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      I turned down the ‘Tom Huddlestone role’ at Tottenham to join League One team – it’s given me a new lease of life

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      TOM CARROLL has revealed he rejected a “Tom Huddlestone role” at Tottenham to join League One side Exeter.The former Spurs midfielder, 32, left North London in 2017 after injuries saw him play just 56 games across five seasons.Former Tottenham man Tom Carroll is thriving with Exeter in League OneCredit: RexCarroll left Tottenham in 2017 but returned to train with them during the 2022/23 seasonCredit: –He was part of an influx of Tottenham academy players that included Harry Kane, but Carroll’s career took a very different path to England’s No9.He signed for Swansea and went on to feature 67 times in the Premier League for the Welsh outfit, before he joined QPR in the Championship for one year.That was followed by a season with Ipswich, but Carroll’s body was still not right and in the summer of 2022 he opted to take a year out of the game.He returned to Spurs to train with their U21s and was offered a player-coach role with the team – the same position Tom Huddlestone held at Manchester United for two years until last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow he has revealed to The Athletic he rejected it because he did not feel his playing career was over.Shortly after that he was approached by Exeter – who he has gone on to thrive with in the third tier this season.Impressing on his debut in a 3-0 win over Wycombe, he featured in 42 of the club’s 46 League One matches.Carroll, now 32, said: “After the game [his Exeter debut], I was like, ‘I’ve missed this feeling’.Most read in EFLEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSCarroll played 42 of Exeter’s 46 League One games in the 2023/24 campaign”Winning games, you can’t really replicate it. It’s just a buzz with the boys after, going over to clap the fans. I think that’s special.”After that game, it made me realise, ‘I can still do this. I still feel good’. So I just wanted to enjoy it and get that buzz back.”Tottenham launch bizarre ad to reveal new kit with Gavin and Stacey star, Maddison playing darts and Peter CrouchCarroll is pleased he took the year off to re-charge his batteries and is now excited to see what awaits Exeter next season following their 13th place in his opening campaign at the club.He added: “Having a year out has made me realise that I should try to enjoy it.”In football, everything goes so quickly that you can get caught up in it. You win a game, you feel great for maybe that evening, and then it’s on to the next one.”But I wanted to come back in and try and enjoy it as much as I can, and I’ve done that.”We have got a pretty good squad now, so it’s just about building on that.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Neil Warnock brands relegated ex-Huddersfield boss Andre Breitenreiter a BUFFOON

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      NEIL WARNOCK has hit back at former Huddersfield boss Andre Breitenreiter – branding him a BUFFOON.The Terriers crashed into League One a year after Warnock rescued them from relegation against the odds.Neil Warnock was a hero at Huddersfield after saving them from relegation in 2023But all that hard work was undone when the Terriers went down under German boss Andre Breitenreiter in MayBut Warnock was surprisingly let go by Huddersfield in September after just seven games while in a solid mid-table position and replaced by Darren Moore.Moore was sacked after only winning three of his 23 games at the helm before Breitenreiter took charge for the final 14 – winning just two.Yet the German decided to dig out Warnock for scathing criticism when he was left following the club’s relegation from the Championship.He accused the legendary 75-year-old – who holds the record for most promotions (eight) and managing most games (1,626) in English football history – of not getting the team fit in a pre-season where he took players for a game of golf and visited a pub while on a short tour of Cornwall.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Warnock hit back and said: “We played Leicester, who won the Championship, third game of the season and should’ve won the game. We lost 1-0.“Jamie Vardy came up to me and said, ‘You’re the hardest team we’ve played against for years.’“Our stats man told me that although we lost that was the most a Huddersfield team had run for three years. That’s how fit we were.“And this buffoon comes along and starts talking about me getting them playing golf and going to the pub.Most read in EFL“In those last 14 games of the season, besides throwing everyone under the bus, the thing he missed out on was he should’ve taken them to play more golf and out to the f***ing pub!”He added: “Different people have different ways of managing. Yes, we went to a pub in Cornwall after a hard game.Neil Warnock and his long-term assistant Ronnie Jepson celebrate safety“We face three non-league teams down there and people can say, ‘Oh, it’s just non-league.’“What people don’t know is they trained morning and afternoon and then played a game in the evening so that was effectively three training sessions.“We went there to get fit. If you asked anyone about hard working teams, I bet I’m in the top two you don’t want to play.“But I love making people feel wanted and happy too as it makes them work and play harder for you.”Warnock says Breitenreiter “lost the dressing room” at Huddersfield, which ultimately led to the team being relegated.He points to the German’s man-management of striker Josh Koroma and midfielder Jack Rudoni as examples.The veteran boss said: “I loved Josh Koroma. He was a rogue but a likeable one. I took him under my wing whereas managers that have followed didn’t rate him and the last one (Breitenreiter) told him only what he was not good at – while I told him what he was good at.Neil Warnock’s on tour NEIL WARNOCK is currently on a UK theatre tour sharing stories and memories from his incredible playing and managerial spanning SEVEN decades.
