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      Ex-Man Utd striker James Wilson signs for Port Vale on free transfer after being let go by Salford

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      FORMER Manchester United striker James Wilson has signed for Port Vale.The forward spent last season at League Two Salford City – who are owned by the Class of ‘92.

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      Former Man Utd striker James Wilson has signed a two-year contract at Port ValeCredit: PAWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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      Wilson, 25, found the net seven times for the Ammies but was released after they missed out on promotion.
      Now he will be hoping to go one better by firing Port Vale into the third tier over the coming 12 months.
      The Valiants confirmed his arrival on Monday, announcing the ace had penned a two-year contract.
      Boss Darrell Clarke told the club’s website: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have managed to bring in James.
      “His pedigree is fantastic and I’m sure he will prove a great attacking threat for us next season.
      “He scored seven league goals last season for Salford and played in a wide position in quite a few of those games.
      “He certainly has the potential to score more goals when leading the line.”
      Wilson burst onto the scene at Old Trafford in 2014 when he netted twice on his Premier League debut against Hull City under Ryan Giggs.
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      He went on to make a further 19 appearances at United but struggled to make an impact during Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils tenure.
      Championship loans at Brighton, Derby and Sheffield United followed his initial breakthrough at United, but goals didn’t flow for the diminutive former England youth international.
      Another loan spell north of the border at Aberdeen followed, with the move to the Dons being made permanent in 2019.
      Wilson signed a two-year contract at Pittodrie, but only started seven league matches before he returned to the Greater Manchester area to try and kickstart his career at Salford in 2020.

      Aaron Wan-Bissaka shows off his skills in training with Man Utd More

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      Bournemouth star Jefferson Lerma banned for six games and fined £40k for ‘BITING’ Sheff Weds’ Josh Windass

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      BOURNEMOUTH star Jefferson Lerma has been banned for six games for allegedly biting Sheffield Wednesday ace Josh Windass.The midfielder has also been slapped with a £40,000 fine for the incident which occurred in the Cherries’ 1-0 defeat to the Owls back in November.
      Jefferson Lerma has been banned for six games for allegedly biting Josh WindassCredit: PA
      The disciplinary breach, which contravenes FA Rule E3, is said to have occurred in the 83rd minute at Hillsborough.
      A statement from the FA read: “The midfielder denied that his behaviour in or around the 83rd minute of the match constituted violent conduct.
      “In independent Regulatory Commission found the breach of FA Rule E3 proven after considering evidence during a hearing.”
      Lerma – who featured in both legs of Bournemouth’s play-off defeat to Brentford – was first charged back in December.
      The Cherries have since responded to the FA’s verdict and insisted the Colombian “is currently considering his options regarding an appeal”.
      A statement from the club said: “AFC Bournemouth are surprised and disappointed at the outcome of the Football Association independent Regulatory Commission’s decision to uphold a charge against and ban Jefferson Lerma for six games and fine him £40,000.
      “The sanction relates to an allegation that Lerma bit Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass in the Sky Bet Championship fixture between the clubs on 3rd November 2020.
      Expert evidence was also presented to the commission suggesting that Jefferson was most unlikely to have intentionally bitten Mr WindassBournemouth
      “Since the start of this unnecessarily long process, Jefferson has strenuously denied the charge and has been fully supported by the club in doing so. Both the club and player have fully cooperated with the FA throughout.
      “As stated in the commission’s written reasons, the video footage of the incident between the players was ‘not conclusive’.
      “In addition, there was no photographic evidence of any bite mark and Mr Windass – who is described as an ‘unappealing witness’ who ‘gave every impression of simply not caring’ – did not seek or receive any medical attention or treatment.
      “Expert evidence was also presented to the commission suggesting that Jefferson was most unlikely to have intentionally bitten Mr Windass, but this appears to have been rejected without due consideration.
      “The club believes there was a lack of clear and compelling evidence in finding the charge against Jefferson proven, and the player is currently considering his options regarding an appeal.
      “The club will make no further comment at this time.”
      Lerma’s alleged biting brings back memories of Luis Suarez’s controversial antics.

