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      Sunderland, Ipswich and Portsmouth handed early Christmas present with £2.7m EFL bailout money given as gift not loan

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      CHRISTMAS is coming early for Sunderland and other ‘big clubs’ in League One – with the EFL cash bailout now a GIFT.
      The major boost means that the Black Cats will be the big winners after their claim for help will be answered with a payment of around £2.7 million.

      Lee Johnson’s Sunderland are one of the clubs to benefit from an early Christmas giftCredit: Rex Features

      Ipswich and Portsmouth are two other outfits who are due seven-figure payments, with the real reward being it is FREE money.
      The pot for League One, handed down from the Premier League’s original donation, is now going to be split according to losses but will not have to be paid back.
      It is estimated to be £11.8m in total, with insiders revealing the ‘big three’ will grab the majority of that figure.
      A vote among clubs opted to make it a gift rather than a loan, which is major help for Sunderland in particular as it would have complicated a possible takeover.

      Amazingly some of those smaller teams did not ask for extra and settled for the original £375,000 they all received.
      Accrington Stanley revealed that they have lost almost £700,000, ranking them at number 43 out of 48 in the bottom two divisions.
      The Lancashire club picked up £223,013 in the first hand-out and £375,000 in the one-off grant.
      So they are down but did not apply for help.

      League Two clubs have yet to decide how to split their £3.8m pot.
      They threw out a plan for it to be divided up according to losses.
      The formula to calculate lost revenue in League One is based on these four main categories: Seasons tickets refunded, season tickets still due, gate receipts and hospitality refunds both for last season and this campaign so far.
      So the clubs with the biggest supports will get the largest financial gift – and won’t have to give it back.

      Sunderland boss Johnson furious at EFL after being forced into dangerous Wimbledon game More

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      Ian Holloway quits as Grimsby boss after 12-months on his Twitter account after ‘inappropriate’ contact by new owners

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has quit his role as manager of League Two strugglers Grimsby – and told fans exactly why.
      The 57-year-old took charge of the Mariners a year ago but leaves them 20th in the fourth tier.

      Ian Holloway has quit his job as Grimsby managerCredit: PA

      Now he has resigned from the job after last night’s 2-1 defeat to Bradford left them just six points above the relegation zone.
      And he cited his ‘strained’ relationship with Grimsby’s possible new owners as the reason behind his exit.
      Holloway explained in a lengthy Twitter thread: “To all the fans; it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my resignation as manager of Grimsby Town Football Club. New wannabe owners are hovering over GTFC and John (Fenty, majority shareholder) has told me he is selling his stake in the club, so it’s time for a fresh start across the board for this great club.
      “Contact was made by the new owners to me on several occasions before the takeover, which I felt was inappropriate, and told them as such. This is the key factor in my decision.

      “Why? The relationship between the incoming new owners, board and manager is so, so important. It needs to be strong for a club to succeed, and we got off on the wrong footing. Therefore, that relationship will be strained from the off, which is bad for the club.
      “This is a club that, if everybody has its best interests at heart, can progress onwards and upwards. That is their challenge. That is their honour. I sincerely wish them all the best going forward and I implore them to communicate regularly and openly with the fans.
      “For a myriad of reasons, on and off the pitch, it feels like we didn’t get a fair crack together, and I take my share of the blame too. I hoped for this to be a long, serious relationship but it hasn’t worked out that way, and that saddens me.
      “I wish you every bit of success. The fans deserve it. God bless.”

      Grimsby confirmed Holloway’s departure shortly after his tweets.

      A statement read: “It is with great sadness and disappointment that Ian Holloway has made his intentions absolutely clear that with John Fenty agreeing to sell his shares, he does not want to remain at the club without progressing with the people that he came here to work with.
      “The board and Ollie had a joint vision, first to improve the league position, secondly to deliver top class training facilities and finally by relocation to a new community stadium.
      “It has been a difficult year for obvious reasons which invariably affected all clubs, some worse than others.
      “The club, albeit prematurely, will prepare to move on to a new chapter and would like to put on record its thanks to Ian and Kim for committing themselves to our vision and wish them both all the very best for the future.”

