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      Joey Barton confirmed as Bristol Rovers manager as he makes swift return to dugout a month after ugly Fleetwood sacking

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      JOEY BARTON is the new Bristol Rovers manager.
      The former midfielder, 38, replaces Paul Tisdale at the Memorial Stadium on a contract until 2023.

      Joey Barton is back in management after taking the Bristol Rovers jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barton spent two-and-a-half years as Fleetwood boss between June 2018 and his ugly departure last month.
      He won 51 of his 128 games in charge with the Cod Army.
      Now the one-cap England international is tasked with keeping Rovers in League One.
      The Gas are currently 18th in the table, one of three teams on 27 points and just two clear of the relegation zone.

      Barton has been joined by assistant manager Clint Hill and first-team coach Andy Mangan.
      They will take charge of their first game when Wigan travel to the Mem tomorrow night.
      Speaking about Barton’s appointment, Bristol Rovers president Wael Al Qadi said, “We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward.
      “Joey’s experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.

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      “He’s got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.
      “We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.
      “I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future.”
      Barton was axed by Fleetwood on January 4 following a fall-out with striker Ched Evans.
      SunSport revealed Barton let the forward join Preston after alleged disciplinary breaches despite chairman Andy Pilley remaining a fan.

      The former Newcastle man also revealed the ‘disconnect’ with the League One side’s owner that led to him leaving Highbury.
      Speaking on Robbie Fowler’s podcast, Barton felt Pilley wanted to dictate transfers and admitted the pair didn’t speak for ten days before his sacking.
      In the same interview, he lifted the lid on the training ground fight with Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City – and offered the Frenchman a shot at ‘revenge’ in a charity match.
      Barton, who has served time in prison and also landed himself in hot water for stubbing a cigar out in a youth team player’s eye, was hit with a six-match ban by the Football Association in 2008 for assaulting his then Etihad team-mate on May 1, 2007.
      He was also given a four-month suspended sentence after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Dabo was left with cuts and bruises as well as a detached retina.

      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman More

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      Watch Mark Wright score stunning goal on Soccer AM as star shows off his skills following Crawley debut humiliation

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      MARK WRIGHT stole the show on his return to Soccer AM as the former reality star showed off his stunning skills.
      The TOWIE star joined League Two side Crawley in December and made his full debut last weekend against Harrogate.

      Former TOWIE star Mark Wright wowed fans with his skills on Soccer AM

      The Crawley defender hit a top corner piledriver in the practice arena

      But the 34-year-old endured a disastrous opening 45 minutes and was hooked off at half-time with his side 3-0 behind.
      To add insult to literal injury, Wright missed Crawley’s 1-0 defeat to Stevenage on Tuesday with a hip problem.
      However the defender gave fans a reminder of what he can do with his performance on Soccer AM.
      Wright shared a series of clips from his time on the show on Instagram that included one rocket that found its way into the top corner.

      Another saw the left-back expertly chip the keeper in a one-on-one and fans on social media appreciated the skill.
      One tweeted: “Fantastic shoot out with the legend.”
      Another said: “Fair play but what was that keeper doing ?”
      A third added: “He’s taking liberties.”

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      Wright, who played for Tottenham in his youth, had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006-07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      He left the game after becoming a household name as the Reds went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

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      Nile Ranger returns to Southend on month-to-month contract after impressing boss with ‘attitude’ in training

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      SOUTHEND have re-signed Nile Ranger after a trial period with the League Two club.
      The striker, 29, spent time in non-League football after being dumped by the Shrimpers over discipline issues in 2018.

      Nile Ranger is back in the Football League with a second spell at SouthendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      On Thursday, Southend confirmed the deal to sign Ranger as a free agent on a month-to-month contract.
      The terms are ‘incentivised’ as he looks to help out the side in their fight against relegation.
      Southend boss Mark Molesley praised the former Newcastle player’s attitude since he joined up for training.
      Molesley said: “Nile has been in training for two months, getting fit before integrating into the first team training and he’s shown the right attitude ever since he walked through the door. He’s worked hard to get his fitness up.

      “He came in originally on his own away from the group to work on his fitness and we have slowly integrated him into the first team sessions.
      “Nile has still got to earn the right to play for this club and he knows that himself. Everyone has to earn the right.

      Welcome back, @NilePowerRanger 👊We’re pleased to announce the signing of 𝗡𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿! 🔵
      — Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) February 18, 2021

      “He has got to repay the faith I have shown him on the pitch, and I am excited to see a fully fit Nile play for this football club.
      “His desire to play football again is clear and he is very passionate about Southend United, as long as he continues to work as hard as he has been over this period then he will play a part for the remainder of the season.”

