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      FA Cup first round draw LIVE: Latest updates as Wrexham to face Harrogate, Wimbledon travel to rivals MK Dons

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      THE FA Cup first round draw has been completed and there are some cracking ties. The pick of the bunch is AFC Wimbledon’s visit to MK Dons, while Wrexham will travel to Harrogate. While the Premier League and Championship giants join the iconic competition from the third round.Draw start time: 7pm BSTTV channel: BBC TwoFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the FA Cup first round draw with our live blog below…Pick of the tiesIn case you missed it, here are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFourth qualifying round replaysThere are still six clubs left to confirm their place in the first-round in Tuesday night’s fourth qualifying round replays.All 12 clubs involved were included in tonight’s draw.Here are tomorrow’s replays:Maidenhead vs TauntonBoston vs GainsboroughSolihull Moors vs AltrinchamBrackley vs HartlepoolPeterborough Sports vs RushallGateshead vs HednesfordCopy linkCopiedFirst-round datesThe FA Cup first ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.A select number of matches will also be chosen for live broadcast by BBC Sport and ITV.Copy linkCopiedPick of the tiesIn case you missed it, here are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFourth qualifying round replaysThere are still six clubs left to confirm their place in the first-round in Tuesday night’s fourth qualifying round replays.All 12 clubs involved were included in tonight’s draw.Here are tomorrow’s replays:Maidenhead vs TauntonBoston vs GainsboroughSolihull Moors vs AltrinchamBrackley vs HartlepoolPeterborough Sports vs RushallGateshead vs HednesfordCopy linkCopiedFirst-round datesThe FA Cup first ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.A select number of matches will also be chosen for live broadcast by BBC Sport and ITV.Copy linkCopiedPick of the tiesHere are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFirst-round draw in fullFA Cup first-round drawRotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs PeterboroughCopy linkCopiedNewport vs PeterboroughCopy linkCopiedSutton vs BirminghamCopy linkCopiedTonbridge vs HarboroughCopy linkCopiedGillingham vs BlackpoolCopy linkCopiedWoking vs CambridgeCopy linkCopiedHarrogate vs WrexhamCopy linkCopiedTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyCopy linkCopiedNotts County vs AlfretonCopy linkCopiedSouthend vs CharltonCopy linkCopiedChesterfield vs HorshamCopy linkCopiedChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedPort Vale vs BarnsleyCopy linkCopiedCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgeCopy linkCopiedSalford vs ShrewsburyCopy linkCopiedSwindon vs ColchesterCopy linkCopiedRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonCopy linkCopiedNorthampton vs KetteringCopy linkCopied More

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      Inside EFL giants’ abandoned stadium plan to build 40,000-seater new home next to infamous PRISON

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS were once close to leaving their iconic ground and moving to a stunning new home next door to a prison.Loftus Road has been the Championship club’s home since 1917 and they remain there today.Stunning images show what the ground would have looked likeCredit: QPRThe new home was going to be up the road from an infamous prisonCredit: QPRQPR remain at their iconic Loftus Road homeCredit: PABut back in 2013, QPR chiefs had plans drawn up to ditch the 18,439 capacity stadium for a new 40,000-seater.At the time, the Hoops were in the Premier League and managed by legend Harry Redknapp.QPR wanted to increase their revenue and then-chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build a new stadium.The local council were eyeing a major regeneration project in the Old Oak area – just two-and-a-half miles from Loftus Road.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes was keen to seize the opportunity to move across West London, unveiling plans for a stadium dubbed New Queens Park.Incredible computer-generated photos were released to show fans what the ground would look like.One stand has three tiers and there are several new-build apartments overlooking the stadium.The plot of land used would have seen QPR move just up the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandes said at the time: “Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity.”Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR’s needs as the club progresses and grows over the years ahead, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepair”This will be the catalyst for the regeneration of a forgotten area.”However, the plans never made it any further after the club were relegated to the Championship in 2015.Yet they did look at moving grounds again in 2018, when they looked at redeveloping the Linford Christie Stadium.The local running track and football pitch is a mile away from Loftus Road and is also next door to Wormwood Scrubs, as well as Hammersmith Hospital.But a year later, QPR announced they were abandoning plans to modernise the Linford Christie Stadium.The club remain keen on replacing Loftus Road and are reportedly looking for investors to pump cash into “Project Big Ben”.They want to “produce a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium, as part of a major regeneration in West London.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      I’m an ex-EFL boss… club owner kicked me up the backside for goading fans before running off to do same thing