      Maverick Monday this week featuring hilarious manager Ian Holloway More

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      Watch Arsenal stopper Alex Runarsson horror gaffe as he punches Riyad Mahrez free-kick into his own net

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      ARSENAL keeper Alex Runarsson will have wanted to do a Runar after his howler against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
      The Gunners’ Icelandic backup somehow punched Riyad Mahrez’ free-kick into his own net to put City 2-1 up in the 54th minute of their 4-1 defeat.

      Alex Runarsson punched Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick into his own netCredit: Sky Sports

      The Icelandic stopper made the gaffe just before the hour mark in Arsenal’s 4-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Man CityCredit: Sky Sports

      The ball ballooned up off his gloves and into the back of the netCredit: Sky Sports

      Alexandre Lacazette’s strike cancelled out Gabriel Jesus’ third minute opener and Arsenal were very much in the game.
      But their momentum was dashed just before the hour mark when the Icelandic let the ball slip through his hands.
      City won a free-kick just on the edge of the box.
      Mahrez whipped it towards Runarsson’s side of the goal with the 25-year-old looking certain to stop it.

      He set himself and prepared to punch the fierce effort away.
      But rather than deflecting the ball away, he somehow managed to divert it into his own net.
      Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte added goals in the 59th and 73rd minute respectively to send the Gunners crashing out.
      Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta defended his keeper and said: “He hasn’t played a lot of games for us he’s just adapting to the league.

      “We all make mistakes but we have to support him.”
      Asked whether he considered playing No1 Bernd Leno instead, Arteta said:”Yes, but Bernd has played a lot of minutes, he needed some rest as well and we want to give opportunities to other players.
      “Alex has done well in other games and these things happen in football.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Brentford 1 Newcastle 0: Josh Dasilva’s second-half peach sees Bees take FOURTH Prem scalp to reach Carabao Cup semis

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      JOSH DASILVA sent jubilant Brentford through to their first ever Cup semi-final – while it was another night of misery for Newcastle.
      The former Arsenal midfielder scored a cracking 66th minute volley for the Championship side who had already polished off three Premier League teams in the Carabao Cup.

      Josh Dasilva scored Brentford’s winner as they beat Newcastle 1-0 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The midfielder swept home with his left foot in the 66th minuteCredit: Reuters

      But Steve Bruce’s side can have few arguments about going the same way as Southampton, West Brom and Fulham as their overall performance was poor.
      And it was fitting that Dasilva proved to be the matchwinner as he was outstanding throughout.
      The England Under-21 international delivered a neat finish from just inside the box meaning Newcastle have not reached the last four of the League Cup for 45 years.
      Brentford are unbeaten in 14 matches and you would fancy their chances whoever they meet in the last four.

      They were the better team despite top scorer and former Newcastle man Ivan Toney not being introduced until after the goal.
      Newcastle had a few chances but were not able to control the game.
      Callum Wilson managed the first decent shot but home keeper Luke Daniels saved. Wilson then delivered an air shot as he failed to connect to a terrific cross from Ryan Fraser.
      Yet it was Brentford playing the more enterprising football and they should have taken the lead.

      Steve Bruce cut a forlorn figure as his side crashed out of the quarter-finalsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Brentford boss Thomas Frank looked delighted with the result after a frustrating first halfCredit: PA:Press Association

      Callum Wilson looked dangerous for Newcastle in the first-halfCredit: Reuters

      Although Saman Ghoddos’ scuffed shot hit the bar, unmarked Sergi Canos somehow failed to score with a free header and instead managed to nod the ball wide.
      It was hardly a surprise that he held his head in his hands with embarrassment.
      Newcastle shifted up a gear before half-time and Fraser forced Daniels to tip a half volley over the bar.
      Brentford’s new stadium is certainly impressive but the pitch – which is now being used for rugby by London Irish – is already in a bit of a state.
      Throw in some heavy rain, and both sets of players struggled to keep their feet and moving the ball at speed also proved difficult.