      Ranger still has time to revive a career that has been dogged by off-field issues.
      After a stint in a young offenders’ institute at the age of 15, he progressed through the Newcastle setup and made over 50 appearances for the Toon.
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      Problems have also arisen over homophobic comments on social media and a picture of him posing with a replica gun, before he was fined £1,000 for criminal damage after a taxi incident in 2014.
      Ranger was also charged for criminal damage following an incident during his time with Swindon, and he served ten weeks of an eight-month sentence for conspiracy to defraud in 2017.
      On his last spell with Southend, the forward hit 10 goals in 49 appearances.
      And he was most recently seen with non-league Spalding United, working under former Peterborough defender Gabriel Zakuani.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Nile Ranger scores penalty for Southend United then takes boot off before pretending to use it as a gun More

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      Peterborough teenager Bobby Copping opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ decision to retire aged 19 over head injury

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      BOBBY COPPING has spoken of his heartbreak at retiring from football at the age of 19 following a serious head injury.
      The defender had only made one appearance for the club when he was hospitalised for four days after suffering the injury in July of last year.

      Bobby Copping has been forced to retire from football due to a head injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Having made a full recovery, he returned to the Peterborough bench for a game with Cambridge in November as he looked to return to action.
      However, only a week later, Copping was ruled out again with the same head injury.
      Still suffering from issues on a daily basis as a result of the injury, the teenager made the tough decision to retire to preserve his long-term health.
      On Thursday, Copping confirmed his move ahead of taking up a backroom role in the Posh academy.

      He said: “Over the last few months, I have been doing all I can to recover whilst having conversations with a specialist who had suggested I try a medication to see if that would stop the injury from reoccurring.
      “Unfortunately, this didn’t work, so that left few options open to me.
      “I have had various conversations with the club and the specialist and we all came to the same conclusion that for my long-term health and to prevent further damage, retirement from football completely was the obvious decision to make and that has been backed up by the fact I still have problems on a day to day basis because of the injury.
      “This decision was extremely heartbreaking to make and not just for me, but also for my family who have invested so much into my football journey.

      Thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      Bobby Copping

      “Words cannot describe how truly gutted that I am.
      “Firstly, I would just like to thank everyone at the club, especially the staff and my teammates for all their support in such a difficult time for myself.
      “They have been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to come through this without their support. I would also like to thank my family.
      “They have been my rock throughout this tough time. From the very start of my footballing career they have been there and it hurts a lot knowing we can’t continue my career any further.
      “Finally, thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      “Although this is a very difficult time for myself, moving forward I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to stay a part of the club.
      “I will be taking up a new role at the club as I now progress my career down the business side of things.
      “Thank you again to everyone that has been involved with my football career from the start, I am extremely gutted but anyone that knows me knows that I will bounce back from this.”

      Copping joined League One Peterborough after Bury collapsed in 2019, having previously been part of Norwich’s academy.
      Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony paid tribute to the youngster’s response to the ‘horrendous setback’ ahead of his move behind the scenes.
      He said: “Myself and everybody at the club were bitterly disappointed for Bobby and what he has been through physically and mentally.
      “He is such a lovely young man who in my mind will bounce back from this horrendous setback to have a great career in the game.
      “We are delighted that he is staying with the club and excited for the next chapter in his journey which in mind will be the making of him.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      A tribute to Stevie Ward from the Leeds Rhinos as he retires aged 27 More

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      Sunderland takeover CONFIRMED by EFL as billionaire heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, 23, promises new era for Black Cats

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      KYRIL LOUIS-DREYFUS’ takeover of Sunderland has been completed after Football League bosses green-lit the deal.
      An agreement to buy the majority of Stewart Donald’s stake in the League One club was agreed late last year.

      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ family is thought to be worth over £4billionCredit: Rex Features

      Sunderland have been taken over by the billionaire heir after EFL approvalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Louis-Dreyfus has also taken over as Mackems chairman with immediate effect.
      But the deal will see Donald retain a minority share in the club, along with Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven.
      Kyril, 23, is one of three sons of the late French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus and his wife, Margarita.
      Robert, whose grandfather Leopold first set up the historic Louis-Dreyfus trading company, was CEO of Adidas and Saatchi & Saatchi before a long spell as majority shareholder of Marseille until his death in 2009.

      Kyril remains an avid supporter of the Ligue 1 side alongside twin brother Maurice who The Athletic say is being lined up as a director at the Stadium of Light.
      And the new Sunderland owner’s family is thought to be worth north of £4billion.
      On Thursday, Louis-Dreyfus stated his ‘excitement’ at taking over the Black Cats.
      He told the club website: “I would like to thank Stewart, the Board of Directors and the EFL for their diligence and support throughout the recent process.

