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      English football offered life-saving £250m loan by American pension fund with no Government bailout

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      ENGLISH football has now been offered a life-saving £250million loan by an AMERICAN pension fund.
      It comes after Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston yesterday announced there would be no Government bailout for our game.

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      English football has been offered a live-saving mega money loan from across the pond

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      EFL chairman Parry has laid bare the extent of trouble the lower leagues are in – but they could be saved by this £250m US loanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      EFL chairman Rick Parry said clubs will need up to £250m to survive the pandemic-hit season without fans.

      Rotherham chief Tony Stewart warned: “A lot of clubs in League One and League Two — even the Championship — will go into administration if no money is forthcoming.”
      The US proposal would see Premier League sides pay the interest on the debt, which would be paid back over a number of years by EFL clubs.

      It was revealed by former top agent turned football finance expert Jon Smith. He said: “EFL teams have a financial hurricane that will blow their way by the end of the transfer window.
      “By November, there are probably ten clubs that won’t exist unless they get help. What I and a few people have proposed, is that the funds I represent are prepared to put in the £200m and some the EFL needs, with interest paid by the Premier League.
      ‘Not money-laundering funds’
      “They are American pension funds, proper people — not money-laundering funds.”
      Smith insisted future EFL TV income would pay back the capital sum.

      He told talkSPORT he had “entered discussions” with the Prem, although League sources suggested that there were no ongoing talks.
      Top-flight teams are reluctant to hand over bailout cash to the EFL without guarantees on how it would be spent.

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      And Prem clubs were hardened by what was described privately as the “unhelpful” intervention by Huddleston.
      He told MPs: “We will expect the top tiers of professional sport to look at ways it can support itself with the Government focusing on those most in need.”
      Clubs have accused the Government of ignoring their pleas for stronger efforts to get fans back inside grounds — after plans to begin a staged reopening from October 1 were placed on hold.
      One Prem chief said: “We have done a lot for the Government — but we don’t know what they have done for us.
      “We have come up with lots of great ideas on health, safety and testing and been ignored.”
      Huddleston admitted the ban on fans “will have economic consequences.”
      Rotherham chairman Stewart added: “The Government, Premier League and EFL need to realise the dire consequences.
      “They know the disaster that is waiting to happen — but still nothing is forthcoming.”

      Boris Johnson reveals new restrictions on sporting events More

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      Lincoln 2 Liverpool 7: Minamino and Shaqiri inspire Klopp’s kids to set up Arsenal clash with dominant win

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      MOVE over Chelsea, there’s a new bunch of kids in town.
      Stamford Bridge has been the breeding ground for the best young talent coming through in England, but Liverpool now boast a crop ready set the world alight.

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      Liverpool set up a Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal with a 7-2 thrashing of Lincoln CityCredit: Reuters

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      Takumi Minamino scored twice as a young Reds side ran rampantCredit: Reuters

      Jurgen Klopp watched on as his dazzling youngsters turned on the style to seal a fourth round clash with Arsenal and Mikel Arteta is sure to be a worried man on the evidence of this display.
      It was men against boys – and youth came out on top.
      Lincoln were actually supposed to provide a stern test for Klopp’s team containing four teenagers, having won four matches already this season.
      Imps boss Michael Appleton had instructed his players to get stuck into the champions, to unsettle them and show them what senior football is all about.

      The trouble is they just couldn’t get close enough to Liverpool to put their foot in.
      Before the Anfield club splashed out on Thiago and Diogo Jota last week there had been claims from outside the club that there wasn’t enough strength in depth on Merseyside. Don’t believe a word of it.
      For jostling in line for a place in Klopp’s Premier League plans is a group full of quality right across the pitch – from debut-making 19-year-old Rhys Williams to Harvey Elliott two years his junior.
      And right now perhaps the best of the bunch is Curtis Jones, the local lad who has already started to make strides into the first team picture at Anfield.

