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      Huddersfield ace Harry Toffolo set for his 100th consecutive EFL start against Millwall two years after leaving The Den

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      HARRY TOFFOLO is set to start his 100th consecutive EFL match and is dedicating it to the woman he loves.
      The Huddersfield left-back’s better half Annie has raised their two children – Luca, 4, and Enzo, 2 – and is currently 28 weeks pregnant expecting their daughter during what has been a staggering run of games.

      Huddersfield Town star Harry Toffolo is set to play his 100th consecutive matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Toffolo and Annie – with Luca, 4, and Enzo, 2 – are expecting a daughter

      What makes Toffolo’s achievement special is that those games have come across all three EFL divisions. The run started when he made his debut for previous club Lincoln at Northampton in August 2018.
      He started all 46 matches as the Imps won League Two before another 26 games in League One until his January move to Huddersfield, where he has played all 27 of their Championship games since.And Toffolo, 25, said: “I credit Annie. When I started this run our two little boys were under two and, as they’ve grown up, she’s taken responsibility.In recent months, I’ve had games here, there and everywhere.
      “Right now, she’s 28-weeks pregnant and has to also deal with our two nutters! She’s been unbelievable and given me the opportunity to make this achievement.”
      The irony is his 100th straight EFL game is against Millwall – where he did not play a single minute during his six months there but has started every match since.

      Ex-boss Danny Cowley – and his brother and assistant Nicky – played a huge part in Toffolo’s career.
      First they took him to Lincoln and then to Huddersfield.
      Toffolo revealed: “Danny sold Lincoln to me – a club I knew about from their famous FA Cup run. But I remember asking him, ‘How are you going to make me better?’ And they’ve made me 10 times the player I was.

      “My aims were to win League Two and get into the team of the year. I achieved both.”

      The Cowleys moved to West Yorkshire last September and Toffolo continued his development under Michael Appleton before following the brothers.And the Terriers ace said: “Appleton was brilliant in the short time I spent with him – we had great chats. You can see his quality as a coach by what he’s doing with Lincoln now.“A lot of people think Danny and I must have been texting from the moment he left Lincoln – but the truth is he went cold on me and he didn’t speak to me again until January when we were aware of Huddersfield’s interest.
      “He told me he hadn’t wanted to distract from my performances. That was the respect he had for me and Lincoln.
      “But regardless of my relationship with Danny and Nicky, the chance to play in the Championship, though, was too good to turn down.”

      The modern-day footballer can’t just come into work and go home. Those days are gone.”
      Harry Toffolo

      Toffolo played a key role as the Terriers beat the drop to League One.And the left-back admitted: “It’s only when in adversity that you know what you’re capable of.
      “Beating West Brom, which all but guaranteed our survival, was a special moment.”
      The Cowleys left and were replaced by Carlos Corberan during the close season yet Toffolo still continues to start.
      And he said: “The one thing you need is consistency because managers want to know they can trust and depend on you. And you must stay fit and live and prepare right.

      “I’ve always pushed myself hard, staying behind after training, going through my clips and doing extra sessions.
      “The modern-day footballer can’t just come into work and go home. Those days are gone. No disrespect to players from 20 years ago but they didn’t have tablets.
      “We go into such detail. If I’m up against someone left-footed who plays on the right, nine times out of 10 he’ll come inside.”
      Toffolo feared his chances of playing 100 games were in doubt after he injured his knee at Brentford last month and had to come off after just 36 minutes.
      He said: “I got tight to Bryan Mbeumo and my foot got caught in the ground, it was an impact thing.“I got lucky. There was just a bit of fluid in the knee but we strapped it and it was all fine.“Having played in League One and Two, I got lots of niggles so have learned to understand my body more. We just strapped it up and got on with it.”
      Toffolo loves working for Corberan even if he does find the infamous ‘Murderball’ training sessions, well, murder.

      He said: “The great thing is they’re so intense that when you get to a game it won’t be as hard as that.
      “It works when we go to the 93rd minute and we’re still sprinting in behind and back. We’re now just eating it all up.“Of course, I was sad to see Danny and Nicky leave and, because of what they’ve achieved, they’ll get a good job soon.“But in football you cannot dwell on things. Carlos taking over was exciting because the way he wants to play suits me down to a tee.“I’m growing as a player under him. It’s high energy, high press. It’s the way Leeds played last season in the Championship. It suits players who are fit and have a high stamina.“The boys have bought into it. We’ve got 10 points from the first games, more than we had last season and we feel we’re improving.”

      TOFFOLO’S FAVOURITES

      Left-back picks his best games at Huddersfield and Lincoln.

      H’FIELD 1 DERBY 0 – Oct 20 2020JUNINHO BACUNA’S goal is what we work towards every single day – being confident on the ball, having a personality to play out from the back, the confidence to do it. It was special for us all and I got the assist. Also loved our 1-1 draw at Pride Park in February because I scored there after making a great run for the goal.
      LINCOLN 1 GRIMSBY 0 – Jan 19 2019SCORING the 12th-minute winner in the Lincolnshire derby at Sincil Bank was a massive moment for me – and we kept a clean sheet. We took four points off the Mariners after a 1-1 draw down their place. The boys had two great games against them as we won League Two in my first season at the club.

      Ex-Towie star Mark Wright shows off his skills on the football training pitch More

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      Ex-Towie star Mark Wright trains with side Crawley Town… but Michelle Keegan won’t become League Two’s newest Wag

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      MARK WRIGHT trained with League Two side Crawley Town this week – but insists he is not about to sign for the club.
      Pictures from the Red Devils’ workout showed the former TOWIE star, 33, getting stuck in with his new team-mates.

      Mark Wright is training with Crawley Town in a bid to maintain his fitnessCredit: BackGrid

      The presenter has enjoyed getting stuck into the workouts under old boss John YemsCredit: BackGrid

      One snap showed Wright head over heels on the turf as he enjoyed a runout under former manager John Yems.
      Yems, 61, coached the reality TV star and presenter during a loan spell at Broadfield Stadium in 2006-07.
      And Wright has stated that the link-up is purely to help spruce up his fitness levels.

      He told the club’s YouTube channel: “I love playing football, it’s my number one passion.
      “Obviously my career went in a different direction. The speculation is that I’m joining the Reds – it’s a bit far-fetched.
      “I’ve just been training with the boys, I know the gaffer, played nine games under the gaffer.
      “I’m just doing it for fitness, I love being around it, the camaraderie, the banter around the dressing room.”

      Wright, whose brother Josh plays for Leyton Orient, played youth football for West Ham and Arsenal before signing for Southend.

      Wright is not expected to sign a playing deal with CrawleyCredit: BackGrid

      Fans hoping to see Michelle Keegan on the Broadfield Stadium touchline will be disappointedCredit: Getty Images
      A career in league football was beyond the defender, however, and he focused his efforts on TOWIE – as an original cast member in the 2010 first series.
      Nowadays, Wright limits himself to exhibition appearances and is a regular in Soccer Aid, meaning Michelle Keegan is not about to become a League Two Wag.
      Yems remarked earlier in the week: “He’s a good player, so never say never.

      “The lads have taken to him and he just wants to play football.
      “Mark has played for us, don’t forget that. I don’t know if he wants to play for us again, you’d have to ask him.
      “I want to be like him and go and live in LA but I don’t think that is going to happen either!”

      Michelle Keegan returns to Coronation Street after six years away as cast film Christmas episodes More

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      Mark Wright spotted in stands wearing Crawley tracksuit as Michelle Keegan’s husband trains with League Two side

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      TV PERSONALITY Mark Wright has played down rumours that he will sign for League Two side Crawley Town, insisting that such talk is ‘far-fetched’.
      Wright, 33, has been training with the Red Devils, and was spotted in the stands in full Crawley tracksuit during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with fellow reality TV alumni Salford City.

      Mark Wright was in attendance as Crawley drew 1-1 with Salford at the weekendCredit: Rex Features

      Wright, 33, has been training with the League Two clubCredit: Rex Features

      But despite football being his ‘No1 passion’, the ex-Towie star admitted that he is only joining in with training to keep fit.
      He told the club’s YouTube channel: “I love playing football, it’s my number one passion.
      “Obviously my career went in a different direction. The speculation is that I’m joining the Reds – it’s a bit far-fetched.
      “I’ve just been training with the boys, I know the gaffer, played nine games under the gaffer. I’m just doing it for fitness, I love being around it, the camaraderie, the banter around the dressing room.”

      Current Crawley boss John Yems returned to Broadfield Stadium in December last year, having acted as caretaker manager in the 2006-07 season.
      During his previous stint, he had former West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham academy full-back Wright among his ranks – with the Essex man scoring once in nine outings.
      Wright was on loan from Grays Athletic at the time, having previously turned out for Southend United and Lewes.
      He would go on to play for a number of other non-league outfits up until 2011, when he packed it in to focus on other ventures.

      The ex-Towie star has impressed fans during appearances in Soccer AidCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Michelle Keegan is unlikely to become League Two’s most glamorous WagCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      While wife Michelle Keegan is unlikely to become League Two’s most well-known Wag, Yems, 61, didn’t completely rule out the transfer.
      He said: “He’s a good player, so never say never.
      “The lads have taken to him and he just wants to play football.
      “Mark has played for us, don’t forget that. I don’t know if he wants to play for us again, you’d have to ask him.
      “I want to be like him and go and live in LA but I don’t think that is going to happen either!”
      Wright is a regular for England in the popular ‘Soccer Aid’ charity matches – routinely impressing fans with his skills.

      Mark Wright scores incredible free kick at Soccer Aid 2016 More

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      Bury hoping to host matches at Gigg Lane in New Year as they plan fundraisers ahead of bid to join National League

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      BURY are planning to stage games at Gigg Lane in the New Year.
      And the Shakers have been promised by the FA they will be placed into the National League North – the sixth tier – next season as a worst-case scenario if they get their act together.

      Bury FC are planning a rebirth in the National League North next seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      While many clubs are sweating over whether they’ll survive the festive period with no fans allowed inside stadiums, the team kicked out of the EFL last season, and who haven’t played since, are incredibly still alive and getting the ball rolling on re-opening their spiritual home and social club.
      And, because they don’t currently play in any of the top six divisions (well, in fact, no division), they will be allowed a limited number of fans into their ground – once Covid restrictions are lifted in Greater Manchester.
      Many commentators, journalists and fans alike wrongly state Bury FC no longer exist and have been replaced by the fans-led Bury AFC team, who play in the North West Counties League – the ninth tier of English football.
      But – in fact – Bury FC, unlike Macclesfield last month, have not been wound up since their expulsion, significantly brokered down their debts, still own their ground and have their supporters club, Forever Bury, behind a serious move to get the Shakers shaking again.

      FA sources have said they will welcome an application from the two-time FA Cup winners by their March deadline for clubs to be placed into a league – so long as they can sort out a new owner.
      And Steve Dale told SunSport over the weekend he WILL step aside with his preferred purchaser the Forever Bury group.
      He said: “That’s my intention. I want them to have the club.”
      Both the Shakers owner and fans’ group have said they have been actively and constructively engaged for some time now.

      A fans’ group, Forever Bury, is hoping to purchase the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
      Already maintenance plans are afoot to ensure the 12,000-seater Gigg Lane – the 11th oldest functioning stadium in the world – can stage games with only minor work needed which will not cost significant amounts.
      The pitch is still in great condition thanks to groundsman Mike Curtis maintaining it since last year.
      Discussions are already in place to allow a Bury ladies’ team to play at Gigg Lane, to stage fan and youth matches, local league cup finals and even arrange some friendlies against local Premier League clubs to help raise funds when it is possible to do so.
      The fan group have opened a crowd-funding page and are aiming to eventually raise £2.5million – which they say will be enough to take control of both the club and stadium.
      And they are asking Premier League fans to boycott the pay-per-view matches and donate £15 instead to their Save Our Shakers cause – a genuine fans-led community scheme. 
      Forever Bury chairman and lifelong fan David Giffard, 69, and a highly-dedicated group of supporters are working on getting the club out of its 15-month hibernation.
      Bury FC had their application to be placed into a league rejected in the summer but the FA left the door ajar for next season.

      Gigg Lane could host women’s matches, friendlies and local amateur matches to raise fundsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But since then Dale has engaged with the supporters group, who say they have an A, B and C plan.
      Their preferred choice is to get control of Bury FC and have a fans-led club where supporters can purchase bonds and shares, with investment too from businessmen. 
      Their second choice is – if the club are eventually wound up – to purchase the name and assets from the administrator, in the same way Robert Smethurst did with Macclesfield as he looks to relaunch the Silkmen next season.
      The third was to set up a phoenix club.
      But Bury AFC has already been formed and there is now a split fan-base, which Giffard believes has complicated efforts to take control of the original Bury FC – but he hopes all Shakers fans can unite to work towards getting football back to Gigg Lane.
      He told me: “Bury FC is still there and worth saving. It’s the club my great grandfather took my grandfather to their very first game at Gigg Lane in 1885.
      “My grandfather took my dad there for the first match after the First World War.
      “He then took me for the first time in 1958 and I took my daughter Kate to her first game in 1983 when she was three.
      “She now has a daughter and I’m determined to take her too. There are so many stories like that across our fan base because Bury is an incredible family club.”
      Dale – who says he has paid significant amounts of his own money in keeping the club afloat – says once he has brokered a deal to clear debts from Gigg Lane that started at £8million alone, the social club and car park, he will sell the club.
      He also told me he will give Forever Bury the option to buy the stadium when they are in a position to do so.
      Meanwhile, Forever Bury have received significant pledges from local businesses and individuals who will volunteer their services and time to help the club.

      And the fans’ group say it is their intention to recruit a manager before the end of this season and start to sign players.
      I am sure most EFL fans will agree with me that Bury FC finally waking up after a terrible year or so of turmoil will be one of the biggest fairy-tales in football.
      I for one wish them all the best – because community clubs like this are the heartbeat of English football.
      The crowd-funding page can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-shakers

      EFL must save Bury FC as it sits on brink of extinction More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane looks far from impressed as he watches Salford draw with Crawley amid boss job rumours

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      ROY KEANE wore a familiar stone-cold expression as he watched Salford side draw 1-1 with Crawley.
      The Manchester United legend was in attendance at Moor Lane for the second time this month alongside former team-mate and Salford part-owner Nicky Butt.

      Roy Keane, linked with taking over as Salford manager, was in the stands for the 1-1 draw with CrawleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Butt is part of the Project 92 Limited group, alongside David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville, that part-owns Salford City.
      The United legends axed boss Graham Alexander earlier this month after a disappointing start to the League Two campaign.
      Scholes was put in charge temporarily but Keane’s continued presence at games has led to speculation he could take the full-time job.
      And Salford’s uninspiring form continued on Saturday as Crawley’s George Francomb cancelled out former United striker James Wilson’s second-half opener.

      The result leaves Salford eighth after eight games, with three wins, four draws and just one defeat.
      A fortnight ago the Irishman, 49, was in the stands with Scholes and Gary Neville.
      They watched Salford go 2-0 up early on but conceded twice – in the 86th and 93rd minutes – to draw 2-2 against Tranmere.

      Paul Scholes oversaw his third game in temporary charge but is way down at 25-1 to land the job permanentlyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      They lost 1-0 to Port Vale last Saturday but recovered to stuff Southend 3-0 in midweek.

      Richie Wellens and Paul Cook are the current favourites for the permanent job.
      But former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Keane is high on the list at 6-1, while Scholes is back at 25-1.

      Roy Keane says Man Utd players will cost Solskjaer his job More

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      Gordon Astall dead at 93: Tributes paid to England’s oldest surviving international who played for Three Lions in 1950s

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      TRIBUTES have been paid to Gordon Astall after the former England international died at the age of 93.
      Astall earned two caps for England in 1956, scoring against Finland on his debut before featuring in a win over world champions West Germany.

      Former England international Gordon Astall has died at the age of 93Credit: Rex Features

      The former forward enjoyed spells with Plymouth, Birmingham and Torquay in a 16-year careerCredit: Rex Features

      Affectionately dubbed as ‘Cannonball’ by fans, the Lancashire-born forward passed away on Wednesday while suffering from dementia.
      The Three Lions website wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the Three Lions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.
      “All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      A Plymouth Argyle statement read: “Plymouth Argyle is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former winger Gordon Astall, aged 93.”

      The club’s former players’ group, Argyle Legends, wrote on their Facebook page: “Argyle Legends’ thoughts are with his daughter Carole, son David, his 3 grandchildren and other members of his family and friends. RIP GORDON. Another great player for Argyle.”
      Fellow former club Birmingham tweeted: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

      We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the #ThreeLions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs.
      — England (@England) October 22, 2020

      The Club are saddened to hear of the passing of Gordon Astall, aged 93.Gordon spent eight years at #BCFC from 1953-1961, making 235 appearances, scoring 59 goals and earning 2 @England caps in that period.Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/K6s8A1evG7
      — Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) October 22, 2020

      The Championship side’s supporters’ association Blues Trust commented: “Blues Trust are saddened to hear of the death yesterday (21st Oct) of former player Gordon Astall, our condolences to his family RIP.”
      A spell with the Royal Marines led to Astall enjoying an amateur level stint with Southampton.

