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      I wrote off a £1.7million debt to save Portsmouth because I love football – people need to know I didn’t take a penny

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      SOL CAMPBELL wrote off a staggering £1.7million debt to save Portsmouth.But now he wants people to know he did not demand back a single penny of the money.
      Sol Campbell wrote off the £1.7m debt he was owed by PortsmouthCredit: Getty
      Campbell, 48, captained Harry Redknapp’s side when they won the FA Cup for the first time since World War Two at Wembley in 2008.
      But the club plunged into financial disarray soon afterwards as they tumbled towards administration.
      Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham defender Campbell was owed £1.67m by Pompey in bonuses and image rights – plus another £200,000 in interest.
      However, rather than demand the money back, the star agreed with administrator Andrew Andronikou to defer repayment until Portsmouth were in a better financial position.
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      In the end, though, Campbell selflessly decided to chalk the debt off completely in a classy gesture to keep the Fratton Park club afloat.
      He told the Portsmouth News: “People need to know this because time has passed, but I have been honourable in everything I’ve done.
      “I didn’t get my money, I had to let it go. It was more than £1.6m I was entitled to it but I didn’t want to hamper Pompey moving forward.
      “Another person could have said, ‘No, I want my money’, but I didn’t. No way. I was honourable and let it go. I didn’t take a penny.
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      “I’ve been very generous and perhaps people haven’t appreciated that.
      “It was actually more bonuses than image rights, but when they said I couldn’t get it, fine, I’ll walk away. That was out of respect for a fantastic club like Pompey, it should be common knowledge.
      “In the end, once I knew the dire situation, I wanted to let it go and take it on the chin.”
      Campbell, who was an Invincible at Arsenal and scored in the Champions League final, made 111 Portsmouth appearances between 2006 and 2009 before joining Notts County in a bumper five-year deal – but played just once.
      The 73-cap England international added: “I believe I did an amazing job at Pompey as a footballer, but the guys in the accounts department haven’t.
      “I stuck to my part of the agreement, I did everything I was entrusted to do and more. I’ve kept us in the Premier League, won the FA Cup, took us into Europe, I did everything right – but they didn’t.
      “Pompey and Notts County were two clubs where I lost my money for the love of football, people don’t talk about that enough.
      “It was an astronomical deal I signed at Notts County and I let it go. I could have bankrupted the whole club, but just left it.
      “People don’t know how honourable I’ve been with Pompey and Notts County. People think I got my money. Are you serious? I got nothing.” More

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      Scary moment goal frame falls on Charlton star and leaves him writhing in agony and needing emergency treatment

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      CHARLTON star Joe Wollacott suffered a terrifying injury that left him writhing in agony after a goal frame scarily COLLAPSED on his foot. And he required emergency treatment as he escaped without a career-ending problem on international duty.
      Joe Wollacott was in goal during Ghana trainingCredit: Twitter
      The goal suddenly toppled forwardCredit: Twitter
      The metal frame landed on his footCredit: Twitter
      Wollacott writhed around in agony on the pitchCredit: Twitter
      Medics and team-mates rushed to his aidCredit: Twitter
      The Ghana international goalkeeper was training for the Black Stars’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations clash with Angola.
      Footage of the practice match at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi shows Wollacott launching the ball upfield.
      But the 26-year-old was left in agony as the metal goal frame suddenly and inexplicably toppled over and crashed on to his right foot.
      Bristol-born Wollacott rolled around the turf in agony as concerned team-mates and coaches raced to his aid.
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      He was tended to by medics before being cleared to play against Angola on Thursday.
      The game will be Ghana’s first with ex-Newcastle, Brighton and Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton in charge.
      The Ghana FA announced: “Goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott hobbled off during training on Tuesday evening after suffering a soft tissue contusion of the right big toe.
      “He was immediately assessed by the medical team and given emergency treatment.
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      “Wollacott was later reassessed in the medical room at the team hotel. 
      “There are no major medical worries since the player is almost pain-free.
      “The medical team would like to assure the football public that Wollacott will be available for selection.”
      Wollacott has made 16 Charlton appearances since joining the Addicks from Swindon last summer after being named in the EFL League Two team of the season.
      Capped 11 times, he came through at Bristol City but did not make a first-team appearance as he went on loan to Forest Green Rovers and a series of non-league sides.
      Wollacott joined Charlton from Swindon last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Justin Edinburgh’s family release statement after Colchester fans sing ‘vile and hurtful’ song about Leyton Orient icon

