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      Blackpool troll Ancelotti before announcing transfer of ex-Everton player Luke Garbutt.. who Italian had no idea about

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      BLACKPOOL have lightheartedly trolled Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti while announcing the signing of ex-Toffee Luke Garbutt.
      The former England youth international left Goodison Park after 11 years back in June.

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      Garbutt made 12 appearances for the ToffeesCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun

      But when asked about the left-back’s departure in a Zoom conference Ancelotti, 61, had no idea who Garbutt was.
      The former Chelsea manager responded: “Who? I am surprised about this question, I don’t know.”
      The clip went viral, with the 27-year-old himself able to see the funny side.

      Garbutt had since been a free agent, until being signed today.
      As Blackpool teased fans over the identity of their new arrival, they tweeted a picture of Ancelotti’s confused face from the now-infamous Zoom call.
      And three minutes later they announced the signing of Garbutt with a picture of the former Evertonian beaming in their dressing room.
      Garbutt played 12 times for the Toffees, with the last of those appearances coming in 2015.

      He has also gained experience during six loan spells – representing Cheltenham, Colchester, Fulham, Wigan, Oxford and Ipswich.

      On Ancelotti’s gaffe, Garbutt tweeted: “Don’t get it twisted I chose to find the funny side.
      “Other players would feel disrespected by the club and the manager. It’s not Ancelotti’s fault, it’s the clubs. However, it’s a belter though.”
      And after joining Blackpool, a delighted Garbutt added: “I really like what he [Neil Critchley] had to say and his plan moving forward for the football club.
      “I feel that the way they play suits my game, so I’m looking forward to getting to know the lads and hopefully integrating myself into the team.
      “His experience speaks for itself. He had seven great years at Liverpool, so hopefully he can build that ethos into Blackpool FC.”

      Man Utd target Dominic Calvert-Lewin discusses hat-trick heroics for Everton against West Brom More

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      Football League facing financial apocalypse with £20m lost per MONTH after Boris Johnson’s latest Covid-19 ban on fans

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      LOWER division clubs are facing financial apocalypse after Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalled fans may not be back in grounds all season.
      The PM told the House of Commons that plans to re-open turnstiles from October 1 have been put on hold in the battle to hold back a deadly second wave of Covid-19.

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      Lower league football teams have been left facing an uncertain future Credit: PA:Press Association

      But his warning that the new measures are likely to be in place for “six months” or more leaves football on the brink of a catastrophic crisis.
      EFL chairman Rick Parry has already stated that the 72 clubs anticipate a £200m black hole if crowds do not return.
      That means £20m in lost income per month.
      Championship clubs are slightly bolstered by receiving £7m per season in television and “solidarity” payments from the Premier League.

      But the majority of clubs in Leagues One and Two shut down in March and have had no gate income since.
      Parry fears that the fight to keep all 72 clubs going is reaching a critical stage and the latest announcement will make that even more stark.
      The EFL chairman explained last week: “We do need rescue packages and we’re hoping that by securing rescue packages, we can secure the future of our clubs.
      “Our aim is to keep every single one of them alive.”

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      EFL’s plans for fans to return to stadiums from October 1 have been called offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The wait goes on for football fans that are desperate to watch their team playCredit: PA:Press Association
      Parry conceded in May that “cost controls” were necessary throughout the football pyramid, especially in the EFL.
      He revealed to MPs that Championship wages represented 106 per cent of aggregate turnover, with the figures in Leagues One and Two “80 to 90 per cent” and that “tough, big decisions” were required.
      Since then, clubs the two lower tiers have agreed salary caps of £2.5m in League One and £1.5m in League Two, although these have been challenged by the PFA.
      But clubs were anticipating and relying on the return of fans to help them pay their way.
      Last weekend saw seven pilot tests allowing up to 1,000 spectators at grounds across the three divisions.
      With the extension of that scheme now stopped dead and the likelihood of the gates being barred for the rest of the season, the real danger of clubs going bust and folding has intensified.
      Tranmere chairman Mark Palios admitted: “It’s not entirely a surprise, but it is going to be a devastating blow for an industry that’s already been really struggling.
      “There were a lot of things that made the football industry unique and a lot of clubs were already having financial difficulties before this pandemic started and this may sadly tip some of them over the edge.”

