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      Stockport star Connor Jennings diagnosed with rare form of cancer and will have surgery before missing rest of season

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      STOCKPORT COUNTY striker Connor Jennings has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.Jennings, 29, discovered a tumour when undergoing scans for a persistent shoulder problem and low-grade chondroid sarcoma was diagnosed after a biopsy.
      Stockport County striker Connor Jennings has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancerCredit: Getty
      The only course of treatment for the former Tranmere and Scunthorpe forward is to undergo surgery, and County have confirmed he will miss the remainder of the National League season.
      Jennings has enjoyed a long career in the lower leagues and Conference, and scored the winning goal in Tranmere’s League Two play-off final win over Newport Country in 2019.
      County said in a statement: “Connor had been suffering from pain in his shoulder for several months after a fall in training.
      “And following physio treatment was referred for MRI scans to investigate, it was during these scans that a suspected tumour was located within his upper arm.
      “Following subsequent biopsies, this has been confirmed as low-grade chondroid sarcoma which is a rare type of cancer.
      “Although the treatment plan and timings are still being discussed with medical experts, chondroid sarcoma can only be treated through surgery, with a good success rate. 
      “The club are working with Connor to ensure he gets all the support he needs during this difficult period through to his recovery.
      “In the meantime, Connor continues to be around his team mates at Carrington, staying fit and strong, and supporting the club in all its games and activities.
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      Jennings hasn’t featured for the National League side since February 6Credit: Getty

      “We know County fans will be saddened by this news and understandably may have questions or concerns.
      “At this time, all future updates on Connor’s progress will be provided only via official club channels.”
      Former Grimsby ace Jennings hasn’t featured for Stockport since the 1-0 win against Yeovil on February 6.
      He has appeared in 20 games in all competitions this term, chipping in with three goals.
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      EFL announce first EVER clear round of coronavirus testing out of 5,524 with just two in Prem for seventh week running

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      EFL chiefs have recorded their first Covid-free testing round.A total of 5,524 players and staff from across all 72 EFL clubs gave samples last week.
      There were zero Covid-19 cases in the Football League this weekCredit: PA
      None of those tests came back positive, in a landmark week for the EFL.
      League chief executive Trevor Birch said: “These results are a testament to the hard work and efforts of all EFL clubs during what has been a particularly challenging period.
      “For 12 months we, like the rest of the society, have been dictated to by this virus.
      “However, the stringent protocols implemented across the board have ensured that we are now able to turn our attention to returning to a certain level of normality.
      “Our focus must be on maintaining this low transmission rate and then ensure supporters can return in full as quickly as is safe to do so.
      “Football remains one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management, with EFL clubs already demonstrating they can stage matches safely during a successful pilot programme earlier in the season.”
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      Premier League clubs have recorded two positive samples in each of the last seven weeks, with the last clear round of top-flight testing coming in the final week of last season.
      Leeds’ Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich has tested positive for the virus and will miss his country’s three World Cup qualifiers including next week’s match with England at Wembley.
      A solitary positive was recorded from the first round of 1,576 tests between Monday and Thursday last week, with a another positive result from the second round of 1,196 tests between Thursday and Sunday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Sheffield United looking at Oxford boss Karl Robinson to replace Chris Wilder with Slavisa Jokanovic leading target

