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      Hanlan out of things to watch on TV if season is suspended and says: Football keeps fans who are holed up at home sane

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      BRANDON HANLAN could not bear football being curtailed … as he has run out of box-sets to watch.
      There has been a lot of debate about whether the season should be paused with more players testing positive for Covid-19 and games being cancelled as the new variant sweeps through the country.

      Brandon Hanlan is having a great first season at Bristol RoversCredit: rex features

      Bristol Rovers striker Hanlan, 23, takes on Sheffield United this weekend in the FA Cup and believes keeping the season going is vital for the sanity of football lovers holed up at home.
      And he cannot do without his own TV football fix especially now that he has pretty much exhausted everything to watch on Netflix.
      Hanlan told SunSport: “With the times that we are in now, it’s very hard. We’re fortunate as footballers to be able to play. If you’re still doing what you enjoy, you definitely must appreciate it because it’s hard for a lot of people out there.
      “Football on TV lifts people’s spirits. I watch every game myself because it gives you something to do when you’re home. During lockdown, there is definitely nothing better to do than watching football.

      “Besides, I’ve watched almost every box set on there is on Netflix. I’m a big fan of Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy and crime mysteries.”
      Hanlan has had a successful first season at League One club Rovers after deciding to switch from Gillingham in the summer.
      The striker has already scored eight goals in 20 outings for the Pirates – which is the best ratio of his career to date.
      He has progressed steadily since growing up as an Arsenal fan, idolising striker Thierry Henry as well as Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

      FA Cup treble boost: Back Chelsea, Man City and Spurs at 20/1

      Hanlan said: “They were my ideal players. My family are all big Arsenal fans so I support them too.
      “I remember going to Highbury once and went to watch them at Craven Cottage but it was so long ago and I didn’t appreciate what I was seeing – the team I ended up supporting.
      “It did 100 per cent galvanise me though. I’ve always loved football. I’ve never not played football.”

      Brandon Hanlan was a big Arsenal fan as a kid and idolised Thierry Henry
      Hanlan played Sunday league youth football for Waterloo FC before having a trial at Charlton where he was signed by former Addicks star Jason Euell, who was coaching the youth team.
      And he graduated through the ranks at The Valley before getting on to the fringes of the first team.
      But it was two loan spells with Bromley in the National League and another at Colchester where he really cut his teeth.
      And while with Bromley he played at Wembley in the 2018 FA Trophy final although they lost on penalties to Brackley – although Hanlan scored his spot kick.
      He said: “It was a great experience. It’s everyone’s dream to play at Wembley and whatever happens in my career I can say I’ve played and scored there.”
      Hanlan had two enjoyable years at Gillingham – winning young player of the year in his first season – and is indebted to former boss Steve Lovell for showing faith in him and to Steve Evans for continuing to believe in him when he took over.

      Hanlan missed a sitter for Gillingham in last year’s FA Cup against West Ham
      The striker said: “Those two years were great because it was the first time I really got to experience playing week in, week out at a club in the League.
      “And it taught me about what three points really mean and what it’s like to climb the table. It also gave me an identity.
      “I wanted to give myself a new challenge. I’ve got nothing bad to say about Gillingham.”
      This is Hanlon’s second crack at taking on a Premier League side – having played in Gillingham’s spirited 2-0 third-round defeat to West Ham last January.
      And he hopes to go one better today and create an upset.
      He said: “It’s a great opportunity. Every game is. They’re not doing so well but they are still a Premier League club and have quality players.
      “If we play our best football, hopefully that’ll be enough to get into the fourth round.” More

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      EFL confirm 112 coronavirus cases from 66 clubs as new Covid-19 strain rips through English football

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      THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE has confirmed 112 cases of coronavirus among 66 clubs competing in this weekend’s FA Cup third round.
      The positive tests came back from Championship, League One and League Two teams still in the competition, which has been marred by an increase in cases.

      This weekend’s FA Cup third round has been hit by a rise in coronavirus casesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Some 3,507 players and staff were tested and confirmed cases have been told to self-isolate for ten days.
      Coronavirus has ripped through the third round with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby reporting outbreaks within squads.
      All three teams are expected to play youth sides in their weekend games, although positive tests in the Shrewsbury camp has led to their match with Southampton being postponed.
      If games cannot be completed amid a congested fixture schedule, reports suggest teams suffering outbreaks could be kicked out of the competition.

