Lund nets in the 5-0 win over Wigan earlier this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “It’s been a crazy time. I’m sure the fans would take a 1-0 result every game — and so would we. It would be the perfect result.
      “And, hopefully, it would take away the tag of us being the most entertaining team in the country, because we need to be more solid and resilient as a team and keep clean sheets.”
      Dale have suffered injuries to key defenders Paul McShane and Eoghan O’Connell and are not blessed with a big squad, forcing talented teenagers to plug the gaps.
      As well as a lack of experience, other mitigating factors to the goal rush has been an absence of fans,  which has changed the intensity and  atmosphere at games.
      Behind-closed-doors matches can throw up remarkable results, just like we have seen in the Premier League this campaign.
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      Bruno Fernandes has had a brilliant first year at Manchester United
      Lund added: “The games are completely different without crowds and you feel you have a better chance of picking up points — even in the away games.
      “We played at Peterborough last month. They had a few thousand fans but it felt like there were 50,000  in the stands because we hadn’t played in front of a crowd for so long. It was so loud.”
      Despite their defensive problems, which have seen them ship 47 league goals this term, Brian Barry-Murphy’s Dale have no problem finding the back of the net and have scored more than League One leaders Lincoln.
      Only second-placed Hull, with 40, have more than their 38-goal haul.
      Lund, playing in a No 10 role, has ten league goals  to his name already this season, equalling the best tally of his career.
      And the three-cap Northern Ireland international admitted he is learning from Manchester United’s Bruno  Fernandes to add more to his game.
      The Dale ace said: “I’m really happy with the amount of goals I’ve scored.

      “Ten league goals was my initial aim at the start of the season — but now I’d like to get to 15.
      “Bruno Fernandes is an incredible player.
      “He’s  somebody I watch and try to learn from as he plays a similar role,  where he’s a midfielder but likes to press high up the pitch and try to get in the box and score goals by getting on the end of crosses.
      “But I’m sure he scores better goals from outside the box than me!”

      Jamie Ohara says that Man Utd disrespected Sheffield United More

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      Boro ace Duncan Watmore has been getting distinctions on and off the pitch

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      DUNCAN WATMORE wants to prove he is a master on AND off the pitch.
      The Middlesbrough striker this week celebrated graduating from York University with a Masters degree with a distinction in International Business Leadership and Management.

      How Watmore might have looked as he picked up his Masters in International Business Leadership and Management

      This came just weeks after winning Championship player-of-the-month

      This came only a couple of weeks after he earned another distinction – being named SkyBet’s Championship player of the month after a storming start to life at Boro.
      Watmore has had a horrendous four years with injuries – so it is no wonder he has been working on getting academic qualifications in case his career is cut short. 
      Watmore’s Masters follows him already graduating from Newcastle University with a first-class honours degree in Economics & Business Management.
      He admitted: “I don’t want to just identify as a footballer. I’ll always give 100 per cent and be as good as I can be but there are lots of other things in life.

      “I enjoy the fundamental side of learning. I’ve always thought I can do something after football. 
      “There has always been a part of me that knows how short football can be, especially after those injury problems, so I always wanted that backup – to know I have a different string to my bow and a different career path I could choose.
      “I’ve always enjoyed economics and business and just learning different topics. That mental stimulus is something I love.”

      Since bursting on to the Premier League scene as a promising 22-year-old for Sunderland, Watmore has not had much luck since.

      Two cruciate knee ligament injuries ruled him out for nine and 13 months respectively – plus an ankle problem – ruined his early career.
      In that time he had to watch from the sidelines as Sunderland crashed from the Premier League to League One and then failed to get out of the third tier.
      Then as Watmore felt his injuries woes were behind him, Covid-19 curtailed last season and he was released.
      And it was not until Boro boss Neil Warnock decided to gamble on him in November he was able to play again after another frustrating nine months out.
      Watmore told SunSport: “I’m happy after a tricky year where I couldn’t play because of coronavirus and being without a club.“It was so frustrating because I had got over my knee issues and was sharper in training and matches.
      “Then I was without a club, knowing my body was in good condition, but other clubs hadn’t seen that in me because I’d barely been on the pitch.