      Tickets are still available at www.ecmevents.co.uk with almost 1,000 attending his recent event in York.
      TOUR DATES
      June 5 Nottingham
      June 7 Ipswich
      June 8 Wimbledon
      June 14 Portsmouth
      June 21 Cardiff
      June 28 Torquay (all funds to be donated to Torquay United)

      “In the last game of the season against Ipswich he took Jack off after 30 minutes because he made a mistake.“I rang Jack up and said if you made that mistake for me I’d have pulled up over and said, ‘You made a mistake, now go and score us a goal.’“That’s the difference between me and the buffoon.“The lads there were ringing me up, saying, ‘We don’t do set pieces, don’t know what we’re doing on a Saturday.’ “Then he comes out and says that about golf and pubs. The guy hasn’t got a clue has he? Had he stayed there, they’d have got relegated from League One! He lost the dressing room.”Warnock is sorry to see the Terriers in League One and admits he was surprised when CEO Jake Edwards informed him the club wanted to part company with him so early in the season.He said: “Jake told me the club’s owner Kevin Nagle wanted to go in a different direction. Well, they certainly did that!“We believed we could’ve pushed towards the play-offs.Neil Warnock had a special bond with the Huddersfield players“The day after we left, the club’s sporting director Mark Cartwright moved into the nice big office I had while Darren Moore got a pokey little room. I rang Jake a week later and said, ‘If you wanted my office, you didn’t have to sack me!“But we had a great time at Huddersfield.“It wasn’t just the players we got on side but the office workers, the cleaners, the fans who were great, everyone. They were all my boys and girls.“When I went to Sheffield United, the place was a mess but when I left everyone was together. I like to do that – when everyone is together, they work better. It’s a great shame what has happened to Huddersfield.”Warnock – who has had more comebacks than Elvis – insists he has really retired this time after a short spell at Aberdeen.And he is currently focused on helping National League South club Torquay as a consultant.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legendary boss revealed if he ever did want to return to managing in the EFL he has been told he has to take a FOURTEEN-HOUR football management course at St George’s under ex-Rangers, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and QPR chief Neil Warburton.He said: “I had a call from the LMA and was told, ‘Mr Warnock if you come back into football you have to do a 14-hour course at St George’s before you’re allowed back in.’ That sums the game up now, doesn’t it?” More

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      Man Utd legend begs for help as EFL club left with no manager, only five players and facing expulsion from League Two

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sammy McIlroy has insisted it would break his heart if troubled League Two club Morecambe went out of business.The fourth-tier side finished 15th this season but were deducted three points back in August for failing to pay their players on time.Morecambe were deducted points for failing to pay their players on time in AugustCredit: GettyManchester United legend Sammy McIlroy has called for someone to help MorecambeCredit: GettyFollowing the conclusion of the campaign, manager Ged Brannan, chief executive Ben Sadler, and 16 players left the Mazuma Stadium.It means Morecambe are without a head coach, chief exec. and have just FIVE players on their books.Directors on the board fear for the club’s future if owner Jason Whittingham does not sell to an interested US-based buyer.That is despite sponsorship from Morecambe resident Tyson Fury – who has chipped in to try and save the club.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd McIlroy, 69, is the latest to call for change at the Lancashire-based side.The ex-Man Utd midfielder was the last of Sir Matt Busby’s signings at Old Trafford.He went on to win the Second Division in 1975 and FA Cup in 1977, while he also scored in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the 1979 FA Cup final.McIlroy, who played more than 400 times for Man Utd, retired in 1990 and became head coach of Morecambe for six years between 2005 and 2011 – his last managerial role.