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      JUSTIN EDINBURGH’S family condemned Colchester fans for their “vile and hurtful” song about the late Leyton Orient manager.Edinburgh tragically died aged 49 in June 2019 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
      Justin Edinburgh passed away in 2019 after a cardiac arrestCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It came just weeks after the 1991 Tottenham FA Cup winner led the O’s to promotion from the National League.
      His passing sparked a huge outpouring of love and support from the football community.
      However, Saturday’s 2-2 draw was marred by the sickening chants by some of the away supporters at Brisbane Road.
      Edinburgh’s son Charlie took to social media in a classy message for the “small-minded individuals”.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “To the select individuals who sung my father’s name in a vile and hurtful song at yesterday’s game, I hope you will learn that hurtful and abusive words can have a lasting effect on people.
      “Luckily, myself and my family are stronger and better than to let acts of this nature affect us.
      “Football is a wonderful game enjoyed by many, but unfortunately there will always be a small minority who will take the time out to give the beautiful game and their respective club a bad name and reputation.
      “I want to personally thank everyone who has sent wonderful messages of support to me and my family, and just to remember that these small-minded individuals will never win at anything in life.
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      “My dad’s legacy and reputation will never be forgotten and that alone outweighs any negativity or abuse.”
      Colchester, who scored in the 89th and 92nd minutes to rescue a point against the runaway League Two leaders, also released a statement to blast their own fans.
      The U’s said: “Not for the first time this season a very small minority of those in the away section have acted in a shameful manner.
      “This time making vile chants that no decent person would make and are in no way shared by Colchester United or the vast majority of Colchester United fans.
      “We will co-operate with Leyton Orient should there be any further investigations.”
      A Colchester fan group made a donation to the Justin Edinburgh Foundation, which was set up in his honour to empower people to react and equip them to step in when someone has a cardiac arrest.
      Blue White Army said: “We hope this makes a small amends for the deplorable chants by a section of our fanbase.” More

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      Watford chief Gino Pozzo must realise the SIXTEEN managers he has gone through are NOT the problem… HE IS

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      HAS it ever occurred to Gino Pozzo that the problem at Watford has not been the SIXTEEN managers he has gone through — but the man who keeps hiring and firing them?The Italian is a hands-on owner who cares passionately about the Hornets and desperate for them to be successful. That I don’t doubt.
      Chris Wilder is the latest manager to step into the Watford dug-outCredit: PA
      Gino Pozzo has gone through 16 managers at Watford
      But how on earth can you build a long-term stable club that anyone can take seriously by having a revolving door that rotates so fast you need a lay-down and some Paracetamol to stop your head spinning?
      I reckon when Pozzo re-hired Quique Sanchez Flores in 2019 it was only because he was so dizzy he forgot he had sacked him three years earlier. 
      It’s so difficult to keep up with what’s going on at Vicarage Road with the constant chopping and changing. I wonder if Pozzo can even name all 16 of them.
      For the second season in a row, they’re on to their third manager in Chris Wilder — and don’t rule out a fourth because there is still time.

