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      Neil Warnock given guard of honour by his own players after 74-year-old miraculously saves Huddersfield from relegation

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      NEIL WARNOCK was given a guard of honour by his Huddersfield players after leading them to safety.The Terriers beat newly-promoted Sheffield United 1-0 at The John’s Smith Stadium on Thursday night to secure their Championship status as Warnock prepares to depart the club at the end of the season.
      Neil Warnock was given a guard of honour after leading Huddersfield to survivalCredit: News images

      Warnock’s final game in charge will come against Reading on MondayCredit: News images
      He has led Huddersfield to safety 28 years after helping them to promotion to the second tierCredit: PA
      Reading were relegated as a result of Huddersfield’s win.
      It comes less than three months after Warnock returned to the club which he took into the second tier back in 1995.
      Arriving to begin his second stint, Huddersfield sat one point adrift of safety.
      But the 74-year-old veteran coach has guided them to six wins and four draws in 14 matches to clinch survival, moving them up to 18th place with one game remaining.
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      And Warnock’s players showed their appreciation for their manager by giving him a guard of honour at full-time.
      The boyhood Sheffield United fan applauded the Huddersfield crowd as he made his way down the tunnel with a beaming smile on his face.
      Speaking about the guard of honour in his post-match press conference, he said: “I wasn’t expecting that at all. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever had one of them.
      “It was an emotional night all round for the fans. They really got behind us and it’s been a rollercoaster ride.
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      “I think tonight will have converted youngsters for years to come.
      “I remember going to Bramall Lane as a kid, I think it was Arsenal we were playing under floodlights. That just did me, I had to be a Unitedite, and I’m sure we’ll have done the same for a few young Town fans tonight.”
      Despite the success, Warnock has confirmed he will not be carrying on at Huddersfield next season.
      He only signed a short-term deal until the end of the campaign and insists he still plans to leave in the summer.
      Asked if he is tempted to stay, Warnock added: “No, I can’t do ten months of this. I’ll be back somewhere in February I’m sure! No, I think the job is done now for me.
      “I didn’t want to leave it on a bad note and getting relegated but the job’s finished now. They’re a great group of lads – still a bit naive but a good honest group of lads.
      “You only see me laughing and joking and doing pressers but behind the scenes it’s bloody hard work.”
      Warnock’s final game as Huddersfield boss comes at home to Reading on Monday.
      Warnock is the toast of Huddersfield after a stunning end to the seasonCredit: Getty
      Huddersfield’s win over Sheffield United guaranteed survivalCredit: PA More

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      Watch moment Man Utd legend squares up to match-winner sparking melee after his side lose to 101st minute penalty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes clashed with a stoppage-time match-winner for taunting him.Crewe striker Chris Long dented the automatic promotion hopes of Hughes’ Bradford with a 101st-minute penalty.

      Bradford manager Mark Hughes refuses to back down in his exchange with Crewe Alexandra match-winner Chris Long following the EFL matchCredit: https://twitter.com/footbalIfights
      Long is still smiling as he is led away by one of his own playersCredit: https://twitter.com/footbalIfights
      Long also appeared to anger at least one rival player with his attitude after the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/footbalIfights
      And Hughes was furious when Long came rushing over at the end to try to shake his hand.
      The ex-Barcelona and Chelsea frontman attempted in vain to shrug aside the home hero. 
      But Long patted him on the back and followed him while talking to him.
      Hughes squared up to the 28-year-old, who himself looked reluctant to back down despite pushing and shoving behind as players and staff gathered around.
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      The ex-Wales manager yelled at Long, who laughed and had to be pulled away by a team-mate.
      Fans on social media criticised both the Bradford chief and the Crewe star following the Bantams’ 3-2 away defeat in League Two.
      Some blasted Long for hoping to wind Hughes up and “trying to make a name for himself”.
      But others accused the ex-Manchester City boss of refusing to shake hands.
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      One said: “Chris long went for a handshake like usual and patted him on the back instead that doesn’t warrant Hughes acting the hard man ffs.”
      Bradford need a point at home to new champions Leyton Orient next Monday to guarantee a play-off spot.
      Mansfield, the only team who can catch them, are three points behind and with a goal difference also three worse – as they visit lowly Colchester. More

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      Watch Ipswich star shock fans with ‘voice of an angel’ as they demand Ed Sheeran collaboration after end of season bash