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis stint in charge included helping them gain promotion to the Football League through the League Two play-offs in 2007.But their financial turmoil is now worrying McIlroy.Tyson Fury spotted filming series 2 of At Home With The Furys in Morecambe as Gypsy King takes break from Usyk training Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “It would break my heart to see Morecambe being chucked out of the League, having points deducted or, worst of all, going to the wall because it’s such a long way back.“It would be a terrible shame if nobody comes to the rescue.”I hope they are not just waiting for Tyson Fury to bail them out because he’s got other things on his mind at the minute, like trying to win his world title back.”Hopefully someone from the business community will step in and see the potential.”It’s a smashing little club and they may not have a big-city following in numbers, but the supporters are loyal and passionate about their club.”The board of directors penned an open letter to Whittingham advising him to do business with the “US-based potential buyer” to save the club from potential extinction.It read: “We are writing this open letter to reiterate what was said to you during the meeting we held with you today, during which you updated us on the critical matters of funding and the sale of the Football Club.”Sadly, your future funding assurances have now failed to come to fruition so often that, in the absence of substantial funds from Bond Group landing in the Morecambe Football Club account, they come across as meaningless, and we must take them as such in order to be responsible.”As for the Middle East-based potential buyer you first told us was interested in buying the Club approximately a year ago, you have provided no tangible evidence or introduction during this time to enable us to consider them serious or credible.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have one apparently serious offer on the table from a US-based potential buyer which, based on what we know, is the most credible which has been made since you placed the Club up for sale over 20 months ago.”Please accept this second offer now, so that there is a chance that a sale might be completed, and a catastrophic outcome be avoided.”McIlroy played more than 400 games for Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Leeds vs Southampton LIVE SCORE: Saints are BACK in the Premier League after Adam Armstrong scores £100MILLION winner

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      SOUTHAMPTON are BACK in the Premier League after Adam Armstrong scored the £100MILLION goal at WembleyArmstrong fired in the only goal of the game from inside the box after a well-worked move in the first-half.In a cagey game, Dan James came closest to an equaliser – crashing a brilliant effort against the bar – but Leeds could not make their second-half pressure count.Southampton are promoted to the Premier League
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Leeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      Southampton will be going straight back up.
      Adam Armstrong’s goal is the difference between the two sides.
      What a moment for Russell Martin and his players.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+8. We are getting into the dying embers of the game.
      Southampton are moments away from a return to the Premier League.
      They can almost taste the top flight right now.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+6. Both sets of fans look full of nerves right now, for very different seasons.
      A goal so late in the game for Leeds now would demoralise Southampton.
      The Saints win a free kick deep in the Leeds half of the pitch.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+4. Aside from that Dan James shot that hit the crossbar, Leeds have created so little in this half.
      All season scoring goals has been no problem for them, until today.
      James has another shot from outside the box but McCarthy does well to get down to the bottom corner to make the save.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+2. A move breaks down for Leeds and Southampton counter.
      Adams does well to hold it up but eventually Aribo is crowded out.
      Leeds need to throw everyone forward now.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90. We are still waiting for the game to restart.
      Both players are being treated by the physios.