      This round of EFL tests does not include Premier League teams, which reported 12 new cases from 984 tests between January 1 and 3.
      League bosses have stated their confidence in coronavirus protocols amid the rise of a new, highly-infectious variant of the disease across the UK.

      The EFL’s Medical Advisors Dr Richard Higgins and Dr Subhashis Basu said in a statement: “Today’s results reflect the current speed at which the virus is spreading amid the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19.
      “But the low reported numbers across the overwhelming majority of clubs means we remain confident that our protocols continue to mitigate against the spread of infection as intended.

      “The protocols, supported by the clubs and government, are allowing us to continue playing fixtures as scheduled but we cannot be complacent.
      “Which is why recently enhanced matchday and non-matchday Covid protocols have been issued to underpin the re-introduction of a League wide testing programme which commences next week.
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      “Medical advice continues to support that following these protocols is the most successful route to mitigating against the spread of infection.”
      The remaining six EFL clubs not involved in the FA Cup third round will be tested ahead of their next fixtures.
      From next Monday, all 72 Football League clubs will be tested twice a week.

      Boris Johnson vows everyone in UK will be within 10 miles of Covid vaccination centre with 1,200 sites open by next week More

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      AFC Wimbledon set to turn new Plough Lane stadium into coronavirus vaccine centre to help UK rollout

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      AFC WIMBLEDON are set to convert part of their brand-new Plough Lane stadium into a Covid-19 vaccination centre.
      The Dons officially moved back to the site after a 30-year absence back in November.

      AFC Wimbledon will offer up their new Plough Lane stadium as a vaccination centreCredit: Rex Features

      But government restrictions and final building work mean supporters have yet to come through the turnstiles.
      However, the facility has now been offered to the NHS to help provide necessary jabs against the deadly virus.
      Meeting rooms and executive suites are understood to be turned over to health professionals.
      An AFC Wimbledon source said: “We always said Plough Lane was going to be a stadium for the community.

      “Now it is set to act as a major vaccination hub for Merton in an area that needs it.”
      Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium is one of the seven mass vaccination centres due to open to deliver jabs next week.
      The Sun revealed Leeds became the first Premier League club to hand over its Elland Road facilities for the unprecedented vaccine push.
      Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, is one of the possible venues to be added while Spurs have offered their new ground as well.

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      And Chelsea will open up the Stamford Bridge hotel for free for NHS workers – just as they did at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Owner Roman Abramovich is going to cover the cost of rooms for staff to stay when working shifts at nearby hospitals or simply in need of somewhere to stay after the country went into its third national lockdown.

      Seven major vaccination hubs are set to open next week, including Bristol City’s Ashton Gate, as part of the rollout for the jabCredit: Reuters

      The Dons are yet to play in front of their fans since returning to Plough Lane after 30 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sun visits Danbury Medical Centre as elderly and vulnerable receive Covid vaccinations More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Dean Henderson heroics keep it close vs Man City as Anthony Martial falls flat in attack

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      MANCHESTER UNITED missed out on a place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 defeat to Man City.
      John Stones and Fernandinho scored at Old Trafford to book City’s place in a fourth consecutive Wembley showpiece, this time against Tottenham.

      Dean Henderson prevented Man Utd from being thrashed by Man CityCredit: Reuters

      It marks yet another semi-final defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
      But the Norwegian will now look to move clear at the top of the Premier League table instead.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Man Utd player ratings.
      DEAN HENDERSON – 7

      Made a number of fine saves to keep United in the game and prevent the scoreline from being bigger, including a brilliant dive to deny a scorcher from Riyad Mahrez.
      But he could have done better when John Stones snuck in to fire home City’s winner and was slow to react to Fernandinho’s effort.
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      Anthony Martial was blunt in attack as United struggled for chancesCredit: AFP

      AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6

      Recovered well after being targeted by Raheem Sterling early on.
      But couldn’t really get out of his own half to make an impact up the other end.
      VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
      Held his defensive line fairly well to keep City’s slick passers at bay.
      But looked tired as the game went on after returning from injury.
      HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
      A commanding presence, he orchestrated his fellow defenders well.
      Once or twice a bit forgetful in his pressing duties though.

