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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane looks far from impressed as he watches Salford draw with Crawley amid boss job rumours

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      ROY KEANE wore a familiar stone-cold expression as he watched Salford side draw 1-1 with Crawley.
      The Manchester United legend was in attendance at Moor Lane for the second time this month alongside former team-mate and Salford part-owner Nicky Butt.

      Roy Keane, linked with taking over as Salford manager, was in the stands for the 1-1 draw with CrawleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Butt is part of the Project 92 Limited group, alongside David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville, that part-owns Salford City.
      The United legends axed boss Graham Alexander earlier this month after a disappointing start to the League Two campaign.
      Scholes was put in charge temporarily but Keane’s continued presence at games has led to speculation he could take the full-time job.
      And Salford’s uninspiring form continued on Saturday as Crawley’s George Francomb cancelled out former United striker James Wilson’s second-half opener.

      The result leaves Salford eighth after eight games, with three wins, four draws and just one defeat.
      A fortnight ago the Irishman, 49, was in the stands with Scholes and Gary Neville.
      They watched Salford go 2-0 up early on but conceded twice – in the 86th and 93rd minutes – to draw 2-2 against Tranmere.

      Paul Scholes oversaw his third game in temporary charge but is way down at 25-1 to land the job permanentlyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      They lost 1-0 to Port Vale last Saturday but recovered to stuff Southend 3-0 in midweek.

      Richie Wellens and Paul Cook are the current favourites for the permanent job.
      But former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Keane is high on the list at 6-1, while Scholes is back at 25-1.

      Roy Keane says Man Utd players will cost Solskjaer his job More

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      Gordon Astall dead at 93: Tributes paid to England’s oldest surviving international who played for Three Lions in 1950s

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      TRIBUTES have been paid to Gordon Astall after the former England international died at the age of 93.
      Astall earned two caps for England in 1956, scoring against Finland on his debut before featuring in a win over world champions West Germany.

      Former England international Gordon Astall has died at the age of 93Credit: Rex Features

      The former forward enjoyed spells with Plymouth, Birmingham and Torquay in a 16-year careerCredit: Rex Features

      Affectionately dubbed as ‘Cannonball’ by fans, the Lancashire-born forward passed away on Wednesday while suffering from dementia.
      The Three Lions website wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the Three Lions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.
      “All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      A Plymouth Argyle statement read: “Plymouth Argyle is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former winger Gordon Astall, aged 93.”

      The club’s former players’ group, Argyle Legends, wrote on their Facebook page: “Argyle Legends’ thoughts are with his daughter Carole, son David, his 3 grandchildren and other members of his family and friends. RIP GORDON. Another great player for Argyle.”
      Fellow former club Birmingham tweeted: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

      We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the #ThreeLions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs.
      — England (@England) October 22, 2020

      The Club are saddened to hear of the passing of Gordon Astall, aged 93.Gordon spent eight years at #BCFC from 1953-1961, making 235 appearances, scoring 59 goals and earning 2 @England caps in that period.Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/K6s8A1evG7
      — Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) October 22, 2020

      The Championship side’s supporters’ association Blues Trust commented: “Blues Trust are saddened to hear of the death yesterday (21st Oct) of former player Gordon Astall, our condolences to his family RIP.”
      A spell with the Royal Marines led to Astall enjoying an amateur level stint with Southampton.

      He moved to Plymouth in 1947, starring for over six years before heading to Birmingham.
      An England call-up came following great success with the Blues, winning the Second Division title and reaching the FA Cup final.

      And the forward, who turned 93 in September, saw out his career with Torquay.
      Speaking to the Mail last year, Astall recalled: “I’ve done things I never even thought of.
      “Playing for your country, I was chuffed as hell, especially when you think of the players at the same time as me.”
      He added: “I have enjoyed it. It’s been a good life.”

      England fans love Three Lions’ new blue kit as strip lands debut vs Denmark More

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      Joe Hugill, 17, set to sign pro Man Utd contract just three months after joining club and shining for U23s

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      MANCHESTER UNITED teen sensation Joe Hugill is in line to sign his first professional Old Trafford contract after wowing the Prem giants, according to reports. 
      The former Sunderland starlet is thought to be ready to put pen to paper just three months after joining the Red Devils’ reserves.

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      Joe Hugill has impressed Man United’s Under-23s coaches since joining the club’s academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill, who turned 17 today, made a £300,000 switch from Sunderland to United this summer. 
      It is thought Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men beat Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for the teenager’s signature.
      And Manchester Evening News claims the starlet’s deal with the Red Devils, who play Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, will run until 2023.