      The former Liverpool star was handed a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in 2013.
      It was not the Uruguay striker’s only offence though as he was suspended for four months after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
      And Suarez was handed a seven-game suspension with Ajax ten years ago for having a nibble on PSV midfielder Otman Bakkal.
      Bournemouth smash transfer record to sign Colombian star Jefferson Lerma for £25m from Levante More

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      Premier League new boys Brentford are EFL clubs’ model after selling £123m of stars like Ollie Watkins and then going up

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      EVERY EFL club should hold up Brentford as the perfect model to follow if they dare to dream about achieving the impossible.When the Bees clinched promotion to the Premier League at Wembley on Saturday, it was a victory for the little man, mixing it with and beating the bigger guys. A real David versus Goliath.
      Jubilant Brentford players give Thomas Frank the bumps after winning promotion
      Ivan Toney scored his 33rd goal of the season with a coolly-taken penalty
      The Brentford XI sold for £123m since 2015
      Just over 10 years ago the West Londoners were averaging around 5,000 in League Two and in the Championship were getting about 10,000 through the turnstiles.
      But after a comfortable 2-0 win over Swansea, they will now be taking on the likes of European champions Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United next season. And they will surely, Covid permitting, be filling their new 17,000-capacity Brentford Community Stadium at Kew Bridge.
      Where Leicester made every club outside the top six believe that Premier League glory was possible after their 2016 triumph, Brentford have done the same across the entire EFL
      Yes, clubs such as Plymouth, Northampton, Lincoln, the list goes on, can really dream and achieve if they run themselves prudently and patiently.
      Boss Thomas Frank said: “One hundred per cent there should be a lot of clubs dreaming after what we’ve achieved.
      “This club has been on a remarkable journey. The owner Matthew Benham deserves a lot of credit.
      “Anything is possible. You must work hard, have a clear strategy, top attitude and togetherness. Then everything is achievable.
      “It’s an unbelievable achievement for Brentford to become a Premier League club.”
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      Thomas Frank lifts the Championship play-off trophy at Wembley
      Ollie Watkins (right) is in the England provisional 33 for the Euros a year after leaving BrentfordCredit: Getty
      Brentford have been using a moneyball-style data driven model which has served them well.
      Recent examples such as Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins were players they brought in cheaply and sold for fortunes.
      Ivan Toney was a steal at an initial £5million – with doubles with add-ons – from Peterborough last summer. Saturday’s victory means they will not be cashing in on him this year.
      Denmark midfielder Mathias Jensen has been one of the key players these past two seasons.
      And since joining the club for £3.5m from Celta Vigo after not getting much of a look-in in Spain, the 25-year-old has been impressed with how the Bees are run.
      He said: “This club has been middle of the table in terms of Championship budgets.
      “But the way Brentford is driven is impressive, the way they use their money is very clever.
      “It’s healthy and a well-run club just like Leicester.
      “Hopefully we can continue to do that and do well in the Premier League.
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      Mathias Jensen has always dreamed of being a Premier League player
      “It’s what this club – and us players – have always dreamed of.”
      Ethan Pinnock has certainly lived the dream. Just five years ago, he was playing non-league for Dulwich Hamlet before spending a season at Forest Green Rovers then another two with Barnsley with the Bees snapping him up just two years ago.
      The defender was celebrating his 28th birthday on Saturday and tweeted “If Carlsberg did birthdays … ” with a photo of himself kissing his play-off winners medal.
      He said: “The journey I’ve been on from Dulwich Hamlet to the Premier League is proof that anything is possible in football with hard work. Every footballer in non-league should believe they can achieve and I hope they can feel inspired by my route to the Premier League.”
      Frank, himself, should be held up as an example for every young coach starting out in his or her career of what can be achieved with sheer hard work.
      The Dane had been coaching in his native country since he was just 20.He managed to work his way up the various Denmark age groups before taking charge of Brondby.
      Frank then joined Dean Smith’s coaching staff at Brentford before eventually taking over from him two-and-a-half years ago.
      And he said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to be part of something this special.
      “I’m really humble about it. I know I played a part but all the staff did too and of course all the players. We can’t do it alone.
      Ethan Pinnock with his Championship play-off winners’ medalCredit: Twitter @EthanPinnock5
      Emiliano Marcondes celebrates firing the second goal for Brentford
      “It’s one of the biggest strengths in Brentford.
      “I walked the hard way in coaching since the age of 20 with under-eights football and now I’m in the Premier League.
      “I hope I can inspire other coaches out there in helping footballers to be better people and players.”
      Frank admits that it is vital the club stick to the principles and beliefs that have made them successful.
      He added: “It’s important we stay calm in the Premier League and not move away from our identity as a football club. That will continue to hold the key.”
      In contrast, this season we saw a huge club like Sheffield Wednesday relegated into League One to join other ex-Premier League sides such as Sunderland, Charlton, Portsmouth, Ipswich, Bolton and Wigan. Each and every one of those sides has been badly mismanaged and fell from grace.
      Swansea are a perfect example of what happens when you abandon the model that brought about success.
      Swansea and boss Steve Cooper face an uncertain future after the play-off defeatCredit: Rex
      The Welsh club were a breath of fresh air when they were promoted to the top flight under Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup built on that by leading them into Europe, signing bargain players such as Michu.
      But their new American owners completely ruined the club – running up debts, stripping assets, without putting any tangible funds in themselves.
      They now face a fourth season outside the top flight and an uncertain future.
      Striker Andre Ayew – on a staggering £80,000-a-week – is out of contract and will surely leave unless he agrees a new deal on eight times less.
      Keeper and Championship Golden Glove winner Freddie Woodman is expected to return to parent club Newcastle as is defender Marc Guehi to Chelsea and they will do well to keep hold of midfielder Conor Hourihane, who has been on loan from Aston Villa.
      And even the future of boss Steve Cooper is now under the spotlight.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      The Welshman has been brilliant in getting the club to back-to-back play-offs and make no mistake to the backdrop of bad ownership that is some achievement.
      He said: “I’ve always worked on the basis that setbacks are the hardest thing but they’re the most important thing that defines you.
      “You can either sulk or come back stronger. This will be this set of players’ mentality, especially after the conditions we’ve had to work under.”
      Brentford reach Premier League after Championship play-off win More

