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      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte demand Carabao Cup second-legs are SCRAPPED amid fixture pile-up and Covid chaos

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      JURGEN Klopp and Antonio Conte have called for their Carabao Cup semi-finals to be cut to just one leg. Liverpool battled into the last four after an exhausting 3-3 draw with Leicester and penalty shootout win.
      Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool’s win over LeicesterCredit: Rex
      Tottenham meanwhile, booked their place by beating London rivals West Ham.
      They are now set to face Chelsea over two legs in another derby at the start of January, while Liverpool will play Arsenal, with a week separating both ties.
      Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp said: “I think it would be better with one game absolutely, but obviously what I say is not too important.
      “If there are two games, then we will play two games. But it would be helpful if there was only one, true.
      “The draw has us at Arsenal, I’m fine with that, we play there and see who is better and go for it.
      “I don’t just speak about player welfare this year, I have been speaking about it for six years or maybe longer.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      “If the things I say would help more, I would say it much more often. But it doesn’t help.
      “The only thing I do with these messages is I create headlines. They never arrive at the right places.
      “Tomorrow we have a meeting at 4pm but it’s with the Premier League and not with the EFL, I’m not sure if they are involved or not.
      “I said it before, I would prefer only one semi-final. But I can’t see any kind of changes actually.”
      Tottenham’s Conte had a similar view, and said: “Honestly if I have to decide, maybe it would be to play one game and not two games.
      “Especially for the situation we are living. But we have to respect the rules.”
      Antonio Conte during Spurs’ 2-1 win over West HamCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Charlie Patino breaks silence after record-breaking goal in Arsenal in 5-1 win as fans go wild for new starlet

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      ARSENAL youngster Charlie Patino has broken his silence after his record-breaking debut goal against Sunderland.The 18-year-old came on with 10 minutes to go in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and scored in the dying stages to make it 5-1 to the Gunners.
      Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino has spoken out after his debut goal for the GunnersCredit: Reuters
      Nicolas Pepe slid a ball across the box in the second minute of stoppage time and Patino turned it into the bottom corner with his left foot.
      Mikel Arteta described it as a ‘beautiful day’ for the midfielder and his family. But the strike also broke a bizarre record.
      At squad No 87, Patino became the highest squad number ever to score for the North Londoners – beating Bukayo Saka’s previous record when he played No 77.
      After the game, Patino took to Instagram to share his joy.
      He posted a picture of himself celebrating and wrote: “The best day of my life and an early Christmas present.
      “Thanks to all the fans for their amazing support! What a night.”
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      Mikel Arteta hailed Patino after a ‘beautiful’ day for himCredit: Getty
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      Patino also became the 886th player ever to represent the Gunners when he came off the bench.
      Gooners were loving it in the comments.
      Hundreds wrote ‘congratulations bro’.
      And several called for him to start the next game.
      Speaking after his team’s win, Arteta remained coy about Patino’s first team opportunities in the short term.
      The Spaniard said: “Charlie is with us more and more in training sessions, yesterday was his first competitive match which was a beautiful day for him and everybody involved in the club.
      “And we’ll go slowly from there.
      “If we need him, we’ll use him.
      “If the numbers are quiet and we have to throw him in there, we believe he’s ready.
      “And he’s making the right steps. We’re really happy with where we are.”
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs
      It was another great day for Arsenal’s Hale End academy and Arteta is thrilled with the work the club’s youth staff are doing.
      He added: “I am delighted but that is down to all the work that has been in the academy and at the club over many years and this is the fruit of that work.
      “Now it is about finding the right moments too give opportunities to these kids and finding the space in the squad to be able to do that.”
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      in Soccer

      Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goals for Fulham have led to him becoming a work of art after being painted by David Roman

      by

      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC will soon be able to open an art gallery if he keeps dominating the Championship.The Fulham striker has been voted the PFA Vertu Motors fans’ player of the month in English football’s second tier for a THIRD month in a row.
      Artist David Roman did this painting of Aleksandar Mitrovic after he won the PFA fans’ award for October
      Mitrovic with one of Roman’s paintings
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      And – as part of the special awards – the winners each pick up a beautiful painting of themselves, depicting one of their month’s highlights
      Birmingham-based Romanian artist David Roman, 30, was commissioned to get his acrylics out at the start of this season.
      He said: “The PFA and the sponsors Vertu Motors were looking for a sports artist to do custom-made artwork that would be presented with a trophy each month.
      “A researcher got in touch and we talked about the idea and it was aligned with what I wanted to do.
      “It’s about working with pro athletes and champions as well as creating exciting art.”
      It is hoped the memorabilia will help raise awareness of the PFA awards beyond its traditional audience.
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      Roman invited us to his studio to see him at work on this month’s winners.
      Liverpool’s Diogo Jota won the Premier League gong for November while Burton’s Daniel Jebbison won in League One and Jamille Matt of Forest Green was victorious in League Two.
      Arsenal’s Beth Mead lifted the monthly award in the Women’s Super League.
      David said: “I do a portrait of each player, usually with the athlete moving rather than just the face.
      “What I look for is whether they’re in a flow or one of those winning moments where you can feel the energy at that time. 
      “It must be either at that moment or just after when they’ve very happy. The art must be driven by emotion.”
      Roman and the PFA select the moments they feel work best for a painting from shortlisted photos provided by picture agency Getty Images. 
      Roman invited SunSport into his studio
      He said: “The paintings are done in my personal way, which is with acrylics and I’ve developed a textured multi-layered style which is a result of me chasing how to capture best the movement and energy. 
      “It’s all done with newer materials, is experimental and heavily textured. I paint them on wood panels which are all A3 size.
      “I work on all five at the same time at different stages – and am so relentless. I only have one week to turn it around – so it’s intense.
      “Obviously I’d prefer to work a little slower. It sometimes takes a week to do one of my own paintings – but I don’t have that luxury.
      “But I’ve been pleased with the results.”
      Roman’s favourite painting so far was of Liverpool’s Mo Salah – a personal labour of love because he is a huge Reds fan.
      Roman’s work on the winners of the latest awards this monthCredit: Dave Pinegar
      But he revealed his most challenging was when Mitrovic won the October gong.
      He said: “Aleksandar was shouting with joy. You could see his smile but it was from a lower angle so his teeth were showing. They were difficult to get accurate.
      “I spent a whole day working just on his face.”
      Roman hopes that his own hero Salah and other players enjoy the paintings and even find somewhere at home to hang them.
      He said: “I’ve had good feedback from players, who have shared the art on their social media. 
      “It’s great to get a trophy but getting a piece of art recording an emotional moment just makes it extra special.”
      For more information about David Roman’s art, visit www.davidromanart.com
      HE’S JUST THE JOB
      JOHNNIE JACKSON’S appointment as Charlton boss could be proof that if something isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
      The Addicks legend had been doing an excellent job as assistant to Lee Bowyer and probably should have got the nod in the first place.
      Johnnie Jackson’s superb work as Charlton caretaker landed him the manager’s jobCredit: PA
      Nigel Adkins could not fire up Charlton this season but, with the same set of players, Jackson has won nine of his 14 games in charge.
      Now they just need to make their ultimate legend Alan Curbishley director of football and they will have the perfect combination.
      IT’S JUST THE JAB
      EFL footballers need to come to their senses and get vaccinated.
      It is staggering that a quarter of players across the Championship, League One and League Two have no intention of getting jabbed
      EFL VACCINATED PLAYERSIN THE EFL..
      59% of players are double jabbed
      10% of players single jabbed
      6% of players intending to get a jab
      25% of players not intending to get vaccinated
      (Figures correct of December 17, 2021)

      Of course, there will be players who have genuine concerns about their health. But, seriously, one in four footballers should not have any serious worries at all.
      Maybe if these footballers actually spoke to families of those who have lost loved ones to Covid, they might understand the real impact of this wretched virus.
      Getting jabbed is the sensible thing to do – so every footballer who has stated they don’t want to get jabbed should delve into their conscience and do the right thing. More