      Watmore has got off to a flying start back in football with Middlesbrough
      “I knew I had to work to put myself into that position.
      “I put together a good plan. I trained during lockdown – as well as having rest days – and managed my body to get into the best physical shape.
      “So even without a club I was able to stay fit and I’m physically in as good a place as I’ve been before.
      “I just needed a club to take a chance and allow me to show my knee could hold up – and thankfully Boro did.”
      Watmore said the opportunity to play for Warnock was too good to turn down – with the veteran boss, 71, winning four promotions to the top flight four times with Notts County, Sheffield United, QPR and Cardiff.
      He said: “I had a couple of offers from League One clubs and some abroad – but as soon as I heard Boro were interested I wanted to come.
      “Firstly because Neil Warnock is the manager. He has a good reputation.
      “All the lads I met and the people around the club – as well as everyone I talked to – spoke so highly of Boro.”

      I just needed a club to take a chance and allow me to show my knee could hold up – and thankfully Boro did.”

      The 26-year-old has rewarded Boro by scoring five goals in his nine starts so far.
      Watmore has been deployed as a striker– despite playing almost always as a winger during his seven years at Sunderland.
      Warnock did play him wide in the recent 2-1 win at Forest and praised him for his performance.
      Watmore said: “I like playing in both positions. I enjoy playing down the middle because I feel I can score goals.
      “Without wanting to use a cliché, I’m happy to play wherever I’m wanted.

      The Boro ace – who is from Cheshire – loves life in the north east
      “If I’m going to get into the team by playing wide and tracking back then I am happy to do that.
      “I’m always working on my fitness and energy levels to make sure I can get up the pitch and be a threat but also do the defensive work if required.
      “The start I’ve had in terms of goals this season has been pleasing. I’ve always backed myself to score.
      “But there will be times when I’m not scoring so will have to do much more defensive work and provide more support.”
      Warnock has impressed Watmore in his first few months at the club.
      The striker said: “He has good deep knowledge of the game and is switched on.
      “I know exactly what he wants from me when I step out onto the pitch.“
      “He has a great sense of humour. Every day he’ll say something which makes you laugh.

      Boro boss Neil Warnock is one of the biggest reasons Watmore joined
      “But he’s serious when it comes to football.
      “It’s balanced and I know all the lads feel the same. It’s a great environment.
      “And he has that experience of getting teams out of the Championship multiple times and at multiple clubs.
      “It’s a great feeling to know you have a manager who has done that and you can trust him. Trust is an important thing.”
      Watmore’s form has inevitably linked him with Premier League clubs – West Brom and Burnley among them.And he would love to return to the top flight and believes it is possible at Boro.
      He said: “I’m just grateful to be playing football. The injuries I had were horrendous. There were times I thought I’d not play again and that this was the end of the road.
      “And sometimes it’s easy to get caught up having too many goals and ambitions.

      I’m just grateful to be playing football. The injuries I had were horrendous. There were times I thought I’d not play again and that this was the end of the road.”

      “I’ve learned it’s important to appreciate what you’ve got and keep things in perspective.
      “It’s a tough world out there right now and I’ve a job and am lucky to be in the position I am.
      “I just want to be the best I can be. 
      “If I got into the Premier League again with Boro that would be fantastic. That is the goal of everyone at the club and it’s something we’re striving towards.”
      Meanwhile Watmore is currently spending his spare time reading the book Kleptopia: How Dirty Money is Conquering the World.
      He said: “It’s about financial corruption in governments across the world. It’s quite alarming.”
      Watmore is certainly not your everyday footballer. More

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      Owen Dale reckons Crewe can snatch back-to-back promotions in the Championship after roaring first half to the season

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      OWEN DALE believes Crewe can win back-to-back promotions to the Championship.
      Alex have had an impressive first half to the season in League One following their promotion last season.

      Owen Dale is confident after a superb first half to the season for Crewe

      They host Ipswich this weekend just four points behind the play-off spots.
      And Dale, 22, who is enjoying his breakthrough season, has played a big part with his brilliant performances on the left flank.
      Asked if he believes Crewe can get promoted again, he told SunSport: “Yes, definitely. At the start of the season, the manager instilled a lot of belief into us and set out his stall – saying, ‘We’re not looking to just survive in this division.’
      “He thinks there’s enough talent in the team to go on another run. We’re starting to believe in that ourselves.

      “Around the dressing room, there are a lot of performers and as a team we’re doing well – especially with the new lads that have joined us this season and if we keep going as we are we will definitely have a good season.”
      Dale is one of the latest players to come off the club’s famed production line that produced stars such as Dean Ashton, David Platt, Rob Jones, Geoff Thomas, Craig Hignett, Danny Murphy, Robbie Savage and Neil Lennon.
      And he has had to be patient – waiting for game time and being sent out on loan to play non-league with Altrincham to Witton.

