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      EFL confirm Championship, League One and League Two to return from tomorrow after postponement following Queen’s death

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      THE EFL have confirmed that its fixture schedule will resume from tomorrow following the death of The Queen.The Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday – marking an end to her historic reign and making her son, Charles, King.
      The EFL have confirmed that its fixtures will resume from TuesdayCredit: EFL
      The Championship, League One and Two is returning tomorrowCredit: Rex
      The Premier League and EFL postponed all matches last weekend as Scotland followed suit along with a host of other sporting events to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
      Now the EFL have announced that its midweek fixture list will go ahead as planned.
      A statement read: “The EFL fixture programme will return as scheduled from Tuesday 13 September, with tributes to be paid to Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at grounds around the country.
      “A minute’s silence will be held before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags to be flown at half-mast and the National Anthem to be played in stadiums.
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      “With a national policing plan now in operation, the League and Clubs will continue to work with forces in respect of any challenges that may emerge regarding policing of specific fixtures.
      “Consideration to individual circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis, in line with standard match Safety Advisory Group (SAG) protocols.”
      Meanwhile, football chiefs and police are continuing talks today over a number of potential match postponements for this coming weekend.
      The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has been confirmed for Monday 19 September in London.
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      A host of police officers from across the country are set to be drafted into London to work on it and the other events surrounding the send-off with millions of mourners due to descend on the capital.
      As we reported last week, that means that Sunday’s Premier League games between Brentford and Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and Manchester United vs Leeds are among those being discussed about being postponed or moved.
      Up in Scotland, Rangers’ Champions League fixture at home to Napoli has been delayed for 24 hours and away supporters have been banned.
      SunSport understands that England’s representatives in Uefa’s competitions this midweek will not be affected, with Arsenal’s Europa League clash in North London against PSV on Thursday still scheduled to go ahead.
      But talks are still ongoing regarding the domestic top-flight clashes for next weekend.
      Switching games to the opposition’s venue has already been discussed, but they have also hit major roadblocks.
      For example, Liverpool’s neighbours Everton are also playing at home on Sunday, meaning Chelsea switching their game to Anfield is highly unlikely.
      Meanwhile, a huge police presence is expected at Old Trafford for the game between heated rivals United and Leeds, which would also stretch resources.
      And EFL fixtures are also at risk in and around London with Millwall, QPR and Watford due to be hosting matches.
      But officials are still “hopeful” that a positive conclusion could be reached.
      A National Police Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing.
      “This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”
      More to follow… More

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      EFL postpone Friday night fixtures between Burnley vs Norwich and Tranmere vs Stockport after death of The Queen

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      THE EFL have confirmed that today’s fixtures have been postponed as British sport pauses following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.The Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday – marking an end to her historic reign and making her son, Charles, King.
      Burnley’s Championship clash at home to Norwich has been postponedCredit: Getty
      Her Majesty the Queen passed away aged 96 on ThursdayCredit: Splash
      Charles, who will now be known as King Charles III, gave a sombre statement as he led the nation in mourning last night.
      Day Two of the cricket test match between England and South Africa at The Oval was cancelled as the country mourned the loss of its monarch.

      The Queen’s passing comes as…

      The Queen’s beloved horse racing was also stopped – with last night’s meetings at Southwell and Chelmsford both being abandoned.
      The EFL then announced last night that they have postponed the two scheduled fixtures for this evening.
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      A statement read: “As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II earlier today, the EFL has confirmed that its fixtures scheduled for tomorrow evening Friday 9 September – Burnley v Norwich City and Tranmere Rovers v Stockport County – have been postponed.
      “A determination regarding the remainder of this weekend’s scheduled fixtures will be made following a review of the official mourning guidance, in addition to further consultation with DCMS and other sports on Friday morning.”
      The governing body and Premier League chiefs will make an announcement this morning on whether this weekend’s games are cancelled.
      While the Government is not planning to enforce a shutdown in sport, Prem chiefs are aware of a potential backlash if they play the weekend’s matches as scheduled and a meeting has been called for 11am this morning.
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      Its chief executive Richard Masters is said to have told clubs that they will have to make their own decisions regarding games, with government guidance not “definitive”.
      But an announcement confirming that all fixtures this weekend are postponed is expected.
      A factor is the potential drain on police resources as towns and cities up and down the land pay tribute to The Queen after her 70-year reign.
      A final call will be made by lunchtime with Prem chiefs aware that clubs will be setting off for overnight stays ahead of tomorrow’s games and that fans also will need to know if they are travelling.
      But while there will be no Government action to block sports fixtures from taking place, football, rugby and racing in particular are thought to be leaning towards postponements.
      Matches are still likely to take place over the coming 10 days after this weekend although sports bodies will be expected to mark the passing of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
      That will see fans and players asked to respect one minute silences before games, the national Anthem also to be played and black armbands worn.
      If the weekend’s football matches are called off it will be a break with precedent from the last time a monarch died in the middle of the football season.
      Man Utd and Real Sociedad’s players held a minute’s silence after the death of The Queen last nightCredit: Reuters
      A full Football League fixture list, including the North London Derby between Spurs and Arsenal, took place on Saturday February 9 1952, three days after the death of King George VI.
      The Government has contacted sports bodies to make it clear they have the final say on whether fixtures should be played – with a green light if there are suitable marks of respect paid.
      European games involving Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham all went ahead yesterday.
      A minute’s silence was held before United and West Ham played, while players also work black armbands in tribute to The Queen.
      Ministers accepted that it would not have been feasible for the games at Old Trafford and the London Stadium to have been postponed when thousands of fans were already at the ground when the confirmation of The Queen’s death came last night.
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      There was also a minute’s silence during Arsenal’s match against FC Zurich in Switzerland after the news broke during the game.
      But it is expected that no sporting events will take place during the Queen’s funeral parade and service, expected to be on Monday September 18, although any night matches would be allowed to get ahead More

