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      FA Cup star Declan Thompson reflects on how memory of cruel kids mocking him in wheelchair helped fuel footballing dream

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      DECLAN THOMPSON has never forgotten how other kids cruelly laughed at him for being in a wheelchair.
      That memory and sheer bloody-mindedness drove him to become a professional footballer.

      Declan Thompson made his debut for Sheffield Wednesday at Exeter Credit: GETTY

      Young Declan shortly before he was diagnosed with Perthes diseaseCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Thompson came off the bench in Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup win over ExeterCredit: Rex Features

      And on Saturday he climbed off the bench to make a fairytale debut for his beloved Sheffield Wednesday in their FA Cup win at Exeter.
      Thompson, 18, spent a year-and-a-half in a wheelchair from the age of five after being diagnosed with Perthes disease – a rare childhood condition that affects the hips.
      And his parents Lee and Gemma were told he may never walk again, let alone play football.
      But, after undergoing a number of surgeries, Thompson was not only able to walk, but made a full recovery by the age of 11 to allow him to pursue his football dream.

      He told SunSport: “What hurt me the most back then was when I went to a Christmas fete, I saw people looking and laughing at me.
      “I want to say to people who look at others and think they’re more disadvantaged than them, that’s not the case.”
      In fact, Thompson was so determined not to allow his disability to make him different from other kids, he still enjoyed playground kickabouts even in his wheelchair.
      And, after he had pins and plates removed from his hips, he would play while using a ZIMMER FRAME.

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      Declan was only a toddler when dad Lee made his EFL debut at BostonCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Declan shows off the shirt he wore on his Wednesday debut with dad LeeCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      He said: “Seeing my friends kicking a ball made me want to join in.
      “It wasn’t about becoming a footballer at that point – it was just about enjoying it.
      “I’m the sort of person if I’m going to do something, I won’t let anything stop me.”
      Thompson used to watch Wednesday from the Kop and remembers being taken to his first home game against Notts County as a birthday present.
      He comes from a huge football family. Dad Lee, 38, was a midfielder who played in the Football League for Boston.
      There, Lee was team-mates with Brighton boss Graham Potter, former Belgium assistant and Luton manager Graeme Jones, ex-Leeds chief Neil Redfearn and Sheffield United old-boy Peter Duffield.
      And his granddad Craig, 63, used to coach at Leeds, Sheffield United and in local non-league.
      Thompson credits his grandfather for helping him beat the odds to become a professional footballer – as he would take him to games and coach him while his dad was busy with his own playing career.
      He said: “My granddad took me to every match but he hasn’t been well since having a heart attack a couple of years ago.
      “But he doesn’t let it affect him. He’s more resilient than even me – that’s where I’ve got it from.
      “Along with my dad, he has played a huge part in helping me to where I am today.
      “I went around his house on Sunday and took the shirt I wore at Exeter with me.”

      Thompson, pictured here with his dad and granddad, comes from a big football familyCredit: LEE THOMPSON

      Declan with proud granddad Craig as he signed pro forms for WednesdayCredit: LEE THOMPSON
      Thompson is going to get his shirt framed and give it to his grandfather, so it can hang on the wall next to the one of his dad’s from his own Boston debut.
      He said: “I was heartbroken that, with no fans allowed, he couldn’t come to watch my debut.
      “That had always been my No1 priority when I was coming through the Wednesday academy.”
      A video posted on social media of his dad in tears at home while watching his son come off the bench went viral.
      And Thompson joked: “My dad has got more fame out of this than me.
      “I wasn’t able to watch the video all the way through because I got too emotional.
      “To see my family name on Twitter has made me so proud.”
      Thompson’s story so far has been inspirational stuff but the rookie does not want to stop there.
      He wants to write many more chapters – and ideally with the club he has always supported.
      He said: “There is no limit to what you can or can’t do.
      “If you want to become something, you can be whatever you want to be whether it’s a plumber or footballer.
      “I now want to kick on and become a household name.”

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      Man Utd fan Tyson Fury sends support message to Crawley ahead of Leeds FA Cup clash and says he’s rooting for underdog

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      TYSON FURY sent a message of support to League Two’s Crawley and said he is rooting for the underdog against Leeds.
      Crawley host the Premier League side in round three of the FA Cup and have it all to do against Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

      Tyson Fury sent his message of support to League Two’s Crawley

      Tyson Fury is a big Manchester United fan Credit: Getty – Contributor

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      But they have heavyweight backing in the form of WBC champion Fury – a Manchester United fan – who is rooting for a classic cup upset.
      He said: “This is a special message to Crawley Town.
      “Hi guys, I know you have a big game against Leeds but never underestimate the underdog.

