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    Sunderland 1 Sheff Weds 0: Ross Stewart gives rampant Black Cats crucial first-leg advantage at raucous Stadium of Light

    THE ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ gobbled up the Owls and it is advantage Sunderland in the battle of the League One titans.Given the nickname when he arrived from Ross County 15 months ago, Ross Stewart was already on his way to legend status with 24 goals this term.
    Ross Stewart prods home the winner to send the Stadium of Light wildCredit: Rex
    The ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ wheels away in celebrationCredit: Rex
    And the Scottish striker’s 25th will be talked about for decades if — and it remains a big if — the Black Cats finally end their third-tier torture.
    On a raucous Wearside night in front of 44,742 fans, Sheffield Wednesday defender Sam Hutchinson’s howler gifted Stewart the chance.
    When he failed to deal with a simple long ball, the forward nipped in and saw his first effort saved before igniting lift-off at the Stadium of Light.
    Wednesday were caught in the eye of a storm and are lucky not to be three or four behind ahead of Monday’s second leg.
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    For all that Sunderland’s noisy backing played its part, a sold-out Hillsborough holds the same magic.
    Yet if the Yorkshiremen play like this, it will be the Black Cats heading to Wembley on May 21.
    Now in their fourth League One season, Sunderland have endured two bouts of play-off heartbreak — in the final against Charlton in 2018-19 and at this stage at the hands of Lincoln last season.
    They total six failed attempts in their history and, given their ability to implode, the tie is far from over.
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    There cannot be many clubs who, in their fourth year in the third tier, could attract such crowds as this.
    When the Mackems sing “Sunderland ’til I die”, they really mean it.
    The noise was something else.
    The Wearsiders were all over Wednesday from the off but barely troubled Darren Moore’s side, who sat back and kept it tight
    It was a bang-average opening 45 but then, with punters away from their seats to beat the half-time queues, Stewart struck in injury-time.
    A punt forward should have been meat and drink for Hutchinson but he made a horrible mess of it.
    The Scot ran through on goal, his first effort was saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell but it fell kindly for him to fire into an empty net.
    The hosts then went agonisingly close to doubling their lead six minutes after the break when Alex Pritchard’s peach of an effort from 20 yards struck the bar.
    The visitors were rattled as Sunderland went for the kill, with Peacock-Farrell tipping one away moments later before Dennis Cirkin nodded a great chance over the bar.
    Patrick Roberts was next, weaving his magic down the right and seeing his goalbound effort blocked.
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    Wednesday emerged from the whirlwind no worse off but failed to throw a real punch in anger.
    Over to you, Hillsborough.
    Black Cats fans packed out the Stadium of LightCredit: Getty More

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    Sunderland 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0 LIVE REACTION: Stewart’s first half strike gives Black Cats lead for second leg

    SUNDERLAND have planted one foot in the League One Play-Off final courtesy of Ross Stewart’s first half strike.The Black Cats flexed their muscles without allowing Sheffield Wednesday to conjure up many clear cut chances.
    But they still have a mission to complete when they meet the Owls again in THREE days time.

    RESULT: Sunderland 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday
    TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
    Sunderland XI: Patterson, Wright, Batth, Cirkin, Gooch, Evans, O’Nien, Clarke, Roberts, Pritchard, Stewart
    Sheffield Wednesday XI: Peacock-Farrell, Palmer, Storey, Dean, Hutchinson, Johnson, Byers, Luongo, Bannan, Berahino, Gregory