      Wilder has signed a contract only until the end of the season — and I’m struggling to remember, Roy Hodgson aside, the last time a manager at that club successfully saw out at least his first contract term. That would be a good pub-quiz question.
      But If he can see out the season, Wilder could even put that on his CV: saw through a contract at Vicarage Road. That would be some achievement.
      The latest Watford boss has missed a trick by agreeing a short-term deal because the one thing all managers there can look forward to is a pay-off when they inevitably get sacked.
      Pozzo switches coaches because he believes in the so-called “new-manager bounce” which can get the team an upturn in results.
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      And he can point to the fact he successfully kept the Hornets in the Premier League for five years and that the club have been there for six out of the last seven.
      But you can only get away with that sort of model for so long, eventually it catches up with you. 
      And I fear if Watford do not win promotion this season and are not careful, they could end up going into decline. 
      It was refreshing when the Hornets appointed Rob Edwards at the start of the season, giving a bright young British manager a chance. Edwards is an extremely well-rated coach and excellent man-manager.
      But to sack him after 10 league games — of which he lost twice — was bonkers.
      He had just taken over a team that had been relegated, had a culture of losing and were in a period of transition. 
      Incidentally, in his brief time as boss, he beat all of the current top three clubs in Burnley, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.
      Had they given him time, they might be in a better position. But, even if they were not, you can let him build a team and culture at the club that will stand them in good stead for the long-term — rather than the constant quick-fixes that Pozzo seeks.
      Chris Wilder lost his first game in charge of Watford at QPR
      Rob Edwards was sacked after just 10 league games and is doing a grand job at Watford’s bitter rivals Luton
      And look at the job he is now doing at their bitter rivals Luton.
      While the Hornets are struggling to even stay in the hunt for the play-offs, the Hatters’ 1-0 win at Sheffield United consolidated their position in the top-six.
      How ironic would it be if Edwards ends up taking Luton up in the very season Watford axed him 
      Quite frankly, I don’t think the current Watford team are going to get promoted. I have not seen anything since Edwards was axed — apart from the 4-0 win against Luton in October perhaps — that suggests they are going to be a force to reckon with.
      Slaven Bilic’s stint in time was blighted by injuries. At one point he had FIFTEEN players out. I’m not quite sure what Pozzo expected the Croatian boss to achieve with that sort of casualty list? Did he think they would storm to the Championship title or something?
      On paper, there is no doubt they have the best technical group in the Championship.
      Players like Joao Pedro, Ismaila Sarr, Ken Sema and Hamza Choudhury can all be class acts.
      But for me the squad has been lacking the steel in the team that you need.
      In the Championship, you always have to win the physical battle first: win the headers and tackles, pick up those second balls, and do the dirty side of the game. You get that right and then you can let the quality attacking players do their work.
      Joao Pedro is one of the many great technical players at Watford
      Yet even their attacking prowess is under question now. Their 1-0 loss at struggling QPR on Saturday means they have not scored a goal for 282 minutes. That is a worrying stat at the best of times, never mind when you’re chasing promotion to the Premier League.
      Pozzo’s passion is his enemy. He needs to be calmer when the going gets tough and build a club that has a clear identity. When you go through so many managers, it is impossible to have that.
      The fans’ resentment towards Pozzo has grown deeper and deeper  — and once you lose the supporters you are on a hiding to nothing.
      Although he is the owner, ultimately the club belongs to the Watford fans.
      No team in the Premier League or EFL have gone through as many permanently-appointed managers than the Hornets in the past decade.
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      I was wondering the other day if any other professional football club in the world has?
      Now that sounds like another good pub-quiz question. More

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      Watch Cheltenham’s Alfie May score goal of the season contender with outrageous volley from halfway line

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      ALFIE MAY scored TWO goal of the season contenders in Cheltenham’s 3-0 thrashing of Peterborough.But one outrageous effort in particular will live long in the memory.
      Alfie May attempted an outrageous volley from miles out
      The ball looped over keeper Will Norris and into the back of the net
      May scored another superb goal after half-time in a 3-0 winCredit: Rex

      The result moved Cheltenham seven points clear of the relegation zone and dealt Darren Ferguson’s side another blow in their play-off ambitions.
      And it was May stole the show with a pair brilliant strikes.
      The best of them came completely out of the blue – a long throw down the line was flicked on to the striker, who took one touch before attempting an outrageous effort on goal.
      From just inside the Peterborough half – and all the way over on the touchline – May struck the ball perfectly on the volley.
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      His team-mates and whole crowd then watched in disbelief as it floated towards the net.
      The ball looped over Posh goalkeeper Will Norris – who had been on the edge of his box – before bouncing into the back of the net.
      Norris desperately tried to claw at it but couldn’t stop the ball crossing the line.
      And May wasn’t done there, despite scoring the goal of his life.
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      After half-time he scored another spectacular strike after smashing a loose ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
      Fans were stunned by May’s first effort and praised the hitman on social media.
      One supporter said: “That first goal is ridiculous.”
      Another added: “Take a bow son 👏🏻”
      And a third said: “It’s the best double you’ll ever see.”
      May himself was delighted with the effort, hailing it a “crazy” goal.
      He said post-match: “It’s probably a crazy goal to see — but what a feeling when it went in.
      “I didn’t really have any other options, so I thought, ‘I’m having a pop here’.
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      “I know everybody was thinking ‘what are you doing?’
      “But I got really good contact with it. That’s probably the best goal I’ll ever score.” More

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      Sky ‘getting serious’ over EFL rights offer but could lose games to BT Sport

