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      League Two youngster goes viral for emotional plea to FM24 begging to be added to game as fans say ‘get him in’

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      GRIMSBY youngster Harry Shipstone has gathered support from fans after asking to be included in the new Football Manager game.FM24 will be released on November 6, but those who secured early access were able to play the beta version of the game as early as October 19.
      Some fans were given early access to Football Manager 24 earlier this monthCredit: Football Manager
      Harry Shipstone posted this message to Out of Context Football Manager after discovering he was not on the gameCredit: Instagram
      And Grimsby academy prospect Shipstone was disappointed to see he does not feature on it.
      In a bid to get himself on the game, he messaged the Twitter account “Out of Contest Football Manager” which has more than 300,000 followers.
      He said: “You probably won’t see this but if you do and you know anyone at Football Manager please could you contact them to try and sort it for me.
      “I am a young footballer who plays for Grimsby Town’s youth team and when I went on the new beta version I was not on it.
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      “I had been looking forward to this moment since I found out I would be playing for the youth team so it is very upsetting to see that I am not even in the squad.
      “Any help you can provide would be appreciated.”
      Out of Context Football Manager posted a screenshot of Shipstone’s message along with the caption: “GET THIS MAN IN THE GAME.”
      And the official Football Manager Twitter replied to the post.
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      They simply said: “We’re investigating 🕵🏻‍♂️.”
      This led to a host of football fans supporting Shipstone’s attempt to get on the game.
      One said: “GET HARRY IN FM24!!!”
      Another added: “He deserve it.”
      While a third replied: “Ambitious, with determination 20. Get him in the game @FootballManager.”
      A petition has even been set up on Change.org titled “Include Harry Shipstone as a Grimsby Youth Player in Football Manager 24”.
      It has 486 signatures at the time of writing.
      Grimbsy sit 20th in League Two with just three wins from 15 games at the beginning of the new season. More

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      Joey Barton SACKED by Bristol Rovers just weeks after fans slammed ex-Man City star for ‘throwing own player under bus’

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      JOEY BARTON has been sacked by League One outfit Bristol Rovers.His exit comes just weeks after fans slammed the ex-Manchester City star for “throwing his own player under the bus.”
      Joey Barton has been sacked by League One side Bristol RoversCredit: Alamy
      Barton’s sacking comes after he called Steve Evans a ‘fat man’Credit: PA
      The decision also follows Barton’s jibes at Steve Evans in which he called the Stevenage manager a “fat man” and a “weeble” after the 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
      A Rovers statement confirmed: “Bristol Rovers Football Club can confirm that today the club has relieved First Team Manager Joey Barton of his duties.
      “Everyone at the club would like to thank Joey for all his efforts and wish him well in the future.
      “In the interim, Andy Mangan will lead the team supported by Glenn Whelan, Danny Ventre and Anssi Jaakkola who will remain in post.”
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      Rovers are 16th in League One after just four wins from their opening 14 matches.
      Their last victory came against Port Vale at the start of October.
      Since then, they suffered away defeats at Oxford and Burton.
      And Barton’s last result was a 1-1 draw with Stevenage.
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      The former Man City midfielder, 41, had been in charge of Rovers since February 2021.
      But following last month’s defeat to Peterborough, he was slammed by supporters after aiming a brutal rant at one of his own players.
      Barton tore into Luke Thomas for playing on while carrying an injury.
      He said: “We had a mountain to climb due to Luke Thomas’ decision to play on in the second-half. I’ve never known anything like it.
      “He reported he was a bit stiff one minute before we are going back out, having had 13 minutes to speak to the physios.
      “He was told to go out and test it. But two minutes into the second-half his side is compromised because he can’t run, he feels the hamstring.
      “In his infinite wisdom, I don’t know why he presses the ball and doesn’t sit on the pitch so the ref can stop the game and we can get the sub on.
      “In the midst of that chaotic spell of two minutes, we are compromised from within and they score the second goal.
      “I wish I could fine him and I’ll be speaking to the CEO about that because it’s a ludicrous decision, he shouldn’t get paid this week for what he’s done because he has put us 2-0 down.
      One idiotic young boy, I can’t even call him a manJoey Barton
      “It’s frustrating, we have got to be better than that. You come to a good place like Peterborough, you can’t play with ten men, especially in wide areas because they will punish you.”
      Asked if it was a mistake caused by the 24-year-old’s inexperience, Barton snapped back, continuing: “When does the young man stop?
      “How many times can we put his lethargy in moments down to being young? At some point the penny has got to drop.
      “If you are injured, fine, come off the pitch, nobody has got a problem with that.
      “Going back out and making stupid decisions just compromises your team-mates and all our hard work is undone because of a decision by one of our players.
      “I’m so frustrated with him, we have given him enormous backing at this club and he lets himself down with stupidity.”
      In another interview he called Thomas “one idiotic young boy – I can’t even call him a man.”