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      Swansea top scorer Joel Piroe getting striking tips from girlfriend Naomi… who’s firing them in for PSV

      by

      JOEL PIROE has revealed he gets tips on how to score goals and wreak havoc up front with Swansea from a leading expert… his GIRLFRIEND.Piroe’s better half Naomi Pattiwael happens to be a striker herself – playing for the PSV Eindhoven women’s team.
      Joel Piroe gets some of his best goalscoring tips from his footballer girlfriend Naomi Pattiwael
      Piroe is not just in love with his girlfriend but Swansea City after a wonderful start to the season
      And it has certainly paid dividends for the Swansea ace, who has now netted 10 goals in 14 starts.
      The couple met while they were both coming through the youth ranks at PSV.
      Piroe told SunSport: “We went to the same school doing our education together while we were at PSG.
      “The two of us train together in the summer to get ready for the new season. 
      “We’re always giving each other advice. We watch each other’s games and she will often ask me why I made a particular decision and how maybe I could’ve done something better.
      “The two of us are always talking about football because Naomi knows about it very well. She is a great player and it’s a good thing that we can help each other.” 
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      Naomi Pattiwael is a decent striker in Holland for PSV’s women’s team
      Loved-up couple Joel Piroe and Naomi Pattiwael enjoy the coastal scenes around Swansea
      Joel Piroe hopes it will be a Merry Christmas for him, his girlfriend and Swansea
      But one man who helped Piroe more than any other was someone else who knows a thing or two about scoring goals – Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
      The Dutch master is manager of PSV’s reserve side.
      Piroe said: “He helped me a lot. Of course, he has so much experience at the very highest level – and always try to see the same situations as him when I’m playing a game.
      “I always think about what he would do.
      “He really helped me make quick decisions and understand the importance of being in the right place at the right time to score. 
      “Ruud was so deadly but he wasn’t a striker who just stood there – he used to move around very well to get into the right positions to finish coolly.
      “He advised me on a lot of things but the most valuable was how to take penalties. He had a good method for it.
      “The art of taking a good penalty is having confidence. You never know what pressure will be on the kick so you just need to have a clear head and confidence in what you want to do.
      “If you do that, I don’t think any keeper will be able to save it.
      “I’m of course not at the same level right now as Ruud Van Nistelrooy but I hope to be at that level in the future.” 
      Piroe was confident he could do the business in British football when he moved to South Wales in the summer – but even he did not anticipate hitting the ground running as well as he has done.
      The Dutchman said: “It couldn’t have gone much better. I’ve settled quickly. It’s been a wonderful start to my career in the UK.
      “I was always confident I’d do well here. I felt as though I was well prepared although I didn’t expect to score as many goals as I have done and the start I’ve had.
      “Scoring on my debut helped and my team-mates and coaching staff here have helped me so much.” 
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET 20/1 ON ONE OR MORE SHOTS ON TARGET FOR EITHER TEAM IN TOTTENHAM VS LIVERPOOL
      Swansea striker Joel Piroe has hit the ground running with 11 Championship goals so far
      While he is enjoying his football, Piroe has found living alone in South Wales the biggest challenge – as he now has to cook, clean and iron himself!
      And the striker revealed he hates cooking.
      He said: “My mum used to do all that stuff but now I’ve had to learn to do all this myself.
      “I don’t like cooking. I just feel it’s a waste of time for me.
      “Most of the time I roast chicken in the oven and make myself some rice with different spices.
      “But cooking is so time consuming. If I cook for over half an hour or an hour, it seems a lot of work when you eat it in less than 15 minutes!
      “Obviously I can’t order takeaways because they are not healthy but the chef at Swansea does box some food up for me to take home, which is great.”
      Piroe will have to wait to add to his impressive scoring tally after Swansea’s game against QPR this weekend was called off after a Covid outbreak in the Londoners’ camp.
      The Swans were hoping to end a three-match losing streak that has seen them slip away from the play-off contenders.
      Piroe said: “We’ve been making too many unforced errors – especially when we get a bit tired.
      “That is the main thing we’ve got to improve and focus on.
      “It does become an issue when you’re playing three games a week. It consumes a lot from you but we’ve got to find a way to stay switched on.
      “I believe this team can break into the play-off places. We have everything to make it possible.” More

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      Premier League clubs CANCEL Christmas parties with players instead going out in small groups amid Omicron Covid surge