      That is now being rewarded with a string of fine performances – including a purple patch December where he netted four of his seven goals this season and claimed an assist, winning him the SkyBet League One player-of-the-month gong.

      He admitted: “When I was sent out to places like Witton and Altrincham I didn’t understand why I was being loaned out.
      “Maybe it’s part and parcel of still being young that I didn’t realise that it was to help me grow as a player, understand the men’s game.
      “I wrongly assumed they didn’t want me around the first team and that I might have to start looking elsewhere fearing I was going to be realised.
      “But I had a good chat with the gaffer and he explained it was to get game time in a first-team environment.
      “Non-league wasn’t always the nice football we play here. A lot of it was long ball but I had to learn that and adapt quickly. It taught me a lot – much more than playing in the under-23s. I am so grateful for that experience.
      “I learned how to win matches, the tactical bits and bobs as well as the physical aspect – how to use my body in certain situations.
      “Also I learned what it takes to last 90 minutes when you’re playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.
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      Dale had a purple patch December to win League One player-of-the-month

      This superb overhead kick by Owen Dale at Burton was an asbolute cracker
      “The manager and his assistant Alex Morris have also taught me so much. I used to run around at 100 miles per hour and was erratic.
      “But they’ve brought a calmness to my game and taught me to trust my technique and it’s all coming together now.”
      Dale picks out his overhead kick at Burton as his favourite goal to date and admits his confidence in front of goal has been transformed.
      He said: “I can’t lie. I did enjoy the overhead kick, they don’t come around very often.
      “But I scored a great one against Plymouth too where I ran in behind and got to the byline, cut back inside and took a shot on my left foot, it took a deflection but went in.
      “I enjoy doing that sort of thing – getting behind the defence.
      “Goals always give you confidence. The last few months I have been scoring consistently and just been believing in scoring in front of goal and taking chances.
      “Now I hope to carry that forward into the second half of the season and maybe we can have another successful year.” More

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      Chelsea set to lose Anthony Barry with coach close to replacing Joey Barton as Fleetwood manager this week

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      CHELSEA face more backroom upheaval as Fleetwood Town target coach Anthony Barry is set to replace Joey Barton as boss.
      The Blues have undergone major changes this week after Frank Lampard and his coaching team were axed on Monday.

      Fleetwood want Chelsea coach Anthony Barry as their new managerCredit: Rex Features

      Joey Barton was sacked by the League one side earlier this monthCredit: Rex Features

      German Thomas Tuchel and his trusted inner-circle of staff were appointed by the West London club on Tuesday and took charge for the first time in last night’s goalless draw with Wolves.
      Barry, 34, was tasked with running Monday’s coaching session at the Premier League side in the aftermath of Lampard’s departure.
      However, the Daily Mail claims League One Fleetwood now want to talk to him over their managerial vacancy.
      And the Cod Army want to ‘wrap up a quick appointment’ with their ex-star amongst the frontrunners to take over from Barton.

      Barton was relieved from his duties of his first job in management this month after chairman Andy Pilley spent a few days reviewing the background of his fall out with striker Ched Evans.
      Owner Pilley is in South Africa but has been looking into the Evans affair and is a known fan of the striker.
      Barton revealed he was letting Evans go after alleged disciplinary breaches, but Pilley was then left to clear up the mess – with Preston later signing him.
      Pilley has backed Barton in controversies in the past, but this was the final episode and also comes on the top of indifferent results.

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      Fleetwood were tipped for promotion this season but they are off the pace despite signing experienced players to add to the squad that missed out in the play-offs last season.
      Barry, was brought in as a defensive coach by Chelsea last August and is understood to have built up a strong rapport with the first-team squad.
      He enjoyed a spell coaching at Wigan Athletic previously and spent his playing days as a midfielder playing in the lower leagues for the likes of Yeovil Town, Accrington Stanley and Forest Green Rovers. 
      Barry made over 50 appearances for Fleetwood in a three-year spell from 2010.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Tuchel yells out the nickname of Chelsea captain Azpilicueta wrong before Pulisic steps in to correct new boss More

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      Warnock rages as Boro’s Dael Fry ‘is a mm from losing an eye’ after Joe Rothwell seals controversial 1-0 Blackburn win

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      NEIL WARNOCK says Dael Fry was ‘a millimeter’ from losing his eye after Middlesbrough’s controversial defeat to Blackburn. 
      Tony Mowbray returned to his old club to claim the points but the game was overshadowed by a nasty injury to the defender.