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      OXFORD manager Karl Robinson is one of the managers being considered to replace Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.The Blades are taking their time trying to settle on the right man to lead the club’s attempts to make an instant return to the top-flight once their almost certain relegation is confirmed.
      Oxford boss Karl Robinson is understood to be a potential replacement for Chris Wilder at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      Former Fulham and Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic is their leading target, as revealed by SunSport last week, but there are others also being considered.
      And it is understood one of those is 40-year-old Robinson, who has gained an impressive reputation operating on a shoestring budget at Oxford and still producing a competitive side playing good football.
      Jokanovic’s CV is strong having twice achieved promotion to the Premier League during his time in charge at Fulham and Watford.
      Robsinon has also caught the eye, not only for how he has nurtured promising young talent into his sides, but also a willingness to embrace and look at new ideas to help improve the overall competitiveness of his players.
      Swansea’s Steve Cooper, who led England to Under-17 World Cup success, is another who has been recommended.
      But he would only be available if he is unable to get the Welsh side into the Premier League this season.
      The Swans currently sit third in the Championship table following their 1-0 defeat against rivals Cardiff on Saturday.
      SunSport understands that ex-Blades gaffer Wilder is keen to return to management as soon as possible.
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      However should he find a job within the next six months, he will have his United pay-off cut.
      As part of his settlement, Wilder will continue to be paid by Bramall Lane chiefs for six months.
      But if he takes another job in that time, it means United will pay him less, although he would try hard to find a way around that.
      United crashed out of the FA Cup quarter-final stage for the second consecutive season on Sunday after Chelsea beat them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
      Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea’s win was a big relief after a big mental effort More

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      Brazil icon Branco fights for life in intensive care after ex-Middlesbrough ace suffers ‘Covid-19 complications’ aged 56

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      BRAZIL World Cup winner Branco is fighting for his life in hospital after being admitted with ‘Covid complications’ last week.The 56-year-old former Middlesbrough star was placed on a ventilator in intensive care but is said to be ‘showing improvement’.
      Brazilian World Cup winner Branco is in intensive care battling CovidCredit: AFP
      Branco (left) won the 1994 World CupCredit: AFP
      Branco checked in to a Rio de Janiero medical centre at the start of last week.
      And after several worrying days he is now ‘reacting well to medication’, according to CNN.
      The latest report from CNN Brazil on Saturday said: “Doctors have begun the process of reducing sedation to remove mechanical ventilators.
      “They hope that in the next few hours he will be able to breathe without the aid of the device.”
      Branco played for several clubs in Brazil during his illustrious career – namely Fluminense, Gremio, Corinthians, Flamengo and Internacional.
      And he also had spells in Europe with Porto in Portugal and Genoa and Brescia in Italy.
      He won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil and didn’t head to Teesside until 1996.
      But he was well past his best and managed just nine games before his contract was paid up.
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      The 56-year-old played for Middlesbrough (pictured on the line) in the 90sCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, despite his struggles in the North East, upon leaving Branco said: “I am sad to leave Middlesbrough. I have enjoyed my time here.
      “I was able to give my friend Juninho the help and encouragement he needed.”
      Branco now works for the Brazilian Football Confederation.
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      Cardiff star Sean Morrison shows off gruesome ankle injury with BONE showing after fierce derby against Swansea

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      CARDIFF captain Sean Morrison has left fans stunned after playing through the pain barrier in the 1-0 derby win away at Swansea.The Bluebirds skipper somehow made it through the 90 minutes despite pulling a calf muscle AND dealing with an ankle blister that left his bone exposed.
      Sean Morrison starred during Cardiff’s 1-0 win against Swansea on Saturday at the Liberty StadiumCredit: Getty
      Morrison’s partner shared this horrific blister Morrison played with in the derby clash
      Cardiff are now just four points off the play-off places in the Championship thanks to Aden Flint’s eighth minute winner at the Liberty Stadium.
      And Bluebirds fans can have Morrison to thank for a clean sheet as his man of the match performance included four blocks, two interceptions and nine clearances – all despite his injury problems.
      His partner Stacey Amber Ward posted a gruesome picture of Morrison’s heavily-blistered ankle on her Instagram story following the match.
      Captioning the image, she said: “And to think you’ve just played 90 minutes with that on your ankle. How you do it I’ll never know.”
      Fans were left in shock by the picture, as one supporter commented: “Oooh that must hurt! Superb defensive display though to keep the Jack’s out! Well done!!”
      Another remarked: “F****** warrior, 40 mins with a pulled calf and all.”
      A third added: “Sean Morrison played with half his f****** ankle missing and pulled his calf 50 mins in. What a captain.”
      One simply stated: “Captain, Leader and Legend.”
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      Speaking after his monstrous display, Morrison revealed to Sky Sports: “I think I pulled my calf after about 50 minutes. So I popped a few painkillers and got on with it.
      “But look the young lad who came in at right-back Tom Sang, Browny (Ciaron Brown) next to Flinty (Aden Flint).
      “Joe Ralls out of position in left wing-back. We dug in today. This is what Cardiff City is all about.”
      Morrison – who has missed just one out of 38 Championship games this term – added: “We owe the fans this one. The last three derbies, we’ve been way off it. Way, way off it. Lost two, drew one.
      “We know how much this means to the fans. So that was for all the fans that couldn’t be here today. All of them at home watching on the tele. That was for them.”
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      Ex-Man City star Curle insists he is making progress at Oldham after Latics dent Bradford’s League Two promotion hopes

