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      Troy Deeney SACKED by Forest Green after only six games in charge following ‘babies’ rant at players

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      TROY DEENEY has been sacked by Forest Green after just SIX matches in charge.The Watford legend, and SunSport columnist, was only appointed head coach of the League Two side on December 20.
      Troy Deeney has been sacked by Forest Green RoversCredit: Rex
      The Watford legend had only been in charge of the League Two club for six gamesCredit: Rex
      Deeney, 35, made 18 appearances for Forest Green this season following his arrival as player-coach in the summer, scoring four times.
      But he has not featured since he was named boss last month, and Sun Sport exclusively revealed that his time at the New Lawn Stadium was over.
      After Sun Sport exclusively broke the news, Forest Green confirmed it with a club statement at 9:38pm.
      Dale Vince, Chairman of Forest Green Rovers said: “These are decisions nobody likes to make, but we have acted this way to give FGR the best possible chance of improving results and climbing the league table. We wish Troy all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts.”
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      Dan Connor will take charge of Forest Green for Saturday’s match at Gillingham.
      Forest Green have drawn three and lost three of his six games at the helm.
      They are bottom of the fourth tier, seven points from safety.
      The strugglers were beaten 2-0 at home to Harrogate on Saturday, leading to the ex-Birmingham City forward to lay down a few home truths to the team.
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      Deeney claimed that there were “too many babies” in his squad and stated that he would rather watch Antiques Roadshow.
      He also called defender Fankaty Dabo’s performance “awful”.
      But the passionate star would later apologise to his players for criticising them, claiming that his emotions “can get the better of him”.
      Deeney has been working tirelessly around the clock to try and transform the fortunes of the EFL’s bottom club.
      He was set to bring in John Terry as part of his staff to help him as there was only one coach at Rovers.
      And that meant that he was also unable to offer his experience on-field in his player-manager role.
      He said this week: “If I come off the bench, who’s going to make the subs? Because we’ve only got one coach.
      “We’re working hard at getting another striker in, but I did join in training [on Monday] and I’ve still got a little bit left, so we’ll see.”
      Meanwhile, Deeney’s day had already got off to a poor start after he was hit with a four-match touchline ban by the FA.
      He was also fined after using “improper language” and receiving a red card during last month’s 2-1 loss at Swindon. 
      An FA statement said: “Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been charged by the FA for two alleged breaches of its rules on language and behaviour as he was sent off during their game against Swindon Town.
      “Deeney, who took over at Forest Green last month, was sent off in the 85th minute of the 2-1 away defeat on December 29.
      “The FA alleges that Deeney’s language and behaviour were ‘improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening’ as he was sent off by referee Scott Simpson. “Deeney’s language towards a match official was also allegedly ‘improper and/or abusive and/or insulting’ after he received a red card.”
      Now that will be held until he lands his next role in the dug-out.
      Writing exclusively for The Sun ahead of his first game, Deeney explained why he could not turn down the opportunity despite relegation seemingly looming.
      He said: “Some people have asked why I wanted to take over a club next to bottom in League Two for my first job in management — but I have never been one to turn down a challenge.
      “I remember Paul Ince and Sol Campbell taking over at Macclesfield in similar circumstances and leading them to safety.
      “It’s also true that there aren’t enough black and ethnic minority managers in English football.
      “We’re still under-represented and we are less likely to get opportunities — even though I’m not sure how many black guys are applying for jobs at League Two level.”
      And he also revealed his plan to try and bring out the nasty side of the renowned Vegan club.
      The former Premier League star exclusively writes for Sun SportCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      The striker joined the League Two club as player-coach in the summerCredit: Getty
      He said: “The one thing everyone knows about us is that it’s a vegan club — and while it might have been funny the first time an opposition fan asked me if I wanted a steak bake or thrust a sausage roll at me, it soon wears off.
      “We need to find a bit more nastiness. Without wanting to turn us into 80s Wimbledon, I want us to become horrible to play against.
      “I’m going to keep playing until January, when Dale hopes to invest more in the squad and then I hope to gradually fade into the background as a player, rather than retiring altogether.
      “Everyone has told me it will  be extremely tough to be a player-manager but, for the time being, it’s ‘needs must’.”
      But despite the warnings – not even Deeney would have expected it to be as ruthless as having just six matches to try and bring his plan to fruition.
      Now Forest Green are searching for their third boss of the campaign having sacked Dave Horseman four weeks ago and replacing him with the ex-Premier League forward.
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      He had arrived in July after a rollercoaster start to pre-season following last term’s relegation from League One.
      Duncan Ferguson left the club in the summer, which saw Hannah Dingley’s historic interim spell in charge, before that was ended when Horseman was appointed on July 17. More

