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      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid Josh McEachran signs for League One side MK Dons on free transfer after impressing during training

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      FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Josh McEachran has sealed a move to MK Dons on his 28th birthday.
      The midfielder had been training with the 14th-place League One club since leaving Birmingham in late January.

      Josh McEachran has joined MK Dons on a free transfer after leaving BirminghamCredit: Rex Features

      And McEachran has now secured a contract until the end of the season after impressing boss Russell Martin.
      The 13-time England Uunder-21s ace will wear the No5 shirt for Dons and will be hoping to feature against Gillingham tomorrow night.
      McEachran started his career at Stamford Bridge and was the original poster boy for Roman Abramovich’s budding Chelsea academy.
      However, he made just 22 appearances for the Blues, mainly as a sub.

      And McEachran eventually worked his way through five clubs on loan, taking in spells at Swansea, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan and Vitesse.
      McEachran finally found a permanent home with Brentford in 2015 and went on to play 101 times before moving to Birmingham in 2019.
      However, injuries limited McEachran to just ten games.
      And he is now hoping to rediscover his form at Stadium MK.

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      McEachran told the Dons’ official site: “I’m thankful for the opportunity that the gaffer has given me and I just can’t wait to get started.
      “I came here to keep fit but everyone has been fantastic with me. The way the gaffer wants to play is suited to me. I like to get on the ball as much as possible and dictate play so it felt like a perfect fit.
      “I have been out for a little while now but this is the fittest and strongest I’ve felt for a long time. Hopefully I can get back to playing regular football and help the team out.”

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      Shrewsbury manager Steve Cotterill re-admitted to hospital with Covid-pneumonia just weeks after returning home

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      SHREWSBURY boss Steve Cotterill has been re-admitted to hospital due to suffering from Covid-pneumonia.
      The 56-year-old returned home from the hospital on February 16 after spending time in an ICU unit.

      Steve Cotterill has been re-admitted to hospital due to suffering from Covid-pneumoniaCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, he returned to hospital over the weekend as he is suffering from Covid-pneumonia. 
      His No2 at Shrewsbury, Aaron Wilbraham, said: “For somebody who has never missed a day’s work in his life, this will hit the manager really hard.
      “He’s one of the strongest and toughest people I know, and I know he’ll get through this Covid-pneumonia.”
      Wilbraham and David Longwell will continue taking charge of the League One club’s first-team until Cotterill’s return.

      It was reported last month that Cotterill was still recovering after a period in intensive care while fighting coronavirus.
      Cotterill was one of around 20 positive cases within the club and was later taken ill.
      He was then moved into an ICU but appeared to be on the mend and was released home.
      Cotterill joined Shrewsbury in November as he replaced Sam Ricketts.

      Aaron Wilbrahim was pictured on the phone to Cotterill before Saturday’s game at AccringtonCredit: Getty

      After an unbeaten run in December, he received the manager of the month award.
      Shrewsbury beat Oxford in the FA Cup second round, but their trip to Southampton was postponed after they were hit with a coronavirus outbreak.
      The FA and Premier League made room for the game to go ahead, after initial fears the Saints would get a by.
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      Darren Moore becomes Sheffield Wednesday’s FOURTH manager this season in shock move to Championship strugglers

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      DARREN MOORE has become Sheffield Wednesday’s FOURTH manager of the season after leaving Doncaster.
      The 46-year-old, who had been in charge of Rovers since July 2019, succeeds Tony Pulis following his dismissal in December, with Neil Thompson having been in caretaker charge since.

      Darren Moore has left Doncaster to become Sheffield Wednesday managerCredit: Rex Features

      Moore is the club’s third permanent manager of the season, with Pulis having lasted only seven weeks after succeeding Garry Monk in November.
      He is Wednesday’s 17th permanent boss this century.
      Moore will take charge of Wednesday night’s relegation humdinger with Rotherham at Hillsborough.
      The Owls have lost four on the bounce after a 3-2 defeat at Luton on Saturday and are six points from safety.