      Joe Rothwell sealed a 1-0 win for Blackburn at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Boro were furious they were denied a penalty after Dael Fry was met with a high footCredit: Getty

      Jarrad Branthwaite’s dangerously high foot forced the defender off with a gruesome gashCredit: Rex Features

      Credit: Twitter / @GaryStonehouse

      The 6ft 3in star was forced off with blood gushing from his lower right eyelid after he was caught inside the opposition area by Jarrad Branthwaite’s high boot with the game goalless.
      But neither the referee or assistants spotted it – leaving the Boro boss Warnock raging after his side missed out on going level with sixth-placed Bournemouth.
      He said: “It was a game-changing incident. When I saw the mess I wasn’t bothered about the result.
      “I don’t think he meant it but it was endangering the safety of a player – it can’t be any worse than that. He’s a millimetre from losing an eyeball.

      “We miss out on a penalty, a sending-off and one of my best players going off – I’m distraught.
      “How does he miss it? Tony will be delighted and feel like he’s won the pools.”
      Rovers’ top scorer Adam Armstrong had his first sniff when dragging a shot wide early doors.
      Then the main talking point arrived 15 minutes in as Fry attempted to head Paddy McNair’s cross goalwards. 

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      His face was met by the bottom of the Everton loanee’s foot leaving Warnock and his team – quite rightly – furious as medics rushed on.
      The referee was having none of it, and as Fry walked off to be replaced by Nathan Wood, his manager erupted.
      He roared: “How have you not seen that! Ref, do you want to come over and watch the TV? They’re saying it’s a penalty on Sky, what f*****g use is that?”
      Britt Assombalonga forced Rovers goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski into action with a free-kick and Marc Bola fired wide before the break.
      Boro flew out the traps after the restart as Kaminski got down well to deny Marcus Tavernier.
      Jonny Howson’s header was brilliantly pushed away by the Belgian stopper as Wood fired the rebound against the post on the hour mark.

      Breakthrough for Blackburn! 💥Joe Rothwell opens the scoring after a lovely pull-back from #LFC loanee Harvey Elliott! 🎁Watch live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/UL28DmD1NX
      — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 24, 2021

      But just as they were building up momentum the hosts were hit with a sucker punch after Djed Spence lost possession upfield.
      Rovers broke and found Armstrong on the edge of the area, he slid in Harvey Elliott down the right who pulled it back for the unmarked Joe Rothwell to fire home with his team’s first shot on target.
      Wood then lost it as Armstrong was sent clear only to be denied by Marcus Bettinelli before blazing over late on.
      Mowbray, a legend on Teesside due to his time captaining and later managing his hometown club, said: “I don’t enjoy those games and I prefer to play a nice game of football with both teams getting the ball and trying to attack. It felt like a war of attrition and it was really frustrating.
      “But you have to stand up against them and some young players stood up to men.
      “They are not football purists but you have to find a way to beat them.”

      Fry is now a major doubt for Boro’s midweek clash with RotherhamCredit: Rex Features

      Neil Warnock was furious at the officials as they failed to spot the high footCredit: Rex Features

      Neil Warnock leaves fans in hysterics as Cardiff boss stares into TV camera More

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      Jack Emmett’s dream of playing for home-town club Harrogate in the EFL is over as he is forced to retire aged of 27

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      JACK EMMETT thought he had achieved his dream when Harrogate clinched promotion at Wembley.
      He was finally going to become an EFL player after doing the hard yards in non-league.

      Former Harrogate midfielder Jack Emmett enjoying some rest time at home

      But, during pre-season as the Yorkshire club prepared for their first season in League Two, the midfielder realised something was wrong.
      After training sessions and games, Emmett was feeling exhausted beyond anything he had previously experienced.
      And following visits to his doctor and a series of medical tests, he has now been forced to announce his retirement from professional football at the age of 27 – having been diagnosed with chronic fatigue.
      Emmett told me: “I’d been struggling after games for a couple of years – but it wasn’t something I thought too much about as I believed it was part and parcel of being a footballer.

      I’d been struggling after games for a couple of years – but it wasn’t something I thought too much about as I believed it was part and parcel of being a footballer

      “It got particularly bad a year ago – especially when I was playing a lot of games: Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.
      “I was exhausted all the time so had some tests done but nothing came back. I thought I was over training or there was something wrong with my recovery.
      “But then this summer, during an intense pre-season, it got worse.
      “I went back to the doctor and he put me through loads of tests.