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      Football fans left stunned after non-league Chippenham awarded ‘shocking’ penalty against Oxford City

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      FANS of Oxford City FC have been left stunned after rivals Chippenham Town were awarded a controversial late penalty. And The Hoops shared a clip of the penalty on their social media to highlight the refereeing call.

      An Oxford City defender gets back to clear the ball off the lineCredit: Twitter
      The Chippenham Town attacker who was pressing the ball follows through and gets tripped up by the defender after the ball has already been clearedCredit: Twitter
      The referee awarded a penalty to the dismay of OxfordCredit: Twitter
      A poor header back towards goal was latched onto by a Chippenham attacker, who then proceeded to lob the ball over the goalkeeper.
      But a defender managed to make a heroic sliding clearance off the line to prevent a goal, taking the onrushing attacker out with it.
      However, City were left perplexed when a penalty was awarded against them for a seemingly clean tackle.
      Jordan Young subsequently converted the 98th-minute penalty to hand Oxford their second defeat on the spin in the National League South.
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      Oxford manager Ross Jenkins was also critical of the decision on Oxford City’s YouTube channel.
      He said: “Yeah it wasn’t just out angle, it was the whole stadium’s angle. It was all sides of the stadium that saw it wasn’t a penalty.
      “It was an error from us to head it backwards, we accept that, but then we’ve done so well to recover and clear it off the line.
      “You can clearly see our player has nicked the ball first and their players followed through and gone over the top of him.
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      “I’m not quite sure what the referee saw, but it’s not good enough because it’s cost us points tonight… it’s really disappointing and a big error on the ref’s part.”
      Fans on social media echoed this sentiment.
      One user said: “No pen, great defending,” while a second described it as: “shocking.”
      Another added: “If that is a penalty I’m a polar bear.”
      Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey even weighed in on the debate.
      He said: “Imo (in my opinion) no one would have complained if the referee had just played on.”
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      It comes amid a weekend of controversial decisions in the Premier League despite the assistance of VAR.
      Referee governing body PGMOL even admitted decisions which went against West Ham and Newcastle in their respective games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace would be reviewed after heavy criticism. More

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      Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink RESIGNS as Burton manager just hours after Sky Sports appearance