      Hugill made an instant impression on coaches with his displays for United’s youth side scoring three times in only two starts. 

      The Durham-born youngster has already been promoted to the club’s Under-23s despite being a first-year scholar. 
      And the up-and-coming striker was on target for United in their Under-21 side’s  EFL Trophy penalty shootout win against Rochdale.
      A dearth of reserve-level forwards is rumoured to have led Neil Wood to add Hugill to his Under-23 squad

      Prior to this, the young striker had made his Under-18 debut appearance scoring twice against Blackburn.

      And this month Hugill got his first call-up to England’s Under-18 training camp at St George’s Park and could be in contention for United’s FA Youth Cup quest. 
      United’s other recent wonderkid additions include France Under-17 skipper Willy Kambwala. 

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      Willy Kambwala,16, is another rising star United added to their ranks this month

      The former Sochaux centre-back, 16, made a £3.6 million switch this month. 
      And the young French player’s move was followed by news of the Old Trafford giants landing Amad Diallo Traore from Atalanta.  
      The 18-year-old is expected to join the Red Devils in January subject to completion of his medical, agreement on personal terms and confirmation of his work permit.

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time More

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      Forest Green Rovers set to spark fan anger and ignore stadium name poll… as people voted for it to be called Kevin

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      FOREST GREEN Rovers have angered fans after ignoring a competition to name the new stadium – because the people’s choice was KEVIN. 
      The controversial decision comes despite widespread outrage when officials disregarded a poll to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface. 

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      Innocent New Lawn is set to become the new name of Forest Green Rovers stadium

      Fans of the club, who play Colchester on Tuesday, are likely to be left fuming after Innocent Smoothies revealed they won’t name their stadium Kevin.
      This is despite 65 per cent of the firm’s Twitter poll voters choosing one of the nation’s most popular names as their frontrunner. 
      The fruit drinks makers decided to opt for the more conventional choice of Innocent New Lawn as the ground’s name instead. 

      And it was a choice that caused bemusement amongst some Rovers followers with one describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ and another calling it ‘awful’. 
      Chairman Dale Vince took to Twitter to placate angry fans.
      Vince, 59, tweeted: “Sorry if you hoped the stadium would be called Kevin. Perhaps Forest Green and innocent will do a ‘Kevin’s Go Free’ game when fans are allowed back in?”
      The club’s fan poll for renaming the stadium came about after Innocent Smoothies won a ground naming rights contract with the League Two side 

      As part of the deal the company insisted their famous moniker be used as part of all new name suggestions.

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      Jeff Stelling backed Rovers’ fans choice of Kevin as the new name of their stadiumCredit: Sky Sports
      However, supporters of the League Two side decided to throw a spanner in the works and push for Kevin.
      Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling was among those to throw their weight behind the popular fan choice. 
      And the Gillette Soccer Saturday said: “If it is Kevin, it is guaranteed a mention every week.”
      The decision to name Rovers stadium Innocent New Lawn arose after options were shortlisted to four choices including Innocent Sustadium and Innocent Fruit Bowl. 
      Forest Green are renowned for being the world’s first vegan football club. 
      Last season they made history by hiring Hannah Dingley to become the first woman to take charge of a football league club academy.

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world More

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      Forest Green Rovers set to spark fan anger and ignore stadium naming poll… as people voted for it to be called Kevin

      by

      FOREST GREEN Rovers have angered fans after ignoring a competition to name the new stadium – because the people’s choice was KEVIN. 
      The controversial decision comes despite widespread outrage when officials disregarded a poll to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface. 

      2

      Innocent New Lawn is set to become the new name of Forest Green Rovers stadium

      Fans of the club, who play Colchester on Tuesday, are likely to be left fuming after Innocent Smoothies revealed they won’t name their stadium Kevin.
      This is despite 65 per cent of the firm’s Twitter poll voters choosing one of the nation’s most popular names as their frontrunner. 
      The fruit drinks makers decided to opt for the more conventional choice of Innocent New Lawn as the ground’s name instead. 

      And it was a choice that caused bemusement amongst some Rovers followers with one describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ and another calling it ‘awful’. 
      Chairman Dale Vince took to Twitter to placate angry fans.
      Vince, 59, tweeted: “Sorry if you hoped the stadium would be called Kevin. Perhaps Forest Green and innocent will do a ‘Kevin’s Go Free’ game when fans are allowed back in?”
      The club’s fan poll for renaming the stadium came about after Innocent Smoothies won a ground naming rights contract with the League Two side 

      As part of the deal the company insisted their famous moniker be used as part of all new name suggestions.