      “I have been the underdog so many times in my career and always come out on top. Come on the boys!”
      Fury, 32, will also have an eye on his local side Morecambe who travel to Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
      Crawley are in the FA Cup third round for the first time since 2013, when they were knocked out by Reading.
      But this time around, as well as support from unbeaten Fury, they have celebrity status with The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright in the squad.

      The former Tottenham trainee had a loan spell at the club in 2006-07 – before his carving out a successful reality and media career.
      His return to the club has been filmed by the BBC for a new TV documentary.
      And he will also be joined by his brother Josh, after the midfielder signed from Leyton Orient.

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      Hanlan out of things to watch on TV if season is suspended and says: Football keeps fans who are holed up at home sane

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      BRANDON HANLAN could not bear football being curtailed … as he has run out of box-sets to watch.
      There has been a lot of debate about whether the season should be paused with more players testing positive for Covid-19 and games being cancelled as the new variant sweeps through the country.

      Brandon Hanlan is having a great first season at Bristol RoversCredit: rex features

      Bristol Rovers striker Hanlan, 23, takes on Sheffield United this weekend in the FA Cup and believes keeping the season going is vital for the sanity of football lovers holed up at home.
      And he cannot do without his own TV football fix especially now that he has pretty much exhausted everything to watch on Netflix.
      Hanlan told SunSport: “With the times that we are in now, it’s very hard. We’re fortunate as footballers to be able to play. If you’re still doing what you enjoy, you definitely must appreciate it because it’s hard for a lot of people out there.
      “Football on TV lifts people’s spirits. I watch every game myself because it gives you something to do when you’re home. During lockdown, there is definitely nothing better to do than watching football.

      “Besides, I’ve watched almost every box set on there is on Netflix. I’m a big fan of Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy and crime mysteries.”
      Hanlan has had a successful first season at League One club Rovers after deciding to switch from Gillingham in the summer.
      The striker has already scored eight goals in 20 outings for the Pirates – which is the best ratio of his career to date.
      He has progressed steadily since growing up as an Arsenal fan, idolising striker Thierry Henry as well as Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

      FA Cup treble boost: Back Chelsea, Man City and Spurs at 20/1

      Hanlan said: “They were my ideal players. My family are all big Arsenal fans so I support them too.
      “I remember going to Highbury once and went to watch them at Craven Cottage but it was so long ago and I didn’t appreciate what I was seeing – the team I ended up supporting.
      “It did 100 per cent galvanise me though. I’ve always loved football. I’ve never not played football.”

      Brandon Hanlan was a big Arsenal fan as a kid and idolised Thierry Henry
      Hanlan played Sunday league youth football for Waterloo FC before having a trial at Charlton where he was signed by former Addicks star Jason Euell, who was coaching the youth team.
      And he graduated through the ranks at The Valley before getting on to the fringes of the first team.
      But it was two loan spells with Bromley in the National League and another at Colchester where he really cut his teeth.
      And while with Bromley he played at Wembley in the 2018 FA Trophy final although they lost on penalties to Brackley – although Hanlan scored his spot kick.
      He said: “It was a great experience. It’s everyone’s dream to play at Wembley and whatever happens in my career I can say I’ve played and scored there.”
      Hanlan had two enjoyable years at Gillingham – winning young player of the year in his first season – and is indebted to former boss Steve Lovell for showing faith in him and to Steve Evans for continuing to believe in him when he took over.

      Hanlan missed a sitter for Gillingham in last year’s FA Cup against West Ham
      The striker said: “Those two years were great because it was the first time I really got to experience playing week in, week out at a club in the League.
      “And it taught me about what three points really mean and what it’s like to climb the table. It also gave me an identity.
      “I wanted to give myself a new challenge. I’ve got nothing bad to say about Gillingham.”
      This is Hanlon’s second crack at taking on a Premier League side – having played in Gillingham’s spirited 2-0 third-round defeat to West Ham last January.
      And he hopes to go one better today and create an upset.
      He said: “It’s a great opportunity. Every game is. They’re not doing so well but they are still a Premier League club and have quality players.
      “If we play our best football, hopefully that’ll be enough to get into the fourth round.” More

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      EFL confirm 112 coronavirus cases from 66 clubs as new Covid-19 strain rips through English football

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      THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE has confirmed 112 cases of coronavirus among 66 clubs competing in this weekend’s FA Cup third round.
      The positive tests came back from Championship, League One and League Two teams still in the competition, which has been marred by an increase in cases.

      This weekend’s FA Cup third round has been hit by a rise in coronavirus casesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Some 3,507 players and staff were tested and confirmed cases have been told to self-isolate for ten days.
      Coronavirus has ripped through the third round with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby reporting outbreaks within squads.
      All three teams are expected to play youth sides in their weekend games, although positive tests in the Shrewsbury camp has led to their match with Southampton being postponed.
      If games cannot be completed amid a congested fixture schedule, reports suggest teams suffering outbreaks could be kicked out of the competition.