      We are going to have nine added minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      88. We have a break in play after a clash of heads.
      This is going to create a huge amount of added time.
      It will give the Leeds’ fans hope of finding that equaliser.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      86. Some famous Southampton fans in the crowd today.
      Matt Le Tissier is sat alongside Adam Lallana.
      Leeds have another shot from distance but it is high, wide and not so handsome.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      84. James gets a volley away from the edge of the box.
      McCarthy is beaten and the ball thunders against the underside of the crossbar and comes back out.
      They were inches away from an equaliser there.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      82. It has all gone very quiet in the Leeds ends right now.
      Ampadu is down at the moment, running the clock down for his own team.
      Martin is looking to make another change to see this game out.
      Leeds Utd’s captain seems unable to continue and is going to be replaced.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      80. Adams gives away a free kick in a dangerous area.
      As the ball is whipped in, the Southampton attacker heads it behind for a corner.
      Southampton have been dominant in the air today.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      78. Farke is telling the fourth official that he feels Southampton are wasting time now.
      No doubt the officials will add this time on at the end of the game.
      Leeds are becoming desperate for a goal right now.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      76. Leeds look lacking of attacking ideas right now.
      They have failed to create a clear-cut chance in this entire game.
      James uses his pace to get in behind The Saints defence and forces a corner.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      74. Time is starting to run out for Leeds Utd.
      After their emphatic semi-final victory, their fans came here with so much optimism.
      Now they face the ultimate heartbreak in the capital.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      72. Leeds are ready to make two changes with Summerville and Kamara come off for Roberts and Anthony.
      Big call by the manager taking off their most creative player.
      Chance for two players to make a big name for themselves in this final however.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      70. Another unforced error by Leeds sees them gift Southampton a throw in.
      Fraser comes off for Adams for The Saints.
      Russell Martin is adding more firepower in search of that second goal.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      68. Leeds give the ball away and The Saints work it quickly to Odozie.
      He has space to run into and only has one defender to beat.
      Odozie looks to cut onto his right foot and bend one in the top corner but he gets it all wrong.
      What a chance that was to get a second goal.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      66. Leeds are starting to get frustrated and committing fouls all too often.
      James comes on for Gnonto.
      Fraser looks to get a cross in from the left but Meslier catches it all too easily.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      64. Smallbone wins a free kick in a wide position.
      Firpo heads the cross clear but Southampton recycle it and come forward once again.
      They are happy to just pass the ball around and frustrate their opponents.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      62. Summerville is penalised for a foul on Walker-Peters.
      He tells the referee what he thinks of that decision.
      The Leeds player needs to be careful having already been shown a card in the first half.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      60. Another poor delivery into the box makes for an easy catch for Alex McCarthy.
      With just under half an hour of this play-off final remaining, The Saints are looking comfortable right now.
      The aim for Russell Martin’s side will be to get that second goal to put some breathing space between the sides.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      58. This second half has been all Leeds Utd so far.
      Despite this, they have really struggled to create clear sights of goal.
      The Saints are happy to just get players behind the ball and make themselves difficult to break down.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      56. Gnonto is fouled in a dangerous position.
      Leeds have failed to capitalise from set pieces so far today.
      They can get some bodies in the box and try and work McCarthy here.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      54. A schoolboy error by Gray sees him penalised for a foul throw.
      Something you do not see so often in the professional game.
      Southampton are just gifting possession back to Leeds all too often.
      Credit: Alamy
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      Leeds vs Southampton – Championship play-off final: Whites and Saints go head-to-head for spot in Premier League

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      LEEDS take on Southampton in the Championship play-off final on Sunday afternoon.Both sides will be looking to secure an instant return to the Premier League.Leeds booked their spot in the Championship play-off final after beating Norwich over two legsCredit: GETTYSouthampton beat West Brom in the semi-finalsCredit: GETTYLeeds thrashed Norwich 4-0 in their semi-final home leg to book their spot at Wembley.While Adam Armstrong’s double helped Southampton to a 3-1 triumph against West Brom over two legs.The Saints have got the better of Leeds in both of their meetings during the regular season as Russell Martin’s men eye a hat-trick of wins against the Whites – topped off with the richest prize in football.When is the Championship play-off final?
