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      Ronnie Radford dead at 79: Tributes paid to Hereford legend who scored one of most famous goals in FA Cup history

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      NON-LEAGUE Hereford United and FA Cup legend Ronnie Radford has died aged 79, it has been confirmed.Radford scored one of the most iconic FA Cup goals of all time in Hereford’s shock 2-1 giant-killing of Newcastle United in 1972.
      Raford (middle) celebrating after the Newcastle FA Cup winCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Radford took aim from distance to score an equaliser on the mud-curled pitchCredit: BBC
      Radford wheeling away in celebrationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The ex-midfielder’s 30-yard strike was a hopeful swing of a boot at a mud-curdled Edgar Street.
      Radford’s wonderstrike of an equaliser, which cancelled out England striker Malcolm Macdonald’s opener, sparked a pitch invasion.
      Hereford team-mate Ricky George went on to score the winner, dumping Newcastle out of the FA Cup.
      On his goal, Radford wrote in the Sun’s Goals pull out on January 26, 2009: “As soon as I hit the ball from 30 yards out I knew it was going in.
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      “I was running away with my hands above my head long before the ball had even hit the back of the net.
      “Like a perfect golf drive, or a six off the middle of the bat in cricket, the ball sat up for me and I connected with it perfectly.
      “It was goal of the month and then goal of the season on Match of the Day in 1972.
      “It was a moment that I’ve described many times over the last 37 years, but I have as much enthusiasm recalling it now as I did when I celebrated with my arms aloft.
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      “Supporters invaded the pitch but there was not a hint of trouble. It was just a spontaneous outpouring of excitement and joy from the Hereford faithful.
      “Everyone returned to the terraces so that play could resume.”
      Radford went on to say the FA Cup “still has that magic”, hailing its ability to draw “together a community”.
      Devastated Hereford released a statement, celebrating the life of “friendly and modest” Radford.
      It reads: “We are devastated to hear of Ronnie’s passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
      “Ronnie is not just a part of Hereford United folklore, he is a part of football history and has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972. 
      “His mild manner, and friendly and modest approach to life epitomised the man he was and he was always delighted to visit Edgar Street, to meet up with past teammates and watch the present day team in action.
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      “We will always keep Ronnie close to our hearts at Edgar Street, not just at FA Cup moments, but forever and celebrate him and his huge role in propelling Hereford United to the forefront of the nations attention with that goal and being part of that team. 
      “We will carry your spirit onwards. Rest in peace Ronnie.” More

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      Sidemen’s Tobi Brown breaks silence on Crawley Town FA Cup call-up backlash as he says ‘everyone needs to chill’

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      SIDEMEN star TBJZL has broken his silence after being handed an opportunity to star for Crawley Town in their upcoming FA Cup clash. The YouTuber, whose real name is Tobi Brown, has been handed a call-up by the League Two side with a view to playing in the club’s FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley on November 5.
      Tobi Brown, front right, is one of the seven members who make up the “Sidemen”Credit: Tom Jackson – Commissioned by The Times Saturday Magazine
      Tobi, also known as TBJZL, could feature in Crawley’s FA Cup clash on November 5
      However, fans online did not all meet the news with enthusiasm with some labelling the club a “joke,” which prompted a response from TBJZL.
      He wrote on Twitter: “Everyone needs to chill though I’m just gonna join in with a training session.
      “I (have) been a football fan my whole life, I know the importance of the FA Cup to players and fans alike so not trying to jeopardize that for anyone.
      “Just putting more eyes on the club and showing support.”
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      TBJZL starred during the “Sidemen Charity Match” in September which saw the host ground – Charlton Athletic’s The Valley – sold out and reached a peak viewing audience of 2.5million on YouTube.
      He combined with brother and fellow trialist Manny Brown for three of the eight goals team Sidemen scored in the 8-7 thriller – with Crawley scouts in attendance.
      In their statement, Crawley revealed that Tobi, Manny and Jed Brown (all brothers) would join the club for training on November 1 and would be “further evaluated by coaches and staff”.
      Tobi boasts a massive following of more than 13million across major platforms, while Manny himself also has a following of almost five million.
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      On the inclusion, Crawley Co-Chairman Preston Johnson said: “We’re excited to have Tobi, Manny and Jed joining us for training on Tuesday, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the club.
      “Depending on how they perform, we may extend offers to continue training with the lads on a trial basis and potentially compete for a spot on the bench for the Accrington Stanley match.
      “As we’ve said before, it’s fairly unlikely they’d get on the pitch unless the game is well in hand, but we want to give them the opportunity to show Lewis (Young) and the staff what they can do in training and then go from there.”
      The Red Devils currently sit 19th in League Two after a positive run which has seen them pick up seven points from their last three games.
      The Sidemen group is made up of seven members and is Europe’s largest YouTube collective, with the largest member KSI a pioneer for the rise of YouTube boxing. More