      Fans were not happy over Barton’s words, with one saying: “This is horrible. Thomas had been amazing this season and I’m sure Rovers fans won’t be holding this against him.”
      Another added: “Very poor, been one of if not the best player for us these season. Not a fan of that.”
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      A third commented: “Joey Barton throwing arguably our best player this season under the bus is a disgrace. Guy has worked hard every game this season and deserves credit, not criticism.”
      More raged: “You can be the best manager in the world, but if you throw your players under the bus like this the dressing room very quickly turns on you. A manager throwing excuses instead of looking at himself.” More

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      Wrexham manager branded ‘Gordon Ramsay of the football world’ after astonishing X-rated changing room rant

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      WREXHAM manager Phil Parkinson has been likened to Gordon Ramsey following an x-rated dressing room rant.A segment from a recent episode of Welcome to Wrexham was shown on last week’s episode of hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox.
      Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson went viral for his rant on Welcome to Wrexham, which was shown on GoggleboxCredit: Rex
      In the clip, Parkinson gave a passionate team talk and repeatedly dropped the F-bomb.
      He said: “I mean you’ve been f***ing brilliant!
      “And you’ve f***ing played some great f***ing football, and you’ve played with some f***ing composure on the f***ing ball.
      “F***ing keep going with that f***ing composure!”
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      The stars of Gogglebox were left stunned, with Pete Staniford joking: “He’s the Gordan Ramsay of the footballing world!”
      Another star said: “Nah! You’ve got give them more. I’d be like ‘get the f*** out there!”
      Celebrity chef Ramsay is renown for his x-rated rants in the kitchen so football fans loved the comparison.
      One person took to X to write: “F***ing well said!”
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      Another commented: “Iconic.”
      While a third said: “Actually think I preferred watching Welcome to Wrexham on Gogglebox tonight than the actual episode. What a show 😂.”
      Welcome to Wrexham is a documentary series on Disney+ that follows League Two side Wrexham.
      The Welsh side is owned and run by Hollywood superstars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. More

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      Premier League cult hero, 42, handed shock EFL manager role as he looks to help club avoid relegation

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      FORMER Premier League star Matthew Etherington has been named interim boss of the second-worst club in the Football League.The ex-Tottenham and West Ham winger, 42, will take charge of Colchester United for their League Two clash at Grimsby Town tomorrow.
      Matthew Etherington starred for West Ham in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      He has now taken charge of League Two strugglers Colchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      The U’s sacked Ben Garner after they were beaten 2-1 at home by Harrogate Town on Saturday – their fourth-straight loss.
      That result left them 23rd in the fourth tier and just three points above Sutton United at the bottom.
      Etherington, who was appointed Under-21 lead coach at Colchester in June, will be assisted by assistant head coach Scott Marshall and first-team coach Dave Huzzey while the club decide on a permanent replacement for Garner.
      Etherington hit the headlines in December when he was sacked by Crawley Town after just three games in his first managerial job.
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      He named former Peterborough and Tottenham teammate Simon Davies as his assistant on November 27, 2022 and went on to beat Swindon Town 2-0 in his opening match.
      A 2-0 home defeat to Hartlepool followed on December 9 before another setback on home turf followed on Boxing Day as they were downed 2-1 by Sutton before he was axed.
      Etherington retired from playing in 2014 after an impressive playing career with Peterborough, Spurs, Bradford, West Ham and Stoke City.
      The ex-England U21 winger battled a gambling addiction while at the Hammers, with the club lending him £300,000, after he accumulated huge debts.
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      Etherington also spent time at Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance Clinic.
      He began his coaching career in charge of Peterborough’s U18s in 2018. Etherington was then promoted to assistant manager of the first-team in November 2021.
      He even had a one-game foray as interim boss before returning to his No.2 position under Grant McCann before then taking the leap and making his ill-fated switch to Crawley. More

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      Notts County keeper hit in head by ‘vape’ and left bleeding at Gillingham clash as police launch investigation

