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

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

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

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

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

      Fifa President Gianni Infantino says health is the number one priority and they will monitor the situation with regards to international games More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Five Chelsea transfers that could go through on deadline day with Billy Gilmour and Olivier Giroud facing exits More

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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.”

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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!”

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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.
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