      WEDNESDAY BOSSES IN 21st CENTURY

      Sheffield Wednesday’s permanent managers since Jan 1 2000

      Danny Wilson (1998-2000)
      Paul Jewell (2000-01)
      Peter Shreeves (2001)
      Terry Yorath (2001-02)
      Chris Turner (2002-04)
      Paul Sturrock (2004-06)
      Brian Laws (2006-09)
      Alan Irvine (2010-11)
      Gary Megson (2011-12)
      Dave Jones (2012-13)
      Stuart Gray (2013-15)
      Carlos Carvalhal (2015-17)
      Jos Luhukay (2018)
      Steve Bruce (2019)
      Garry Monk (2019-20)
      Tony Pulis (2020)
      Darren Moore (2021-)

      After that loss, caretaker boss Thompson said: “We have a really big task ahead. We have to search inside ourselves to see games through — we didn’t do that against Luton.
      “We’ve had issues all season because we don’t see things through. That’s why we are where we are in the table.”
      Moore has left a club challenging for promotion in League One for a side who sit second bottom of the Championship.
      Doncaster expressed their disappointment at Moore’s decision, with defender Andy Butler put in temporary charge.

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      Elijah Adebayo scores Luton’s third in their 3-2 win over Wednesday on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association
      Chairman David Blunt said on doncasterroversfc.co.uk: “We are disappointed that Darren has chosen to leave the club part way through what has been a season full of promise.
      “We have made significant efforts to support Darren over the past 18 months and ensure he was able to build a team capable of challenging in the top six.
      “This has included supporting him through the past two transfer windows despite the difficult financial circumstances.
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      “Our ambitions remain to achieve a top-six finish and we hope and expect that Andy will use this time to put himself in the prime position to secure the role on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
      “Andy’s first priority will be to halt the team’s recent run of poor form and put our season back on track.”
      Assistant manager Jamie Smith has also left Rovers with Moore, who has named Paul Williams as his first-team coach.

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      Paul Lambert leaves Ipswich with ex-Wigan chief Paul Cook set to take over Tractor Boys

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      IPSWICH boss Paul Lambert has parted company with the club by mutual consent.
      Former Portsmouth and Wigan boss Paul Cook, 54, who resigned from the Lactics in July last year, is set to take over.

      Paul Lambert and Ipswich Town have parted company by mutual consentCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ipswich Town has today parted company with manager Paul Lambert by mutual consent.The Club thanks Paul for his efforts while in charge at Portman Road, and wishes him well for the future.👇 #itfc
      — Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) February 28, 2021

      Lambert, 51, was appointed in October 2018 and of his 113 games in charge he only won 37.
      He took charge with the Tractor Boys bottom of the Championship and despite having 31 games to save them, they remained bottom through to the end of the season.
      Last season they looked a good bet to return to the second tier when they were top of the table but a dip in form saw them eventually finish 11th when the programme was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic .
      The current campaign has followed a similar path, with Lambert leading his side to the top of the table early on before results again deteriorated.

      They recently staged a mini revival and Lambert departs with his team suffering just one defeat in their last seven league games.
      But his relationship with supporters deteriorated rapidly in recent months and he leaves with the club at its lowest point in 67 years.
      Lambert, who has recovered after contracting coronavirus, admitted on Saturday after the home defeat of Doncaster that he was 99 per cent certain he would not keep his job if a rumoured £30million takeover went through.
      Lambert also joked about Cook being sat in his office when he arrived at Portman Road on Saturday morning.

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      Paul Cook is set to take charge at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ipswich owner Marcus Evans thanked Lambert for his service in a statement on Sunday night.
      He said via the club’s official website: “I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to Paul and Stuart for their services to Ipswich Town over the last two and half years.
      “I have enjoyed a healthy working relationship with Paul in our time together and he has brought a lot of positive aspects to the Club.
      “I know he has his thoughts on what is needed to take Ipswich Town forward and I respect his opinions but this year has – with the pandemic and no real income for the Club –  been the biggest financial challenge we have faced in my time as owner.
      “It has, however, become clear after holding discussions over the last few days that there are significant differences of opinion as to the order of immediate priorities and we agreed it was best for us to part company. 
      “I would like to wish both Paul and Stuart the best in the future.”

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      Wigan’s Funso Ojo believes US Capitol ‘riot’ may be GOOD for Black Lives Matter

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      FUNSO Ojo admits he was thankful when people ‘rioted’ at the US Capitol building as it could be good for his career – by bringing the fight against racism in stark focus.
      However, he can understand why Wilfried Zaha describes taking a knee before matches as ‘degrading.’