      Leeds vs Southampton will take place on Sunday, May 26.
      Kick off will be at 3pm BST.
      Wembley Stadium will host.
      READ MORE IN EFLWhat TV channel is the Championship play-off final on and can it be live streamed?
      Leeds vs Southampton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the match on the NOW/Sky Sports app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Wembley.
      Team newsFor Leeds, Patrick Bamford could return to the squad after missing the last four games, including the play-off semi-finals, with injury.Pascal Struijk will be out for the final as he continues to recover from groin surgery.Sam Byram could return for the Whites after missing the semi-final second leg with an injury.Most read in FootballSaints goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno will remain unavailable with an Achilles injury he sustained in April.Scottish playmaker Stuart Armstrong is out after he suffered a serious problem late on in the season.Strikers Che Adams and Ross Stewart are both in a race to be fit for the play-off final.What are the odds?Match result
      Leeds – 13/10
      Draw – 11/5
      Southampton – 2/1
      To be promoted
      Leeds – 4/6
      Southampton – 23/20
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Crawley 2-0 Crewe LIVE RESULT – League Two play-off final: Red Devils secure promotion to third tier after Wembley win

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      CRAWLEY TOWN have secured promotion to the third tier after beating Crewe Alexandra 2-0 in the League Two play-off final.Danilo Orsi gave the Red Devils the lead at Wembley with a smart finish after 40 minutes.Liam Kelly doubled Crawleys’ lead with five minutes left on the clock as they cruised towards promotion to League One.
      Match result: Crawley 2-0 Crewe
      Crawley Town team: Addai, Gordon, Maguire, Conroy, Wright, J. Kelly, Williams, L. Kelley, Lolos, Campbell, Orsi
      Crewe Alexandra team: Stryjek, Adebisi, Demetriou, Long, Thomas, Tracey, Tabiner, Turns, Nevitt, Rowe, Billington
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow all the reaction from Wembley with our live blog below…Red Devils promoted at Wembley
      Crawley Town and their fans will party well into the night.
      Nobody could have dreamed of such a perfect end to their season.
      As they lift the trophy in the capital, they can now celebrate the rewards of all their hard work.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedDream end to season for Crawley
      After finding themselves fifteenth in the table at one stage, the late run by Crawley Town in the league campaign has surprised many.
      Nobody could have envisaged that they would be lifting this trophy at Wembley today.
      Many felt they would be battling relegation this season, instead, they are going up to League One.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Crawley 2-0 Crewe
      Crawley Town fully deserve this result.
      From start to finish, they were the better side.
      The second goal gave them the cushion they needed to see this game out.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Crawley 2-0 Crewe
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It is party time for Crawley Town, they are going up.
      League One beckons for the Red Devils.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+8. Crewe are starting to get frustrated now.
      The challenges are flying in as Crawley look to run the clock down.
      Time is almost up for Crewe’s promotion dreams.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+6. Wright goes down after a challenge.
      The referee can see through the time wasting and tells him to get to his feet.
      Turns tries his luck from distance but it is well over the target.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+4. Crawley’s owners came in with a two year plan to get them to League One.
      Providing they do not throw this lead away, the Red Devils will have delivered.
      They will look to get everyone behind the ball now and make themselves difficult to break down.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+2. All Crawley need to do now is hold on.
      Crewe get down the byline but the cross is poor as it goes straight out for a goal kick.
      Crawley opt to make some changes to get fresh legs on for the final eight minutes of the game.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90. Crewe continue with long balls forward.
      It has all become a little more desperate now.
      There will be ten additional minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      88. That was cushion Crawley needed in this game.