      This round of EFL tests does not include Premier League teams, which reported 12 new cases from 984 tests between January 1 and 3.
      League bosses have stated their confidence in coronavirus protocols amid the rise of a new, highly-infectious variant of the disease across the UK.

      The EFL’s Medical Advisors Dr Richard Higgins and Dr Subhashis Basu said in a statement: “Today’s results reflect the current speed at which the virus is spreading amid the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19.
      “But the low reported numbers across the overwhelming majority of clubs means we remain confident that our protocols continue to mitigate against the spread of infection as intended.

      “The protocols, supported by the clubs and government, are allowing us to continue playing fixtures as scheduled but we cannot be complacent.
      “Which is why recently enhanced matchday and non-matchday Covid protocols have been issued to underpin the re-introduction of a League wide testing programme which commences next week.
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      “Medical advice continues to support that following these protocols is the most successful route to mitigating against the spread of infection.”
      The remaining six EFL clubs not involved in the FA Cup third round will be tested ahead of their next fixtures.
      From next Monday, all 72 Football League clubs will be tested twice a week.

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      AFC Wimbledon set to turn new Plough Lane stadium into coronavirus vaccine centre to help UK rollout

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      AFC WIMBLEDON are set to convert part of their brand-new Plough Lane stadium into a Covid-19 vaccination centre.
      The Dons officially moved back to the site after a 30-year absence back in November.

      AFC Wimbledon will offer up their new Plough Lane stadium as a vaccination centreCredit: Rex Features

      But government restrictions and final building work mean supporters have yet to come through the turnstiles.
      However, the facility has now been offered to the NHS to help provide necessary jabs against the deadly virus.
      Meeting rooms and executive suites are understood to be turned over to health professionals.
      An AFC Wimbledon source said: “We always said Plough Lane was going to be a stadium for the community.

      “Now it is set to act as a major vaccination hub for Merton in an area that needs it.”
      Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium is one of the seven mass vaccination centres due to open to deliver jabs next week.
      The Sun revealed Leeds became the first Premier League club to hand over its Elland Road facilities for the unprecedented vaccine push.
      Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, is one of the possible venues to be added while Spurs have offered their new ground as well.

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      And Chelsea will open up the Stamford Bridge hotel for free for NHS workers – just as they did at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Owner Roman Abramovich is going to cover the cost of rooms for staff to stay when working shifts at nearby hospitals or simply in need of somewhere to stay after the country went into its third national lockdown.

      Seven major vaccination hubs are set to open next week, including Bristol City’s Ashton Gate, as part of the rollout for the jabCredit: Reuters

      The Dons are yet to play in front of their fans since returning to Plough Lane after 30 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Man Utd player ratings: Dean Henderson heroics keep it close vs Man City as Anthony Martial falls flat in attack

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      MANCHESTER UNITED missed out on a place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 defeat to Man City.
      John Stones and Fernandinho scored at Old Trafford to book City’s place in a fourth consecutive Wembley showpiece, this time against Tottenham.

      Dean Henderson prevented Man Utd from being thrashed by Man CityCredit: Reuters

      It marks yet another semi-final defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
      But the Norwegian will now look to move clear at the top of the Premier League table instead.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Man Utd player ratings.
      DEAN HENDERSON – 7

      Made a number of fine saves to keep United in the game and prevent the scoreline from being bigger, including a brilliant dive to deny a scorcher from Riyad Mahrez.
      But he could have done better when John Stones snuck in to fire home City’s winner and was slow to react to Fernandinho’s effort.
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      Anthony Martial was blunt in attack as United struggled for chancesCredit: AFP

      AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6

      Recovered well after being targeted by Raheem Sterling early on.
      But couldn’t really get out of his own half to make an impact up the other end.
      VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
      Held his defensive line fairly well to keep City’s slick passers at bay.
      But looked tired as the game went on after returning from injury.
      HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
      A commanding presence, he orchestrated his fellow defenders well.
      Once or twice a bit forgetful in his pressing duties though.

      Paul Pogba lacked his magic touch against CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      LUKE SHAW – 5
      Was given a tough task against Mahrez, who constantly cut inside on his left foot.
      As a result, he found himself tucked in centrally and was often a passenger on the break.
      FRED – 5
      Tenacious as ever but lacking that extra bit of quality to get a real foothold in the middle of the park.
      Showed his frustration at times as the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden passed him by with precise passes.
      SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5
      Ran hard for his side to keep the pressure on City’s midfielders.
      But looked awkward at times in a technical battle against Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho.

      Bruno Fernandes tried to get his team up for the fight but also had sloppy momentsCredit: Reuters
      PAUL POGBA – 5
      Wasn’t able to work his usual magic as he kept getting pulled out wide.
      Looked slow at times but was always available for a team-mate’s pass.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
      Clever passing and movement as he put in a typical performance as the No10.
      Was targeted constantly by Fernandinho and made sure the ref knew about it, eventually resulting in the City veteran getting a yellow card.
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
      Found space well between the channels to split City when going forward.
      But didn’t create too much for his team when he did get a go on the ball.