      “After a few months of that, yet again nothing came back, which was good because it ruled out all sorts of nasty things.
      “The doctor has now concluded everything and diagnosed me with chronic fatigue.”

      The syndrome is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms.But the most common is extreme tiredness while it can also affect concentration – something which Emmett experienced.
      The condition tends to develop among people between their mid-20s and mid-40s.
      Apart from 90 minutes against Leicester City Under-23s in the Papa John’s Trophy in October, Emmett has not played this season.
      And he said: “The manager knew I was going through tests and was supportive. I told him I couldn’t play until we got something back that was concrete.
      “But with this diagnosis, it was best to take a step away.

      Jack poses with the National League promotion play-off trophy at Wembley

      Jack enjoyed seven great years with Harrogate including promotion from National League North in 2018
      “I reached a point when I’d get through training and tended not to feel too bad but then would get home, crash, feel exhausted and struggle to get out of bed.
      “It was hard to concentrate on anything. I had brain fog.
      “I was just dragging myself through training and hoping it would get better.
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      “But once it got bad it didn’t matter how many rest days I had. It makes you feel like you’re ill and must sleep it off.
      “This happened always after an intense fixture list or tough pre-season.
      “It got progressively worse and to the point where I was so exhausted I couldn’t play well.”
      So Emmett has decided to take time out of the game to avoid any lasting damage – and, if he does return to football, it will be playing part-time in non-league.

      I do want to return to football but it’ll have to be part-time as we don’t know if it’ll come back if I push the body again
      Jack Emmett

      He said: “My recovery plan is to not do anything for a while and just rest my body. I’m focussed on that. It can be a long process.
      “The consensus is that people my age generally make a full recovery.
      “I do want to return to football but it’ll have to be part-time as we don’t know if it’ll come back if I push the body again.
      “You have to be careful because overdoing it can lead to other problems.
      “But I want to return in some capacity because football has been a big part of my life.”
      Emmett – who hopes to get a job using his degree in accountancy – has been playing for his home-town club for seven years and enjoyed the rise from National League North to League Two.
      And he said: “Of course, I’m gutted not to fulfil my dream of playing in the League.
      “But many people haven’t been able to do what I’ve been able to do in football – help take my local club into the EFL. I’m both proud and grateful to have done that.”

      MICK HOLDS THE TRUMP CARD

      GREAT appointment by Cardiff bringing in Mick McCarthy.
      Big Mick is perfect for the Bluebirds and, Neil Warnock aside, no-one knows the Championship better.
      I always love the way he calls a spade a spade and I reckon he can get Cardiff digging deep for a play-off tilt.

      Sterling effort, Cheltenham
      RAHEEM STERLING told the Cheltenham players and staff that he thought they were “done for” after Manchester City survived a real scare a Whaddon Road.
      The Robins were within nine minutes of pulling off one of the greatest FA Cup giantkillings of all time as they led 1-0 through Alfie May’s goal.
      Goals from Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres flattered City in the end.
      And the Premier League stars could not have been more complimentary about the team 72 places below them.
      My old friend Russell Milton is the club’s assistant manager and he told me: “Raheem came up to us and said, ‘You guys were brilliant – I couldn’t see us getting a goal.’

      Alfie May celebrates after firing Cheltenham ahead against Manchester City
      “Although the City players had to get changed in the club bar, they still showered in the away dressing room so walked past ours.
      “Phil Foden told our boys, ‘Well done lads – you were fantastic.’ And you could tell they were all genuine with it – they knew they had just been in a game.
      “Pep said he was aware of our threats and knew we were a good team.
      “And the City analysts told ours they sincerely couldn’t see themselves getting back into the game because we were snubbing out everything.
      “And they were really panicking too. They started moaning about everything on the touchline. Their subs were constantly complaining after we scored – but we weren’t doing anything different to when we first started the game.
      “When Cambridge equalised with the last kick of the game against us a couple of month ago and all ran over to the bench to celebrate. The way City celebrated was just like that. We couldn’t believe it, Wow, that’s Man City.”
      Milton also revealed the goal involving long-throw specialist Ben Towser setting up May was copied from Stoke.
      He said: “We watched videos of Rory Delap and studied the way they got goals – and Ben and Alfie executed it to perfection.”
      Oldham next tomorrow for the Robins in League Two.
      And Milton added: “We certainly don’t need to do any more defensive coaching lessons with them for a while!”

      Man City boss Pep Guardiola speaks to the press following his team’s 0-2 victory over Man Utd in the Carabao Cup More