      It seemed a long way back for Crewe when they were a goal down, now it almost seems mission impossible.
      They will be hoping for a lot of added time when the fourth official raises his board.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      86. What a moment for Crawley Town.
      Kelly looks to square the ball and it is blocked by the sliding challenge of Demetriou.
      The ball comes back to Kelly and with the keeper out of position, trying to cut out the cross, he passes it into the back of the net.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Liam Kelly (Crawley Town)
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      82. We are into the final ten minutes of the game now.
      Orsi’s strike is the difference between the two sides.
      Rowe tries his luck from distance but his effort is well blocked.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      80. Once again the quality of the corner is poor.
      If they are to go up to League One, Crawley will need to work on their set piece delivery.
      They are wasting numerous chances with poor crosses.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      78. Kelly picks the ball up and looks to get a shot at goal.
      He catches it well but Stryjek saves as he puts it behind for a corner.
      The Red Devils have struggled to get some good delivery in from their set pieces.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      76. Crewe continue with their long ball tactics.
      Maguire is dealing well with the aerial threat.
      Crawley like to get the ball down and play some good football.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      74. Crawley could do with another goal to put this game to bed.
      Despite being the better of the two sides, with such a slender lead, Crewe are very much still in this game.
      Time is running out for Crewe Alexandra.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      72. Play stops for the second half drinks break.
      Last chance for the managers to get some instructions to their players for the final twenty minutes.
      Crawley just need to defend their lead and they will be a League One team.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      70. Crawley break as Kelly strides forward with it.
      He lays the ball off into the path of Darcy.
      As he looks to get a shot off at goal, Demetriou puts in a great challenge to deny him, at the expense of a corner.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      68. As it stands, Crewe can have no complaints with the scoreline.
      They have failed to test Addai in the Crawley goal.
      That will have to change if they are to find a way back into this game.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      66. Crewe have gone for a change of formation as they decide to play two strikers in search of a goal.
      Tabiner is penalised for a foul and shown a yellow card as a result.
      Big chance for Crawley to put a dangerous ball into the box.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      64. Both sides opt to make some changes.
      The surprising one is Crawley bringing off Gordon.
      He has been by far the best player on the pitch today.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      62. Adebisi is constantly having to deal with the threat of Gordon down the flank.
      With the Crewe defender already on a yellow card, he needs to be careful with these challenges.
      The last thing Crewe need is to go down to ten men.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      60. With half an hour left in the game, Crewe have it all to do.
      The longer this game goes on, the more desperate their cause will become.
      Bell is considering making some changes to try and change his side’s fortunes.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      58. Gordon manages to get aa shot away in the box.
      Stryjek makes a good save to deny him.
      Crawley are looking to turn the screw here.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Bolton vs Oxford LIVE: Josh Murphy puts Yellows ahead in League One play-off final – latest updates

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      BOLTON go head-to-head with Oxford in the League One play-off final this afternoon.The two sides will battle it out at Wembley for a spot in the Championship next season.Bolton beat Barnsley 5-4 over two legs to secure their final spot, while Oxford got past high-scoring Peterborough.
      Kick off time: 4.15pm BST
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
      Live stream: NOW
      Bolton team: To follow…
      Oxford team: To follow…
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow all the latest from Wembley with our live blog below…Bolton 0-2 Oxford
      45. The board goes up to signal five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
      A goal before the break for Bolton would change the complexion of this one massively – but I’m not sure they have it in them at the moment.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-2 Oxford
      44. Who saw this coming?!
      (Maybe those of us who backed Oxford for promotion…)
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-2 Oxford
      42. Oxford United are in dreamland!
      Josh Murphy has his second and his side’s second, and they are now within touching distance of promotion.
      Ruben Rodrigues is the creator once again, punting through a measured pass for Murphy to sprint through, round Nathan Baxter and steer into the net.
      Copy linkCopiedIt’s two!