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      EFL clash CANCELLED a day before kick-off as extreme weather takes its toll on footie schedule

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      AN EFL clash has been cancelled the day before kick-off due to the extreme weather.Salford City were due to host Colchester in League Two under the lights tomorrow night.
      Salford City were due to host Colchester at the Peninsula Stadium tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      But the freezing temperatures and snow mean the pitch is unplayable.
      And with the cold snap here to stay giving no chance of the pitch clearing and defrosting, the hosts have made the early decision to postpone the match.
      Salford shared the news on Twitter at 11.15am on Thursday, a full 32-and-a-half hours ahead of Friday’s 7.45pm start.
      And they accompanied the post with a photo of their Peninsula Stadium pitch completely covered in snow.
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      Salford, owned by a host of Manchester United Class of ’92 legends, said: “Friday night’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Salford City and Colchester United has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.
      “A pitch inspection was held on Thursday morning by a match official, and with temperatures not due to increase significantly before the game they recommended a postponement.
      “Both clubs will now liaise with the EFL and arrange a new date for the fixture.
      “Supporters who had purchased match tickets should keep hold of these because they will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.
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      “Once a new date has been decided, if you can no longer make it to the game then you will be able to claim a refund from your point of purchase.”
      Colchester supporters would have been getting ready for tomorrow’s 500-mile, ten-hour round trip to and from Salford.
      So despite the disappointment at the cancellation, fans appreciated getting the news in plenty of time.
      One said: “Oh well, at least away fans got a day’s notice.”

      Another wrote: “Well done Salford for saving fans and players the trip. Others in the league should take note.”
      A third added: “Sensible to make an early decision for travelling fans, both sets of staff, players, catering etc.”
      And a final user replied: “Shame but sensible decision given what the forecast looks like!!”
      The fixture that will be rearranged is an important one at the bottom for the EFL.
      Salford – now managed by new boss Karl Robinson – currently sit 21st in League Two, one place and two points above Colchester.
      Salford currently sit 21st in League TwoCredit: Getty More

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      Grimsby star Callum Ainley, 26, undergoes surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer

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      GRIMSBY TOWN have announced that star Callum Ainley is recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.The League Two club revealed the shock news this afternoon and stated that the midfielder will be out of action until at least the end of next month.
      Grimsby Town star Callum Ainley has undergone surgery for thyroid cancerCredit: Rex
      The League Two side say they hope to have the midfielder back in training at the end of FebruaryCredit: Getty
      A statement from the Mariners said: “Grimsby Town Football Club is saddened to announce that midfielder Callum Ainley was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
      “The 26 year-old, who joined the Mariners from Crewe Alexandra in the summer, has undergone surgery and will now take some time at home to recover with a view to returning to training mid-late February.”
      Grimsby’s statement then added: “Callum has shown great strength of character since he received the news and he is currently being supported by the club to ensure he has everything he needs.
      “We would like to ask supporters and the media to respect his privacy at this time.
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      “We wish Callum a speedy recovery. We hope to see him back in a black and white shirt very soon.”
      Ainley last appeared for Grimsby on December 16 in their 1-1 draw at Newport County in League Two.
      He made his debut for the Mariners on September 16 in a 3-0 loss against the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owned Wrexham.
      He has made seven appearances so far before David Artell’s side, who currently sit 19th in the fourth tier.
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      Ainley came through the academy ranks at Crewe after joining them in 2011.
      The ace made his professional debut at the age of 17 in September 2015 and went on to make nearly 250 EFL appearances for them.
      He was also part of the promotion-winning squad in 2020 that finished second in League One.
      Thyroid cancer is quite rare in the UK with around 3,400 diagnoses made each year, with it more common in women than in men.
      The thyroid gland is found at the base of your neck at the front and is just behind the hollow where your collarbones meet.
      The gland, which is made up of two lobes connected by a bridge of tissue, is butterfly-shaped and makes and releases hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
      The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped hormone producing glandCredit: Getty
      Thyroid cancer mainly affects women as is not that common in the UKCredit: Getty More