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been cancelling their Christmas parties.The majority of them were due to be held last week with the exception of the teams playing European football.
      Charlton Athletic stars enjoyed their Christmas party but Prem stars aren’t getting oneCredit: Instagram
      Instead, Prem players are generally going out in groups of three and four.
      In the EFL, some clubs have carried on staging their parties while others have scrapped them.
      Some players have lied to their clubs by insisting the parties have been scrapped — and carried on boozing in any case.
      Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is a favourite location.
      Charlton’s Ben Watson wins the award for the best fancy dress. He went as fellow redhead Steve Sidwell in full Chelsea kit.
      Another Addicks player dressed as Kim Jong-un.
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      ADAM LALLANA, Martin O’Neill and Tony Woodcock head the list of stars behind 360 Sports TV — the first dedicated streaming platform for sport documentaries.
      With over 300 hours of content, the subscription-based service also has rugby heavyweights Kyle Sinckler, Jack Clifford and Michael Young on board alongside Lallana.
      It is the brainchild of ex-Channel 4 presenter John Warrington.
      He told SunSport: “We are delivering the stories behind the passion — unlike Netflix/Amazon, who only invest in major names and ignore the real stories.”
      New films in the pipeline include Local Heroes — a doc featuring Nottingham-born Woodcock, Viv Anderson and Garry Birtles’ glory years under Brian Clough at Forest.
      Ex-Bradford midfielder Jamie Lawrence’s book From Prison to Premiership will be adapted, as will Corie Mapp’s incredible real-life Cool Runnings story.
      Every Premier League club’s most-affordable season ticket, ranked from most to least expensive
      FORMER Bristol Rovers director of football Tommy Widdrington is now manager of National League strugglers King’s Lynn.
      But there was no time for celebrating a 2-1 win over Dover in his first game on Saturday as he rushed off to find a TV to watch his son Kai, a professional dancer, compete in the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing.
      Kai Widdrington is through to the final with partner AJ Odudu.

      UEFA suffered a nightmare by cocking up the Champions League draw.
      And Scottish League Two side Stenhousemuir certainly thought it was funny by announcing: “We’re pleased, and confused, to announce we’ve been drawn away to Real Madrid in the last Champions League round of 16.”

      BT SPORT are sweating over Manchester United’s lunchtime kick-off with Brighton on Saturday after a Covid outbreak in the Red Devils camp.
      If the game is postponed, there will be no games moved to that slot and BT would screen the game when it is rescheduled for a midweek date.
      Last season six televised games were postponed and were screened again at a later date.
      Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick hopes his side can play on SaturdayCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

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      Watch as Fleetwood vs Bolton bizarrely interrupted by a DUCK as feathery pitch invader stops play in League One clash

      by

      A DUCK bizarrely interrupted Fleetwood’s game with Bolton after invading the pitch. The League One clash was stopped in full flight just before half-time, with the bird waddling on near the corner looking for a puddle as Bolton waited to take a defensive throw-in.
      A duck trotted his way on to the pitch during Fleetwood vs BoltonCredit: Sky Sports
      The bird waddled around in the corner of the pitch as the rain poured down in LancashireCredit: Sky Sports

      It is understood the bird was keen to play on the wing.
      But a brave member of the ground staff collected the invader and escorted it away to safety, with the advertising hoardings moved for the duck to exit stage left.
      Thankfully, EFL beaks are unlikely to press charges against the trespassing offender.
      Fleetwood tweeted: “45+2’ Play stops as there is a pitch invader.
      “It’s only a duck and won’t be getting banned, though.
      “It’s carefully removed by one of the ground staff and play continues.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Bolton said: “Play has just resumed following a brief pause whilst a couple of members of staff prevented a duck from entering play.”
      Specsavers joined in the fun and replied: “Wonder if the fine for entering the pitch will be added to its bill.”
      Another wrote: “Got to be a fowl.”
      A third added: “Give it a Bolton shirt. Probably do a better job.”
      And with the rain pouring down and the Fleetwood duck needing a Mac, a final user joked: “Perfect weather for them. I’d give it a pair of boots and stick it upfront for us.”
      Fleetwood led the Trotters 1-0 at the time, thanks to an early quacker from Gerard Garner, before going on to win 3-0. More