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      It was a goal fest for Jurgen Klopp’s young RedsCredit: Rex Features

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      Curtis Jones continued to impress as he scored a doubleCredit: Reuters

      The 19-year-old looks to have the kind of footballing brain only the best possess, and his ability on the ball is just as good.
      He scored a brilliant double to put the Imps to the sword to cap a wonderful individual display which will surely give his manager food for thought as he tries to plot his way through the congested fixture list.
      It was actually a golden oldie who set Liverpool on their way – Xherdan Shaqiri sending a ninth minute free-kick dipping and curling into the top corner.
      At 28, and on the fringes of things now on Merseyside, his time at the club might be nearing an end but it was vintage Shaqiri providing a reminder of the quality he possesses in his left foot.

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      The likes of Virgil van Dikj helped steer Liverpool’s youngsters to victoryCredit: Reuters

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      Divock Origi bagged Liverpool’s seventh in the final momentsCredit: Getty – Pool
      Takumi Minamino is just at the start of his Anfield career and will hope to be challenging Roberto Firmino for a starting role in the coming months
      And he did his chances no harm with an emphatic finish to double the lead on 18 minutes as Lincoln were overrun.
      Then up stepped Jones to stamp his mark on the game, firing his first by controlling a Divock Origi knock-down before whipping a shot into the top corner on 32 minutes.
      Barely three minutes had passed before the teenager struck his second, and though it was aided by a deflection, the swivel of the hips to beat his man in the build-up was a joy to behold.

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      Xherdan Shaqiri displayed his brilliant technique despite being out of favourCredit: Rex Features

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      Takumi Minamino scored twice in the emphatic winCredit: Rex Features
      Liverpool were relentless, and they added a fifth within 20 seconds of the second half starting, Minamino following up after Elliott had been denied by keeper Alex Palmer.
      This mad match wasn’t finished there, though as Tayo Edun pulled a goal back to the delight of those home supporters lucky enough to be in the LNER Stadium.
      Marko Grujic fired a sixth for Liverpool on 65 minutes, but seconds later Lincoln found a second goal as Lewis Montsma headed in off the underside of the bar.
      Jota then came off the bench for his debut following his £41million move from Wolves and saw a low drive just pass the wrong side of the post.
      Origi made it seven with two minutes left, racing away on the break to shoot into the bottom corner.

      Liverpool v Arsenal – Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Premier League Clash More

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      FA clear Fleetwood staff for Akinfenwa ‘fat water buffalo’ jibe as PFA say ‘white player wouldn’t be described this way’

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      WYCOMBE and the PFA have slammed FA disciplinary beaks after no charges were brought against the Fleetwood staff member who called Adebayo Akinfenwa a “fat water buffalo”.
      PFA chiefs claimed that the FA had failed in its duty to Akinfenwa, who is understood to be upset and unhappy about the decision.

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      The Fleetwood staff member who described Adebayo Akinfenwa as a ‘fat water buffalo’ has escaped punishment from the FACredit: PA:Press Association

      The PFA said: “It is abundantly clear that a white player with a similar stature to Akinfenwa would never be described in the way he was during this incident.
      “Black people have battled dehumanisation for centuries, and the PFA strongly condemns the use of all disparaging remarks that compare black players to animals.”
      The decision followed a two-month probe into the incident at the League One play-off second leg in July.
      A member of the Fleetwood technical staff made the comment to a match official during the game.

      Wycombe made a formal complaint to the FA in the days after the match and the investigation found: “The witness accounts all confirmed the use of the term “water buffalo” or “buffalo”.”
      Two of the match officials reported “they had not interpreted the words to be discriminatory” and were descriptions of Akinfenwa’s playing style.
      As part of the inquiry, the FA commissioned a report from an independent expert in race relations, who “concluded that the words were not objectively racist”.
      While commending Akinfenwa’s “courage and conviction” and conceding the offence that was caused, the FA stated it was “not satisfied there is sufficient evidence” to lay a charge.