      Oxford-born businessman Stewart Donald bought the club from Ellis Short in 2018Credit: Reuters
      “I am proud to become a custodian of this esteemed institution, but I also recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it.
      “Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Sunderland AFC’s history and although the current landscape facing football dictates that there are challenges to overcome, I am confident that together we can weather the present storm and put solid foundations in place to bring sustainable and long-term success to the club.”
      Sunderland fans will be desperate to see the club reverse its dire fortunes of recent years.
      Relegated from the Premier League in 2017, the team dropped straight through to League One and have so far failed to win promotion despite outspending their third-tier rivals.
      Lee Johnson’s side sit seventh in the table and secured a place in next month’s EFL Trophy final when beating Lincoln on penalties last night.
      Having resigned his chairman role last summer, Donald highlighted his work behind the scenes as his controversial two-year stint as Sunderland chief came to an end.

      It is no secret that – despite spending the highest transfer fees and playing wages in League One history – progress on the pitch has not followed suit.
      Stewart Donald

      He stated: “I am delighted to welcome Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to the club as our new chairman and controlling shareholder.
      “Kyril’s commitment, acumen and integrity convinced us to accept his proposal.
      “His vision and desire to bring success back to Sunderland was obvious from the outset and his bid is the one that we feel gives the club the best chance of long-term success and sustainability.”
      Donald added: “I am proud to say that we have achieved what we set out to in terms of SAFC’s finances – the club is debt-free, was breaking even prior to the pandemic and has retained its Category One Academy status.
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      “However, it is no secret that – despite spending the highest transfer fees and playing wages in League One history – progress on the pitch has not followed suit.
      “That has been a bitter disappointment for us as owners, and we can only apologise for falling short in this regard.
      “Whilst we certainly made mistakes, everything was done with the best of intentions with the view to deliver this aim, but we just fell short and in football, unfortunately, a miss is as good as a mile.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Sunderland boss Johnson furious at EFL after being forced into dangerous Wimbledon game More

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      Sunderland secure third Wembley trip inside two years as Grant Leadbitter seals EFL Trophy shoot-out win over Lincoln

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      SUNDERLAND are heading to Wembley for the third time in two years as Grant Leadbitter kept his cool against Lincoln.
      The skipper scored the fifth and final penalty after Imps ace Remy Howarth hit the crossbar to seal a 5-3 shoot-out win following a 1-1 draw.

      Sunderland are heading to Wembley for the third time in just two yearsCredit: Rex Features

      The Sunderland-born veteran slotted home the final kick to set-up a date with TranmereCredit: Rex Features

      The Black Cats are now set for a date under the arch with Tranmere Rovers for the EFL Trophy on March 13 after coming from behind.
      Following a tight and tense opening period with little action, the deadlock was almost broken just seconds after the break.
      Tom Hopper was sent clear down the left and raced into the box only for his low drive to gathered by Black Cats stopper Lee Burge at the second attempt.
      Sunderland suffered another let off as the Imps began to turn the screw and up the ante.

      Sub Cohen Bramall darted forward and teed up the completely unmarked Brennan Johnson on the edge of the box, only for the on-loan Nottingham Forest ace to blaze high and wide.
      But Lee Johnson’s side’s luck ran out on 64 minutes – despite Burge’s best efforts.
      Bramall was the architect again down the left, this time cutting the ball back for Conor McGRandles to side-foot low from 12 yards towards the bottom corner.
      Burge brilliantly got down well to stop the shot, but Anthony Scully pounced on the rebound to spark wild celebrations.

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      Lincoln keeper Alex Palmer excellently tipped over a Charlie Wyke header before he denied him from the resulting corner at the near post.
      But he could do nothing to stop the striker from equalising moments later as he met an Aiden McGready cross with a bullet header into the bottom left corner with 15 to go.
      Former Celtic winger McGeady made the goalie work from 20 yards but Sunderland’s pressure failed to tell as it went down to a shoot-out lottery.
      Max Power, Luke O’Nien, Chris Maguire and McGready had all hit the target before Leadbitter kept his nerve to convert after Howarth’s strike cannoned back off the bar.
      Sunderland boss Lee Johnson said: “Grant Leadbitter was the coolest man in Sunderland.
      “It’s nothing without the fans of course, that’s a frustration, but we can give everyone a lift.
      “We know we’ll have the whole of Sunderland behind us in spirit.”
      Lincoln boss Michael Appleton said: “I’m disappointed and frustrated for my players but we have to regenerate quickly now.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Sunderland boss Johnson furious at EFL after being forced into dangerous Wimbledon game More

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      Joey Barton in talks with Bristol Rovers over becoming new boss – just month after being axed by Fleetwood

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      JOEY BARTON is talking to Bristol Rovers about their boss position – a month after League One rivals Fleetwood Town sacked him.
      Former Manchester City midfielder Barton, 38, has revealed he left Town after a bust-up over transfers, including not speaking to chairman Andy Pilley for ten days.