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    That is all!
    That’s all from us on SunSport tonight, and sees the end of our coverage of Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday.
    It was an action packed game that saw Sunderland take a 1-0 lead in the first leg of this one.
    Join us again for the second leg on Monday night at Hillsborough.
    Goodnight!
    Sunderland manager Alex Neil applauds the fansCredit: PA
    Darren Moore reacts
    On the goal:
    “It was avoidable… Maybe Sam was going to play it back but he opened his body too much and Ross took the goal very very well.
    “I think the pleasing thing tonight was I didn’t think we were that good in possession, I didn’t think we used it as well as what we can do.
    “But it has to be credited to the boys, they were spirited, they were dogged and coming here we knew it was going to be a very, very difficult game when the crowd gets up like this.
    “I thought the game lived up to what we though it was going to do, two teams in form, they have gone head to head and credit to Sunderland tonight, they played very well.”
    “Only half the job done”
    Alex Pritchard stated it was “Only half the job done” post-match when looking forward to Monday’s return fixture.
    It is set to be an absolute cracker at Hillsborough, you cannot call it.
    Ross Stewart reflects
    On his goal:
    “I was just chasing it down… it’s part of the job and I was able to get in there and nick it off the defender and run in and put it away so it was good to get the goal just before half time.”
    On being worried if he had missed:
    “I think the keeper made a good stop on the first one”
    On the atmosphere:
    “The noise in here tonight was spectacular… The players really thrived off it… It was great to give them something to get excited about.”
    Alex Pritchard speaks
    On the game and the win:
    “It’s only half the job done
    “The atmosphere at their place is going to be electric as well, so I think we have just got to stand up to it, it’s massive. It’s going to be big.”
    What a crowd!
    It was an immense showing from the crowd tonight at the Stadium of Light.
    There was a record attendance for a play-off game with 44,742 people.
    Fans form the eyes of a black cat, Sunderland’s nickname.Credit: Getty
    Far from finished!
    This one is far from over we can tell you that!
    It will be settled at Hillsborough on Monday, and Barry Bannan clearly believes that as he gees up the away fans.
    A gentle reminder that Wednesday won 3-0 at Hillsborough earlier this season.
    Sunderland’s Ross Stewart misses a late chanceCredit: PA
    Full Time. Sunderland 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday!
    Whipped in by Bannan
    94. And cleared by Batth.
    Sunderland have a free kick that is set to be retaken due to the ball still moving.
    Wednesday corner.
    93. It is a late corner for Sheffield Wednesday.
    The most prolific corner scorers in the league remember…
    Another change.
    92. Callum Doyle is coming on for Jack Clarke, for real this time.
    FOUR added minutes
    There are four minutes added on in this one.
    Mistake falls to Stewart!
    89. Peacock-Farrell tries to header the ball down to Hutchinson, and it is picked up by Ross Stewart.
    He calms things down and perhaps should have looked for goal at the first sight.
    Change for Wednesday.
    87. It is a straight swap.
    George Byers night is over, and on comes Dele-Bashiru, the brother of Tom Dele-Bashiru.
    Sunderland holding the ball
    86. They are going to look to see this one out Sunderland.
    They surge forward and win a corner with a fast break.
    Anxious times
    84. Sunderland are pretty packed in here, and Wednesday are patiently building up play around the box.
    Palmer is finding some good areas in the right wing back position.
    Ten to go.
    82. There are around ten minutes left here at The Stadium of Light.
    Can Sunderland add another?
    Or will we witness a crazy last gasp equaliser from Wednesday?
    We shall see.
    A Delay
    82. There was a delay over the substitution as Jack Clarke was mistakenly taken off for Patrick Roberts.
    It is over now, and Jack Clarke remains in the action.
    Double change
    79. It is a Sunderland double change.
    Patrick Roberts and Alex Pritchard are leaving the field.
    Alex Embleton and Jay Matete are coming on.
    Both of the players coming off have been sublime today, they can hold their heads high.
    So close Wednesday!
    77. That is such a good chance! The ball is whipped in from the left side and it is misjudged by the Sunderland keeper, it is really fortunate to fall to a Sunderland defender and subsequently cleared.
    Palmer misses!
    76. It is a great ball from Massimo Luongo, the Australian whips a ball towards Palmer at the back post, but his free header is over the bar.
    Goal kick.
    23 Touches.
    73. We highlighted before the second half how Wednesday need to get Bannan on the ball if they are to do something here.
    He has had the third fewest touches this match, only Berahino who was subbed off and Josh Windass who was subbed on have had less.
    Perhaps that is why they are still behind, he is their best player.
    Corner Sheffield Wednesday
    71. They have the most goals in League One from corners with 17, but this one comes to nothing.
    The ball is cleared later for another Wednesday corner.
    This one is whipped deep and wasted, again.
    Hit and hope
    70. It is another wasted cross from Sunderland, this time it is Alex Pritchard.
    He does really well to get in a good position but the cross is again, not his finest.
    Good effort!
    69. It is a good effort from Roberts from the right hand side, but it is just wide of the far post. Goal kick.
    Load more entries… More

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    Crawley Town sack manager John Yems amid allegations he racially abused several players

    JOHN YEMS has been sacked as Crawley Town manager following allegations of discriminatory and racist behaviour and language.The club suspended Yems 12 days ago after several players brought forward the claims about his conduct in charge.
    John Yems has been sacked as Crawley Town managerCredit: PA
    And now they have cut their ties with the manager by terminating his contract.
    Crawley co-chairman Preston Johnson said: “We’re looking forward to the next era of Crawley Town Football Club.
    “We have an opportunity to build on more than 125 years of rich history and take this club to the next level.
    “We’re eager to partner with our players and supporters as we build a team and community that Red Devils fans can continue to be proud of – both on and off the pitch.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RICE SCREAM .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Watch Rice accuse ref of taking bribe in furious tunnel rant in Europa loss
    Allegations surrounding Yems surfaced last month after a number of players raised complaints over Yems’ conduct, initially to the PFA.
    This was escalated to the FA who opened an investigation.
    As reported by the Daily Mail, Yems had segregated changing rooms for black players, frequently referred to players with Asian backgrounds as “terrorists, suicide bombers and curry munchers” and labelled one black player the “Zulu warrior”.
    He is said to frequently have used the n-word and mocked Greek music to a Cypriot player and told a youth-team player not to wear a backpack on the train home because passengers would think he intended to blow it up.
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    One anonymous Crawley player told the Mail: “It’s been going on since 2020-21 — in the changing room, during training.
    “No one challenged him on it as he’s the gaffer and we didn’t feel we could.
    “Sometimes players say things in the heat of the moment but from the manager it’s different.
    “He’s the boss, so it’s an abuse of his power.
    “I’ve been in a dark place and really struggled.
    “Two players were effectively kicked out of the club last year for no reason.
    “They were made to train on their own and haven’t been seen since.
    “One of the lads said Yems was screaming in their faces, ‘F*** off you c***s, get out of our club.'”
    LEWIS STAYS
    Yems, 62, denies the claims.
    The former Exeter assistant, 62, took over at The Broadfield in December 2019 and extended his deal a month later to tie him down until the end of the 2022-23 season.
    Crawley add they will begin their “global search” for Yems’ replacement immediately.
    Assistant manager Lewis Young will remain in interim charge for the remainder of the season.
    Crawley have their final game of the season away at Oldham tomorrow afternoon.
    They sit 12th in League Two and have confirmed they will stay in the division next term. More

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    Gareth Ainsworth’s lucky braids lead Wycombe to League One play-off semis win over MK Dons in race for promotion

    GARETH AINSWORTH’S new lucky braids paid off as Wycombe left ten-man MK Dons in a tangle.Hairos Ryan Tafazolli and Sam Vokes were a cut above the rest as they gave the Chairboys the advantage going into Sunday’s second leg.
    Gareth Ainsworth’s side took a big step towards a League One playoff final at WembleyCredit: Rex
    Ryan Tafazolli celebrates netting the openerCredit: PA
    Sam Vokes heads home Wycombe’s secondCredit: PA
    During a winless run in February, boss Ainsworth promised Garath McCleary and Anthony Stewart he would get dreadlocks if they made the play-offs.
    And the hairdo worked a charm as Wycombe beat the Dons, who lost Josh McEachran in the 69th minute for two bookings.
    Ainsworth said: “In February when we dropped down to ninth, McCleary and Stewart, who have lovely dreadlock hair, said ‘Gaffer, if we make the play-offs,  will you get some dreads?’
    “I can’t dread this hair but I’ve got little plaits and that’s halfway.
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Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}HAAL OR NOTHING .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man City eyeing Haaland and De Jong transfers to add to Julian Alvarez
    “I’ll keep these during the play-offs and they can keep to their bargain and play good.”
    After decent headers from Sam Vokes and Joe Jacobson, Welshman Jacobson whipped another menacing corner on to Tafazolli’s noggin for him to glance in a header from three yards out on 38 minutes.
    They went agonisingly close to making it 2-0 when Daryl Horgan’s curling effort was pushed away by keeper Jamie Cumming, before Vokes poked home the rebound, only for the flag to go up.
    MK Dons’ hopes suffered a killer blow when former Chelsea kid McEachran caught Josh Scowen late on and was sent off.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Wycombe’s Jason McCarthy rattled the woodwork with a rocket before Vokes got their second with a bullet header after being teed-up by McCleary on 82 minutes.
    Sub Adebayo Akinfenwa, who is 40 on Tuesday, made his last appearance at Adams Park as he is retiring at the end of the season.
    The veteran replaced Vokes seven minutes from time. More