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      KEITH CURLE insists progress is being made despite still searching for his first Oldham win.The former Manchester City star has overseen three draws out of four since replacing Harry Kewell at the League Two side.
      Keith Curle is still searching for his first win as Oldham bossCredit: Getty
      Oldham’s top scorer Conor McAleny was twice denied in the goalless draw at BradfordCredit: Rex
      Curle, 57, said: “I’ve only been in the job 10 days.
      “If you’re trying to build something and put foundations in place, a clean sheet is a good place to start.
      “I thought we were brave and we controlled the possession. We can still do it a little bit better.”
      Oldham’s top scorer Conor McAleny was twice denied by goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.
      Connor Wood, Charles Vernam and Gareth Evans all came close for the hosts.
      Latics sub Dylan Bahamboula also fired wide after finding space in the box late on.
      Curle added: “Goals will come. But you are always happy with a clean sheet.”
      The stalemate dealt a blow to Bradford’s play-off hopes.
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      Richard O’Donnell kept a clean sheet on his return in goal for the BantamsCredit: Alamy
      The draw dented Bradford’s play-off hopesCredit: Rex

      Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars’ Bantams are nine points adrift of sixth and winless in four.
      Trueman said: “We’ve lost two in a row so it was important we didn’t do that again.
      “Winning’s a habit but so is losing. It was important we didn’t get beaten.
      “Yes we wanted a better performance but it was important we didn’t lose.
      “We have put ourselves in a good position in the league but we’ve just got to finish as strong as we can.”
      Oldham Athletic’s Carl Piergianni tussles with Bradford striker Danny RoweCredit: Alamy
      Joint bosses Conor Sellars and Mark Trueman were glad to stop Bradford’s two-match losing runCredit: Getty
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      Gary Neville holds huge inquest into Salford’s disappointing form with Man Utd legend desperate for promotion

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      GARY NEVILLE has held a huge inquest into Salford’s shaky promotion campaign.Co-owner Neville got all players and staff together BEFORE their Papa John’s Trophy win at Wembley for a major analysis of their League Two problems.
      Gary Neville is hoping to see Salford City continue their ascent up the leagueCredit: Rex
      Neville, 46, wanted all the grievances aired after seeing results leave them chasing the play-off pack for a second season.
      Despite lifting their first senior cup, Neville sees rising up the league as a priority.
      After back-to-back promotions, City finished 11th in their League Two debut campaign.
      Salford dispensed with manager Graham Alexander in October despite an unbeaten start to the campaign.
      And replacement boss Richie Wellens has been unable to cement a play-off spot since he took charge.
      On Saturday, top-of-the-table Cheltenham claimed a 2-0 win against the Ammies thanks to an early goal from Sean Long and a Liam Sercombe sealer.
      Salford have won just one in eight in the league and sit ninth, six points off the play-offs and ten away from automatic promotion.
      Speaking after the defeat, Wellens slammed his stars and warned: “The attitude was poor from the start.
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      When players decide to drift off and do whatever they want to do then that’s what we got served up.Richie Wellens