      Joey Barton has reportedly been negotiating with Bristol Rovers after their League One rivals Fleetwood Town axed himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the Mail claim one issue with Rovers could be how much control Barton would have, as they have a director of football in Tommy Widdrington.
      Rovers, who are two places below Fleetwood in 18th place, sacked Paul Tisdale last week.
      And Barton is still rated as one of the EFL’ s bright young managers, having guided Town to the play-offs last season – although their form has fallen away this season since November.
      The Mail suggest ex-Man City, Newcastle and QPR star Barton has held “constructive” negotiations with Rovers.

      But he will want to know how ambitious they are, compared to his own hopes.
      And in particular, Barton might have to be clear about how much power he would have on the footballing side, including on transfers.
      Just days ago, he praised Fleetwood supremo Pilley for his initial support – before admitting he felt he was not getting the backing he needed to revive their play-off hopes this term.
      He told Robbie Fowler’s podcast: “He was brilliant. He gave me an enormous opportunity probably when no-one else in world football would.

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      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      “The chairman was good as gold [at first] in that he didn’t force his opinion on me as a senior chairman and he let me make a few of my own decisions in terms of transfers – some good, some bad, some indifferent. We finished in the play-offs in the second season.
      “We came back this time and were trying to rebuild the side and I think what happened was he went into a transfer embargo.
      “Where we were, eight points out of the play-offs, if we get a couple of bodies in we’ll be there or thereabouts.
      “We don’t need Sergio Aguero but he disagreed and felt we should have gone with the younger players.
      “It got to the point where we both couldn’t be right.”
      And Barton also spoke out on his infamous training ground fight with then-City colleague Ousmane Dabo – offering the Frenchman “revenge” with a charity fight.
      The FA banned Barton for six games and he was given a four-month suspended sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman More

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      Referee Darren Drysdale facing ban after he’s charged by FA over angry clash with Ipswich’s Alan Judge

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      REF Darren Drysdale faces an FA commission and likely ban – despite making a public apology to Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge.
      Lincolnshire whistler Drysdale, 49, was charged with improper conduct by Wembley disciplinary chiefs less than 24 hours after his angry clash with the Irishman.

      Darren Drysdale is facing a likely FA ban after being charged for clashing with Ipswich Town’s Alan JudgeCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Drysdale locked heads with Judge and then seemed to square up to him in the latter stages of the Portman Road clash against Northampton.
      The astonishing scenes saw Ipswich boss Paul Lambert demanding an investigation by the EFL and FA.
      SunSport understands that Drysdale’s performance was criticised by players on both sides throughout the game.
      But the referee is said to have flipped and used foul and abusive language when Judge insisted he had been brought down and not dived in a bid to win a spot kick.

      The Ipswich midfielder responded to the episode on Wednesday night and told his club’s website that Drysdale’s reaction did not upset him.
      Judge said: “Referees have a tough job to do and it was heat of the moment stuff that happens in football.
      “The photo makes it look worse than it was and to be honest, the matter was finished with from my end as soon as I walked off the pitch.
      “I wasn’t looking for the referee to apologise; I wasn’t looking for him to be charged. There was never going to be a complaint from me and I made that clear.

      As I said in this 👇. There was no need for an apology. I wasn’t looking for one or looking for any action to be taken. In football as everybody knows stuff happens in the heat of the moment in a game. We all make mistakes and for me that is the end of this https://t.co/ujQsF9lQ4N
      — alan judge (@10judgey) February 17, 2021

      “Like I said, for me – it was finished with straight away.”
      In a statement issued through the ref’s governing body PGMOL, Drysdale said: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
      “I’m sorry that I did not do that and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
      Aston Villa’s England internationals Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish suggested the FA should let the issue blow over. 
      Mings Tweeted: “Everyone makes mistakes…..nothing to see here.”
      Grealish added: “Ah come on?! No need to apologise at all! I think it’s brilliant.”
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      But FA beaks had already opened a probe into the incident and Drysdale was charged with a breach of rule E3.
      However, in a twist, the case is being treated as neither “standard” – which would have seen a fixed sanction – nor “non-standard” because of circumstances.
      Instead, a commission will determine the next step if Judge accepts his guilt, as now seems likely, with a short ban of up to three games the anticipated punishment.

      FA rules do not allow a suspension before any hearing but it is expected PGMOL will take him off their officials’ list for this weekend pending the resolution of the case.
      The incident comes with the FA looking to scrap the current “maximum” 10-year ban for violence towards referees and allow life suspensions.
      The FA insists grassroots officials have not been put off by incidents of violence and abuse but is keen to ensure younger referees remain convinced they can progress through to the highest levels of the game.

      Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss More