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      Darrell Clarke SACKED by Barnsley as former Premier League star, 34, handed reins until end of the season

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      BARNSLEY have sacked manager Darrell Clarke following a horror run of form.The League One side have won just two of their last 11 games and slipped to tenth in the table.Darrell Clarke has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyConor Hourihane takes over until the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyClarke has lasted just ten months in the job and leaves the club eight points off the play-off places. Former Premier League star Conor Hourihane will now take charge until the end of the season.The 34-year-old ex-Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland midfielder rejoined Barnsley in a player-coach role before the start of the season.He officially hung up his boots in December and became assistant manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJon Stead, who played for the likes of Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United in the Prem, will be Hourihane’s right-hand man.On the sacking of Clarke, Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh said: “We would like to thank Darrell for his efforts in a season which has been difficult for various reasons. “Darrell has worked extremely hard to try and get the team competitive and pushing for promotion, unfortunately, we find ourselves eight points away from the play-offs and feel that a change is needed.”Sporting director Mladen Sormaz said: “Darrell is someone I respect and have enjoyed working with and I’d like to thank him for his efforts this season. Most read in EFLCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Whilst a list of replacements has been identified, we will take some time to ensure the next appointment is the right one with a focus on playing identity, returning to high pressing and attacking football.”We believe that Conor can help to create enough bounce to keep us fighting for the top six until the end of the season. “We will also be working in parallel to have a new Head Coach in place over the summer.”Wayne Rooney is back in football management as Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside Tyson Fury More

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      Millwall fans sing foul chants over Jean-Philippe Mateta injury after goalkeeper Liam Roberts slapped with huge ban

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      ALEX NEIL called on Millwall and their fans to move on from Liam Roberts’ horror tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta.Lions keeper Roberts is serving a six-match ban after smashing  Mateta in the head with a flying kick in last weekend’s FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace.Millwall fans celebrate scoring in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Watford – but some visiting supporters were also heard singing inflammatory chants about Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: PALiam Roberts was given a six-game ban for this challenge on Crystal Palace attacker Mateta in the FA Cup the previous weekendCredit: GettyThe French striker was given oxygen before being taken to hospital and needed 25 stitches for a severe gash to his left ear, with Palace chairman Steve Parish describing the challenge as the ‘most reckless’ he had ever seen.Roberts’ original suspension was for three games, but it was doubled after the FA demanded stronger action.But Millwall fans were in no mood to back down during yesterday’s 2-1 win at Watford.Every time a home player went down injured, they chanted: “Let him die.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also backed their keeper with: “One Liam Roberts, there’s only one Liam Roberts.”There was also: “It isn’t enough, it isn’t enough – 25 stitches, it isn’t enough.”The abuse piled on with: “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, Mateta’s in A and E.”There was also a minute’s applause for Roberts from the Millwall fans in the eighth minute – the time he was sent off at Palace.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe hate mob finally piped down to join in the celebrations when Josh Coburn headed Millwall’s 81st-minute winner.Lions boss Alex Neil said after the Watford match: “Now we can draw a line under the Liam stuff.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”You know, we’ve supported Liam. Liam’s made a bad decision. He’s mistimed the challenge.”I think it’s then been trial by media at that point afterwards, which we are not in control of.”We’ve spoken to Liam. He’s fine. He understands. He spoke to me, and it’s done. Draw a line under it. “Liam will serve a suspension. That’s the way it is, and then we just move on to the next game.”Neil insisted that the controversy over Roberts had not affected the team.”We don’t really get sort of caught up in that sort of stuff. Social media is not something I get involved in whatsoever.  I get feedback  so I’m conscious of what’s happening.”But the last thing I need is to scroll through and know what some 14-year-old who lives at the bottom of the road thinks of me. I’m past that stage. So yeah, I’m not fussed.” More

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      MK Dons SACK manager Scott Lindsey after less than six months in charge as they release 56-word statement