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      John Terry set to be drafted in to save League Two club from relegation as plan revealed for Chelsea legend

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      JOHN TERRY is set to be brought in by Troy Deeney to help save Forest Green from relegation, according to reports.Watford legend Deeney, 35, joined the fourth-tier side in the summer but was appointed player-manager last month after the sacking of David Horseman.
      John Terry is set to be drafted in by Forest GreenCredit: Getty
      Troy Deeney has not won any of his six matches as a player-manager at the clubCredit: Getty
      But he is yet to win any of his six matches in charge – drawing three and losing three.
      The poor run leaves Forest Green bottom of League Two, seven points adrift of safety.
      According to The Telegraph, he has now told club chiefs his plan to bring Chelsea icon Terry, 43, in for a “defenders session”.
      The ex-England international, 43, returned to his former club in the summer to become a Blues academy coach.
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      And Deeney, Forest Green’s fifth manager in 18 months, looks set to call on his services after a nightmare start to life in charge of the Football League club.
      He is also said to have pitched the idea of former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe coming in to take a shooting clinic.
      Defoe, 41, a club ambassador and academy coach at Spurs, is currently in charge of the U18s in North London.
      Deeney also urged Green bosses to allow him to sign a defender in the January window.
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      He said: “If we get the centre-half we want then we will be foundationally very solid and can look for our game-changer.”
      But the plan to bring Terry in will raise eyebrows as the ex-England captain is yet to secure a managerial job.
      The legendary centre-back revealed back in October he was rejected by Newcastle and two League One clubs after leaving his coaching role at Aston Villa.
      He also confirmed he is in talks over a move to Saudi Arabia.
      Deeney is also set to call on ex-Tottenham and England striker Jermain DefoeCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane shows Gary Neville no mercy as he scolds ex-Man Utd team-mate over Salford’s record with managers

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      ROY KEANE has probed Gary Neville over Salford City’s record with managers.Neville, 48, co-owns the League Two club alongside David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.
      Roy Keane is never afraid to take Gary Neville to taskCredit: PA
      Salford recently sacked Neil Wood as bossCredit: Getty
      The former Manchester United defender worked as the club’s CEO for eight years before stepping down in October 2022.
      Salford recently sacked former Man Utd youth coach Neil Wood, the fifth boss they have axed in five-and-a-half years.
      Appearing on Stick to Football, Keane took Neville to task.
      The Irishman, who has attended multiple games alongside Neville, asked: “Who brought the managers in at Salford?”
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      To which Neville replied: “The managers were me, Karen (Baird, former chairwoman] and Chris (Casper, sporting director).”
      Keane, 52, then quizzed: “So, if you’re on about managers getting players right or wrong, have you brought managers in and (later) thought, ‘What was I thinking?'”
      Neville considered his response before saying: “When I look at managers that we’ve brought in, I think that while some of them may not’ve been successful… Richie (Wellens) obviously we sacked but he went on to win a league (with Leyton Orient last season).”
      Unimpressed, Keane butted in: “It doesn’t matter if they win a league somewhere else. That’s no good to you, is it?”
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      Neville subsequently replied: “Yeah but my point is sometimes a manager doesn’t work at a club, that can happen.”
      Salford have endured a miserable campaign this time around and sit 21st in League Two.
      Their Class of 92 owners opted to replace Wood with former MK Dons and Oxford boss Karl Robinson.
      While chatting with Neville, as well as Ian Wright and Jill Scott, Keane also lifted the lid on his brutal Man Utd exit in November 2005.
      He said: “I generally have no problem when a club tells a player [to leave the club] – it’s the game we’re in.
      “For you [Ian Wright], they sat you down and had a chat – to me, at least, that’s kind of respectful.
      “I’m getting called into a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, and before I sat down, they’d already prepared a statement.
      “This is my issue – they already prepared a statement, and they had the years wrong!”
      Keane has been to watch Salford alongside his former Man Utd palsCredit: PA
      Salford have appointed Karl Robinson as their new bossCredit: Rex More