      Paul Pogba lacked his magic touch against CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      LUKE SHAW – 5
      Was given a tough task against Mahrez, who constantly cut inside on his left foot.
      As a result, he found himself tucked in centrally and was often a passenger on the break.
      FRED – 5
      Tenacious as ever but lacking that extra bit of quality to get a real foothold in the middle of the park.
      Showed his frustration at times as the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden passed him by with precise passes.
      SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5
      Ran hard for his side to keep the pressure on City’s midfielders.
      But looked awkward at times in a technical battle against Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho.

      Bruno Fernandes tried to get his team up for the fight but also had sloppy momentsCredit: Reuters
      PAUL POGBA – 5
      Wasn’t able to work his usual magic as he kept getting pulled out wide.
      Looked slow at times but was always available for a team-mate’s pass.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
      Clever passing and movement as he put in a typical performance as the No10.
      Was targeted constantly by Fernandinho and made sure the ref knew about it, eventually resulting in the City veteran getting a yellow card.
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
      Found space well between the channels to split City when going forward.
      But didn’t create too much for his team when he did get a go on the ball.

      Marcus Rashford also struggled to find a way through up topCredit: AP:Associated Press
      ANTHONY MARTIAL – 4
      Stayed very central but was always half a second off the pace.
      Couldn’t get the better of Stones or Ruben Dias, who tiki-taka’d their way around his pressing and looked blunt throughout.
      SUBS
      Mason Greenwood (for McTominay, 74′) – 5
      Came on to change shape of United’s attack but was fairly anonymous on the right flank.
      Donny van de Beek (for Fred, 87′) – N/A

      Rio Ferdinand begs Man Utd to seal Jack Grealish transfer from Aston Villa whether Paul Pogba is sold or not More

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      Ched Evans signs for Preston North End on loan until end of season after bust-up with ex-Fleetwood boss Joey Barton

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      PRESTON have completed the signing of Fleetwood striker Ched Evans on loan until the end of the season.
      The move comes after Joey Barton was sacked as manager of the Cod Army, following a falling-out with the Welshman.

      Ched Evans leaves Fleetwood just days after the exit of manager Joey BartonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley investigated the row and disposed of former Manchester City midfielder Barton.
      On his decision to drop Evans last month, Barton had said: “There’s been multiple infractions and we always try to give a bit of leeway but it’s just run its course.”
      And Evans has followed him out of the door, in a move to Preston confirmed on Wednesday.
      North End boss Alex Neil stated his delight at signing Evans ahead of a crack at the Championship play-offs.

      The Scot told the club website: “He will add competition at the top end of the pitch.
      “He is very physical; he wants to look after the ball, take it into his feet and get you up the pitch and equally score goals.

      I have spoken to him at length and his character as much as anything else will be important for the team.
      Alex Neil

      “He will be really excited about getting an opportunity in the Championship He’s an experienced player; he is a good lad.
      “I have spoken to him at length and his character as much as anything else will be important for the team.”

      Evans, 32, scored seven goals for Fleetwood in the first half of the campaign and is still rebuilding his career after being originally convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in Rhyl, in May 2011.
      A Court of Appeal verdict quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial in 2016. An eight-day trial found Evans not guilty.
      Evans said on Wednesday: “I am really excited for the next six months, getting back to the Championship is brilliant. I’m really pleased for the opportunity and I’m looking to kick on.
      “I’m really pleased to be here, the facilities and everything are brilliant and Preston North End is a club in a great position at the moment to kick on for the rest of the season.”
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      Evans is cup-tied for Preston’s FA Cup tie at Wycombe on Saturday but will be eligible to make his debut for the 12th-placed club a week later at Bristol City.
      With Barton leaving ambitious Fleetwood in tenth, the League One club are reportedly eyeing James Beattie to take over as manager.
      The former Southampton striker is said to want ex-Reading ace Dave Kitson to be his assistant.

      Joey Barton sacked as Fleetwood manager after Ched Evans bust-up More

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      James Beattie on shortlist to become new Fleetwood boss with Southampton legend looking to replace Joey Barton

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      JAMES BEATTIE is reportedly in the running to replace Joey Barton as the new Fleetwood manager.
      The 42-year-old is believed to be ready to step back into management having not been at the helm of a club since departing Accrington Stanley in September 2014.