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      The striker played a crucial role in helping Wycombe get promoted to the Championship last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the outcome caused fury at Wycombe and PFA headquarters.
      Wycombe blasted: “The failure of the FA to act is disappointing. The investigation confirms that the language was used. There is no place in sport for such comments.
      “The Club believes the FA had the opportunity to take appropriate steps to ensure the conduct was punished appropriately and to make sure that everyone knows that this type of comment will not be tolerated in the future.”
      And the PFA added: “This type of hurtful, derogatory language is unacceptable, regardless of intent.
      “Adebayo showed great courage in coming forward to report this incident, which tarnished what should have been a night of celebration for Wycombe Wanderers.
      “This incident demonstrates that bias extends to problematic language casually used on our pitches and in the dugouts.
      “We share Adebayo’s disappointment that this allegation will not be upheld, especially since he took steps to speak publicly about the incident’s emotional impact.
      “We are in contact with Adebayo, and will continue to offer him our support.”

      Arsenal legend Ian Wright responds to ‘racists’ blaming black pundits for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackings More

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      Premier League clubs will threaten to pull out of Carabao Cup unless EFL players agree to testing for coronavirus

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      WORRIED Premier League clubs will threaten to pull out of the Carabao Cup unless EFL players agree to be tested for coronavirus.
      West Ham co-owner David Sullivan yesterday accused the EFL of not testing their players due to the financial implications — potentially exposing Prem teams to the disease.

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      West Ham’s game with Hull was hit with late news of positive Covid-19 tests before kick-offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A major outbreak of cases of top-flight stars could bring the Prem to another shuddering halt.
      So the top clubs are demanding all EFL clubs left in the competition go through Covid-19 testing before  playing next week’s fourth-round ties.
      Sullivan said: “Medically, why are we in a competition where we’re playing teams who have not been checked? The EFL are not testing their players for financial reasons.”

      Hammers boss David Moyes plus players Issa Diop and Josh Cullen were dramatically sent home just an hour before Tuesday’s 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Hull after testing positive for Covid-19.
      But Hull declined their offer to pay for their players to be tested, with manager Grant McCann insisting they were following EFL guidelines.
      Tottenham’s tie with Leyton Orient on Tuesday was called off after the majority of the League Two club’s squad tested positive, with Spurs paying for the screenings.
      Sullivan told talkSPORT:  “We and a few other Premier League clubs made the offer to give these teams a test at our expense so we weren’t exposing our players to untested players.

      “Unfortunately, Hull didn’t want it. Charlton the previous week did, for example.”

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      SunSport understands talks took place between Prem and EFL chiefs yesterday.
      Sullivan added: “We are now tested once a week. We were tested on Monday and the results came through at 6.30pm. The whole team now will be retested today.”
      Moyes, Diop and Cullen are now isolating for ten days.
      A round of testing costs about £5,000 per club.
      EFL clubs do not have to do coronavirus tests on players and staff this season.
      So Liverpool have paid for Lincoln to be tested before tonight’s third-round clash, while Bournemouth players were also tested ahead of their tie at Manchester City.
      But Orient chairman Nigel Travis admitted: “If I was doing this again I would not do the testing. This is an incentive not to test.”

      Tottenham vs Leyton Orient axed and Spurs declared winners of Carabao Cup tie after coronavirus rips through O’s squad More

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      Wigan put club’s chippy up for sale for £500,000 in desperate bid to pay wages as crisis club run out of money

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      WIGAN ATHLETIC’S administrators have put the club’s ‘chippy’ up for sale in a bid to pay the wages.
      Latics are looking for around £500,000 for the property as the admins admit that failing to find a buyer will leave their funds running out.

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      Wigan Athletic’s administrators are looking for £500,000 for the club’s ‘chippy’ after putting the property up for saleCredit: Rex Features

      Begbies Traynor have kept the deal in house by bringing in Eddisons chartered surveyors to raise cash while they struggle to get a bid for the rest of the club.
      Admin Gerald Krasner confessed that the money would run out ‘before Christmas’ and said: “We wouldn’t finish the season if no buyer came in.”
      League One Wigan were relegated last season after a 12-point deduction for going into administration sent them spiralling down the table.
      Their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially and they had to call in the administrators on July 1.

      As revealed by SunSport, Middle East-based business group MBuzz plotted a £3million bid for the crisis club.
      That comes after American businessmen Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt made a final £2m offer.
      As the search for new ownership and an escape from administration continues, a Supporters’ Club Crowdfunder page has been set up to raise cash and save Wigan from going under.
      Former Lactics favourites including Roberto Martinez, Reece James and James McClean have all stepped forward with donations.