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      SKY is ‘getting serious’ about the size of its offer for EFL coverage with the TV contracts now up for grabs.The broadcaster does not want to lose out on the prize of Championship coverage as bids go in before Thursday’s meeting.
      TV contracts are now up for grabs for EFL coverageCredit: Getty
      Sky Sports are ‘getting serious’ with the size of their offerCredit: AFP
      But the streaming specialists Viaplay and BT Sport’s new partners want a slice of the action.
      Sky is anxious not to lose subscribers, with many in the EFL community.
      Suspended Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has already been offered a more conventional new role by BT Sport as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT Sports.
      They want the ex-England star, 62, to be the face of their new venture, which includes Premier League and Champions League coverage.
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      The popular presenter was suspended from presenting the Beeb’s flagship Premier League highlights show amid an ongoing dispute with the BBC over his tweets.
      Lineker previously worked for BT Sport between 2015-2021 and has presented Match of the Day since 1999.
      He decided to step down to watch his beloved Leicester on their European journey in the Europa Conference League last season, with Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the semi-final.
      And Lineker was at the King Power Stadium today to watch the Foxes in action against Chelsea after becoming expectedly free.
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      It comes as the veteran broadcaster sparked a free speech row when he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down – meaning the show will go without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      It means the show will be highlights only and will last just 20 minutes. More

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      Bradford keeper catches ball ‘miles’ outside his own box and only gets yellow card… but fans think they know why

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      BRADFORD goalkeeper Harry Lewis caught the ball miles outside his own box this afternoon… but was NOT sent off.The stopper was in action for his side as they travelled to Newport County in League Two.
      Harry Lewis caught the ball with no one around himCredit: Sky Bet League Two via Twitter
      Lewis, 25, caught a high ball several metres outside his box in a moment of madness on 21 minutes.
      Much to Newport’s fury, the keeper was only shown a yellow card, despite his deliberate handball.
      Their official Twitter account posted: “Absolutely unbelievable.
      “Bradford keeper Harry Lewis catches a long ball miles out of his goal and only gets a yellow for it.”
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      Newport share their Rodney Parade home ground with rugby teams Dragons and Newport RFC.
      During today’s match, rugby lines were clearly visible on the pitch, and may have put Lewis off.
      Fans believe that the reason he wasn’t sent off was that he didn’t directly prevent a goalscoring opportunity with his catch.
      One wrote: “It was a yellow card as no one around him so not a goal scoring opportunity but agreed the lines aren’t acceptable at this standard.”
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      A second tweeted: “Did it stop a goal scoring opportunity? No. Move on stop crying.”
      Another disagreed: “That’s literally the worst decision I’ve ever seen a ref give in a game live.”
      But a Bradford fan responded: “You know the rules don’t you? There’s no reason for a red, it wasn’t goal scoring.”
      Newport were left even more furious 15 minutes later, when Andy Cook fired Bradford into the lead.
      They levelled on the hour mark, however, via Liam Ridehalgh’s own goal. More

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      Robbie Savage swells with pride in ‘beautiful moment’ live on TV after Man Utd star son Charlie scores first career goal

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE beamed with pride live on TV as his son Charlie scored his first career goal.The younger Savage, 19, is on the books at Manchester United.
      Robbie Savage fist pumps after Charlie’s goalCredit: BT Sport
      The former midfielder was visibly emotionalCredit: BT Sport
      Charlie has been in League One action for Forest GreenCredit: Rex
      He made one senior appearance for the Red Devils, prior to going out on loan in January.
      Savage joined up with League One side Forest Green Rovers, managed by former Prem hardman Duncan Ferguson.
      Charlie plays as a defensive midfielder, a chip off the old block in that regard.
      And in his fifth appearance for Rovers, he has managed to net his first goal.
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      Just 12 minutes into Forest Green’s clash with Bristol Rovers, Savage rifled a left-footed effort into the roof of the net.
      Dad Robbie learned of the goal while appearing on BT Sport Score.
      While viewers were being given an update from Leicester’s clash with Chelsea, Savage Sr yelped with excitement.
      Asked what had happened, Robbie beamed: “My boy scored!”
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      He threw his fists into the air in pure elation and repeated: “My boy!”
      The goal was Savage’s first senior strike in six appearances – five for Forest Green and one for Man United.
      It put his loan side 1-0 up on the day, but unfortunately the 12th minute lead didn’t last long.
      John Marquis equalised for Joey Barton’s side seven minutes later.
      And Scott Sinclair made it 2-1 to the Gas on 26 minutes.
      Savage made his Man United debut under Ralf Rangnick last season, coming on for the final minute of a 1-1 Champions League draw with Young Boys at Old Trafford.
      He was also an unused substitute in their final Prem game of last term.
      Prior to joining Forest Green he had been limited to United’s Under-21s side this season – playing 13 times in the PL2 and four games in the EFL Trophy.
      Savage, 19, has made one senior appearance for Man UnitedCredit: AFP More