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      Premier League clubs ‘pushing for Community Shield to become an ALL-STAR match and could be moved abroad’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are reportedly keen for the Community Shield to be axed as the traditional season opener.And there are some suggestions the game could be played abroad or even changed to an ALL-STAR match instead.
      The future of the Community Shield is in doubtCredit: EPA
      The future of the game between the winners of the Premier League and FA Cup, held the Sunday before the new Prem season, is up for debate, according to The Times.
      Alternative options are discussed in the “New Deal for Football” plan, which are ideas for after 2024.
      Playing the game mid-season or on the same weekend as Matchday One in the Prem are possible options.
      One club has claimed playing the Community Shield in China or the USA would help promote the Prem overseas.
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      And at least one club has suggested an all-star game as a potential replacement for the Community Shield.
      That would involve a maximum of two players from each Prem team battling it out against an all-star team from other leagues in Europe.
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has previously revealed his desire for the Prem to introduce an all-star game.
      The American businessman suggested a North vs South Prem clash last month that would benefit the football pyramid.
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      The Prem’s bigger teams are thought to believe the Community Shield, which raises money for charity and grassroots football, negatively impacts their preparations for the new season.
      It also means they miss out on the chance to rake in cash from pre-season tours abroad.
      Moving the game to a different date would also allow a new pre-season tournament in the USA, involving Prem teams, to take place.
      Elsewhere, reports from report The Athletic on Monday claimed the Prem were set to hold a pre-season tournament across the pond next summer.
      But the “New Deal for Football” plan for after 2024 also targets the FA Cup.
      It reportedly calls for third and fourth round FA Cup replays to be axed.
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      FA Cup replays were scrapped in the 2020-21 season due to the fixture backlog caused by Covid-19, while third and fourth round replays were canned last season.
      A final decision will be made by the FA, but the new ideas have not yet been officially put forward to them. More

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      Ex-Reading ace Kynan Isaac slapped with career-ending TEN-YEAR ban as FA find him guilty of spot-fixing and illegal bets

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      FORMER Reading youth star Kynan Isaac has been handed a TEN-YEAR ban by the FA.The 31-year-old has been found guilty of spot-fixing an FA Cup game that he played in last season.
      Kynan Isaac (left) has reportedly been slapped with a TEN-YEAR ban by the FACredit: Rex
      Isaac (right) is reported to have been found guilty of spot-fixing and illegal bettingCredit: Rex
      Isaac (left) plays for seventh-tier Stratford TownCredit: Rex
      Isaac plays for seventh-tier side Stratford Town but after being informed of his ban today his career is effectively over.
      He was charged by the FA in August after he was allegedly booked on purpose in the 83rd minute of Stratford’s 5-1 defeat to Shrewsbury.
      He pleaded not guilty on August 19th, but since then the FA say he has “not engaged with the FA or the charges at all” and failed to provide any evidence.
      In a statement the FA say Isaac “influenced a football betting market” by “intentionally seeking to be cautioned by the match referee”.
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      He was found guilty of spot-fixing for deliberately being booked.
      Isaac was also handed a separate 18-month ban for placing, or enabling, 347 bets on matches over a five-year period.
      And Isaac faced another charge for failing to provide “telephone billing records, and/or details of his internet service” during an interview in March.
      That earned him a 12-month ban, that will be served at the same time as his 10-year suspension.
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      The FA began their investigation into Isaac last season after a tip off on suspicious betting patterns on the game, according to the Daily Mail.
      Bookies offered markets on players to be carded because the FA Cup match was shown live on ITV.
      Betting on individual players to be carded is not something that is usually offered for Southern Premier League games.
      The Mail report Isaac was allegedly booked on purpose as part of a scheme with pals to beat the bookies.
      Alarm bells were sounded when large amounts of money were placed on a seventh tier player to be booked.
      The FA’s integrity partners then launched an investigation into the betting patterns.
      It’s unknown whether Isaac will appeal the ban.
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      Isaac failed to ever make a senior appearance for Reading before he left the club.
      He also had a spell with Luton, as well as other various non-league sides. More