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      EFL legend Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on the craziest moments of his career.Hessenthaler, 59, starred for Watford, Hull and Gillingham during his playing career. Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on some of his stunning experiences from the EFLCredit: GettyAfter hanging up his boots in 2007 he then moved into coaching, and has managed Gillingham, Dover, Leyton Orient and Eastleigh.His experience across the football pyramid has churned up some remarkable stories, ranging from furious managers to wild owner antics.The icon lifted the lid on some of his experiences as part of SunSport’s “What the EFL series?”Best ever player?Kevin Phillips would be the standout player for me in the EFL because the amount of goals he scored and he had a fantastic career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost annoying EFL fans?Got to be Millwall. (Laughing) Has to be.Maddest dressing room tale?Lindsay Parsons, bless him he’s passed away now. We was losing a game – I can’t remember who it was against – and he lost his head. He kicked the door and as he’s kicked the door his foot got stuck in the door. Everyone was trying to keep a straight face but he actually couldn’t get his foot out of the door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCraziest transfer story?I signed Paulo Gazzaniga from Valencia and we ended up, within a year once he got in to the team, we were selling him to Southampton.But the craziest thing for me was I got to Southampton with him and another agent turned up out of the blue. Ex-owner of Rangers Craig Whyte reveals HMRC top brass told him they should have struck a deal before club’s administration in 2012There were two agents saying they represented the lad so we couldn’t do the medical. Fortunately for the lad it went through and he signed for Southampton.Wildest owner antics?Old Leyton Orient chairman [Francesco Becchetti]. We were playing on boxing day against Portsmouth. We were losing the game, and the manager was getting a little bit of stick from the fans but at half-time the owner had come down and sat behind our dugout. I kept looking around, the subs were looking. I was like ‘what’s up with this guy? Has he been drinking? What’s happening?’ All he kept shouting was ‘Andy, Andy’. We won the game and the guys who were giving Ian [Hendon] the manager a little bit of abuse, I sort of cupped my ear a little bit, to say you’re not going to give him any stick now. And as I did that and we come out of the dugout and stood up somebody kicked me up the backside.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’ve turned round and it’s the owner, the next minute the owner just ran off down the side of the pitch, took his coat off, ran past the Orient fans clapping them, went over to the Portsmouth fans and started goading the Portsmouth fans. I couldn’t believe it, I’ve just been attacked by the owner.Leyton Orient chairman Francesco Becchetti and Andy Hessenthaler had a bizarre exchange on boxing day 2015Credit: Sky SportsBecchetti kicked Hassenthaler after a comeback win before goading rival fansCredit: Sky Sports More

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      My brother’s a Love Island star and musician, I’m making my way in the EFL and scoring unstoppable headers

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      SOME families just have talent in their DNA and the Nelson family are certainly one of them.Derby County defender Curtis Nelson has become an EFL star over the years, while brother Wes has been starring on TV screens and releasing UK Top 10 hits.Brothers Wes and Curtis Nelson are both succeeding in wildly different fieldsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLCurtis Nelson has made his name as a professional footballer and is currently playing for Derby CountyCredit: GettyWes Nelson made a name for himself on Love IslandCredit: ITVNow he’s a top music artistCredit: GettyCurtis, 31, has made over 500 EFL appearances across five different clubs and helped Derby earn promotion to the Championship last season – earning the Rams’ Player of the Season award in the process.While brother Wes rose to fame on reality show Love Island in 2018 – a springboard for a successful music career that has seen him collaborate with huge artists such as Clean Bandit and Craig David.Despite the bright lights of the stage being a world away from Pride Park, Wes claims that brother Curtis has always been his inspiration to achieve big things.Speaking to the EFL, Wes said: “When people say ‘who’s your biggest idol in your career’, they act a bit shocked when it’s my brother in football.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdding: “Behind the scenes, I’ve personally never met anyone that is more dedicated to their craft.”When it comes to drinking, you [Curtis] are not drinking, you’re not going out and doing this. You’re putting in the hours and you’re always running.”I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone hit a ball against a garage ball so many times when I was younger.”The practice really does seem to make perfect for Curtis who has been playing some of his best football since joining Derby in 2023.Most read in FootballNelson was named Derby County Player of the Season last term and has already got this campaign off to a flying startCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd for the former Blackpool and Cardiff man, it’s the pair’s parents that have been his biggest inspiration.He said: “Mum and dad did a lot for us didn’t they, especially growing up.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!”Even now they take you [Wes] around and come and see you at shows and in the studio.”They’ve done so much for us and for me, my idol would have been our parents.” More used to scoring bullet headers – as he did for the Rams against QPR on Saturday – than being an internet sensation, Curtis has had to step out of his comfort zone to support his brother.The former England youth international was actually the brains behind Wes’ social media during the 26-year-old’s stint on Love Island.Perhaps success really does run in the Nelson blood with the pair not the only familiar faces in the family.The pair are the cousins of Ashleigh and Alexander Nelson, a brother and sister sprinting duo who represented Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably, Wes and Curtis aren’t the only Love Island and professional football brothers around in the English game at the moment.Manchester United and England star Kobbie Mainoo is the brother of fellow Love Islander Jordan Hames. Curtis and Wes aren’t the only Love Island and footballer duoCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLKobbie Mainoo and Love Island star Jordan Hames are also brothersCredit: InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