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      IPSWICH TOWN have been celebrating after clinching promotion to the Championship.And one star has left fans shocked after revealing he has the “voice of an angel.”
      Ipswich star Greg Leigh shocked fans with his amazing singing voiceCredit: Magic Word Media
      Leigh was supported on back-up vocals by his teammatesCredit: Magic Word Media
      Greg Leigh, 28, only joined Ipswich last summer from fellow League One side Morecambe.
      He has clocked up 20 appearances this season.
      But Leigh’s greatest moment of the campaign arguably came at last night’s club awards.
      The left-back got up on stage with several team-mates and – with microphone in hand – Leigh proceeded to belt out some songs to a packed room.
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      Incredibly, he demonstrated a brilliant voice as pals joined in the action as back-up singers.
      Others on the stage proceeded to dance as Leigh kept the crowd going.
      And shellshocked Tractor Boys fans demanded Leigh collaborate with famous fan Ed Sheeran.
      One said: “Class, I feel an Ed Sheeran collaboration coming!”
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      Supporters reckon Leigh needs to duet with Ipswich star fan Ed SheeranCredit: Getty
      Another declared: “Oh wow how good is his voice? What a team they make on and off the pitch.”
      One noted: “Is there no end to the talent in this team?”
      Another added: “Absolutely love this, thanks for sharing.” More

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      Former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris SACKED by Swindon after just three months

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      SWINDON have sacked former Chelsea assistant Jody Morris after just THREE MONTHS in charge of the club.The 44-year-old has been axed by the League Two side with one game remaining this season.
      Jody Morris was only appointed Swindon manager in JanuaryCredit: Alamy
      Swindon sit 10th in the table but have no chance of making the play-offs on the final day.
      Morris’ departure comes after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Stevenage and Crewe.
      He won just four of 18 games at the helm.
      Coaches Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will take charge of Swindon’s final game of the season against Crawley on Monday.
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      A club statement read: “Swindon Town can today confirm it has parted company with First-Team Head Coach, Jody Morris, and his assistant Ed Brand.
      “Morris, 44, was appointed at the end of January in what was his first senior management role in the game, and was later followed to the County Ground by assistant, Ed Brand, in early March.
      “We would like to thank both Jody and Ed for their contribution and efforts since joining the football club, and wish them all the very best in the future.
      “Our aim when they took over was to push on and finish the second half of the season strongly, but as a club, we haven’t achieved our objectives.
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      “With just one more league game remaining before we reach the conclusion of the season, we feel now is the right time to take a fresh approach as we look to bring success back to this great club for 2023/24.
      “Work is well underway to find our next manager, with an announcement in due course.”
      Morris, who played more than 100 times for Chelsea between 1996 and 2003, was assistant to Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge having previously been his right-hand man at Derby.
      He left the Blues in January 2021 following Lampard’s sacking.
      Meanwhile, Swindon were promoted to League One in 2020 but suffered immediate relegation back down to the fourth tier.
      The club had aspirations of another promotion this season, but they are 17 points adrift of seventh place heading into the final day. More

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      Ed Sheeran parties away as pop king celebrates his beloved Ipswich winning promotion from League One

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      ED SHEERAN led Ipswich’s promotion party as supporters urged the super-fan to release a song of his celebration chant.The pop king and shirt sponsor posted “E I E I O, up the Football League we go! @ipswichtown” on Instagram as he posed in a Tractor Boys shirt while clutching the club badge.
      The Tractor Boys’ go wild as they join Plymouth in going up from League OneCredit: Rex
      Ed Sheeran shows his pride as Ipswich return to the ChampionshipCredit: Instagram
      One follower replied “That”s insane” and another wrote “It’s great to see you excited Ed” as Ipswich returned to the Championship.
      Kieran McKenna’s men showed real Suffolk punch to hit Exeter for six on Saturday and secure at least runners-up spot in League One.
      Ipswich were 5-0 up inside 32 minutes on the way to a 6-0 romp.
      And so comfortable was the victory they brought on second-choice keeper Vaclav Hladky late on for his first appearance of the season.
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      The second-placed Tractor Boys will win the title if they win at Fleetwood next Sunday and Plymouth fail to earn three points at Port Vale.
      Fans said “We love you Ed” while another commented on his celebrations: “Release it as a single.”
      Many also many praised his financial contribution to the team he loves.
      One wrote: “A proud day for the club, thx for your support.”
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      Yorkshireman Sheeran, 32, lives in Suffolk and has sponsored the team shirt for the past two seasons.
      And this weekend’s joy was his second big bash of the month – albeit far less private than the first.
      The Eyes Closed singer closed his Bertie Blossoms restaurant in London’s Notting Hill for a 30th birthday party for wife Cherry.
      Only family and close friends were there.
      Fast forward two weeks, though, and he had a Perfect Day shared by a Portman Road crowd of 29,334.
      Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, second right, and chief executive Mark Ashton, right, join the players in rejoicing over the return to the second tierCredit: PA More

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      Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard will stay at club if US takeover collapses as Mark Spiegel’s bid runs into snags