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      Marvin Morgan dead at 38: Tributes paid to former Plymouth and Shrewsbury striker who became fashion designer

      by

      FORMER Plymouth and Shrewsbury player Marvin Morgan has sadly passed away aged 38. The ex-striker was also known for his fashion label Fresh Ego Kid, worn by several sporting stars.
      Ex-Shrewsbury player Marvin Morgan has sadly passed away aged 38Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      Marvin Morgan created the Fresh Ego Kid fashion lineCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
      Morgan’s old clubs and team-mates paid tribute to the sad news of his death.
      Shrewsbury tweeted: “Shrewsbury Town Football Club is deeply saddened to receive news that Marvin Morgan has tragically passed away aged just 38.
      “The Club would like to send our most sincere condolences to his friends and family. Rest in Peace, Marvin.”
      Wealdstone posted: “Wealdstone FC are incredibly saddened to hear the news that former player Marvin Morgan has passed away.
      “Marvin was the club’s youngest ever goalscorer and his infectious personality made him a very popular figure to all that knew him.”
      During Morgan’s career, he played as high as League One for Shrewsbury and Dagenham & Redbridge.
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      He made 104 appearances for Aldershot, scoring 30 times during his three years with the club.
      The club tweeted: “Aldershot Town Football Club is deeply saddened to hear that former player Marvin Morgan has passed away at just 38 years old.
      “The Club would like to send our most sincere condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Marvin.”
      Current Shrewsbury midfielder Elliott Bennett said: “Taken too soon. Rest in beautiful peace Marvin.
      “My deepest condolences to his young family and friends.”
      Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku wrote: “This is some s*** news man… RIP my brother you will be missed.”
      West Ham’s Declan Rice posted: “One of the most clean hearted, happy, loving person you could meet! Totally shocked, RIP @MarvinNMorgan.”
      In 2011, while still playing, Morgan set up the streetwear fashion brand Fresh Ego Kid, which has been worn by Dele Alli, Anthony Joshua and Romelu Lukaku.
      Comedian Mo Gilligan was among those to also pay tribute to Morgan.
      Marvin Morgan playing against Arsenal in 2011Credit: PA:Press Association
      Gilligan tweeted: I’m so hurt man Marvin was one of the kindest, coolest souls and a joy to be around.
      “You’re going to missed my bro. Sending my condolences to his family during this difficult time.
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      “Nah man Marvin was one of the best uno, everytime I gave him tickets for show etc he always said he would pay & would also support and honestly was one of the the utmost best people he really brought people together.
      “I’m so sad right now I can’t even lie. RIP Marvin Morgan.”
      Rapper Yungen posted: “Can’t believe what I’m seeing… RIP Marvin Morgan..
      “You always showed me the most love and support on my come up. Im in shock.”
      Fresh Ego Kid was set up in 2011Credit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Marco Silva’s Fulham are favourites for promotion back to Premier League – and this time they can stay up