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      CHELSEA legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has resigned as Burton Albion manager.The former striker took over at the Pirelli Stadium for his second stint as boss in January 2021, guiding them to safety that season and then to 16th in 2021-22.
      Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has quit his role as Burton manager after a horror start to League OneCredit: Getty
      But the former QPR and Northampton boss has endured a nightmare start to the new campaign with just one point from Burton’s seven games.
      That came in a 4-4 draw with Accrington Stanley in August.
      They lost 2-1 away at Oxford on Saturday, taking their tally to a whopping 20 goals conceded already.
      Therefore the Brewers sit bottom of League One with a goal difference of -12.
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      And the East Midlands side are already six points from safety.
      Burton lost in the first round of the Carabao Cup to Rochdale but did get their only win of the campaign in a 4-2 victory over Leicester’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
      Now the 23-cap Dutch international Hasselbaink has walked away before he is sacked.
      He said: “I have taken the club as far as I can with the limited resources available and it is time for someone else to come in and inject some new energy.
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      “I would like to thank the fans, and everyone associated with the club, including the Chairman, and to wish them all the best in the future.”
      Chairman Ben Robinson said: “I have enjoyed working with Jimmy who is an inspirational coach and I understand and respect his decision to move on.
      “I want to thank him for the success he brought to the club both on and off the field and I wish him well with his future career.”
      Assistant manager Dino Maamria will take interim charge of the Brewers
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      The news comes just hours after ex-Leeds and Middlesbrough star Hasselbaink was a pundit on Super Sunday for the Premier League action at Brighton and Manchester United.
      During his analysis, he warned Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta that he is not convinced by Gabriel Jesus as an out-and-out striker – despite the £45million Brazilian’s superb start for the Gunners.
      Hasselbaink, who scored 87 goals in 177 Chelsea appearances, said: “He’s come in [and scored] three goals, made chances, made others around him play better.
      “I’m still not convinced he will be 20 goals a season because if he was that then why did he not do that at Man City in a better team?
      “I think he had enough opportunities [at Man City]. He is not somebody that scores goals out and out and out.
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      “He’s somebody that loves scoring goals and likes to link up, he’s been brilliant at it, very strong, holding the ball up.
      “He’s got three goals in five matches – which is brilliant – but you expect him to score more goals. He’s a great signing.” More

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      Lucky football punter scoops £63,000 from £5 bet thanks to FOUR last-minute goals in amazing turnaround

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      A LUCKY football punter turned £5 into £63,000 on Saturday thanks to four late goals in the National League.The Ladbrokes punter had backed Over 2.5 Goals/Over 3.5 Goals/Over 1.5 Goals in no less than 18 matches across the National League, National League North and National League South.
      Effiong scored the winning goal for AldershotCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun

      And while 15 of those games landed with relative ease, the customer was incredibly lucky with the remaining three.
      The clash between Aldershot and Barnet looked as though the points were to be shared with the score at 1-1 until Inih Effiong scored in the 90th minute to put Aldershot ahead.
      The hosts then went on to extend their lead to 3-1 before the full-time whistle.
      Elsewhere, Chippenham Town’s Jordan Young found a last-gasp winner against Dartford in the 92nd minute to keep the bet alive.
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      And Slough Town earned all three points against Hampton and Richmond courtesy of a 90th minute winner from Imran Kayani.
      The lucky punter landed a whopping £62,896.69 in what has been dubbed “one of the most dramatic bets of the season” when Kayani’s decisive goal hit the back of the net.
      Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Our plucky punter has shown there’s value in the lower leagues, landing a whopping acca at odds of over 12,500/1 in what has to go down as one of the most dramatic bets we’ll likely see this season.
      “We can only assume some of the winnings will be spent on a Slough Town shirt with Imran Kayani’s name on the back!”
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      Stoke appoint Alex Neil as new boss from Sunderland despite only signing new deal on improved terms earlier this month

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      SUNDERLAND have confirmed Alex Neil has left the club to take over as Stoke manager.The Scot, 41, was only appointed Black Cats boss in February and led the club to promotion from League One last season.
      Alex Neil has joined Stoke after guiding Sunderland to promotion last seasonCredit: PA
      Stoke sacked Michael O’Neill this weekCredit: PA
      He guided Sunderland through the play-offs to beat Wycombe at Wembley for a place in the Championship.
      But after a promising start to the new campaign, which included a win over Stoke, Neil has departed to take over at the bet365 stadium.
      He replaces former Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill following his sacking this week.
      Sunderland released a statement that reads: “Sunderland AFC can confirm that Alex Neil has joined Stoke City with immediate effect.
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      “The 41-year-old expressed his desire to leave the Club on Friday morning despite signing an improved contract at the Stadium of Light earlier this month.
      “SAFC made an immediate offer to further significantly enhance Neil’s terms on Friday afternoon, but he declined this proposal to remain on Wearside and reiterated his desire to leave the Club.
      “He has now finalised a move to the bet365 stadium and the process to appoint a new Head Coach is underway.”
      Sunderland are now on the lookout for a new manager with Sean Dyche, Tony Mowbray and Duncan Ferguson amongst the early frontrunners for the role.
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      Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “First and foremost, we want to thank Alex for his contribution to Sunderland AFC.
      “The impact he made is clear and he played an integral role in our promotion last season.
      “Despite signing revised terms earlier this month and receiving an offer to further improve his contract on Friday, Alex felt this was an opportunity that he wanted to pursue.
      “We are extremely disappointed by his departure, but we ultimately respect his decision and we wish him well. The process to appoint a new Head Coach is underway and we will provide a further update to our supporters shortly.” More