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      POLICE are investigating after Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was left with a cut head after being struck by an object thrown by a yob in the crowd.The Magpies impressed to claim the points — but the gripping contest was marred by the late drama which left their shot-stopper needing medical attention from the club’s physio.
      Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was struck by an object thrown from the crowd at PriestfieldCredit: AHPIX.com
      Slocombe, 35, carried on after a brief delay and Gillingham issued an appeal to find the moron.
      Gills’ director of operations Joe Comper admitted: “Once again, we find ourselves investigating an incident which reflects poorly on the football club and will likely land us in trouble with the authorities.
      “Quite clearly, any right-minded person can understand that this is not acceptable and it won’t be accepted at Priestfield.
      “We are working closely with Kent Police to identify the culprit or culprits, in order for us to impose any necessary bans, as well as pursuing criminal prosecutions.
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      “You are passionate, loyal and devoted to the team and those that represent your shirt.
      “It is a shame that the actions of a very small minority risk damaging your club in the form of heavy fines and potentially points deductions.”
      The incident spoilt an otherwise enjoyable League Two contest in which forward Macaulay Langstaff’s 38th-minute strike fired the visitors ahead.
      Scott Malone levelled on 57 minutes after Langstaff had been denied a second, before substitute Lewis Macari’s stunner — on his debut — won it for the visitors 12 minutes from time.
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      But Slocombe’s injury left Magpies boss Luke Williams wanting answers.
      Williams said: “It’s a shame because in general the atmosphere was brilliant. This is just one person making a really terrible decision.
      “Unfortunately something was thrown, I think it was a vape, and hit him on the back of the head and he has a cut.
      “It’s upsetting, anyone who has met him wouldn’t want to throw anything at him, he’s a great guy and I don’t think he’s done anything to wind anyone up or anything like that.”
      Langstaff notched his ninth goal of the campaign as he turned home Tobi Adebayo’s pin-point 38th-minute cross.
      Malone then found the bottom corner with a well-taken strike for caretaker boss Keith Millen, before Jake Turner produced a good save to keep out Jodi Jones’ drive.
      But there was nothing the keeper could do to stop Macari’s rocket.
      Gills defender Max Clark was “gutted” and admitted: “It’s a tough one to take because they weren’t causing us many problems.
      “We were a different team in the second half but they stood strong.”
      Lewis Macari scored a stunning winner on his EFL debutCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd legend’s grandson scores screamer on debut for EFL club to win match sparking wild scenes in stands

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      LEWIS MACARI followed in the footsteps of his famous grandad to score a screamer on his EFL debut – winning the game and sparking wild scenes.The 21-year-old is on the books of Stoke, having come through the Potters’ academy.
      Lewis Macari scored a belter on his debut in the EFL for Notts CountyCredit: Rex
      Macari let fly from outside the areaCredit: Twitter / @SkyBetLeagueTwo

      But after loans at non-league Market Drayton Town and Dundalk, he has now joined Notts County in League Two.
      And he delivered the goods on his senior debut for the Magpies.
      After replacing Richard Brindley as an early sub away at Gillingham on Saturday, Macari decided the game with a superb strike 12 minutes from time.
      The right-back latched on to a pass just outside the area and thundered the ball into the top corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
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      That put County 2-1 up at Priestfield and prompted huge celebrations among the players and travelling fans as Luke Williams’ men clinched all three points.
      The result keeps Notts County’s promotion charge in full swing, with the newly-promoted side second after 14 games, two points adrift of leaders Stockport.
      Macari has no shortage of sporting pedigree.
      The youngster’s dad Paul was a professional footballer and uncle Mike was at Stoke.
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      But it is grandad Lou who enjoyed the most success in the game.
      The former midfielder starred for Celtic and Swindon either side of 11 years at Manchester United.
      The 24-cap Scotland international arrived at Old Trafford for £200,000 in 1973.
      He racked up 97 goals in 404 appearances for the Red Devils and won the FA Cup and Second Division.
      Macari Sr went on to have seven managerial jobs, including a spell at Celtic sandwiched by two stints with Stoke in the 1990s.
      Away from football, he also set up a homeless shelter after being inspired to help people sleeping rough in the winter.
      The ball flew into the top cornerCredit: Twitter / @SkyBetLeagueTwo
      The travelling Magpies fans celebrated the stunning winner wildlyCredit: Twitter / @SkyBetLeagueTwo
      The win keeps Notts County’s promotion tilt on the right pathCredit: Rex
      Lou Macari spent 11 years at Manchester United and won the FA CupCredit: PA More