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      Former EFL defender given FOUR-YEAR ban from football for sexually assaulting two women on coaching course

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      A FORMER EFL defender has been banned from football for four years after sexually assaulting two women.Danny Senda, 42, was on a coaching course abroad with the women last June when the incidents of inappropriate touching took place in a bar.
      Former Wycombe defender Danny Senda was given a four-year football banCredit: PA
      It is understood he was already in the bar when the pair arrived together with a few other people.
      The first complainant accused Senda – who spent most of his professional playing career at Wycombe – of pulling her towards him.
      He then put one arm over her shoulder and placed his other hand down the front of her shorts.
      She removed his arms from her.
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      As she was preparing to leave the bar, she saw Senda touching another woman.
      The second survivor explained she felt someone’s hands come from behind her and placed on her chest and then her breasts.
      She turned around to see that it was Senda and immediately left the bar with the other woman.
      They reported Senda’s behaviour to the course leaders – who asked the ex-Millwall man to leave the programme.
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      With permission, he met with the pair to apologise before flying back to the UK – although one complainant felt “railroaded” into attending.
      The women did not press legal charges as the assaults took place overseas but did make a formal complaint to the FA, who said they were “deeply sorry” for what happened.
      Senda has admitted two charges of misconduct but in an interview with the FA in July, he said because of drinking alcohol he did not remember the incidents but also did not deny them.
      An independent commission initially wanted to give Senda a six-year ban but this was reduced to four years due to his apology and early admission of the charges.
      They said the incidents were of “the utmost seriousness” and that they “amounted to the commission of criminal offences that could never be condoned or tolerated in any environment”.
      An FA spokesperson said: “Women deserve to be involved in professional football without the fear of any form of abuse.
      “This was a shocking case, and we investigated the very serious allegations as soon as we were made aware of them.
      Women in football will be supported and protected and offenders will be severely punishedFA spokesperson
      “We thank the victims for reporting the incidents to us, and supporting the investigation through to its conclusion, and we are deeply sorry that they endured such a terrible experience.
      “The behaviour shown by Daniel Senda in June 2023 will not be tolerated.
      “We will investigate all allegations of sexual assault in a football environment which are reported to us – usually working with the police, but in this case, the incidents happened overseas so were not within the jurisdiction of UK law enforcement.
      “We hope that the very lengthy ban serves as a strong deterrent, and a clear signal that women in football will be supported and protected and offenders will be severely punished.”
      Senda came through the youth academy at Southampton and joined Wycombe, initially as a striker, in 1999.
      After also playing at full-back and as a right midfielder and racking up 316 league appearances for the Chairboys, he joined Millwall in 2006.
      But midway through his three-year stint in South London, he suffered a lengthy injury and was sidelined for 16 months.
      Senda also had brief spells with Torquay, Bristol Rovers and Barnet but retired in 2013, 13 months after dislocating his kneecap.
      Read more on The Sun
      He transitioned into coaching, working through the EFL at Brentford, Barnet, Leyton Orient and, most recently, Charlton where he was a first-team assistant manager until Dean Holden’s sacking in August 2023 just five games into the new season.
      According to LinkedIn, Senda is now self-employed after setting up his own football academy in Windsor.
      The ex-Millwall man apologised for sexually assaulting two women on a coaching course abroadCredit: Getty More