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      Blackpool vs Lincoln: Live stream, TV channel, teams, kick-off time for League One play-off final

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      BLACKPOOL are looking to return to the Championship for the first time since 2015 as they play Lincoln at Wembley.The Seasiders made it to the final with a 6-3 aggregate win over Oxford in the semis.
      Blackpool are looking to make it back to the ChampionshipCredit: PA
      Lincoln overcame Sunderland in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Lincoln meanwhile have not played in the English second tier since 1961.
      But they showed their class by seeing off giants Sunderland in the semi-final to reach this stage.
      What time does Blackpool vs Lincoln kick off?

      Blackpool take on Lincoln in the League One play-off final on Sunday, May 30 – TODAY.
      The League One play-off final kicks off at 3pm UK time.
      It will take place in front of fans at Wembley, with capacity restricted to ten thousand.
      Last time the two sides met they played out a 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank in April.

      What TV channel is Blackpool vs Lincoln on and can I live stream it?

      Blackpool vs Lincoln is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go app.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Team news

      Latest odds
      To win in 90 minutes
      Blackpool 7/5
      Draw 11/5
      Lincoln 2/1
      To be promoted
      Blackpool 8/11
      Lincoln 11/10
      *Odds from Paddy Power correct as of Saturday, May 29. More

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      Blackpool vs Lincoln: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for League One play-off final

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      BLACKPOOL are looking to return to the Championship for the first time since 2015 as they take on Lincoln at Wembley.The Seasiders made it to the final with a 6-3 aggregate win over Oxford in the semis.
      Blackpool are looking to make it back to the ChampionshipCredit: PA
      Lincoln overcame Sunderland in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Lincoln meanwhile have not played in the English second tier since 1961.
      But they showed their class by seeing off giants Sunderland in the semi-final to reach this stage.
      What time does Blackpool vs Lincoln kick off?