      And Victor Moses has given £20,000 to the fundraiser in a touching gesture.
      On the pitch, the Latics lost their opening three matches of the season – in the Carabao Cup to Fleetwood and then in League One against Ipswich and Gillingham.
      They did, however, beat Liverpool’s Under-21s 6-1 on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.

      Wigan administrator Paul Stanley says there are a dozen investors showing interest in the football club More

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      Arsenal ace Mark McGuinness joins Ipswich on season-long loan deal with Arteta wanting defender to get first-team action

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      ARSENAL youngster Mark McGuiness has joined Ipswich on loan for the season.
      The defender, 19, put pen to paper on a temporary switch on Tuesday.

      Mikel Arteta has high hopes for the Ireland Under-19 international and featured him in pre-season this year, scoring against MK Dons.
      He was captain and man of the match for the U21s in the EFL Trophy victory over Ipswich earlier in September.
      But Arsenal are keen for the 6ft 4ins centre-back, back fit after a lengthy spell out last season, to get first-team football under his belt so allowed him to join the Tractor Boys for the 2020-21 League One campaign.
      McGuiness, who will wear the No2 at Portman Road, said: “The lads have started really well, so I know I’ll have to impress and I won’t just walk into the team, but I’m up for the challenge.
      “I hope that Ipswich get promoted – I think that’s the main goal for everyone.
      “The experience here could be invaluable to me. I want to make the most of it and help the club achieve what it wants.
      “I feel like I’ve been ready to go out on loan for a while, but I picked up a few injuries last season unfortunately. This year I’m ready to push on.

      “I love to head the ball! Being my size I should be a threat in both boxes really.

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      Mark McGuinness scored for Arsenal in the pre-season friendly against MK Dons in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I like to be the leader and take control. That’s always been a part of my game that I’ve excelled at.
      “My main priority is defending, I like to keep the ball out of the net.
      “But I know this is a ball playing team and being at Arsenal for nine years that’s something in my game as well.”

      19-year-old Folarin Balogun shows his goal scoring talents in under 18 game for Arsenal More

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      Hull release statement on West Ham Carabao Cup clash going ahead after three positive coronavirus tests including Moyes

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      HULL confirmed they were ‘comfortable’ for their Carabao Cup game against West Ham to go ahead.
      The Hammers revealed THREE positive tests for Covid-19 had been returned at the club ahead of tonight’s match.

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      Hull confirmed they had no problem taking the field against Covid-hit West HamCredit: PA:Press Association

      Boss David Moyes and first-team stars Issa Diop and Josh Cullen all contracted the virus with results returned less than an hour BEFORE kick-off.
      Hull’s statement read: “We are satisfied that West Ham followed all guidelines and protocols upon receiving the positive results and, after consulting with the EFL, were comfortable with the game going ahead.
      “The Club will continue to stringently monitor the wellbeing of our players and staff as per Public Health England and EFL guidelines – as we have done since they were put in place – and we wish the West Ham manager and players the very best.”

      Despite the disruptive late news, Moyes’ men thumped their opponents 5-1 at the London Stadium in his absence to secure their progression into the fourth round.
      None of the trio are showing symptoms but Moyes, 57, Diop, 23, and Cullen, 24, all immediately went home to self-isolate after their tests at the London Stadium.
      Hull City’s squad were offered the chance to be tested – but the Tigers declined.
      There was initially confusion ahead of kick-off when Diop and Cullen – due to start – were replaced in the starting line-up by Harrison Ashby and Jack Wilshere.

      A West Ham statement read: “The Club’s medical team were informed of the test results as the team were at London Stadium preparing for this evening’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Hull City.

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      David Moyes tested positive for Covid-19Credit: AFP or licensors

      “The manager and both players immediately left the stadium and have returned home.
      “All three, who are asymptomatic, will now follow Public Health England and Premier League guidelines and protocols.
      “Everyone at West Ham United send their best wishes to David, Issa and Josh.
      “The Club’s measures and protocols around COVID-19 remain stringent.
      “This included offering to test the Hull City team ahead of tonight’s fixture – an offer which they opted not to accept.”