      Wigan’s Funso Ojo is a passionate supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement

      The Wigan midfielder has been the victim of monkey chants during his time in Holland and is a passionate believer in the Black Lives Matter movement.
      And when former President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol building, and the way it was dealt with, he was thankful as it showed why the cause exists in clear vision.
      Ojo, on loan from Aberdeen, said: “What happened in the Capitol was probably the best thing that could’ve happened for us of different nationalities and colours.
      “Now people understand what we were talking and complaining about as there was a massive difference in how that situation got handled.

      “The day after it happened, the physio at Aberdeen said, ‘Now that’s happened, I understand the Black Lives Matter movement. I see what you mean.’

      Ojo believes the Capitol riot may prove a good thing for the Black Lives Matter movementCredit: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
      “He was like, ‘It can’t be that bad,’ but that was a pure riot and nothing happened. That’s when he said, ‘Now I understand.’
      “I’ll still take a knee as racism is still there – if anything it’s not getting better.
      “Tendayi Darikwa here says he won’t do it any more, he’s on the same page as Zaha but it’s a personal matter, I can see where Wilfried is coming from.

      “But I look at where it started with Colin Kaepernick in the NFL and what it stood for at the start. I understand what Wilfried’s saying but it’s a symbol and a message.

      Ojo admits he thinks about Colin Kaepernick taking the knee when people say Black Lives Matter is losing its relevanceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “Those type of players in the public eye still get a lot of messages, maybe more now as it’s in the public eye. So maybe they think, ‘It’s not doing anything.’”
      Belgian Ojo, 29, swapped life in Aberdeen for crisis club Wigan but the way things operate, he would not know the club is in administration.
      And he is adamant they can still stay in League One, even though they face leaders Peterborough today.
      But while he believes the competition in England’s third tier is stronger and deeper than the Scottish Premiership, the air is worse in Greater Manchester.

      Ojo admits he felt like he was on Peaky Blinders when he mistook a strong Scouse accent at Wigan for a Birmingham oneCredit: BBC
      Some of the accents around the place also take some getting used to.
      Ojo, who himself has a slight Scottish twang, added: “There are too many Scousers here, all I hear is, ‘All right, all right, all right.’
      “I thought our assistant coach had a Birmingham accent at first but apparently it’s a string scouse accent.
      “When he spoke, I felt like I was in Peaky Blinders!” More

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      Salford boss Richie Wellens desperate to get his players in the PUB – but coronavirus restrictions have thwarted him

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      RICHIE WELLENS knows one of the best ways to get into a player’s head is to get a drink into him.
      And if he could do that with his whole team, he might be able to break the mental block that he fears could cost him and Salford City promotion.

      How Richie Wellens’ pub sign might look

      Richie Wellens’ Salford are having an inconsistent season in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the normal getting–to–know-you exercise he and most managers use to build team spirit and understanding is still impossible because of Covid restrictions.
      Wellens, who quit Swindon for the Ammies on November 4, would by now have had a few nights  out with his squad and staff.
      He declared: “Getting the lads out for a bite and a bit of a bevvy is a great way to find out what makes each individual tick.
      “Nobody is talking about throwing loads of alcohol down necks.

      “But it’s amazing how people start relaxing and letting themselves go a little when they’ve had a couple.
      “Having a good time is great for team bonding.
      “Not only do you get to know your players better, but they get a better picture of who you are.
      “But with the lockdown that hasn’t happened.

      Salford are owned by Man Utd’s ‘Class of ’92’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “By now I should have a far better understanding of what makes each player tick than I do.
      “It’s crucial that a new manager finds out who he is dealing with in the dressing room and what the best approach is to get the best out of each individual.
      “And, of course, after 23 games I have a good idea.
      “But in a way, some of them are still like strangers to me because of the Covid restrictions.
      “They show up for training on their own — socially distanced from each other — then go home to shower and change.
      “The players travel to away games on the team bus but me and my coaches have to go separately.
      “Things are complicated enough for all of the managers in these times — but more difficult still when you are taking over a new set of players.”
      Wellens worries about that lack of communication more because he can’t work out why his side keep throwing away points at the end of games.
      He said: “Since I got here we have lost 12 points from winning positions in the 90th minute.
      “That has to be about some psychological block — maybe it’s to do with the fact that this club has come so far, so fast.