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      Leicester on track to shatter Championship points record as Enzo Maresca’s side now TEN points clear at top of table

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      LEICESTER are on course to obliterate the Championship points record as they continue a breathtaking season in the second tier.The Foxes suffered bitter disappointment on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign as they were relegated from the Premier League after nine years in the top flight.
      Leicester have brushed aside their Championship opposition so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Enzo Maresca’s men are on track to set a record points totalCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      But they are set to bounce back immediately as they sit 10 points clear of second-place Ipswich after 26 games.
      Enzo Maresca’s men have already accumulated 65 points thanks to 21 wins, two draws and just three defeats.
      This means they are projected to finish on 115 points come the end of the season.
      That would destroy the previous highest total achieved by a Championship side – which was recorded by Reading at the end of the 2005/06 campaign when they racked up 106 points under Steve Coppell.
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      The Royals broke the record by just one point, pipping Sunderland’s tally of 105 from 1998/99.
      Only four other Championship sides have reached 100 points.
      Newcastle finished on 102 at the end of the 2009/10 season, while Leicester’s last promotion in 2014 also saw them go up with 102.
      Fulham finished 2000/01 with 101 points, while the most recent centurions were Burnley when they managed the same total last season.
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      Leicester are on course to register a record points tally in the Championship
      The rest of the top 10 is rounded off by three 99-point teams in Manchester City’s 2001/02 side under Kevin Keegan, Chelsea’s 1988/89 team, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves outfit from 2017/18.
      And while Leicester are on track to break the record by a huge nine points, they could yet set an even higher bar.
      Maresca, a former assistant of Pep Guardiola’s at Man City, has led his side to a run of seven wins and one draw from their last eight matches.
      Their only dropped points in that time came away at fellow promotion-chasing Ipswich.
      And with their form only improving, Leicester could yet exceed their projected total of 115 points.
      The maximum they could finish with is 125 points if they were to win all of their remaining 20 matches. More

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      Birmingham to approach Steve Cooper to replace Wayne Rooney following his sacking but know it’ll be a short conversation

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY will approach Steve Cooper as their first port of call after sacking Wayne Rooney.However they accept it is likely to be a short conversation and they face an uphill battle to convince the former Nottingham Forest boss to turn his back on a possible rapid return to the Premier League.
      Birmingham are set to approach ex-Nottingham Forest manager Steve CooperCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney was sacked on Tuesday after just two wins from 15 games in chargeCredit: Getty
      Blues CEO Garry Cook dusted himself down on Tuesday and started the recruiting process – again – 13 weeks after he pinned his hopes on Rooney.
      A call to Welshman Cooper heads his “To do list,” after the Roo Revolution bombed spectacularly, with Ralph Hasenhuttl, Reims head coach Will Still, Jesse Marsch, Paul Heckingbottom and England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley also being considered.
      Former Manchester United and England icon Rooney was axed shortly after his side crashed 3-0 to Leeds United on New Year’s Day.
      A club statement confirmed: “Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
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      “Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.
      “The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
      Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, commented: “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
      “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect.
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      “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.”
      Rooney, 38, was only appointed at St. Andrew’s in mid-October, on a three-and-a-half-year deal, with Birmingham sitting sixth in the play-off places.
      He was tasked with implementing: “No fear football,” and a possession-based style of play.
      However, he won just two of 15 matches in charge and left with Birmingham languishing 20th in the Championship, just six points off the drop zone after 26 matches.
      Rooney failed to win over a sceptical group of players, who were relieved to discover he had been axed when they arrived for training.
      On Tuesday, Roo vowed to rebuild his shattered reputation and revealed he would take a break with his family before returning to management.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be,” he confessed in a statement.
      “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback.
      “I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.”
      Professional Development Coach, Steve Spooner, will take temporary charge of Blues for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Hull City. More