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      EFL side slapped with fresh TRANSFER BAN as years-long nightmare goes from bad to worse

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      READING have been plunged into further crisis after being hit with a new transfer embargo by the EFL.The Royals are more than familiar with nightmare transfer bans after being slapped with their THIRD different market restriction since 2021.Reading have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargoCredit: GettyOwner Dai Yongge has suffered a tumultuous seven-year financially stricken reignCredit: Rex FeaturesIn fact, Reading were already under an embargo until 2025 as a punishment for last year’s financial misdemeanours. But the latest ruling relates to the late filing of accounts to Companies House for the 2022-23 financial year.The stricken club were hit with a second embargo just last year for failing to pay taxes on time.That came after Reading were punished with a two-year transfer ban in the summer of 2021 for an outstanding tax debt.read more football newsThe League One outfit had only been able to sign players from other clubs on loan or if they were free agents.A Reading FC statement read: ” The Club can also confirm that – alongside the requirement to operate under the terms of its business plan – it has today been placed under a formal registration embargo by the EFL.“We are working closely with our auditing partner to finalise these accounts at the earliest opportunity – at which point the embargo will be lifted immediately.”Reading have not purchased a player for a transfer fee since signing Ovie Ejaira from Liverpool for around £3million in August 2020, but the winger is now a free agent after agreeing to leave in December.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crisis club are currently in the midst of a long ongoing takeover saga after hated current owner Dai Yongge put it up for sale earlier this year.American business Couhig were expected to complete a deal, however talks broke down late in the process and the club moved on.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew Reading were relegated from the Championship in May 2023 after ten years in the second tier. The club would have escaped relegation if it hadn’t been hit with a six-point deduction for various off-field breaches.The Royals finished the season on 50 points, which would have left them 19th and one point above the drop.The club were again docked six points from the League One table last season after failing to pay a HMRC bill within a specified 80-day window.Yongge has seen Reading get deducted a total of 18 points since his 2017 takeover.Reading currently sit 16th in League One, with 13 points from nine games under manager Ruben Selles.Reading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six pointsMay 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 yearsAugust 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulationsSeptember 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggeredFebruary 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breachesMarch 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side WycombeMarch 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitationsOctober 2024 – Reading hit with third transfer embargo since 2021 More

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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney brutally told ‘stay in England’ after shock plan to have Wrexham playing in Europe

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      WREXHAM’S hopes of playing in Europe have met with an icy response.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded two straight promotions, helped by Disney+ show Welcome to Wrexham.Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds would surely love a shot at Europe after transforming the club on and off the fieldCredit: PAJack Marriott celebrates scoring vs Northampton, leaving Wrexham second in League One and eyeing a third straight promotionCredit: Instagram / wrexham_afcAnd a U-turn could be looming on Welsh clubs who compete in the English Football League from qualifying for European competitions.Talks are ongoing over allowing Championship clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City, plus Wrexham and Newport County, to enter the Welsh League Cup, with a place in Europe the likely prize for the winners.The last Welsh EFL club to qualify was Swansea back in 2013, thanks to winning the EFL Cup.At the moment, Wales’ “big four” clubs can only make Europe via success in the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the Cymru Premier’s all-time record scorer has led criticisms of plans to give them a possible “in”.Marc Lloyd Williams, 51, who hit 319 goals in 467 Welsh League games, told BBC Radio Wales: “The four clubs made the decision to play in England, so stay in England. “Don’t try and take those European spots off the Cymru Premier teams. It is their bread and butter, week in, week out.”Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport are in the Football League and the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”They have got a chance to play Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal with a home tie and get big crowds in. “Just because TNS have qualified for Europe, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Cardiff or Swansea or Wrexham or Newport would.  Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”For me, you can’t be having your cake and eating it. They have made their decision and I would be against them coming in.”Unsurprisingly Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has the opposite view.Jack Marriott Wrexham vs Northampton TownCredit: Instagram / wrexham_afcHe said: “To have that opportunity to get into Europe again for the club would be amazing. Hopefully that comes to fruition.”The Dragons qualifying for Europe would further boost a following growing worldwide, especially in the USA, courtesy of their co-owners – “Deadpool” star Reynolds and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” actor McElhenney.Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Northampton left Wrexham second behind Birmingham in League One – dreaming of a third promotion in a row.And it appears L1 rivals might have mixed views on the Dragons receiving a much bigger opportunity of getting into Europe.Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony told his The Hard Truth podcast: “Wow. I guess it’s a two-sided answer. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One would be no, because they’re in the EFL, but two would be… if I were them, I would want to. “Financial rewards are massive. When I looked at buying Irish clubs recently, one Irish club made millions from being in Europe, from getting through and qualifying to the group stage. The prize money is colossal.” More