      2

      Jeff Stelling backed Rovers’ fans choice of Kevin as the new name of their stadiumCredit: Sky Sports
      However, supporters of the League Two side decided to throw a spanner in the works and push for Kevin.
      Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling was among those to throw their weight behind the popular fan choice. 
      And the Gillette Soccer Saturday said: “If it is Kevin, it is guaranteed a mention every week.”
      The decision to name Rovers stadium Innocent New Lawn arose after options were shortlisted to four choices including Innocent Sustadium and Innocent Fruit Bowl. 
      Forest Green are renowned for being the world’s first vegan football club. 
      Last season they made history by hiring Hannah Dingley to become the first woman to take charge of a football league club academy.

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world More

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      EFL clubs threaten to withhold taxes in desperate attempt to secure Government bailout after coronavirus hell

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week — unless the Government bails them out.
      The revolutionary plan to get emergency financial aid was discussed at a meeting between hard-up teams.

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week unless the Government bails them outCredit: PA:Press Association

      A monthly PAYE tax payment is due by each of the EFL’s 72 clubs to HMRC on Thursday but there is a plot for ALL owners to band together and refuse.
      It has been brewing for weeks and was on the table at a ring-round of executives and chairmen last week.
      A hardcore band of Championship chiefs are behind the idea, however many clubs in League One and League Two are happy to join in.
      It will need teams to stick together — but the mood within the ranks is that they are now simply desperate for cash.

      The ultimate punishment for clubs who do not pay tax is a winding-up order.
      One leading mover in the plot said: “It is the nuclear option but we are at this stage if there is no help from the Government or Premier League.
      “If we all do not pay, the Government can dish out winding-up orders on each of us — and shut the industry if they want.“But that would not be a good look.”
      The EFL is enduring the biggest crisis in its history, with supporters banned from grounds due to Covid-19. Yet players and staff have been back on full salaries and the tax is due.

      Many clubs were using the furlough scheme to help — however now the game is up and running that has gone.
      Many are struggling to pay HMRC anyway, but others think this is a chance to make a stand and bring the Government back to the table.
      The Premier League were told to help out, yet offers so far have fallen well below the request for £250million.
      There is anger among the clubs and that was shown when League One and League Two rejected an immediate grant worth around £400,000 each last week.
      The solidarity shown with that decision — due to Championship teams being offered nothing — is now set to carry on to the looming showdown with the tax man.

      Frank Lampard says he is frustrated in Chelsea vs Southampton post-match press conference More

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      Man Utd legend Gary Neville says ‘enough is enough’ as he demands reboot of English football

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      GARY NEVILLE is calling for a reboot of English football and warned: “Enough is enough.”
      The former Manchester United and England right-back is part of an eight-strong group who believe the game is running off the rails.

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      Gary Neville wants a government-appointed ‘regulator’ to mould football’s futureCredit: PA:Press Association

      This week’s dogfight over Project Big Picture has only brought home the ‘chaotic’ structure with the Prem, FA and EFL all fighting for authority.
      Sky pundit Neville, who is part-owner of League Two Salford, said only an independent, Government-appointed ‘regulator’ with the powers of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can implement a new order.
      Nev, 45, said: “The pandemic has demonstrated a void in the Premier League leadership.

      “They did not lead and hadn’t even been able to come up with a short-term plan to restructure funding. Enough is enough. Football has to change.”

      The United legend is part of the group – along with former FA chairman David Bernstein and Olympian Denise Lewis – who yesterday published their manifesto for change, ‘Saving Our Beautiful Game’.
      Bernstein, FA boss from 2011-13, said: “We took a poll of fans that found nearly 80 per cent agreed change is needed.
      “There has never been a  better moment for change.”
      Neville told Sky Sports: “The principle is that we don’t trust that football can govern itself and create the fairest deal for all, whether that’s the Premier League, EFL clubs, non-League clubs or the fans.

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      These were the chief proposals of Project Big Picture before it was aborted

      “It has been proven over this past six months that football has struggled to bring everyone together and proven to be incapable over a 25-30 year period of transforming the money in the game into something that works for everybody.
      “I want the best Premier League in the world, but I want sustainable football clubs.
      “There is enough money in the game to be able to have an elite Premier League, a sustainable and competitive EFL, money passed down to non-League and grassroots and where fans can get a fair deal.
      “That’s where an independent regulator, with that spirit at the heart of it, can come in and say ‘that’s not fair’.”

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