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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.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “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.
      READ MORE ON BIRMINGHAM
      “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

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      Wayne Rooney sacked LIVE: Latest as Birmingham ruthlessly AXE Man Utd legend and begin search for new boss

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been brutally SACKED by Birmingham City just 15 games into his reign at St Andrew’s.The Manchester United and England legend, who only took the job on October 11, won just two games while in charge of Blues.
      When Rooney, 38, took charge of the club they were sitting pretty in 5th under John Eustace – but have plummeted down the Championship table and are now 20th after defeat to Leeds on New Year’s Day.
      Follow our live blog for all the fallout from Wayne Rooney’s sacking and the search for a new manager below…
      Eustace open to Birmingham return
      John Eustace is open to a return to Birmingham if approached – according to the Daily Mail.
      Eustace was replaced by Wayne Rooney in October with the club sixth in the Championship.
      Rooney’s disastrous tenure in charge has seen the Blues drop from sixth to twentieth in just 83 days.
      And despite his brutal sacking, Eustace would be prepared to return in an attempt to save Birmingham’s season.
      Credit: PA
      Birmingham approach Steve Cooper
      Birmingham City are set to meet with Steve Cooper to set out their proposal for him to take over from Wayne Rooney.
      But, they admit it will be an uphill battle – with Cooper attracting interest from Crystal Palace.
      Ralph Hasenhuttl, Reims head coach Will Still, Jesse Marsch, Paul Heckingbottom and England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley are all also being considered.

      Birmingham to approach Steve Cooper
      Birmingham are set to approach Steve Cooper to become their new manager after sacking Wayne Rooney.
      The out-of-work manager is as low as 1/1 in odds with some bookmakers to take over at St Andrews.
      He has long been admired by Premier League Crystal Palace, which could make a deal complicated for Birmingham’s owners to do.
      BBC forced to remove Wayne Rooney tweet
      The BBC were forced to remove a tweet announcing Wayne Rooney’s sacking after criticism from Gary Lineker.
      The official account tweeted: “By order of the Peaky Blinders, Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City.”
      The post was accompanied by a mocked-up photo of Rooney in a flat cap and suit – in full Tommy Shelby style.
      But the Match of the Day host was not happy with the way his employers announced the news.
      Lineker replied: “Delete this.”
      And his bosses promptly listened as the tweet was soon axed as it disappeared from their timeline.

      Where did it all go wrong for Rooney?
      Birmingham finally pulled the trigger on sacking Wayne Rooney after their 3-0 defeat to Leeds at Elland Road last night.
      The manager struggled to implement a more attacking style of play after taking over from John Eustace in October with the club sixth in the Championship.
      It was a disaster from the start, with the club winning just two of Rooney’s 15 games in charge.
      That’s a win percentage of just 13 per cent with the club now in real trouble of relegation – sitting 20th in The Championship table.
      Credit: Reuters
      What next for Roo?
      Here’s a look at five jobs Rooney could end up at after being sacked as Birmingham City boss.
      The Manchester United legend has said that he will take some time away as he considers his options.
      But the likes of Class of 92 owned Salford City and offers from Saudi Arabia could draw him back into management sooner than he expects.

      Next Birmingham boss odds
      Bettingodds.com have released their odds on who will become the next manager of Birmingham following Wayne Rooney’s departure.
      Former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is the current favourite – with Birmingham’s American owners keen on the former RB Leipzig man.
      The shortlist is as follows…

      Jesse Marsch: 7/1
      Gary Rowett: 8/1
      Nathan Jones: 8/1
      Scott Parker: 9/1
      Steve Cooper: 9/1
      Lee Carsley: 10/1
      Will Still: 10/1

      Roo blocked out boos
      Just last night, Rooney insisted he was blocking out the boos and jeers from his own fans as he vowed to keep battling on as Birmingham boss.
      Speaking after the 3-0 loss at Leeds – where chants of “get out of our club” came from the travelling supporters – Rooney said: “I’m a fighter.
      “I get football is about opinions. I’ve spoken to the owners and that’s private.
      “What’s clear is we need some players to come in to help with the quality of the team.
      “We’re going through a difficult period, there’s no denying that, and we need to do everything we can to come out of that.
      “My career wasn’t always about success.
      “I scrapped through a relegation battle with Everton, so I’ve been through difficult moments as well. I believe in myself.
      “It’s important we stick together. I believe we will get through this.
      “The immediate goal is to get out this run of form.”
      Next Birmingham boss odds
      Sky Bet have put up the odds for the next permanent Birmingham City boss – and there are a few interesting inclusions.
      And it is Steve Cooper, recently axed by Nottingham Forest, who has emerged as the early favourite.