      “We are the best footballing team in the division but that means  nothing if you don’t make it pay.”
      Wellens was brought in by Gary Neville and the rest of the members of Manchester United’s Class of ’92 to replace Graham Alexander.
      The 40-year-old, who last season took Swindon out of League Two, is charged with continuing the climb that has seen four promotions since Neville and Co took over seven years ago.
      He said: “My job was made clear from the start and it’s a challenge I gladly accepted.
      “Promotion is the target this  season without question.
      “But every time we look like  getting on a run we stumble — when we win two in a row, we can’t make it three.

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      “I’d love the chance to just sit around, have a meal, let the lads relax and really dig into what the problem is.
      “Pubs and restaurants will be fully open on May 17 but our season ends on May 8.
      “That’s too late for me to do what I’d normally do with a new bunch of players.
      “So I’m going to have to think up another way to find out what’s going on in their heads — socially  distanced, of course.” More

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      McCarthy ‘wants to p*** off’ ex-Cardiff boss Warnock after revealing he cleaned Middlesbrough chief’s boots 44 YEARS ago

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      MICK McCARTHY has counted Neil Warnock as a close friend for 44 years.
      Today they will go head-to-head yet again both hoping to p*** each other off.

      Neil Warnock (then Cardiff manager) and Mick McCarthy (then Ipswich boss) shake handsCredit: Rex Features

      Cardiff boss McCarthy and Middlesbrough gaffer Warnock were team-mates at Barnsley.
      McCarthy even used to clean Warnock’s boots as he came through the ranks at Oakwell.
      The pair first met in 1977 and have gone on to have top careers in management. Both are in with a chance of promotion to the Premier League this season.
      Warnock will always be a Cardiff hero for taking the Bluebirds to the top-flight in 2018.

      Now his Boro team are rivalling the Welsh side for a Championship play-off spot.
      McCarthy said: “I have been in football a long time, but I still have that desire to get the best out of people. I’m 62. Neil is 72, so maybe I have got him in my sights!
      “I’ve gone up against him many times and he’s a good friend of mine. For 90 minutes on Saturday he won’t be. It will be the same for him. He’s always been bright and innovative.
      “His teams are likewise. If we come off the pitch on Saturday and I say to him ‘That was a nice game Neil, you were really nice to play against’ I think he’d be as p***** off as I would be.

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      McCarthy (top left) and Warnock (front row, second left) in their Barnsley daysCredit: Rex Features
      “That’s not going to be the case. We’ll be expecting a tough game because they’ll be wanting a reaction after their result against Bristol City.
      “If I can be half as successful as Neil here, I will be delighted.”
      Veteran Warnock worked wonders at Cardiff to take them to the Premier League.
      But he was sacked in November 2019 before bouncing back at Boro.
      McCarthy was parachuted in by Cardiff in January to replace Neil Harris after the Bluebirds lost six straight games to leave them facing a relegation battle.
      But the former Republic of Ireland manager’s impact in the Welsh capital has been astonishing.

      In-form Kieffer Moore has been a crucial part of Cardiff’s great recent runCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      McCarthy has won six in a row and taken 20 points from his first eight games in charge.
      Cardiff have risen to sixth against all the odds and McCarthy said: “Now we’re there to be shot at, but I’d prefer to be here than be in the bottom six and hunted by those teams.
      “We don’t want to drop out of it. Let’s see what happens. We’re looking forward to Boro because we’re winning. Let’s hope it continues, but when we have a bit of adversity that’s when we’ll see what the team is made of. If they keep playing like this there is no reason why we should get beat.”
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      McCarthy has made a giant, physical Cardiff team a nightmare opposition since taking charge.
       “It’s a tough time at the moment with the games coming thick and fast, but we’re managing as best we can and we were never under any pressure to get in the top six.
      “That might have been said when I came in, but to target the top six? Come on, do me a favour. Did I think we were going to get 20 points from eight games? No.