      It was fairly even before the breakCredit: AFP

      Dasilva looked comfortable on the ball throughout for the home sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      As a result, the game was pretty scrappy and the second half was not much better.
      There were strong Brentford claims for a penalty after the ball hit the arm of Isaac Hayden and Newcastle were thankful there was no VAR.
      Ciaran Clarke delivered blocks from Canos and Christian Norgaard within about three seconds of each other to save Newcastle.
      But there was no stopping Brentford and they took the lead through Dasilva for his fourth goal of the season.
      He was completely unmarked to meet a clever cross from Canos but still did well to control the volley which he sent underneath Karl Darlow.
      Former Newcastle man Ivan Toney then replaced Canos and while Bruce threw on Andy Carroll, he could not stop another Cup flop for the north-east club.

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      Liverpool ‘have £500,000 Calum Scanlon transfer bid accepted with 15-year-old lad set to join academy from Birmingham’

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      LIVERPOOL have reportedly had a bid accepted for 15-year-old star Calum Scanlon.
      The Reds are said to be keen on adding the versatile left-back to their academy and Birmingham have reportedly given the deal the green light.

      Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have had a bid accepted for Birmingham teenager Calum ScanlonCredit: EPA

      Blues have accepted an undisclosed offer believed to be around the £500k mark, according to the Times.
      The England youth international could follow in the footsteps of former Birmingham ace Jude Bellingham, 17, who signed for Borussia Dortmund in a £25million deal in July.
      Birmingham are said to be considering restructuring their academy.
      But the Reds’ interest in Scanlon is said to have emerged before such plans.

      Scanlon – who can also play in midfield – is said to be thought of in similar terms to Bellingham, who made his senior England debut earlier this year.
      The 15-year-old got his first Three Lions call-up last year when he was selected for the Under-15s to play Republic of Ireland in a friendly in December 2019.
      The move is said to depend on Scanlon’s family who are weighing up a potential move to the Premier League champions.
      Jurgen Klopp has proved his willingness to promote youngsters already this season.

      Curtis Jones, Rhys Williams and Neco Williams have all appeared in the Premier League.
      And Caoimhin Kelleher was also given a go in goal ahead of Adrian when Alisson was injured.
      On Monday, it emerged Liverppol will NOT sell Mo Salah despite claims the Egyptian is ‘unhappy’ at Anfield.

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

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      Who are Marcus Rashford’s parents? Where did Man Utd ace go to school?

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has forced the Government into providing free school meals during holidays.
      England striker Rashford rose through the ranks at Man Utd, earning a first-team spot while still supporting his family.

      Who are Rashford’s parents?

      Robert and Melanie Rashford are the parents of 22-year-old Rashford.
      He’s previously opened up about how his mum helped his career by pushing for him to be signed up to Manchester United’s academy before he was 12.
      “It basically gives you accommodation closer to the training facilities and a new school and she worked that hard to push it forward because she knew that was a step I needed to take,” he said.
      “I needed to be eating the right food as I was growing, I needed to be close to my team-mates, my new school and my new school friends.”

      Rashford has also described how his mum would do their weekly food shop at Pound World, in order to ration food supplies over seven days.
      “That was the reason I ended up going [to Man Utd] at a younger age to the others, it was to help my mum with her situation and also get me out of the situation we were in,” he added.

      The youngster’s plea with MP’s was rejected my the Department of EducationCredit: PA
      Where did he go to school?
      Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester.
      He attended Button Lane Primary School, where the number of children who receive free school meals is twice the national average.

      Before he joined the United academy he played for Fletcher Moss Rangers.
      Although, his initial plea was rejected, the campaign is picked up speed and was  supported by MPs and other footballers alike.
      The Department of Education reversed their decision and have now decided to continue giving families the school dinner allowance money they have been receiving during lockdown.
      Rashford thanked the people who supported him and the cause via Twitter saying: ”I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020”. More

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      What work has Marcus Rashford done for charity? Full list of Man Utd ace’s generous acts including school meals victory

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has inspired the entire nation by convincing the government to provide free school meals to poorer students during holidays.
      And the Manchester United star has always been keen to get involved with charitable causes.