      Latest from Boris Johnson

      The Prime Minister announced this afternoon

      Premier League chiefs have voiced their frustration at the Government’s push-back that will mean fans cannot return to grounds next month.
      The 20 clubs are losing up to £25m in collective income from every round of games without supporters, with a total of £700m going absent last season alone.
      League bosses calculated the local and national economy is missing out on £200m in spending each Prem match round that fans remain locked out, with clubs losing £100m a month.
      A Prem spokesman said: “We are disappointed that the safe return of supporters to matches has been postponed.
      “The Premier League is certain that, through League-wide guidelines and a code of conduct developed with scientific experts and agreed by the Government’s Sports Ground Safety Authority, fans in stadiums will be as safe or even safer than at any other public activity currently permitted.
      “This is already evident in other European leagues.”
      It continued: “Football is not the same without attending fans and the football economy is unsustainable without them.
      “Last season, Premier League clubs suffered £700m in losses and at present, our national game is losing more than £100m per month.
      “This is starting to have a devastating impact on clubs and their communities.”

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      Fans had hoped to return to stadiums from October 1 onwardsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Michael Gove says govt is postponing return of fans to stadiums as he suggests it may have been wrong to stage events in early days of coronavirus More

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      Leyton Orient vs Tottenham Carabao Cup tie AXED after coronavirus rips through League Two side’s squad

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      TOTTENHAM’S Carabao Cup tie with Leyton Orient is OFF after the O’s squad was hit by a ‘number’ of positive coronavirus tests.
      The League Two side were set to host Jose Mourinho’s men in the third round on Tuesday night.

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      Leyton Orient’s game with Tottenham is off after a number of first-team players tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Tottenham have been told the match, supposed to kick off at 6pm in front of the Sky Sports cameras, will not go ahead tonight.
      It is not yet clear whether the clash will be postponed to a later date.
      A statement read: “Tonight’s Carabao Cup match between Leyton Orient and Tottenham Hotspur is not taking place this evening as scheduled.
      “Discussions are ongoing between the relevant stakeholders in regards to the implications of the fixture not taking place tonight and a further update will be provided in due course.

      “Leyton Orient, the EFL and the relevant authorities are conducting a thorough review of the club’s Covid-19 secure procedures with the view to reopening the stadium and training ground as soon as possible.”
      The chockablock football calendar, including Tottenham’s Europa League commitments, means there is no realistic way to squeeze a rearranged tie in especially with round four scheduled for next week.
      Spurs or Orient will face either Chelsea or Barnsley at home in the Carabao Cup fourth round with that match taking place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
      Orient’s chairman Nigel Travis earlier told talkSPORT: “The game is a postponement, not a cancellation.”

      He added: “We have talked to the EFL and we are assuming this is a postponement
      “We’re going to lose £2.5million this year, also anything that can help us reduce that loss is clearly important. We are struggling so games like this have to take place.
      “We have a great relationship with Spurs, we’ve looked at their fixtures and this game can be played. There has to be a will, because this game is worth £150,000 profit to us, so we have to play this game.
      “I recognise the guidelines and we have spoken to the league about extenuating circumstances. I can assure you, we will not be the first club facing this this year. Even Man City had a player test positive recently.”
      Leyton Orient confirmed on Monday that their Breyer Group Stadium and training ground had been closed as a result of the positive tests.
      SunSport understands up to 18 players and staff contracted the virus.
      Despite the serious circumstances, Mourinho will be relieved to get an extra few days between matches and Spurs face a hectic fixture list.

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      The decision means Spurs have an extra few days of recovery between their matches in the busy scheduleCredit: AFP or licensors

      They were due to have SIX matches in just 13 days between September 13 and September 27.
      That included four in the space of eight days.
      Tottenham beat Southampton 5-2 on Sunday, were due to play at Orient then have a Europa League qualifier against Shkendija in Macedonia two days later on Thursday before returning to Premier League action to face Newcastle on Sunday.

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      Gareth Bale vows to end Tottenham’s trophy drought after returning from Spain with ‘winning mentality’- More

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      Tottenham’s Carabao Cup game with Leyton Orient set to be called off after 18 positive Covid-19 tests decimate O’s squad

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      TOTTENHAM’S Carabao Cup clash looks set to be called OFF after virtually all of Leyton Orient’s squad tested positive for Covid-19.
      SunSport understands up to 18 players and staff at League Two O’s recorded positive tests ahead of the Tuesday evening game.