      by

      MARCO SILVA has hit gold with Fulham – but is he the man to stop them being the ultimate yo-yo club?His Championship leaders will surely be playing Premier League football next season.
      Marco SIlva has made an instant impact at Craven Cottage since replacing Scott Parker (right)
      Friday’s top-of-the-table clash against Bournemouth was a great advert for English football’s second tier.
      And it is most likely the Cherries will be there too – despite now not having won in four matches.
      Fulham are the best team in the division by a mile.
      Although they needed a late goal from Tosin Adarabioyo, the Cottagers were the better team against their nearest rivals.
      But if they are plying their trade in the Premier League next season, it will be the sixth season in a row they will have been to-ing and fro-ing between the two divisions.
      It has been one hell of a rollercoaster ride – two play-off wins, two miserable relegations.
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      FREE BETS: GET THE LATEST BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      This season I expect them to win the Championship but will next season be a better Prem campaign than the previous two?
      Yet the consensus on the north side of Putney Bridge is that Silva has been building something different since he took charge in the summer.
      It is fascinating Neeskens Kebano, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jean Michael Seri – all snubbed by Scott Parker last season in the Premier League – are their star players this time round.
      Mitrovic has been accused of being a flat-track bully who is too good for the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League.
      His goals tally comparison in both divisions back up that argument.
      But what has been striking under Silva is the other side of Mitrovic’s game now.
      Gone are the days where he just hung around up top as a classic No9 waiting to be fed by long balls or crosses.
      Now the Serb is chasing down every ball and drops back to do some of the dirty work – the unglamorous defending.
      Aleksandar MItrovic continues to ‘own’ Championship defences but can he do it in the Prem?
      His 21 goals so far this season is nothing short of remarkable.
      You get the feeling if he can continue evolving with his defensive work, Mitrovic will become a far more effective player in the top flight.
      Kebano is a living hell for defenders, especially full-backs. His rampaging runs wreak havoc and open up spaces for Fulham.
      The only thing missing from his game is goals.
      He missed some big chances on Friday, which has summed up his luck in front of goal this season.
      Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers did make some great saves from him as well.
      If he adds goals, he will be sensational.
      Jean Michael Seri is finally living up to his reputation after his £25m move from NIce
      Seri has been a standout player.
      The Ivory Coast midfielder was a flop after his £25million arrival from Nice in 2018 – having an underwhelming season in the Premier League.
      He regained his confidence with a good season in Turkey on loan with Galatasaray so it was almost criminal that Parker last season did not give him a chance again in the Premier League when he returned to West London.
      But Silva made clear he wanted him to play a big part in his promotion push this season – and he has already made a huge contribution with his assured and powerful performances in the middle of the park.
      He is among the Championship’s best in the assists charts – with six goals created.
      Seri’s deal runs out next summer but the club do have a one-year option to extend it.
      GOALKEEPERS
      MAREK RODAK helped Fulham win promotion last time round, only to be bombed out in the Premier League in favour of Alphonse Areola.
      Back in favour again, his performances have been impressive enough to keep out summer arrival Paulo Gazzaniga.
      VERDICT: The Slovakian, if he maintains his form, deserves a crack at the top-flight – but club will surely strengthen with another keeper coming in during the summer.
      Marek Rodak deserves a chance in the Premier League after being left out last season
      DEFENCE
      ADARABIOYO is a class act in the centre of defence and has a good understanding with American Tim Ream.
      Joe Bryan and Denis Odoi are decent full-backs.
      Along with Bournemouth, they have the best defensive record, conceding just 17 goals so far.
      VERDICT: Silva will need to bring in a top-quality relatively experienced centre-back. As good as Ream is this season, he will be 35 and the Cottagers need some younger legs.
      Probably should look to sign another full-back too.
      MIDFIELD
      SERI has been owning the centre of the park this season and is probably the best in the Championship.
      Harry Wilson has also been quality along with the likes of 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho, who is just getting better and better.
      And Kebano wreaks havoc.
      VERDICT: Club should go out and get another midfield enforcer to add a bit more depth. If Kebano is unable to add goals to his game, they should perhaps look for a goalscoring winger too.
      Fabio Carvalho has been superb and at 19 is only going to get better
      STRIKERS
      MITROVIC has once again been scintillating up front in the Championship and is also certainly a lot more defensive-minded now.
      But his previous Premier League numbers have not been great – although to be fair to him he did not get much of a look-in last season under Parker.
      VERDICT: Mitrovic should be shown some loyalty and get a chance – but I would say getting in another prolific striker with a proven track record should be their No1 transfer target next summer to give the Serb worthy competition.
      TWENTY SHOULD BE PLENTY
      THE Premier League is one of the best sports model in the world.
      So isn’t it about time the EFL followed its lead and reduced each division from 24 club to 20?
      The relentless Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday slog without doubt has a detrimental effect on quality and player well-being.
      Managers like Mark Warburton have been highly critical of the heavy schedule.
      It can’t be right that a team like QPR for example had to play six games in 17 days in September.
      Why don’t the EFL expand to 80 clubs by promoting the top eight teams from the National League and go with four divisions of 20 by creating a new League Three?
      It makes perfect sense at the bottom of the food chain too as the top half of the National League is most definitely nowadays on a par with League Two.
      English football’s second tier has improved a lot over the years as it attracts more international footballers to these shores.
      And it is a shame that this quality gets diluted sometimes by the sheer volume of games.
      Footballers themselves love playing games every few days but managers are left frustrated.
      I’m with Warburton – let’s have fewer games and more quality. More