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      Issa Diop was ruled out after a positive testCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Josh Cullen was one of three who tested positive before the Carabao Cup game against HullCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The EFL issued a statement of their own in relation to the positive tests.
      It read: “The League was made aware of a number of positive test results at West Ham United shortly before tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Hull City.
      “That guidance permitted the match to go ahead as planned but not before the two Clubs medical teams, in conjunction with the EFL’s medical advisors, agreed all relevant protocols had been followed and both teams were comfortable in continuing.”

      Wilfried Zaha ‘disappeared’ from Man Utd action after rumours of affair with David Moyes’ daughter, admits Patrice Evra More

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      Newport County 3 Watford 1: League Two team stun Championship side in huge Carabao Cup upset

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      NEWPORT COUNTY’S wildest dreams came true as the League Two minnows dumped Championship side Watford out of the Carabao Cup.
      The minnows will face either Morecambe or Newcastle in the fourth round after a stunning display against Watford, who had been playing in the Premier League just two months ago.

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      Newport County’s wildest dreams came true as they beat Watford 3-1 in the Carabao CupCredit: Rex Features

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      Championship side Watford were playing Premier League football two months ago but couldn’t cope with their League Two opponentsCredit: Rex Features

      Tristan Abrahams opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a penalty for the home side.
      And Newport saw their lead doubled just ten minutes later thanks to a strike from Joss Labadie.
      Watford pulled one back in the 54th minute after Adalberto Penaranda fired home a spot kick.
      But Padraig Amond made sure of the result with a third for Newport with 25 minutes remaining before Watford’s Stipe Perica was shown a red card in the dying moments.

      MEANWHILE, Brentford booked their place in the next stage with a penalty shootout win over West Brom.
      Grady Diangana’s spot-kick was saved by David Raya before Christian Norgaard stepped up to slot home the winning shot.
      The game finished 2-2 in normal time and saw all four goals scored within a 17 minute period.
      Hal Robson-Kanu bagged the first with a penalty in the 56th minute.

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      David Raya saved Grady Diangana’s spot-kick as Brentford beat West Brom on penaltiesCredit: AFP

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      Newly-capped Denmark international Christian Norgaard scored Brentford’s winning penaltyCredit: Getty – Pool

      But West Brom’s lead was cut short just moments later thanks to a strike from Emiliano Marcondes.
      Robson-Kanu then scored a second penalty in the 66th minute to put the Baggies in front again.
      But Brentford were level for a second time just seven minutes later when it was Marcus Forss’ turn to keep his cool from the 12-yard spot.
      The two teams each scored their first four penalties in the shoot-out once the 90 minutes were up.
      But it was £18million signing Diangana who fluffed his lines, allowing newly-capped Denmark international Norgaard to set up a fourth round tie against either Fulham or Sheffield Wednesday.

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      West Ham smashed Hull 5-1 despite David Moyes’ positive coronavirus testCredit: AFP

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      Andriy Yarmolenko and Sebastien Haller both scored twice in the emphatic victoryCredit: EPA
      FINALLY, West Ham smashed five past Hull in a game overshadowed by a positive coronavirus test for boss David Moyes.
      The shock news emerged just 45 minutes before West Ham demolished Hull 5-1 at the London Stadium.
      Moyes, Issa Diop and Josh Cullen all returned positive test results and were immediately sent home to self-isolate.
      But that didn’t stop the Hammers from dishing out some punishment, with forgotten forwards Sebastien Haller and Andriy Yarmolenko both netting twice.
      Robert Snodgrass opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Haller doubled West Ham’s lead moments before the break.
      Yarmolenko made it 3-0 with a 56th minute penalty but Hull pulled one back through Mallik Wilks with 20 minutes remaining.
      Haller then scored his second in the 91st minute before Yarmolenko added another in the dying seconds.

      Tottenham vs Leyton Orient axed and Spurs declared winners of Carabao Cup tie after coronavirus rips through O’s squad More