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      Tottenham and Leyton Orient are expected to discover what will happen regarding their Carabao Cup clash in the morningCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      If the third-round tie is cancelled in the morning, Spurs will receive a bye and Orient will miss out on a £100,000 windfall with the game due to be televised on Sky Sports.
      With the O’s first team in self-isolation, they even suggested fielding their youth outfit against Jose Mourinho’s side because the kids have not been in contact with the first team.
      It is believed Spurs are not happy with that prospect amid fears of the risk of infection just days ahead of a Europa League tie.
      SunSport approached Orient for comment tonight but the final decision rests with Public Health England.

      Health specialists, worried by the coronavirus spike in the UK, have to determine if the outbreak is serious enough to order Orient’s Breyer Group Stadium and training ground to be deep cleaned and order all staff into quarantine.
      The EFL have been working with the clubs to find a resolution, with Spurs showing their support for their neighbours.
      But with zero space left in a congested fixture programme there are no possible dates for the game to be rescheduled.
      The news vindicated Tottenham’s decision to stump up £5,000 for the O’s squad to undergo tests at the weekend.

      EFL rules have been relaxed this season which mean clubs only had to test on their return to pre-season training and again halfway through the campaign — the Prem test twice a week.
      Plymouth and Mansfield played Orient over the last week and ordered their squads and staff to undergo tests.
      Should the game be called off it would be the first match to fall victim to Covid-19 since lockdown.
      Meanwhile, Gareth Bale’s desire to make his second return at Tottenham could accelerate his injury comeback.
      The Welsh star, 31, who sustained a knee injury against Bulgaria earlier this month, is not due to be fit until after the October internationals.
      But boss Mourinho said: “The motivation is high. And when a player has this motivation you can shorten the period of recovering and period of getting fit.”

      Gareth Bale says his main aim is to help Tottenham win trophies again More

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      Brighton 4 Portsmouth 0: Seagulls’ rampant B-Team unleash their A-game to see off Pompey in Carabao Cup second round

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      IT turned out to be quite a night for Brighton’s rampant B-Team as they unleashed their A-game to see off Pompey and head into the Carabao Cup third round.
      There were no survivors in the Seagulls’ starting line-up from their defeat to Chelsea on Monday.

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      Brighton ran out rampant 4-0 winners against Portsmouth

      Boss Graham Potter had urged his fringe players to go and earn a regular spot to face Newcastle on Sunday.
      And they did just that to book an away tie with Preston next week.
      It was Alexis Mac Allister who fired the hosts ahead with his first goal in English football on 38 minutes.
      Alireza Jahanbakhsh whipped in the cross to the young Argentinian – who launched a bullet header beyond the despairing dive of Craig MacGillvray.

      However, Brighton were let off when the flag went up after Marcus Harness bundled in a John Marquis cross. 
      After the break, Jahanbakhsh unleashed an unstoppable 54th minute thunderbolt past MacGillvray.
      The visitors were made to pay and just THREE minutes later, Pascal Gross whipped in a corner to Bernardo, who rose highest to head home his first goal in a Seagulls shirt.

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      Alexis Mac Allister fired the hosts ahead with his first goal in English football on 38 minutes

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      Alireza Jahanbakhsh unleashed an unstoppable 54th minute thunderbolt past Craig MacGillvray

      The Brazilian sparred his blushes, having been left with regret for scuppering a huge chance early on.

      MacGillvray had palmed a fierce drive from Victor Gyokeres straight into the defender’s path – but he blazed his attempt hopelessly high.
      But the Seagulls were flying when Swedish youngster Gyokeres sealed the deal after turning smartly to rifle beyond MacGillvray on 70 minutes – with his first senior goal for the club.

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      Fans to return to Football League for first time this weekend with 1,000 supporters at ten matches amid Covid pandemic

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      EFL clubs will welcome up to 10,000 fans across the country this weekend as the League steps up its Covid-19 pilot programme.
      League chiefs have agreed with Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden that matches with up to 1,000 supporters will be staged at 10 venues across the three divisions.