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      EFL sides look at lunchtime kick-offs during the winter to save on energy bills with teams desperate to cut costs

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      EFL CHIEFS are considering the possibility of increasing the amount of lunchtime kick-offs to help lower-league clubs amid the cost of living crisis.A new survey from football reform group Fair Game has found that midday kick-offs for weekend league and FA Cup games would be considered by the majority of clubs in the EFL and the wider football pyramid as a way of cutting costs.
      Many clubs are considering lunchtime kick-offs in a bid to aid with the cost of living crisisCredit: Arron Gent/News Images
      Many believe that staging earlier games would help to reduce energy bills as the use of floodlights would not be necessary.
      Although the government has pledged to support businesses with rising energy costs, it is currently unclear whether or not this will benefit football clubs for a sufficient period of time.
      Overall, 63 per-cent of 40 clubs – including 12 EFL teams – have revealed that they will consider utilising earlier kick-offs if given permission.
      Clubs rated their concern about the cost of living crisis at seven out of 10, with League Two clubs considering it an eight out of 10.
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      This has prompted many to re-evaluate budgets for ground improvements as well as non-playing staff.
      Amid the financial crisis, Premier League clubs are currently preparing to hold further talks over a new financial distribution model to support the rest of the football pyramid.
      The plan is expected to include changes to parachute payments and a new merit-based payment system to Championship clubs.
      Changes to the domestic calendar from 2024 are also expected to be considered with many clubs pushing to axe FA Cup third and fourth round replays despite the fact that many lower-league clubs have benefitted from them over the years.
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      Fair Game chief executive Niall Couper has now demanded that action be taken to financially aid clubs in need.
      He said: “The results paint a very bleak future for football outside the top echelons of the game.
      “Having survived the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could well be the death knell for the hard-working community clubs lower down the pyramid.
      “Lower-league football clubs are the heartbeat of their communities, but right now they are in intensive care.
      “The Premier League are at best going to offer a sticking plaster. They have had decades to address the problem and they should stand aside.
      “It is now up to the Government to intervene. The recent fan-led review set up by the Conservative Party revealed the financial flow within the game, and the governance that sits behind it, is broken.
      “Fair Game are calling for action now. We were promised levelling up, instead we could see the levelling of football stadia across the country with decades of history and tradition wiped off the map.
      “The Government needs to deliver on its promise of an independent regulator now. A regulator that can oversee football’s financial flow. Without it the pyramid of our national game will crumble.”
      Plans for an independent regulator for football have stalled following the appointment of new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
      But, clubs have been handed a boost as the government have proposed to cut energy bills for UK businesses by around half their expected level.
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      The new scheme will fix gas and electricity prices for firms for six months from October 1, protecting businesses from rapidly rising costs.
      This would shield many clubs – especially non-league – from entering a cost crisis. More