      Former Southampton striker James Beattie is believed to be on the shortlist to become the new Fleetwood bossCredit: Getty – Contributor

      League One side Fleetwood are on the lookout for a new gaffer after they sacked Barton two-and-a-half-years into his reign at Highbury.
      Barton was dismissed by Fleetwood on Monday after club chairman Andy Pilley spent a few days reviewing the background of his fall out with striker Ched Evans.
      The ex-Manchester City midfielder has since opened up on his axing, where he admitted he ‘didn’t always get it right’.
      According to the Daily Mail, Southampton legend Beattie is on the shortlist of potential candidates to replace Barton.

      It has been stated that should the ex-England international be hired, he would like to bring Dave Kitson in as his assistant manager.
      The duo played together at Stoke in the Premier League during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
      Though Beattie hasn’t had a managerial job in over six years, he still boasts plenty of coaching experience.
      He has been part of Garry Monk’s coaching staff at a number of different clubs since 2015.

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      Joey Barton had his contract terminated by the League One side on MondayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Beattie linked up with Monk at Swansea where he coached the club’s forwards, before he moved with the 41-year-old to Leeds in 2016.
      The ex-Sheffield United forward then followed Monk to Middlesbrough in 2017 as a first-team coach.
      A move to Birmingham happened a year later, with Beattie staying at the club even after the former Swans skipper was sacked.
      However following the arrival of Aitor Karanka, Beattie left, where he again linked up with Monk at Sheffield Wednesday in August, though the duo have since departed.

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      Tottenham 2 Brentford 0: Jose Mourinho seals Carabao Cup final spot with goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-Min

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      SOMEONE from Spurs had better try to remember where they parked their open-top bus.
      Then when they find it, they need to check beneath all the rust and dust to ensure it is still roadworthy.

      Son Heung-min was on target as Tottenham booked their place in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Moussa Sissoko also scored in a 2-0 win against BrentfordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      And if it is, then all they need to do is hire some horses to pull it!
      But Tottenham can get ready to break open the Brasso after moving a step closer to ending their 13-year wait for a trophy.
      Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min sealed a hard-fought victory over Brentford in this one-legged Carabao Cup showdown.
      Thomas Frank’s Championship Brentford – playing in their first ever major cup semi-final – pushed their Prem stars all the way, and will be rueing the VAR’s decision to chalk off Ivan Toney’s second half strike for offside, with the score at 1-0.

      The visitors’ misery was compounded when ref Mike Dean red carded Josh Dasilva after VAR ordered him to the pitchside monitor to view the midfielder’s X-rated horror lunge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      But Tottenham will not care about that after setting up a Wembley date against one of the Manchester giants on Sunday, April 25.
      Spurs have not lifted silverware since winning this trophy in 2008 – when it was the Carling Cup.
      It may not be the most glamorous competition but when you have only won three trophies in 37 years it might as well be the Oscars.

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      Ivan Toney scored to make it 1-1 but the goal was ruled out for offsideCredit: Sky Sports

      Josh Dasilva was sent off late on for a bad tackle on Pierre-Emile HojbjergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mourinho will be looking to win English football’s second domestic cup competition for a FIFTH time – and if it is good enough for this serial winner it should be good enough for anyone.
      He was brought into Tottenham 13 months ago to bring silverware back to N17.
      And Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and their players and fans will be hoping the Special One’s habit of winning honours in his second season with clubs will kick-start a new golden era at this one.
      Oasis frontman and Manchester City nut Liam Gallagher posted a Tweet before kick-off saying: “C’mon Brentford”.
      So he will probably not be feeling too Supersonic this morning after the Bees failed to cause an upset.

      Dasilva’s early bath capped off a disappointing night for Premier League hopefuls BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Son and Co are just one match away from winning a trophyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Spurs took a 12th minute lead with their first attack when left-back Sergio Reguilon, recalled after his Christmas Covid shame, crossed Sissoko to head home.
      It was the French midfielder’s first goal for 13 months and the hosts almost added a second two minutes later when Son’s sidefooted shot from the edge of the area was beaten away by Brentford keeper Simon Raya.
      Mourinho, who was accused of being too pragmatic after his side threw away half-time leads in their Prem draws at Crystal Palace and Wolves last month, had vowed they would go for the jugular if they managed to get their noses in front here.
      But despite dominating the ball in the first half they frequently found their path to goal blocked by Frank’s banks of midfielders and defenders.
      And while the score remained 1-0 the Bees were always in within a chance.