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      Newcastle, Leeds and Brighton breeze through in Carabao Cup second-round as Premier League sides avoid slip-ups

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      LEEDS and Newcastle cruised into the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.The duo were joined by fellow Premier League side Brighton.
      Leeds booked their place in the Carabao Cup third round with a 3-1 win over BarnsleyCredit: PA
      Newcastle came from behind to beat Tranmere 2-1Credit: Rex
      And Championship outfit Bristol City became the final team to make it through before all four discovered their fate in the draw.
      Leeds made light work of Barnsley at Elland Road in a 3-1 win.
      New signing Luis Sinisterra put Jesse Marsch’s men ahead before Mateusz Klich’s penalty made it 2-0.
      Mads Juel Andersen pulled one back for Barnsley moments later.
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      But Klich made sure of the final result with another goal in the second half.
      Meanwhile, Newcastle had to come from behind to beat Tranmere away 2-1.
      The hosts took the lead in the first half thanks to Elliott Nevitt’s strike.
      But Jamaal Lascelles’ equaliser levelled the scores before the break.
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      Carabao Cup third round drawThe full draw for the Carabao Cup third round…

      Leicester vs Newport

      West Ham vs Blackburn

      Wolves vs Leeds

      Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

      Man United vs Aston Villa

      Bournemouth vs Everton

      Liverpool vs Derby

      Burnley vs Crawley

      Bristol City vs Lincoln

      Man City vs Chelsea

      Stevenage vs Charlton

      MK Dons vs Morecambe

      Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

      Southampton vs Sheffield Weds

      Arsenal vs Brighton

      Brentford vs Gillingham

      And Chris Wood’s second-half effort sealed the win for Eddie Howe’s side.
      As for Brighton, they emerged 3-0 victors away at Forest Green.
      First-half goals from Deniz Undav and Steven Alzate put the Seagulls in control.
      And Evan Ferguson’s injury-time strike made it a handsome win for Graham Potter.
      Brighton made light work of Forest Green in a 3-0 winCredit: Reuters
      Bristol City defeated Wycombe Wanderers 3-1Credit: Getty
      Finally, Bristol City left it late to beat Wycombe Wanderers 3-1 away from home.
      The visitors went ahead early on through Dylan Kadji, but Wycombe found an equaliser quickly in the second half.
      Kane Wilson’s 77th minute effort broke the deadlock in City’s favour.
      And Antoine Semenyo struck at the death to wrap up the win for the Championship side.
      After the games, the draw for the Carabao Cup third round was made.
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      Leeds face a trip to Wolves, while Newcastle host Crystal Palace.
      Brighton have a tough visit to Arsenal, and Bristol City will welcome Lincoln. More

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      MK Dons coach Lewis Price diagnosed with testicular cancer and set for indefinite amount of time off as club pay tribute

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      MK DONS goalkeeping coach Lewis Price has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.The 38-year-old former shot-stopper, who played for the likes of Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Rotherham, is set to take an indefinite time away from the League One club while he receives treatment.
      Keeper coach Price was on the bench for MK Dons’ game at the weekendCredit: KIPAX
      He spent the final four years of his playing career at RotherhamCredit: Getty
      A statement from MK Dons read: “MK Dons can confirm Goalkeeper Coach Lewis Price is currently battling testicular cancer.
      “Lewis, 38, will soon undergo a course of treatment, which will keep him away from the Football Club for a period of time.
      “Get well soon, Pricey. We are all with you!”
      It was accompanied by a message from manager Liam Manning, sporting director Liam Sweeting and performance director Simon Crampton.
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      They said: “The full support of everybody at the Football Club is with Lewis and his family and we will do everything we can to help them through this challenging time.”Lewis will have all the time he needs to recover and work his way back to a stage of full health, and we, as a Club, will do everything we can to help with that.
      “I know the MK Dons family will be right behind Lewis throughout his recovery but we ask that during this time, everyone respects his and his family’s privacy.”
      MK Dons supporters poured in with their tributes to Price as they wished him all the best with his treatment.
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      And a host of Premier League and fellow EFL clubs were also quick to send in their messages of support on social media.
      Bournemouth said: “We’re so sorry to hear this news. The thoughts of everyone at #afcb are with Lewis and we wish him a speedy recovery ❤️.”
      Derby added: “Everyone at #DCFC is wishing you all the very best in your recovery, Lewis 🖤.”
      Burton said: “Best wishes from everyone at Burton Albion, Lewis. 💛🖤”
      While Championship outfit West Brom added: “All of us at Albion are with you, Lewis. 💙”
      Price is set for an indefinite time away from footballCredit: Getty More