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      MK DONS have sacked their manager Scott Lindsey following a horror run of results.The League Two side have won just one of their last 11 games.Scott Lindsey has been axed as MK Dons bossCredit: RexThe poor form has seen them slump to 17th in the table after initially being hopeful of promotion.They sat third in the table in early December but are now 13 points off the relegation zone.In a short statement, the club confirmed the sacking, saying: “Milton Keynes Dons have parted company with head coach Scott Lindsey.”Everyone at MK Dons would like to sincerely thank Scott for his efforts during his time in Milton Keynes and wish him every success in the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club will be making no further comment at this time and will update supporters in due course.”Lindsey left Crawley Town to become MK Dons boss in September – just months after guiding the club to promotion to League One.They went up via the play-offs, beating The Dons 8-1 on aggregate in the semi-final.Former Rotherham and Wigan boss Leam Richardson has been tipped to take over at Stadium MK.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEx-Barrow and Gillingham gaffer Stephen Clemence is another linked with the job.Paul Hurst, who previously took charge of Ipswich and Shrewsbury is also a contender.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back More

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      Wigan SACK club legend Shaun Maloney as manager after two years but show class in statement

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      WIGAN sacked club legend Shaun Maloney with the club 15th in League One.But they showed their class with a touching farewell gesture.Shaun Maloney has been sacked as Wigan bossCredit: GettyMaloney spent four seasons as a player with Wigan from 2011 to 2015 and was part of the team that famously won the FA Cup in 2013.The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Hull playmaker – who had a stint as Hibernian boss – returned to Lancashire when he took over from Kolo Toure at the Latics in January 2023.He provided some much-needed stability amid chaos at the Brick Community Stadium – despite being unable to save the club from relegation in 2023.Maloney kept Wigan in League One last season despite an eight-point deduction. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Reading spelt the end of his tenure – leaving the club just six points above the relegation zone.Wigan said: “Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic Manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history. “Whilst he could not prevent the Club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit.”Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few.”Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”However, it cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated. “Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the Board felt that it was time for a change.”The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the Club to look forward to the future.”Maloney’s No2 Max Rogers has also left his role with former Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan stepping up as interim gaffer. However, despite his dismissal, Wigan ensured the 47-cap Scotland international was given a classy send-off – and insisted he is “always welcome” back at the club. The statement added: “As a Board of Directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max for their service, efforts and dedication to the Club.”We hope that in the years to come Shaun’s time as Manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the Club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium.”Maloney provided the assist for the winner in the 2013 FA Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe racked up 47 Scotland capsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

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      Wrexham star facing battle to play again this year after devastating ACL injury and being carried off on stretcher

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      WREXHAM ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a “bad” knee injury.Cannon, 28, was given oxygen and stretchered off during the Red Dragons’ 2-1 victory at Mansfield Town on Sunday in League One.Wrexham ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this seasonCredit: RexWrexham ace Cannon required oxygen after suffering a ‘bad’ knee injuryCredit: PAThe midfielder appeared to have seriously injured his leg after being tackled by Mansfield’s Louis Reed on 36 minutes at Field Mill.The ex-Hull ace looked in real discomfort after falling to the ground awkwardly as opposing players checked on him.Wrexham medics immediately rushed onto the pitch to come to Cannon’s aid and team-mates soon formed a protective huddle around him.The central midfielder subsequently received lengthy medical treatment and was given oxygen.Read More on FootballThe ex-Portsmouth ace helped doctors hold the oxygen mask to his face before he was eventually stretchered off.Wrexham confirmed their player suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery.The club, which is owned by Hollwyood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also announced Cannon faces a “significant period of rehabilitation time”.Wrexham issued the following statement: “Wrexham AFC can confirm midfielder Andy Cannon suffered a ruptured ACL in the match against Mansfield Town on Sunday (February 23).Most read in EFL”The midfielder was stretchered off in the first half, and following a scan the serious extent of his injury is now known.”The 28-year-old has met with a specialist this evening and will undergo surgery next week, and faces a significant period of rehabilitation time post-surgery.”Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed at full-time that it doesn’t look good.Parkinson said: “Andy looks like a bad injury. His knee. But we don’t know the extent.”It’s not easy when a great lad like Andy is stretchered off. I said to the lads at half-time, ‘C’mon, let’s do this for Andy’ and they did that.” More