      Blackpool take on Lincoln in the League One play-off final on Sunday, May 30.
      The League One play-off final kicks off at 3pm UK time.
      It will take place in front of fans at Wembley, with capacity restricted to ten thousand.
      Last time the two sides met they played out a 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank in April.

      What TV channel is Blackpool vs Lincoln on and can I live stream it?

      Blackpool vs Lincoln is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go app.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Team news
      Arsenal loanee Daniel Ballard is hoping to be fit in time to play for Blackpool in the final, but remains a doubt.
      Should he be available , Neil Critchley may well start with the same squad that demolished Oxford.
      Adam Jackson is an injury doubt for Lincoln, but is not expected to make the starting XI if he is fit.
      Latest odds
      To win in 90 minutes
      Blackpool 7/5
      Draw 11/5
      Lincoln 2/1
      To be promoted
      Blackpool 8/11
      Lincoln 11/10
      *Odds from Paddy Power correct as of Saturday, May 29. More

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      Blackburn striker Ben Brereton, born in Stoke, gets shock CHILE call-up to link up with Man Utd flop Alexis Sanchez

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      BLACKBURN ace Ben Brereton received a shock call-up to Chile on Monday night.The Stoke-born forward, 22, qualifies for the South American nation through his mother who was born there and he will link up with Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez.
      Blackburn ace Ben Brereton has been called up for ChileCredit: Simon Whitehead/News Images
      Brereton has represented England at Under-20 level but has been on La Roja’s radar since the end of last year.
      He produced his best season to date with seven goals and five assists for Rovers this term.
      And that has been rewarded by being named in Martin Lasarte’s squad for their June World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia.
      Brereton will link up with Sanchez who has a staggering 44 goals in 133 games for his nation.
      Well known stars Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel have also been called up.
      The coastal nation sit sixth in the South American qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Lasarte’s side are eight points behind group leaders Brazil.
      Chile’s next game is against Argentina on June 3 before they host Bolivia in the capital Santiago five days after.
      If he impresses, former Nottingham Forest star Brereton could be picked for this summer’s Copa America which takes place in Argentina in June and July, and follow on the footsteps of legends Ivan Zamarano and Marcelo Salas.
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      Chile – who won the tournament in 2015 and 2016 – will face Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay in the group stage.
      Blackburn finished 15th in this season’s Championship.
      The former Premier League winners beat Birmingham 5-2 on the final day.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Sir Alex Ferguson was such a control freak as a boss he picked star players’ babysitters More

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      When is Championship playoff final 2021? Brentford vs Swansea date and times plus EFL League One & Two

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      IT’S the most exciting time of the EFL season as the play-offs return following the promotion of Watford and Norwich to the Premier League.As is the tradition, the campaign will conclude at Wembley, with the play-off semi-finals and finals played in front of fans.
      Brentford will be looking to reach the Premier League for the first timeCredit: Getty
      Brentford and Swansea are the two teams who will have to fight it out for the final place in the Premier League this season.
      When are the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL play-off dates are as follows:
      Championship
      Semi-finals

      Monday, May 17 – Bournemouth 1-0 Brentford
      Monday, May 17 – Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
      Saturday, May 22 – Brentford 3-1 Bournemouth (Brentford won 3-2 on aggregate)
      Saturday, May 22 – Swansea 1-1 Barnsley

      Final

      Saturday, May 29 – Brentford vs Swansea (3pm)

      League One
      Semi-finals

      Tuesday, May 18 – Oxford 0-3 Blackpool
      Wednesday, May 19 – Lincoln 2-0 Sunderland
      Friday, May 21 – Blackpool 3-3 Oxford (Blackpool won 6-3 on aggregate)
      Saturday, May 22 – Sunderland 2-1 Lincoln (Lincoln won 3-2 on aggregate)

      Final

      Sunday, May 30 – Blackpool vs Lincoln City (3pm)

      League Two
      Semi-finals

      Tuesday, May 18 – Newport 2-0 Forest Green
      Thursday, May 20 – Tranmere 1-2 Morecambe
      Sunday, May 23 – Morecambe vs Tranmere (12.30pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – Forest Green vs Newport (6.30pm)

      Final
      Monday, May 31 (3pm)

      What TV channel are EFL play-off matches on and can I live stream them?