      “Did anybody at the hierarchy of the club? No. Everybody hoped for it. I’m not that stupid to say I expected it, because I didn’t. There was no pressure, but now I’m not getting carried away.”
      Warnock added: “It’ll be purgatory playing them, but I’m looking forward to it to see if we can stand up to the challenge. Not many teams can beat Cardiff at the moment with the way they’re playing.
      “It doesn’t bother Mick, he doesn’t want to please anybody. He wants his team to be horrible and why not? They’ve got some good players and they defend for their lives. It’s a great recipe so he’ll be loving it.”

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      Joey Barton and Ched Evans clashed at Fleetwood over striker’s comedy skit – now Bristol Rovers boss looks to future

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      NIGEL PEARSON has never been a man to suffer fools.
      So when he pays someone like Joey Barton warm compliments, as he did this week, they should be taken very seriously.

      Joey Barton took charge of Bristol Rovers this week just a month after leaving FleetwoodCredit: Rex Features

      The new Pirates boss had a dressing room bust–up with Ched EvansCredit: Rex Features

      The pair arrived in Bristol on the same day, Pearson taking over his eighth club at City, Barton moving into his second job as a manager with Rovers.
      Once the ink was dry on their contracts Pearson found he had been messaged by Barton,  who he worked with at Newcastle.
      He said: “Me and Joey exchanged a few messages. I have a lot of time and respect for him. He’s a very intelligent man. I think he’s got a bright future.
      “People have preconceived ideas but the reality can be different.”

      Those pre-conceived ideas that the 57-year-old talks about are created by the baggage Barton carries around with him.
      In keeping with a life of controversy he headed out of Fleetwood under a cloud.
      Cod Army chairman Andy Pilley who, on appointing him two-and-a-half years earlier described him as a potential great in management, dumped him.
      The decision came after a dressing room bust–up with Ched Evans and clashes with other senior players.

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      The pair are understood to have come to blows over a comedy skit created by the striker that Barton did not find funny and he was dispatched to Preston.
      After he left, Barton revealed he   had fallen out with the man who gave him his first chance as a boss, the day after a ban for betting on matches ended.
      Their relationship, like that between him and some of the players, had soured while some members of staff also left during Barton’s reign.
      The 38-year-old is currently awaiting trial over an alleged clash with former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel following a match at Oakwell in April 2019.
      Barton previously pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and proceedings are due to begin in June.
      Yet for all of the controversy, Barton’s first job suggested many of those who believe him to be one of the brightest young bosses in the game could just be right.
      Having taken control of Rovers, he now has to prove the hype has not all been just hot air.

      Nigel Pearson was appointed Bristol City boss this weekCredit: Rex Features

      Evans and Barton both left Fleetwood within days of each otherCredit: Rex Features
      As a music lover — he has even appeared in a Morrissey video — he will know all about one–hit wonders.
      And if he does not get it right and fast at the Memorial Stadium, a career in management might never make the top of the charts.
      For while club president Wael al-Qadi joined in the welcoming praise, he has already sacked two managers this season in Ben Garner and Paul Tisdale.
      Barton lost his first game, 2–1  at home to Wigan, 24 hours after his appointment.
      He hosts Shrewsbury today with the club only above the League One relegation zone on goal difference.
      His team have lost eight of their last 11 games, winning only once.
      Barton, on a contract until 2023, is determined to prove he is the real deal and certainly talks a good game.
      He did, after all, take Fleetwood into last season’s play-offs.

      Luke McCormick, SkyBet’s Goal of the Month winner, is delighted to have Barton as bossCredit: Instagram / @official_brfc
      He said: “Somebody, at some point, is going to get Rovers right. Mobilise that passionate fan base and get the supporters travelling across the country, pushing their team onto bigger and better things.
      “I think I’m the man for it. I’m absolutely convinced it’s going to be this group of players we’ve got here and this group of coaches.”
      One of those players, Luke McCormick, is delighted to have Barton as his new boss.
      The 22-year-old won SkyBet’s Goal of the Month trophy for his superb January strike against Crewe.
      The box–to-box midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, insisted: “I’m sure to benefit from having someone of Joey’s experience as my manager.
      “He was a Premier League midfielder, that’s where I am aiming for and he can help me get there.”
      Barton might get there himself one day in his new career and prove that life is a gas as a    manager. Instead of it all blowing up in his face.
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