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      Prem clubs ‘considering plans to SCRAP FA Cup replays and could play U21 sides in League Cup’ in ‘New Deal for Football’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are reportedly considering plans to SCRAP replays in the FA Cup.This idea forms part of a “New Deal for Football”, which could also see sides play U21 sides in the Carabao Cup.
      FA Cup third and fourth round replays could be axed permanently from 2024Credit: Getty
      The Times claims the proposals are at the heart of talks at Wednesday’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting.
      Discussions will take place over ideas to potentially deliver £250million in extra funds to the EFL while also reforming parachute payments.
      And one proposal is to permanently cut FA Cup replays in the third and fourth rounds from 2024.
      This would see those games go straight to penalty shoot-outs – therefore providing lower league sides with a greater opportunity of progressing past top-flight clubs.
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      It would also help free up space in the calendar for Premier League outfits.
      But the FA must first give their blessing before any reform goes ahead.
      Third and fourth round replays have already been axed for the past two years following the backlog from Covid.
      And they could yet be cut again this year to stop a fixture pile-up after games were postponed in the wake of the Queen’s death.
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      As for the Carabao Cup, teams playing in Europe could field their U21s in a bid to freshen up the competition – or even withdraw entirely.
      Top-flight sides are happy for the Cup not to be scrapped, and they will also not force FA Cup games to only go ahead in midweek.
      The ideas all come after the government warned the Premier League must provide a major cash injection for the EFL with a new deal – or else be forced to do so.
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has already had his say on how to provide funds for the football pyramid.
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      Boehly has suggested hosting an annual North vs South All-Star match.
      However, the American’s idea has been met by a host of ridicule from doubters. More

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      FA Cup third and fourth round replays could be SCRAPPED in bid to stop fixture pile-up after postponements

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      FA CUP third and fourth round replays could be scrapped in a bid to stop this season’s fixture pile-upPA claims footy chiefs are examining ways to avoid a gruelling schedule after last weekend’s Premier League games were axed following the Queen’s death.
      FA Cup third and fourth round replays could be scrapped to deal with current league postponementsCredit: Getty
      Clubs are already having to contend with a bumper fixture list ahead of the World Cup this winter.
      And more fixtures this weekend, including Chelsea vs Liverpool, have been called off ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
      It now leaves footy chiefs scrambling to find new dates at a later point in the season.
      And one solution is to cut replays in the FA Cup third and fourth rounds.
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      They were scrapped the last two seasons following the backlog from Covid.
      And teams could now be set for more extra-time with penalties in the tournament this term.
      As well as Liverpool vs Chelsea, Brighton vs Crystal Palace and Man Utd vs Leeds are also not going ahead this weekend.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Europa League clash against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday has been postponed.
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      And with an international break to follow, it means some teams won’t be in league action until October.
      Regarding this weekend’s suspended action, the Premier League said: ‘Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.
      “The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.
      “For the matches being played during the period of national mourning, tributes will be paid to the Queen at Premier League stadiums.
      “New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course.” More

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      Fans joke Chelsea’s new keeper coach Ben Roberts started working for club in 1997 after FA Cup final clash

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      FOOTBALL fans have seen the funny side after Ben Roberts joined Chelsea as part of Graham Potter’s coaching staff. Potter was announced as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement earlier this week, and has made a swathe of changes to the backroom staff at the club.
      Ben Roberts sits dejected after the 1997 FA Cup finalCredit: Rex
      Roberts is one of Graham Potter’s inner circleCredit: Getty
      One such change is new goalkeeping coach Roberts, who himself was a former goalkeeper.
      However, a number of fans have poked fun at the appointment as they highlighted his performance in the 1997 FA Cup final against Chelsea.
      Roberto Di Matteo scored a screamer inside a minute in the final against Middlesbrough, with The Blues going on to win the game 2-0.
      But Roberts’ attempt to stop Di Matteo’s effort came under criticism as the ball went straight down the middle of the goal.
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      And fans have now joked Roberts actually started working for Chelsea in 1997.
      One user on Twitter said: “Ben Roberts is the new Chelsea goalkeeper coach? He originally started working for them in the first minute of the 1997 FA Cup final.”
      A second user wrote: “Ben Roberts is Chelsea,” and accompanied it with a pair of images from the final which showcased the shot at goal and the attempt to save it.
      A third user added: “Ben Roberts, already a small part of Chelsea history, he was the goalkeeper in the 1997 FA Cup final for Middlesbrough when Di Matteo scored the fastest FA Cup final goal.”
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      Meanwhile, a fourth user said: “Ben Roberts now working for Chelsea, as he was on FA Cup Final day 1997.”
      Potter is bringing five coaches with him from Brighton, as SunSport provided the low down on his inner circle of confidantes Chelsea will hope will get them back on top. More