      Marcus Rashford also struggled to find a way through up topCredit: AP:Associated Press
      ANTHONY MARTIAL – 4
      Stayed very central but was always half a second off the pace.
      Couldn’t get the better of Stones or Ruben Dias, who tiki-taka’d their way around his pressing and looked blunt throughout.
      SUBS
      Mason Greenwood (for McTominay, 74′) – 5
      Came on to change shape of United’s attack but was fairly anonymous on the right flank.
      Donny van de Beek (for Fred, 87′) – N/A

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      Ched Evans signs for Preston North End on loan until end of season after bust-up with ex-Fleetwood boss Joey Barton

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      PRESTON have completed the signing of Fleetwood striker Ched Evans on loan until the end of the season.
      The move comes after Joey Barton was sacked as manager of the Cod Army, following a falling-out with the Welshman.

      Ched Evans leaves Fleetwood just days after the exit of manager Joey BartonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley investigated the row and disposed of former Manchester City midfielder Barton.
      On his decision to drop Evans last month, Barton had said: “There’s been multiple infractions and we always try to give a bit of leeway but it’s just run its course.”
      And Evans has followed him out of the door, in a move to Preston confirmed on Wednesday.
      North End boss Alex Neil stated his delight at signing Evans ahead of a crack at the Championship play-offs.

      The Scot told the club website: “He will add competition at the top end of the pitch.
      “He is very physical; he wants to look after the ball, take it into his feet and get you up the pitch and equally score goals.

      I have spoken to him at length and his character as much as anything else will be important for the team.
      Alex Neil

      “He will be really excited about getting an opportunity in the Championship He’s an experienced player; he is a good lad.
      “I have spoken to him at length and his character as much as anything else will be important for the team.”

      Evans, 32, scored seven goals for Fleetwood in the first half of the campaign and is still rebuilding his career after being originally convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in Rhyl, in May 2011.
      A Court of Appeal verdict quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial in 2016. An eight-day trial found Evans not guilty.
      Evans said on Wednesday: “I am really excited for the next six months, getting back to the Championship is brilliant. I’m really pleased for the opportunity and I’m looking to kick on.
      “I’m really pleased to be here, the facilities and everything are brilliant and Preston North End is a club in a great position at the moment to kick on for the rest of the season.”
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      Evans is cup-tied for Preston’s FA Cup tie at Wycombe on Saturday but will be eligible to make his debut for the 12th-placed club a week later at Bristol City.
      With Barton leaving ambitious Fleetwood in tenth, the League One club are reportedly eyeing James Beattie to take over as manager.
      The former Southampton striker is said to want ex-Reading ace Dave Kitson to be his assistant.

      Joey Barton sacked as Fleetwood manager after Ched Evans bust-up More

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      James Beattie on shortlist to become new Fleetwood boss with Southampton legend looking to replace Joey Barton

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      JAMES BEATTIE is reportedly in the running to replace Joey Barton as the new Fleetwood manager.
      The 42-year-old is believed to be ready to step back into management having not been at the helm of a club since departing Accrington Stanley in September 2014.

      Former Southampton striker James Beattie is believed to be on the shortlist to become the new Fleetwood bossCredit: Getty – Contributor

      League One side Fleetwood are on the lookout for a new gaffer after they sacked Barton two-and-a-half-years into his reign at Highbury.
      Barton was dismissed by Fleetwood on Monday after club chairman Andy Pilley spent a few days reviewing the background of his fall out with striker Ched Evans.
      The ex-Manchester City midfielder has since opened up on his axing, where he admitted he ‘didn’t always get it right’.
      According to the Daily Mail, Southampton legend Beattie is on the shortlist of potential candidates to replace Barton.

      It has been stated that should the ex-England international be hired, he would like to bring Dave Kitson in as his assistant manager.
      The duo played together at Stoke in the Premier League during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
      Though Beattie hasn’t had a managerial job in over six years, he still boasts plenty of coaching experience.
      He has been part of Garry Monk’s coaching staff at a number of different clubs since 2015.

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      Joey Barton had his contract terminated by the League One side on MondayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Beattie linked up with Monk at Swansea where he coached the club’s forwards, before he moved with the 41-year-old to Leeds in 2016.
      The ex-Sheffield United forward then followed Monk to Middlesbrough in 2017 as a first-team coach.
      A move to Birmingham happened a year later, with Beattie staying at the club even after the former Swans skipper was sacked.
      However following the arrival of Aitor Karanka, Beattie left, where he again linked up with Monk at Sheffield Wednesday in August, though the duo have since departed.

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