      Steve Cooper – 2-1 (F)
      Gary Rowett – 5-1
      Jesse Marsch – 6-1
      John Eustace – 6-1
      Tony Mowbray – 6-1
      Lee Carsley – 9-1

      Selected others:

      Frank Lampard – 12-1
      Graham Potter – 14-1
      John Terry – 16-1
      Neil Warnock – 16-1
      Robbie Fowler – 25-1

      What next for Rooney?
      Rooney admitted this sacking has hurt him personally and he will take some time away from football to recover with his family.
      But after that break, he does want to resume his management career.
      Where could he end up, though?
      While the Manchester United or England job may be a bit too far fetched, Salford City may be an option especially amid the Red Devils links.
      An MLS return with David Beckham’s Inter Miami is on the cards while he could follow fellow ex-Three Lions skipper Steven Gerrard to Saudi Arabia.
      Upcoming fixtures
      Birmingham are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Hull in the FA Cup third round.
      However, the priority now is keeping the Blues in the Championship.
      Their upcoming Championship fixtures are:

      Swansea (H) – Jan 13
      Stoke (A) – Jan 20
      Middlesbrough (H) – Jan 27
      West Brom (A) – Feb 3
      Sheff Weds (A) – Feb 10

      Wayne’s final straw
      Yesterday’s defeat at Leeds proved to be the last game of Rooney’s spell as Birmingham boss.
      The Blues lost 3-0 at Elland Road.
      Patrick Bamford opened the scoring on 34 minutes before Dan James made it 2-0 in first-half injury time.
      Crysencio Summerville then wrapped up the goals midway through the second half.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Alamy
      Credit: Getty
      Spooner takes temporary charge
      Professional development coach Steve Spooner has been placed in interim charge.
      He will take men’s first-team training, supported by the remaining coaching staff – including Ashley Cole and John O’Shea – who have been told they must stay put.
      Blues CEO has his say
      In the Birmingham statement, CEO Garry Cook helped further explain the decision.
      Cook said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St Andrew’s.
      “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 and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
      Rooney believes he deserved more time
      Wayne Rooney has also put out a statement of his own following his dismissal.
      He said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. 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. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
      “Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Statement on Rooney
      Here’s what Birmingham had to say…
      Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
      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 Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
      The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.
      Birmingham confirm Rooney sacked
      The Blues have now released the statement to confirm that Wayne Rooney has indeed been sacked.
      The West Midlanders announced his departure at 11am with a statement.
      Roo’s wretched record
      Rooney took over on October 11 with Birmingham sixth.
      They are now 20th in the Championship – and are bottom of the table since Rooney took over, with just ten points earned.
      That came from two wins and four draws with nine defeats from his 15 games in charge.
      The Blues had a goal difference on -15 across his tenure and earned just 0.67 points per game.
      Eu were not wanted
      It was a match that just never worked for the former England captain.
      Rooney was brought in after the controversial sacking of Eustace in October.
      Eustace had the best win rate of any Birmingham boss since Gary Rowett, who was in charge at St Andrew’s from October 2014 to December 2016.
      And so when the new owners gave Eustace the boot, it did not go down well with the fans who were beginning to dream of a play-off finish after the strong start to the season.
      Still waiting for official confirmation
      Birmingham City are yet to officially confirm Rooney’s sacking.
      However, SunSport understands the decision has been made.
      And it is just a matter of when, not if, the news is made public by the Blues.
      Rooney SACKED
      We have all the latest news from Birmingham City’s brutal decision to axe Wayne Rooney just 15 games into his reign.
      The Man Utd legend won just two of those games and saw Blues plummet down the table after taking charge.
      Birmingham – who controversially sacked John Eustace while the club were FIFTH – must now start their search for a new manager. More

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      Star who played in Homeless World Cup after being abandoned due to his sexuality seals dream transfer to League One side

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      LEAGUE ONE Wycombe have signed a non-league striker who was made homeless in his native country – because he is gay.Richard Kone, 20, was introduced to the Adams Park crowd before kick-off in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers.
      Richard Kone, with Bloomfield next to him on his left, has signed for WycombeCredit: @wwfcofficial
      Hotshot Kone, who has been starring with Athletic Newham in the Essex Senior League, is only the second openly gay player in England’s top four divisions.
      He ended up on the streets in his home country of Ivory Coast after coming out to his parents, then appeared in the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff four years ago before linking up with Athletic Newham, where he has scored 21 times this season.
      Now after a lengthy trial, Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield has beaten clubs including Brentford and Colchester to his signature.
      Kone, who is now reconciled with his mother, said: “I was living on the street after I had some problems with my parents because I am homosexual. It was terribly difficult being homeless in my country.”
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      Although it is not illegal to be gay in Ivory Coast, discrimination against homosexuality is widespread.
      There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
      The only other openly gay player in men’s professional football in England is Blackpool’s Jake Daniels.
      Bloomfield, who was the first footballer to sign the Football v Homophobia Charter for Action, said: “It’s been a long saga. Richard played for us pre-season and we looked to try and sign him in the summer window.
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      “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for various reasons so it’s been four or five months in the making.
      “Richard’s a young lad and we have to be careful how much is put on his shoulders. But he knows where the back of the net is and he’s been working hard with us behind the scenes. We have him on a long contract and we’re looking to build him into a good player.
      “We have a few young players we are excited about and Richard is one of them. We want to have our own assets here and develop our own players.
      “We’re pleased to get his move over the line.” More