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      Football fans will finally return to grounds this weekend across the EFLCredit: Action Images

      In the Championship, Luton’s game with Derby, Preston’s visit to Norwich and the clash between Middlesbrough and Bournemouth will see the turnstiles partially opened for the first time since March.
      The League One games featuring Charlton against Doncaster, Blackpool versus Swindon, Northampton’s trip to Shrewsbury and Hull’s match with Crewe are on the approved list.
      And in League Two, three games – at Forest Green, Carlisle and Morecambe – will have fans inside.

      Carlisle’s Brunton Park, ironically, saw the last League Two game with supporters, a crowd of 2,822 for their win over Newport on March 10, 48 hours before English football went into lockdown.
      There is still no clarity about whether the Government is willing to extend the numbers allowed in from October 1, amid recent clampdowns and fears of a resurgence of the virus.
      Cambridge were the first club to open their gates with a limited crowd for their EFL Trophy game with Fulham U21s last week.
      But EFL chairman Rick Parry said: ““It’s encouraging that we are in a position to move forward with the next phase of the pilot programme and give a small number of our clubs the opportunity to welcome back up to a 1,000 fans this week.

      “The health and well-being of supporters and their wider communities remains the priority, but as we showed at Cambridge, social distancing can be applied safely. 
      “By extending across more EFL clubs we hope to further demonstrate that the measures developed can allow fans to return in greater numbers from as early as next month.

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      “The requirement to welcome spectators back through turnstiles has not diminished in any way, the financial challenges facing EFL Clubs have been explained on numerous occasions, they are substantial and a problem that requires immediate solutions.”
      Dowden said: “I know that many fans are eager to return to football and that jobs depend on this too, so fans will welcome news that the EFL will be running number capped, covid secure, and socially distanced pilots this weekend. 
      “This will help us build the evidence base to see how we can return fans safely in greater numbers as soon as it is safe to do so.”

      Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium More

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      Wigan a target for Middle East-based business group MBuzz as talks over £3m rescue deal continue with stricken club

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      CRISIS club Wigan Athletic are a target for a rescue bid from the Middle East-based business group MBuzz.
      Representatives of the company have met the administrators and are set to offer around £3million for the whole package this week.

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      Wigan are in desperate need of a saviourCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      MBuzz Sport will be the team trying to close the deal. They are a branch of a global telecom firm, based in Saudi Arabia but with offices in Dublin, Dubai and around Europe.
      Their past experience in football includes a one-off shirt sponsorship deal for Wigan when they played Manchester United in the FA Cup.
      The company also took a stake in Spanish side Leganes and have been involved with Sheffield United on their commercial side.
      The administrators will be glad of a rival bid as American pair Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt are only willing to pay around £2m which would leave them scrambling for their fees.

      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.
      Manager Paul Cook then quit the club last month.
      Wigan only announced his replacement, John Sheridan, two days before their opening match in League 1.

      They lost their opening fixture 2-0 to Ipswich. More

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      Wigan takeover hope as American businessmen launch final £2m bid to buy cash-strapped Latics

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      AMERICAN businessmen Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt are making a final £2million bid for Wigan Athletic.
      The pair and adviser Gauthier Ganaye have told the club administrators that they will buy the whole club for the sum to end the saga.

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      A final £2m bid for cash-strapped Wigan is set to come in from a pair of American businessmenCredit: EPA

      However the warning is that the group will walk away if it is not accepted as they are worried the squad has been badly damaged since they first bid three weeks ago.
      Wigan have sold four top players and a training ground since the Americans first offered more than £5m.
      Antonee Robinson was among the stars to leave, joining Premier League side Fulham on a £50,000-a-week, four-year deal after snubbing Everton.
      And Frenchman Gauthier is also concerned that they will be unable to bring in new faces because of EFL salary cap restrictions.

      The rescue job would become almost impossible this season if the deal was delayed until the transfer window shuts.
      This offer falls short of the £4m demanded by the administrators who need money to pay creditors and cover their own fees and legal costs.
      The American group looked into renting the ground off a rival bidder and also considered a move to Leigh’s rugby league stadium.
      The change of address from Wigan’s old DW Stadium ground would need approval by the EFL.

      But it is already used by Manchester United in the WSL as well as Leigh in the rugby world.
      However their final move is for the whole operation.
      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.

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