      He moved to Plymouth in 1947, starring for over six years before heading to Birmingham.
      An England call-up came following great success with the Blues, winning the Second Division title and reaching the FA Cup final.

      And the forward, who turned 93 in September, saw out his career with Torquay.
      Speaking to the Mail last year, Astall recalled: “I’ve done things I never even thought of.
      “Playing for your country, I was chuffed as hell, especially when you think of the players at the same time as me.”
      He added: “I have enjoyed it. It’s been a good life.”

      England fans love Three Lions’ new blue kit as strip lands debut vs Denmark More

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      Joe Hugill, 17, set to sign pro Man Utd contract just three months after joining club and shining for U23s

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      MANCHESTER UNITED teen sensation Joe Hugill is in line to sign his first professional Old Trafford contract after wowing the Prem giants, according to reports. 
      The former Sunderland starlet is thought to be ready to put pen to paper just three months after joining the Red Devils’ reserves.

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      Joe Hugill has impressed Man United’s Under-23s coaches since joining the club’s academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill, who turned 17 today, made a £300,000 switch from Sunderland to United this summer. 
      It is thought Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men beat Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for the teenager’s signature.
      And Manchester Evening News claims the starlet’s deal with the Red Devils, who play Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, will run until 2023.

      Hugill made an instant impression on coaches with his displays for United’s youth side scoring three times in only two starts. 

      The Durham-born youngster has already been promoted to the club’s Under-23s despite being a first-year scholar. 
      And the up-and-coming striker was on target for United in their Under-21 side’s  EFL Trophy penalty shootout win against Rochdale.
      A dearth of reserve-level forwards is rumoured to have led Neil Wood to add Hugill to his Under-23 squad

      Prior to this, the young striker had made his Under-18 debut appearance scoring twice against Blackburn.

      And this month Hugill got his first call-up to England’s Under-18 training camp at St George’s Park and could be in contention for United’s FA Youth Cup quest. 
      United’s other recent wonderkid additions include France Under-17 skipper Willy Kambwala. 

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      Willy Kambwala,16, is another rising star United added to their ranks this month

      The former Sochaux centre-back, 16, made a £3.6 million switch this month. 
      And the young French player’s move was followed by news of the Old Trafford giants landing Amad Diallo Traore from Atalanta.  
      The 18-year-old is expected to join the Red Devils in January subject to completion of his medical, agreement on personal terms and confirmation of his work permit.

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time More

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      Forest Green Rovers set to spark fan anger and ignore stadium name poll… as people voted for it to be called Kevin

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      FOREST GREEN Rovers have angered fans after ignoring a competition to name the new stadium – because the people’s choice was KEVIN. 
      The controversial decision comes despite widespread outrage when officials disregarded a poll to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface. 

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      Innocent New Lawn is set to become the new name of Forest Green Rovers stadium

      Fans of the club, who play Colchester on Tuesday, are likely to be left fuming after Innocent Smoothies revealed they won’t name their stadium Kevin.
      This is despite 65 per cent of the firm’s Twitter poll voters choosing one of the nation’s most popular names as their frontrunner. 
      The fruit drinks makers decided to opt for the more conventional choice of Innocent New Lawn as the ground’s name instead. 

      And it was a choice that caused bemusement amongst some Rovers followers with one describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ and another calling it ‘awful’. 
      Chairman Dale Vince took to Twitter to placate angry fans.
      Vince, 59, tweeted: “Sorry if you hoped the stadium would be called Kevin. Perhaps Forest Green and innocent will do a ‘Kevin’s Go Free’ game when fans are allowed back in?”
      The club’s fan poll for renaming the stadium came about after Innocent Smoothies won a ground naming rights contract with the League Two side 

      As part of the deal the company insisted their famous moniker be used as part of all new name suggestions.

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      Jeff Stelling backed Rovers’ fans choice of Kevin as the new name of their stadiumCredit: Sky Sports
      However, supporters of the League Two side decided to throw a spanner in the works and push for Kevin.
      Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling was among those to throw their weight behind the popular fan choice. 
      And the Gillette Soccer Saturday said: “If it is Kevin, it is guaranteed a mention every week.”
      The decision to name Rovers stadium Innocent New Lawn arose after options were shortlisted to four choices including Innocent Sustadium and Innocent Fruit Bowl. 
      Forest Green are renowned for being the world’s first vegan football club. 
      Last season they made history by hiring Hannah Dingley to become the first woman to take charge of a football league club academy.

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world More