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      OWNER Thomas Sandgaard will stay at Charlton if a US takeover collapses.Marc Spiegel’s bid to buy the League One club is running into snags.
      Sandgaard could remain at CharltonCredit: Alamy
      But Sandgaard’s advisers suggest a small investment could help the club.
      Spiegel and his consortium had hoped to complete a takeover this week, but talks have stalled.
      Their exclusivity period with Sandgaard – which was signed in February – has also expired.
      American businessman Spiegel recently revealed his ambition for Charlton.
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      As quoted by Bloomberg, he said: “Our ambitions are more than just purchasing a club.
      “We want to elevate the club – expose it to a new audience and win on the pitch.”
      If an adequate takeover offer is made, Sandgaard – who purchased Charlton in September 2020 – could decide to relinquish all control of the club.
      The Addicks currently sit 10th in League One.
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      And fans have put the club’s mediocre season down to Sandgaard’s poor ownership.
      Charlton earned a 3-2 win over Port Vale on Saturday. More

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      Ryan Reynolds hilariously doubles down on golf-themed plot to get Gareth Bale to join Wrexham on free transfer

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      WREXHAM co-owner Ryan Reynolds has doubled down on his side’s attempts to lure Gareth Bale out of retirement. The Welsh club are still celebrating their promotion to League Two after beating Boreham Wood 3-1 last weekend to secure the National League title.
      Gareth Bale has been enjoying retirement by playing some of the best golf courses in the worldCredit: Twitter/@GarethBale11
      Reynold’s and McElhenney have overseen Wrexham’s return to the Football LeagueCredit: PA
      Bale, 33, retired from football after the World Cup in Qatar and appears to be enjoying his retirement.
      Reynold’s took to Twitter to double down on the golf themed plot to try and get Bale to join Wrexham.
      He said: “I will shave a professional-grade golf course into Rob’s back if you’ll give Wrexham a season.
      He then replied to his own tweet saying: “Update: after an online image search, it appears Rob does not have the requisite body hair to support this plan.”
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      There has yet to be a response from Bale to the latest attempt to convince him out of retirement.
      Reynold’s tweet came in response to Bale’s congratulatory message to Wrexham’s other co owner Rob McElhenney ,which prompted an exchange between the pair.
      The 33 year old took a break whilst on the golf course to send a message of congratulations to McElhenney on Wrexham’s promotion.
      In the short clip the former Real Madrid star said: “Hi Rob, just want to congratulate you on your promotion and everything you’re doing at Wrexham.”
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      McElhenney then posted the clip to his Twitter account, alongside a cheeky message.
      Tagging the five-time Champions League winner, he wrote: “Hey @GarethBale11 let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 ❤️”
      Bale responded to that tweet by suggesting he wanted to play at St Andrews, the home of golf, by tagging in the R & A.
      The Wales legend tweeted: “Depends what course @RandA”
      Bale finished his career by making 14 appearances and scoring three times for LAFC as the club won the MLS Cup.
      Wrexham have already convinced one former Premier League star out of retirement as Ben Foster signed a short term deal in March. More

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      Furious Ipswich chiefs STORM OUT of EFL Awards after controversy as ceremony turns awkward

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      PLYMOUTH boss Steven Schumacher landed the League One manager of the season gong at the EFL Awards on Sunday.And that did not go down well with Ipswich.
      The EFL Awards took place in London on Sunday nightCredit: Rex
      Kieran McKenna looks set to lead Ipswich to promotionCredit: Alamy
      Seconds after Schumacher was announced the winner, everyone on the Tractor Boys’ table at the London bash left the room and went home.
      Plymouth are currently top of the League One table on 95 points after last night’s 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers.
      But there are two games to go – and Ipswich are just one point behind after a 3-0 win at Barnsley.
      Both teams look set for automatic promotion to the Championship.
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      But the result clearly infuriated the Portman Road clan at Grosvenor House in London as gaffer Kieran McKenna was overlooked.
      McKenna is excelling in his first senior management role after spells with Tottenham and Manchester United’s academies.
      He worked as the assistant for Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick but made the switch to Suffolk in December 2021.
      McKenna is enjoying a fine first full campaign and picked up the EFL’s League One manager of the month award for March.
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      Schumacher collected the gong in September and October while Barnsley’s Michael Duff has three.
      Ipswich did, however, have some success at the end-of-season gala.
      Conor Chaplin and Leif Davis were both named in the League One team of the season.
      But Cameron Humphreys was pipped to the young player of the year by Plymouth’s Bali Mumba.
      Ipswich’s five players nominated for awards were in attendance in the capital alongside CEO Mark Ashton and COO Luke Werhun as well as the club’s media team.
      Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher collected the gongCredit: Rex More