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      I was in prison FIVE times before I turned my life around to become an EFL star… now I’m a full-time church pastor

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      ON October 28, 1988, Ricky Junior Otto was sentenced to four years in prison aged 20 — the last of his five jail terms.He accepts he was a thug, bully and out-and-out menace to society — a product of a violent culture which ruled with fear growing up in Hackney, East London.EFL hero Ricky Otto is now a church pastorCredit: SuppliedOtto exclusively revealed how two inmates serving a combined 41 years during his time in Wandsworth changed his lifeCredit: AlamyBut following the time he served at Wandsworth, on this occasion for armed robbery, Otto walked out on January 25, 1990 an entirely different person to the one who arrived.And, remarkably, it was two inmates serving lengthy sentences who provided him with a lightbulb moment that changed his life forever.Now 56, Otto revealed: “It was these two guys — one was doing 24 years for murder, the other 17 for manslaughter.“They had watched me playing football in the gym and realised I had a talent and expressed this in the most incredible way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They told me something that day I have never forgotten: ‘Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you’.“From that moment I understood what they meant: ‘Don’t just sit in prison doing nothing but rather start preparing yourself now for when you are released’.“After that I became a gym orderly and started to prepare myself mentally and physically for a life after prison. It was just the kick up the backside that I needed.“When I walked out of Wandsworth in 1990, I knew it was a new beginning — with football being my escape into a new world.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former winger said: “My immediate thought was to re-engage with my old team-mates who were now playing for amateur side Haringey Borough.“After a few games I got injured and I was sent for treatment at non-league Dartford. I ended up playing four games for them.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing Fan “My performances caught the eye of Leyton Orient management duo Frank Clark and Peter Eustace.“They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my time.“The trial was successful and I signed my first professional contract ten months after being released and just a couple of weeks before my 23rd birthday. It was the best birthday present ever!”After playing in the reserves and learning the game, Otto eventually got the chance to make his league debut when he was made sub for Orient’s fourth-tier game at Fulham in 1991, just 15 months after his release.He continued: “It was the last game of the season. I played the last 15 minutes, I should have scored too. But I was on the pitch playing and I had this wonderful feeling of achievement.”The following season he played 32 league games for the O’s, scoring his first goal at Hartlepool in September 1991.Otto said: “It was flattering that Barry Fry — then with Barnet — had watched me play against his side in the London Cup final and was clearly impressed.“When Barry joined Southend in April 1993 he signed me for £100,000. I don’t think I played in a better side at the start of the 1993-94 season.They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my timeRicky OttoSunSport“Had Barry not been headhunted by Birmingham I genuinely believe we would have gone on to make the play-offs in what was the Championship at the end of that season.“We had such a wonderful camaraderie, with wins against big clubs with multi-million-pound budgets like Sunderland, Derby, Stoke and Middlesbrough. We were flying!”Otto’s next move was to link up with Fry again at Birmingham — this time in an £800,000 switch to St Andrew’s.His greatest football memories include his stunning equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield in the 1995 FA Cup and playing for City in the Football League Trophy final the same year — when his assist provided the extra-time winner for Paul Tait in front of over 76,000 fans at Wembley.Otto said: “I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.“I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at Wembley.”After Birmingham, Otto played at Charlton, Peterborough and Notts County on loan.It was while he was with County, under Sam Allardyce, that he suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ultimately ended his career.I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at WembleyRicky OttoSunSportHe said: “I did manage to play again but I was never the same player. I’d lost that yard of pace and I always had that twinge of pain when I was playing.”After ten years, he knew his career was over.He added: “Having left school with no qualifications this was a period when I had think what I was going to do for the rest of my life.“Of course, I could have slipped back into my old ways before football but I knew I had to build another chapter to my life.”Instead, he trained as a probation officer, later creating his own consultancy working with offenders and those at risk of offending.Ricky said: “My work has enabled me to engage with some of the country’s most prolific offenders.“Being able to relate to their journey, I am able to use the same old adage that was spoken into my life when incarcerated: Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you.“For nearly 20 years I have primarily worked with adults. However, over the last two years I’ve been working with Walsall Youth Justice Service as a Resettlement Disproportionality Officer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEven more remarkably, father-of-three Ricky is a committed Christian and, after passing his degree in Theology, is Pastor of ARC Birmingham Church. He is currently studying for a Masters degree.Yet in reflection of his extraordinary 56 years, Otto readily admits: “Without a shadow of a doubt, football saved my life.” More