      Sissoko opened the scoring with a bullet header for SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Toney headed in during the second half before VAR came into playCredit: Reuters
      Unfortunately for them, their 16-goal striker Toney could not outmuscle defender Davinson Sanchez to get another purchase on his header when right-back Henrik Dalsgaard’s cross set up their first real chance in the 35th minute, and Hugo Lloris saved comfortably.
      Toney nearly scored a second for Spurs when inadvertently deflected Lucas Moura’s header from Son’s corner over Raya’s head and towards the net. But the Spanish stopper recovered brilliantly to claw the ball away from under his own bar and keep the visitors into the game going into the break.
      Having spent most of their 131-year history in the lower Leagues, the only real finals Brentford have reached are the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985 and the Leyland Vans Trophy in 2001.
      Their last cup semi-final was a second leg away to Exeter in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy 10 years ago when the Bees won 2-1 to seal a 3-2 aggregate win.
      They went close to getting back on level terms early in the second half when Bryan Mbuemo managed to get in behind the Spurs defence and pull the back to Toney, who shot was superbly blocked by Serge Aurier on the edge of the six-yard box.

      Son put the result beyond doubt with a fine finishCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Spurs’ main concern will be seeing how badly hurt Hojbjerg isCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Ivorian full-back then wasted a chance to make it 2-0 himself moments later when he blazed a shot over the bar – with Harry Kane waiting for a cross in the middle.
      Spurs showed a rare glimpse of Premier League class when Sissoko’s drilled cross was volleyed back across goal and just wide by Son.
      Then Toney had what he thought was an equaliser ruled out by the VAR – who spotted the frontman’s knee was offside when tapped home from close range Lloris and his defenders had made a hash of defending a corner.
      The Bees, of course, are not used to dealing with such technology in the Championship, and after experiencing it here, they might not be so keen to gain promotion to the top flight.
      Especially as Son rubbed salt in the wounds by racing away to slot Tottenham’s second from a fine Tanguy Ndombele pass.
      Ndombele then hit a post before Dasilva’s sending off.

      Jamie OHara slams Tottenham boss Mourinho for his Dele Alli criticism More

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      Joey Barton breaks silence over Fleetwood sacking and admits ‘I didn’t always get it right’ amid Ched Evans row

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      JOEY BARTON has opened up on his sacking by Fleetwood Town in the wake of his row with Ched Evans.
      The 38-year-old admitted ‘I didn’t always get it right’ in a statement released after his departure.

      Joey Barton has broken his silence after his Fleetwood sacking in the wake of his row with Ched EvansCredit: Rex Features

      The Cod Army axed Barton after chairman Andy Pilley spent a few days reviewing the background of his fall out with striker Evans.
      Barton and Evans came to blows after the manager reacted to a ‘comedy skit’ performed by Evans at a team meeting, according to the Mail.
      Barton then revealed he was letting Evans go after alleged disciplinary breaches, but Pilley was left to clear up the mess.
      Pilley had backed Barton in past controversies, but the Evans episode was the final straw. And it also comes on the top of indifferent results.

      Barton made no mention of the Evans incident in a statement released via the LMA but did admit he made mistakes amid ‘highs and lows’.
      It read: “First of all I would like to thank the chairman Andy Pilley for the opportunity to manage Fleetwood Town. I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the club. I have learned so much over the past two and half years.
      “There are some brilliant people at Fleetwood Town and I have enjoyed getting to know every one of them.
      “I would also like to thank all of the coaching staff, both the ones I inherited and the ones I brought in. It has been some journey with some highs and lows and I have really enjoyed watching each of them get better every single day.

      Barton said Evans would be leaving the club because of discipline issues

      “I would like to thank the fans and say that I appreciate you sticking with me in my first management role. I am not naive enough to think I always got it right, but my only intention during my tenure was to drive this football club forward.
      “I have nothing but good things to say about the people of Fleetwood and the surrounding community. I was welcomed from day one.
      “To the players, thanks to each of you for bringing it every day. Nobody enjoyed playing against Fleetwood Town and ultimately that is down to you.
      “Thanks for being patient with me on my coaching journey. I look forward to watching you as you continue to improve.
      “It is tough times for everybody at the moment with all that is going on in the world.
      “I am just a football manager who has lost his job, there are plenty of people who were much better than me at theirs that have lost them over the past 12 months.
      “I will use this time out to keep getting better, until the next opportunity comes. All the best for 2021.”

      Joey Barton’s first interview as Head Coach of Fleetwood Town More