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      I was my football club’s youngest-ever player but suddenly QUIT at 20 – now I have a very different career

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      JOE HANCOTT swapped football for the classroom just four years after making his senior debut aged 16 and 161 days.The left-back has his name written in the Portsmouth record books after featuring in an EFL Trophy match against Fulham’s Under-21s in 2017.
      Joe Hancott quit football aged 20 to become a teacherCredit: 2019 Getty Images
      He became the club’s youngest-ever player a week before he was due to collect his GCSE results.
      His appearance smashed the record held by now Premier League manager Gary O’Neil.
      Hancott, who joined the club aged eight, was subbed on in the game by experienced boss Kenny Jackett and he went on to make a further three appearances for Pompey.
      But just four years after bursting onto the scene, he fell out of love with the beautiful game and no longer plays professionally.
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      The 22-year-old was hit by a season-ending ACL injuries when in pre-season training with Portsmouth and then again during his subsequent recoveries on loan at Bognor Regis and Basingstoke.
      His scholarship at Fratton Park was initially extended before his release in 2021.
      It took a toll on Hancott and he simply had enough of trying to make it as a professional footballer despite being snapped up by Bognor Regis on a permanent deal.
      The disillusioned wonderkid hung up his boots at the age of 20 and decided to try to achieve his ambitions of becoming a teacher.
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      Hancott explained to The News: “I wanted to be out of it. Not Pompey as a club, professional football as a whole. I couldn’t wait.
      “Some people would say, ‘What the hell?’, but I fell out of love with it completely.
      “When I say fell out of love, weirdly I still loved watching it, I loved watching the Premier League and my club Tottenham, watching the Football League and my mates performing at non-league level.
      “But I didn’t like playing it at the time.
      “It could be down to pressure or maybe going through a 12-year academy process had drained that fun out of me.
      “Perhaps it was due to commuting from the Isle of Wight four times a week to train or play, with your body developing and growing yet constantly getting battered on different playing surfaces.
      “Or you’ve tried to come back from injury and, yet again, it hasn’t worked out, so you think: ‘That’s not for me any more’.
      “Pompey kept extending my contract because they wanted to help me get back to full fitness, but it got to the point where I wasn’t fussed about playing professional football anymore – and I told them that.”
      During his rehab following the ACL injuries, Hancott began to look at forging a path into teaching.
      He enrolled on an Open University course in sport and business management at Salford University back in 2020.
      And just six months in, he had made his mind up and quit football.
      Hancott initially worked in a primary school before landing his dream job two years ago at his former secondary in Ryde as a PE teacher.
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      Now free from the pressure of the academy, he is back playing with Isle of Wight team Newport and now Cowes Sports.
      Both are in the Wessex Football League, which is the ninth tier of the English pyramid. More

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      Leyton Orient forced to wear away kit against Barnsley despite playing at home – and there’s a bizarre reason why

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      LEYTON ORIENT will wear their white away kit against Barnsley tomorrow, despite being the home side.Both sides traditionally wear red at home.
      Leyton Orient will wear their white away kit against BarnsleyCredit: Rex
      Barnsley would normally rock up in their white away strip for the Brisbane Road clash.
      They are currently without their alternate kit, however, after their team bus caught fire a fortnight ago.
      The Tykes had been travelling home from their 1-0 win at Exeter when the incident occurred.
      Everyone on board was thankfully evacuated safely and no one was harmed.
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      But Barnsley’s away kit, which they had worn that day, was onboard and is now unusable.
      Neill Collins’ side have been unable to source replacements in time for tomorrow’s clash with Orient.
      Barnsley could wear their black third kit instead, which wouldn’t clash with their opponents’ red home shirts.
      But due to red and black causing significant issues for those who are colour blind, Orient have agreed to wear their white away shirts instead.
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      This means that home fans will get a rare glimpse of their team not playing in red.
      Orient boss Richie Wellens will be looking for his side to continue a positive run of form that has seen them win four of their last six games.
      During this run their home match with Lincoln was abandoned with ten minutes remaining following a medical emergency.
      The O’s later confirmed the tragic news that fan Derek Reynolds had died aged 74.
      It was later decided by the EFL that the match will be replayed in full at a later date. More