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      Mystery Reading buyer revealed as owner of two other football clubs as EFL side finally set to be saved from extinction

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      READING’S latest potential buyer is American businessman Robert Platek, owner of Italian club La Spezia and Portuguese side Casa Pia.The League One club yesterday announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser” and were hopeful of “a quick completion,” although declined to name them.Dai Yongge put Reading up for sale in 2023Credit: JASONPIXRobert Platek is Reading’s mystery buyerCredit: GettySunSport has learned that the buying group are led by Platek with support from long-time associate Nishant Tella, a former investment banker who is now a partner at Clean Slate Capital.Platek is a serial investor in football and already owns Serie B club La Spezia and Lisbon club Casa Pia, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese top-flight.The 60-year-old previously owned Danish club Soenderjysky, but sold them after just two years shortly after completing the £21million purchase of La Spezia in 2021.La Spezia are currently third in Serie B pushing strongly for a return to the top flight after being relegated in a relegation play-off two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlatek is the fifth potential buyer to enter exclusive talks with Reading in the last 12 months following offers from former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee and two proposals involving property magnate Paul Taylor.Significantly however, the proposed deal involves Platek buying the controlling stake of owner Dai Yongge, along with Reading’s stadium and training ground, keeping all of the club’s assets in one company.Platek’s plans for Reading are unclear, but he has extensive experience in football, including in England. In addition to his personal investments in European football he is a partner at MSD Capital, the investment vehicle of technology billionaire Michael Dell.MSD become significant players in English football and have lent tens of millions to several clubs including Southampton, Burnley, Derby and Sunderland over the last decade.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlatek’s proposed purchase of Reading would be a personal venture with no links to MSD however, removing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.Reading were put up for sale by Yongge in October 2023, but despite considerable interest have been unable to complete a sale. The club have informed the EFL about the potential buyers and are hopeful a sale can be completed quickly.Football fan records hilarious video of Reading stadium step ‘everyone’ falls over as it’s ‘3mm higher than the rest'”Reading can confirm it has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of the club,” they said. “The parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to complete final due diligence and legally complete the transaction.“Whilst timelines cannot be guaranteed, the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion, which would be for the benefit of all concerned.The club can confirm the agreed sale includes the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility.”Fans’ group Sell Before We Dai have fought a long-running campaign pressuring Yongge to sell following frustration at the club’s financial problems, numerous transfer embargoes and late-payment of players leading to them being docked a total of 18 points by the EFL.In a statement released on Monday however, the supporters sounded cautiously optimistic that Yongge’s eight-year ownership could be drawing to a close.“The optimist in us may see today’s announcement as positive and welcome news,” a statement read.”The tone of the [Reading] statement seems different to before and we all hope that a deal can be done soon. We’ve been here before with the Dais though. Until a sale is done our campaign continues.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReading are ninth in League One, three points off the play-off places, with new manager Noel Hunt doing an excellent job since replacing Ruben Selles, who left for Hull in December.Reading and the EFL declined to comment.Platek also owns Italian side SpeziaCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham star Andy Cannon given oxygen on pitch and carried off on stretcher in terrifying injury scare

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      WREXHAM star Andy Cannon was given oxygen and stretchered off during his side’s League One clash with Mansfield.The midfielder, 28, appeared to awkwardly twist his ankle after clashing with Stag star Louis Reed.Andy Cannon was given oxygen by medics inside 36 minutesThe midfielder was stretchered off in pain against MansfieldAndy Cannon clashed with Mansfield midfielder Louis ReedCannon looked in immediate discomfort and didn’t arise from the turf as Reed and fellow Mansfield stars checked on him.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

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      TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More