      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
      40. Bolton are growing increasingly frustrated.
      Perhaps their best course of action is for Ian Evatt to get them back into the dressing room for half-time.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
      38. Not only has Ruben Rodrigues registered his fourth assist of the season, he also wears a shocked-at-that-decision-against-him face as well as anyone in League One.
      The midfielder can’t believe he’s been penalised for a coming together with Josh Sheehan, and gives it the full open mouthed, arms out expression.
      Casemiro, take note.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
      35. Ten minutes to half-time, and you can see that Bolton are trying to make something happen – but still they struggle to get their forwards into the match.
      And for that, you have to give Oxford credit.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
      33. Now what have these Bolton players got? A small number had regroup while they were waiting for Oxford’s Mark Harris to receive treatment ahead of the restart.
      That effort from Murphy is the first goal that Oxford have scored against Bolton this season – they drew 0-0 at home and lost 5-0 away.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
      31. First blood to the underdogs of Oxford!
      The U’s lead at Wembley thanks to wonderful work from Josh Murphy – and a little bit of luck.
      The winger – arguably the most talented player in the Oxford ranks – took over possession from Ruben Rodrigues just inside the area, cut inside and curled towards the top corner.
      Nathan Baxter in the Bolton goal may have had it covered but a slight touch off the top of captain Ricardo Santos’ head lifts it over the keeper and into the back of the net.
      Copy linkCopiedOxford opener!

      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      29. The television cameras cut to Cameron Jerome on the bench.
      There’s a player who knows where the goal is.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      26. Aaron Collins – like strike partner Dion Charles – not really involved as yet, drops deep to win a free-kick in a semi-dangerous position.
      Forty yards out with the area busy, a good delivery will cause Oxford problems.
      Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near a good delivery and nowhere near the area.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      24. Rodrigues goes for goal! Wide.
      Space opens up nicely for the Oxford midfielder, who pushes forward and attempts a left-footed curler for the top corner.
      However, it lacks the necessary direction and swerve, and ends up heading for the fans.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      22. Midway through the first half and still no shots on target.
      The possession, meanwhile, is exactly 50-50.
      Nothing between them so far.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      20. Branagan is certainly pumped up for this one.
      This time he grabs a handful of Maghoma’s shirt and literally throws him to the ground as Bolton consider a counter.
      Sam Barrott gives him a quick talking to, but there’s no yellow card – much to Andy Hinchcliffe’s disappointment.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      18. Dion Charles enjoyed his trip to Wembley last year when he scored in Bolton’s 4-0 Football League Trophy win over Plymouth.
      But the 20-goal striker is not having so much fun.
      Starved of service and well-marshalled, Charles has touched the ball just once today.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      16. Bolton apply some pressure for the first time today.
      An Ogbeta shot from just inside the box is well blocked by Long, and then Sheehan decides to try his luck from distance.
      The midfielder comes inside and hits one crisply from 25 yards. It keeps low – but it also keeps wide.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      13. Rodrigues curls a teasing free-kick into the box that Jones does very well to deal with.
      The defender gets in front of his opponent and cooly clears behind for a corner.
      As it happens, the whistle had gone for a shirt pull on the Bolton player.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      11. Branagan thumps into another challenge on the near side, this time dispossessing Ogbeta.
      In fact, Bolton’s Thomason is not happy with the aggressive nature of the Oxford man, and comes across to prove his point by…
      …erm…shouting and pointing his finger in Branagan’s face.
      Referee Samuel Barrott quickly deals with the matter.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      9. Lovely play from Goodrham in midfield, who turns away from his man and then spreads play out to the right.
      Oxford have made a bright start at Wembley.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      7. Bolton play out from the back for the first time.
      The three centre-backs pass it between themselves for a few seconds, and the decide to launch it long anyway.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      5. Maghoma is back on, but moving very gingerly. One to keep an eye on.
      Meanwhile, Oxford have won the first corner of the game – but fail to trouble their opponents with a long delivery that is floated over the head of Elliott Moore.
      Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
      3. There’s early concern for Bolton and their manager Ian Evatt.
      Paris Maghoma makes his first burst along the left touchline, only for Cameron Branagan to put the ball out of play.
      However, it playing it off the pitch, the Oxford midfielder thumped into Maghoma with his follow through to leave the Bolton man flat out on the turf.
      He looks in a lot of discomfort.
      Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Bolton v Oxford
      1. Game on! Referee Samuel Barrott blows his whistle and Bolton get this League One play-off final underway.
      It’s pleasing to say that both clubs are in their traditional colours for this one; Wanderers wear white shirts and navy shorts while Oxford are in yellow and blue.
      Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!
      More than 70,000 supporters inside Wembley Stadium let out a deafening roar at a first glimpse of the Bolton and Oxford players making their way out of the tunnel.
      Tracksuited and focused, the two groups line up for the pre-match formalities – and this being a final mean lining up, being introduced to a random guest of honour, and belting out the national anthem.
      Eventually, they break off to warm-up and – for many – that’s when reality sets in. This is as big as it gets.
      Captains Ricardo Santos and Elliott Moore gather with the officials for the coin toss, and then it’s time for a last get together for words of encouragement.
      It’s a beautiful day in the capital. Proper football weather, as they say. Kick-off comes next.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      I graduated from uni last week having studied for SIX years during loans from Chelsea – now I’m targeting Wembley glory

      by

      NATHAN BAXTER got a 2:1 last week — and that will do him just fine this weekend too.Bolton’s brainy keeper has just graduated with a degree in history from the Open University.Nathan Baxter is one game from the Championship with Wanderers after building his career on loan at seven clubs from ChelseaCredit: RexThe Londoner worked his way up via temporary spells in non-leagueCredit: GettyAnd six years of study while working flat out to forge a career in pro football could be about to pay off big time.The ex-Chelsea stopper hopes to cap an amazing season by seeing off Oxford United in the League One play-off final to clinch promotion to the Championship.Baxter, 25, will be hoping to show he is as clever between the sticks as he is between his ears at Wembley today. He said: “Football is an intense environment at times, but you also get a lot of time to yourself in the week, in the afternoons.READ MORE TOP STORIES“I just wanted to do something to take my mind off football. Everyone has their thing. Some play golf, some video games.“History was always something I enjoyed as a kid. “My dad would watch history documentaries at night. He would sometimes fall asleep on the sofa and I would stay up. “That’s where my love of history started.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When I left school and was doing my scholarship at Chelsea, they paid for Mr Smith, my old history teacher from school, to come into the club and teach me my A levels. I did history and politics.“It was an emotional moment when I got my graduation because he has sadly passed away. The rise of Adam Wharton”Me and my dad thought of him and hoped he was smiling down.”Baxter was so determined to make a go of goalkeeping that he took seven loans while at Chelsea to learn about football the hard way — in competitive games that matter. He was just 17 when he played for the Met Police.From non-League with Solihull Moors to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, he had boots and gloves in one bag and a laptop and textbooks in another.Degrees normally take three years  to complete and most undergraduates combine it with boozing and partying.But teetotal Baxter said: “It was quite a lot of commitment. “Sometimes I was questioning whether it was worth it because it was hard at times. “I’d be up at night and having to play the next day.“I remember being on summer holiday in Lanzarote with the family and having to do work. Baxter faces the biggest match of his career so far vs OxfordCredit: Rex”There were a couple of times it was tough around handing in time. But it was definitely worth it. “The Open University was great too, giving me extensions if I had a lot of games coming up.“The degree covered everything. I find it interesting when I watch the news and can understand why certain things have happened because of events 50 to 100 years ago.”Ironically, it is with Wanderers where much-travelled Baxter feels most at home.He said: “I didn’t quite realise how much of a difference it would be and I love it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel more settled and I have improved massively as a keeper.“The whole aim is to get promoted and we are now one game away from that.” More