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    Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time for League One play-off

    SUNDERLAND host Sheffield Wednesday in their League One Play-Off first leg.Wednesday finished the season in third place, one above the Black Cats.
    Sunderland beat Wednesday 5-0 in their last meeting
    When is Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday?
    Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday takes place on Friday, May 6.
    The second leg follows on Monday night, May 9.
    Both matches kick off at 7.45pm.
    It will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Football.
    When are the EFL play-off semi-finals?
    Dates for the EFL play-off semi-finals are as follows:
    Championship

    6th vs 3rd (7.45pm) – Friday, May 13
    3rd vs 6th (7.45pm) – Monday, May 16

    5th vs 4th (3pm) – Saturday, May 14
    4th vs 5th (7.45pm) – Tuesday, May 17

    League One

    Wycombe vs MK Dons (7.45pm) – Thursday, May 5
    MK Dons vs Wycombe (6.30pm) – Sunday, May 8

    Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday (7.45pm) – Friday, May 6
    Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland (7.45pm) – Monday, May 9

    League Two

    7th vs 4th (7.45pm) – Saturday, May 14
    4th vs 7th (7.45pm) – Wednesday, May 18

    6th vs 5th (12pm) – Sunday, May 15
    5th vs 6th (7.45pm) – Thursday, May 19

    When are the EFL play-off finals?
    The dates for each of the EFL play-off finals have been confirmed and will take place across two weeks.
    The League One final will be played a week before the League Two and Championship finals as Wembley is unavailable on the Bank Holiday Monday of May 30.
    The reason for this is the Uefa-Conmebol Finalissima, which will see European Champions Italy take on Copa America winners Argentina at the national stadium on Wednesday, June 1.
    EFL play-off final dates:

    League One play-off final – Saturday, May 21
    League Two play-off final – Saturday, May 28
    Championship play-off final – Sunday, May 29

    Do the EFL play-offs have away goals?
    The EFL play-offs do NOT have away goals.
    The rule was scrapped in 1999 after third placed side Ipswich were beaten by sixth placed Bolton on away goals. More

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    Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand savages QPR live on BT Sport when asked about kids’ memories of him playing football

    RIO FERDINAND trolled Queens Park Rangers after Real Madrid knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League semi-finals. The Manchester United legend was on punditry duty for BT Sport at the Bernabeu.
    Rio Ferdinand finished his career with QPR, and admitted his children’s ages mean his time in west London is all they remember of him as a playerCredit: PA:Press Association
    He was part of the BT team chatting pitchside after the game as some of the Madrid squad’s children ran around on the pitch playing.
    Ferdinand was then asked what his own children’s memories were of him as a footballer, during which he won the Premier League six times, the Champions League once, plus countless more trophies.
    But Ferdinand admitted his kids have no recollection of his glory days at Old Trafford.
    He revealed: “The unfortunate thing is my kids only remember when I was at QPR.”
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    Ferdinand was quick not to upset Rangers fans, having spent the final year of his career in west London, adding: “No disrespect to QPR.”
    The centre-back played 11 times in the Prem for QPR before retiring – following 12 glittering years at Old Trafford.
    Ferdinand joined the Hoops in 2014, eight years after the birth of his first son Lorenz (now 15).
    His second son Tate, 13, and daughter Tia, 10, were also very young at the time.
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    And Ferdinand revealed their age means they don’t remember any of his time lifting trophies at Manchester United.
    The defender turned pundit had his first three children with wife Rebecca Ellison, who passed away in 2015 after battling cancer.
    Ferdinand remarried in 2019 to Kate Wright, and the pair welcomed son Cree, 2, into the world in December 2020.
    Ferdinand with sons Lorenz and Tate back in 2015 during his time at QPRCredit: Rex Features More