      Rashford with shoeboxes full of essential items for the homelessCredit: Marcus Rashfords Instagram

      The United striker’s initiative encouraged people to wrap festive boxes full of household items

      Rashford is known for his regular acts of charity

      These are some of the charitable and kind acts the star has done in previous years.
      Helping the homeless
      In October 2019, Rashford set up a Christmas campaign in order to support the biggest front-line services for young people experiencing homelessness.
      He linked up with Selfridges to launch the campaign – teaming up to help some of the city’s biggest homeless shelters – Barnabus, Centrepoint and Lifeshare.
      The idea was for members of the public to prepare shoeboxes filled with essential items including gloves, sanitary products, hats, deodorant, thermals, toothpaste and torches. People could then drop them to various Selfridges branches to be passed on.

      He personally delivered 300 boxes to Centrepoint, and the homeless organisation took to Instagram to write of his generosity saying: “We believe that sport has the power to positively transform young lives.”
      Visiting Manchester bombing victims
      After the horrific terrorist attack in 2017, Rashford joined Man Unied teammates in visiting the wounded, most of whom were children.
      A total of 22 people were killed with a further 120 injured after suicide bomber blew himself up at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in May 2017.
      He also attended the One Love Manchester concert that raised £2million for those affected by the devastating circumstances.

      Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard visit victims of the Manchester terror attack in hospitalCredit: Instagram @jesselingard
      Players Together Initiative
      Back when the UK was in the beginning of lockdown, Rashford took to Instgram to show his support for the Players Together initiative supporting NHS staff during one of their toughest periods dealing with COVID-19.
      He was among a myriad of Premier League footballers who donated in total of £4million to help the coronavirus efforts.
      The cause supported NHS Charities Together (NHSCT), an umbrella organisation that supports 250 separate NHS charities across the UK.
      The campaign was spearheaded by Rashford, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson included Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, Virgil van Dijk, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne.

      Teaming up with FareShare

      The rising star has always supported various causesCredit: Getty Images
      FareShare are a charity that aim at relieving food poverty and reducing food waste.
      Rashford teamed up with them in order to raise over £20million to provide children across Manchester with food if they got free school meals whilst they were still in school.
      The initiative began in Greater Manchester but later expanded as part of a national initiative.

      Helping vulnerable school children get free meals 

      Marcus Rashford has spent Monday passionately fighting the Government to help feed hungry kids in needCredit: BBC
      Rashford wrote an open letter to MPs, urging the government to reverse its decision to not give free school meal vouchers to 1.3 million children who are eligible for it.
      The government initially refused to U-turn but Rashford’s persistence as well the support of MPs and other celebrities alike forced a change in policy.
      The likes of Sir Keir Starmer, Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker were vocal in their support for the Man Utd and England star. More

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      Carabao Cup final pushed back until end of April in bid to have fans at Wembley showpiece

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      THE CARABAO CUP final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      The EFL have made the decision in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.

      The Carabao Cup final has been moved to Sunday April 25, 2021 – 4pm kick-offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.

      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.
      “The competition is set to continue this week, with the quarter-finals to be played across Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23, with all four games live on Sky Sports.”
      Just 2,000 fans are currently allowed to attend matches in Tiers One and Two.
      But teams in Tiers three and four – which London and large parts of the South East were plunged into at the weekend – must play behind closed doors.

      Many clubs – including current holders Manchester City – had pushed for this season’s competition to be axed to make space in the crowded fixture schedule.
      The first round fixtures began on August 29.
      But such ideas were quashed and the quarter-finals will take place this Tuesday and Wednesday.
      Brentford host Newcastle while Man City travel to Arsenal on Tuesday.
      Before Stoke play Tottenham at home and Manchester United meet Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

      Arsenal could be relegated this season says Shearer who claims Gunners have no creativity and don’t work hard enough More