      Sky Sports hold exclusive rights to EFL coverage, including the play-off games.
      Matches will be shown live on channels such as Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Some matches may be shown on the Sky Sports Red Button if they overlap with others.
      To stream EFL play-off matches live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Adebayo Akinfenwa and Wycombe Wanderers were promoted from League One at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Northampton Town were victorious in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty More

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      SUNDERLAND 2 LINCOLN 1 (2-3 agg): Black Cats stuck in League One as Imps survive comeback to seal Wembley play-off date

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      TOM HOOPER ensured sorry Sunderland’s misery is here to stay as they face up to a grim FOURTH League One season.Trailing 2-0, a comeback for the ages had lift off inside a rocking Stadium of Light after Ross Stewart and Charlie Wyke’s early strikes.
      Lincoln City are on their way to Wembley thanks to Lee HopperCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      Sunderland fans are facing a fourth-straight year of League One footballCredit: Getty
      Ross Stewart got Sunderland back into it with an early strike to break the deadlockCredit: Rex
      Charlie Wyke then struck to tie the contest as the Black Cats looked to be romping their way to WembleyCredit: Getty
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      But Hooper’s header made it 3-2 on aggregate to leave Lincoln a Wembley win away from a first visit to the second-tier in 60 years.
      New Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus brought fresh hope following years in the doldrums.
      But it was the same old story of Wearside woe after Lee Johnson’s side blew their shot at automatic promotion before paying for their shocking first-leg showing.
      Roared on by 10,000 raucous fans, the Mackems flew out of traps and were ahead 12 minutes in courtesy of January signing Stewart.
      Aiden McGeady galloped down the left and put in a teasing low ball, with the former Ross County man darting to the near post and poking home.
      The noise had the Imps frazzled and they should have been two down 10 minutes later after some calamitous passing out from the back.
      Charlie Wyke seized on the loose ball and rounded Alex Palmer before somehow fluffing his lines with the goal gaping, firing straight at the covering Timothy Eyoma.
      But Sunderland’s top scorer made amends moments later, notching his 31st of the season in all competitions.
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      McGeady, 35, was the architect again with another peach from the left, putting it on a plate for Wyke to stab in from close range.
      Frozen out under former boss Phil Parkinson and not making his first appearance until December 5, it was the Republic of Ireland veteran’s 18th assist in all competitions – taking him level with Bruno Fernandes across the country.
      If the quarter-full Stadium of Light was bouncing before it was virtually shaking now, with Johnson’s boys in overdrive.
      But the break allowed Lincoln to take a chill pill and regroup, with the visitors going 3-2 up on aggregate 56 minutes in.
      Regan Poole headed a warning shot off the bar, causing nerves to sneak around the Stadium of Light for the first time.
      And Hooper ratcheted up the anxiety levels by peeling off Wyke to nod in Jorge Grant’s corner.
      Full-blown panic was then in the air when Luke O’Nien hacked sub Conor McGrandles in the area, only for Lee Burge to leap superbly to his right to save Grant’s penalty.
      McGrandles then had a great chance to kill the tie off but blazed over when through on goal.
      McGeady nearly drew them level but fired off the post with Wyle smashing the rebound into the side netting, before sub Aiden O’Brien was denied late on by Palmer.
      Tom Hopper scored the decisive goal in the second halfCredit: Rex
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Sunderland takeover confirmed by EFL as billionaire heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus promises new era for Black Cats More