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    Wycombe ready to WALK OFF pitch in League One play-off clash with MK Dons if sick abuse of Adebayo Akinfenwa is repeated

    GARETH AINSWORTH will consider taking his Wycombe players off the pitch if Adebayo Akinfenwa gets more sickening abuse from MK Dons fans.January’s match between the Bucks rivals nearly got abandoned after The Beast approached MK followers to challenge them about offensive chanting.
    Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa confronted MK Dons at Wycombe’s Adams Park ground in January over abuse he received
    Wycombe say they won’t stand for repeat abuse of Adebayo AkinfenwaCredit: Rex
    They now clash at Adams Park in the first leg of the League One play-offs on Thursday night.
    And Chairboys chief Ainsworth said: “I will not let anyone get abused. I will do whatever it takes to protect my players.
    “Would I take my players off? It will be something everyone will take into consideration — our owners, security, myself and the players.
    “There is no point 40 people taking the knee before the game and allowing that to go on.
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    “There’s nasty songs about a lot of players but some cross the line.
    “You’ll have to ask the referee about how close January’s game was to be called off.”
    Dons’ Josh McEachran is eyeing a glorious end to the campaign — after Covid destroyed his start.
    The ex-Chelsea midfielder suffered with the virus for FOUR MONTHS.
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    McEachran, 29, said: “I had Covid really bad, I suffer badly with asthma.
    “I suffered with long Covid and my heart rate got up to 212 so that’s quite high and quite scary.
    “But I’m over that now, fully fit and enjoying my football.”
    Adebayo Akinfenwa faced vile chants in the League One clash four months ago More

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    Nottm Forest star Steve Cook’s dad suffers cardiac arrest but is brought back to life by paramedics at Bournemouth game

    STEVE COOK’S dad suffered a cardiac arrest prior to Nottingham Forest’s clash with Bournemouth tonight, the defender has revealed.The second place Cherries hosted Forest in a crucial match in the race for promotion to the Premier League.
    Steve Cook was in action for Nottingham Forest against old club BournemouthCredit: Rex
    Cook, 31, was making his first return to the club he spent a decade at, having left to join Steve Cooper’s side in January.
    His evening began in the most difficult circumstances, however, with his dad having had to be brought back to life by paramedics.
    After his side’s 1-0 defeat, which saw Bournemouth seal promotion, Cook wrote on Twitter: “First of all a big congratulations to @afcbournemouth on promotion but tonight I need to thank the paramedics at the game.
    “Unfortunately my dad suffered a cardiac arrest just before the game and they managed to bring him back to life.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}NEV-ER SAY DIE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Neville trolls himself after tweet taunting Liverpool’s collapse backfires
    “I’ll forever be grateful for their actions ❤️”
    Bournemouth wrote on social media: “Thoughts with you, Cookie.
    “Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery ❤️”
    Despite the incredibly difficult news, Cook started for Forest at the Vitality Stadium.
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    He was in the wars too, having to receive treatment and stitches after a nasty clash in the first-half.
    Fellow Cherries old boy Sam Surridge had a chance to put Forest ahead, but cannoned a shot off the crossbar.
    It was Kieffer Moore who would score the decisive goal, rising from the bench to convert Phillip Billing’s clever free-kick in the 83rd minute.
    Cook made 387 appearances for Bournemouth prior to leaving earlier this year, scoring 21 goals for the Cherries.
    These outings included 168 in the Premier League.
    He made three Championship appearances for Scott Parker’s side earlier this season, prior to joining Forest’s play-off charge. More