      “If we stay humble, do the basics right, listen, and take out onto the pitch what we’ve worked on then we’re alright, we’ll pick up results in this league.
      “But when players decide to drift off and do whatever they want to do then that’s what we got served up.
      “I’ve never watched our warm-up but I watched it today because our changing rooms, obviously they’ve moved them, so you can see the warm-up. Our warm-up I’m not happy with at all.
      “I said to [coach] Warren Joyce when they came in if the game was won on the warm-up, we’re already beat, it was a shambles so I’ll be looking into that. The game started off pretty much as what I’d seen in the warm-up.”
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      Charlton owner Sandgaard tells new boss Nigel Adkins he’s ‘already booked his flights’ for the play-off final

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      CHARLTON owner Thomas Sandgaard told new boss Nigel Adkins: “Get us up — I’ve already booked my flight for the play-off final.” Dane Sandgaard, a keen rock guitarist, is recording with his band in Colorado for an album he hopes to release this year.
      Owner Thomas Sandgaard has told Nigel Adkins to get Charlton promotedCredit: PA
      The Addicks are sixth with one eye on returning to the ChampionshipCredit: Startraks
      But, before that, he wants to see the Addicks back in the Championship.
      Adkins tomorrow takes charge of his first game since replacing Lee Bowyer as they visit Wimbledon, with Charlton sitting in sixth.
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      Asked what he would prefer first, promotion or to complete his album, Sandgaard said: “Since I’ve already booked my flight for the League One play-off final at Wembley, we better get promoted before I finish the album!
      “I’m not the most patient of people, so I’d really like both done this year.”
      On a Zoom chat with Adkins and myself, Sandgaard repeated his appeal to his new manager. No pressure, Nigel.
      The former Southampton chief was cautious in front of his boss. He said: “It’s great — but you have to be realistic as well.
      “It’s good to set goals, to be positive and have ambitions. We are working towards something and are passionate about it.”
      Sandgaard has made it no secret he also wants to return Charlton to the Premier League after a 14-year absence.
      Since I’ve already booked my flight for the League One play-off final at Wembley, we better get promoted before I finish the album!
      Adkins established himself as Sandgaard’s No 1 choice. The fact that he took Southampton from League One to the Prem, as well as guiding Scunthorpe into the Championship, impressed. Adkins admitted: “I want to manage in the Premier League again, the ambition matches mine.
      “All the building blocks are there — and in the meantime we hope to win a few games.
      “We want to develop our own players, which is important.
      “And we want to connect with the supporters — they have been through such a lot.
      “This season we have got ten games, and if we can keep the ball out of the net at one end and score at the other, then you never know what can happen.”
      Sandgaard, who bought the club in the summer, says that Bowyer’s departure was not a hammer blow.
      He added: “Lee did a great job in difficult circumstances.
      “We have to acknowledge that and I wish him only the best at Birmingham. But, for the club and the team, losing him wasn’t a really big blow.
      “That is because the squad is in a good place right now.”
      Lee Bowyer has been appointed new manager of Birmingham City after leaving Charlton
      Sandgaard has been quietly working behind the scenes to strengthen on and off the field.
      And that was shown by him purchasing the Charlton Athletic women’s team, to bring it under the club’s umbrella for the first time since 2007.
      This week, he appointed former Tottenham boss Karen Hills to manage a team that will be going full time in July.
      He said: “For me, it’s all about making improvements on the inside. To the training ground, all the medical improvements — now the first-team boss and coaches.
      “Not only was it the right thing to bring the ladies’ team back to the club — but women’s football happens to be taking off right now, so it makes commercial sense as well.”
      Thomas is good. His heart is in the right place and he has a vision for the clubNigel Adkins
      Adkins has been impressed with how Sandgaard has brought energy to a club that had been so badly lacking it.
      He added: “Thomas is good. His heart is in the right place and he has a vision for the club.
      “You don’t need to complicate things, just keep it simple.
      “We can build now that I am here to support him and I know he is here to support us. ‘We’re all together’ is the message.”
      So does Adkins share Sandgaard’s passion for rock music?

      He grinned: “I’m sure Thomas will sit down and tell me all about it, I’ll let him lead.”
      Sandgaard jumped in and said: “I’ll get Nigel to play the drums!”
      Watch out, I do not think he is joking either, Nigel!
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