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      I played with David Beckham for my club and against him at the World Cup, now I’m making my way in brand new career

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL was David Beckham’s team-mate at LA Galaxy and faced England at the 2006 World Cup.But now he has traded the high life of LA and glitz and glamour of international football for pounding the Staffordshire mud as a REFEREE.Chris Birchall is on red alert for a career as a whistlerCredit: Paul TongeBirchall says England legend David Beckham was humble both as an international opponent and club team-mateCredit: GettyBirchall and Becks won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChris Birchall with a framed David Beckham personalised signed shirtThe  ex-midfielder, 39, lined up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Becks while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in Germany.Stafford-born Birchall, who qualified for the Caribbean islands through his mum, spent three seasons in LA.Hanging on a wall at home in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a personalised signed Beckham shirt and a photo of the pair when they won the MLS Cup in 2011.He said: “David was great with me. Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.READ MORE TOP STORIES“There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’“He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Trinidad & Tobago — the Soca Warriors —  elevated Birchall’s career. While still a 22-year-old League One footballer at Port Vale, he found himself up against the Three Lions.England needed two late goals to win 2-0 in the group game before their World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal. Most read in FootballThe ex-Trinidad & Tobago ace reckons VAR has big weaknessesCredit: Paul TongeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBirchall said: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. He was my hero so that was special.“It’s amazing looking back — lining up against Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Rooney, Ferdinand.  That squad should have won a World Cup.” Watch former Bohemians star score from own half with shot to rival David Beckham’s iconic goalBirchall — who also played for  Coventry, Port Vale and Brighton before retiring in 2016 — started the process of becoming an official six months ago.He said: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall would like other former players to lend their experience to help the PGMOL stop the controversies ruining football.He said: “The way certain laws are written tie the hands of refs. There’s no room for common sense.“If an incident ticks all the boxes, you must give a certain decision. Yet if you’ve played you know every incident is different and whether a player meant to do something.He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.Chris Birchall on David Beckham“Take handball — a ball’s blasted at you from ten yards. You might be jumping with your arms slightly away from your body and as you’re landing the ball touches your hand. That isn’t a penalty but they’re given.“The diving and simulation is ridiculous. That’s where I’d like to use my experience. Ex-footballers can see the tricks of the trade.“I’ve sympathy for a ref who has a split second to make a decision and then has VAR putting him under pressure to change it after viewing a replay at one thousandth of a second. The game isn’t played in slo-mo.”Birchall saw his ex-club Coventry denied what would have been an incredible win against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner to complete a fightback from 3-0 down. Ref Rob Jones gave the goal but VAR told him Haji Wright was a CENTIMETRE offside!Birchall took on Frank Lampard & Co in the 2006 World CupCredit: GettyHe rose to a momentous occasion against the Three Lions 18 years agoCredit: GettyBirchall said: “This is where VAR kills football. That decision affected a club’s history as Coventry would’ve reached the final having staged one of the greatest ever comebacks.“VAR wasn’t brought in to decide offside by a toenail or to take three minutes to work out.“If it’s level to the naked eye, award the goal — give the advantage to the striker as it used to be. We want to see goals, not find reasons to disallow them.”PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants to welcome ex-players into refereeing and Birchall hopes to see his peers and officials work together.He said: “I don’t want a battle between ex-footballers and refs. It’s about educating refs from a player’s perspective and the other way round.“Paul Merson slates refs on Soccer Saturday — some stuff he’s saying as an ex-player is correct. But it’s often not the ref’s fault, it’s the law that’s written that needs changing.”The high life of LA has gone, now it’s back to earthy EnglandCredit: Paul TongeBirchall gives our man Justin Allen more than just the lowdownCredit: Paul TongeBirchall concedes you cannot make a living refereeing at grassroots level and that perhaps puts ex-players off, especially those who played professionally in the lower divisions and are not wealthy.However, he believes the PGMOL should team up with the PFA, FA and clubs to encourage footballers still playing to take courses.He said: “Unless you’ve made good money from your career, you need a job while you’re developing to reach a level where you might get an income.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They need to be telling footballers towards the end of their careers, ‘You can do this while you’re still playing.’“There needs to be that transition from when they retire to going straight into refereeing or at least have a platform.” More

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      Man Utd fans devastated by ‘one of the worst jerseys ever seen’ as away kit ‘leaked’ for 2024/25 season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left devastated after their new away kit was supposedly “leaked” online.Erik ten Hag’s side have provided little for their supporters to cheer about on the pitch this term.Man Utd’s new away kit has allegedly been leakedCredit: Jersey ReviewFans soon took to X to vent their anger at the designCredit: Jersey ReviewAnd they were even embarrassed when reaching the FA Cup Final with Man City after they survived blowing a three-goal lead to Coventry before beating them on penalties.They failed to retain the Carabao Cup while the Red Devils were also dumped out of the Champions League at the group stages.And their Premier League form has left little to get excited about.Saturday’s dismal 1-1 draw at home to Burnley left them sixth in the table with just four matches left to secure European football.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe dire campaign has piled pressure on Ten Hag, who is wanted back at old club Ajax, after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of 25 per cent in the club.However, while the future of the manager remains up in the air, an Instagram account called “jerseyreview” has “leaked” what those players still at United next term will allegedly be wearing in away games.The all-blue Adidas number, which has new sponsor Snapdragon on the front, looks incredibly similar to England’s cricket jersey.And it did not take long for United’s followers to give their damning verdict on the new design on social media after the alleged “leak”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“This could easily be one of the worst jerseys I have ever seen,” replied one stunned fan.Another claimed that it “looks like a cricket kit” while it was also branded “awful”.Under-fire Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag slammed for ‘writing off NEXT SEASON’ after admitting how far Reds are off top 3A fellow supporter said: “Team about to drop several stinkers in this shirt.”A fifth wrote: “This looks like we gan get major Ls wearing this.”A sixth asked if they were “taking the p***?”Another declared that it was a “true stinker”.An eighth wrote: “That is a disgusting design.”A ninth asked: “Wtf is this ??”While a tenth stated that it was simply “garbage”.Some United fans slammed the ‘awful’ design and said it looked like a ‘cricket’ topCredit: Jersey Review More

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      Erik ten Hag tipped to jump at ‘great Man Utd escape route’ with Old Trafford boss ‘at top of wanted list’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag could be offered a sensational return to Ajax after a turblent campaign at Old Trafford.Ten Hag, 54, joined United from the Dutch giants in 2022 and enjoyed a successful maiden campaign as he won the Carabao Cup, made it to the FA Cup Final and qualified for the Champions League.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could return to Ajax in the summerCredit: AlamyTen Hag is Ajax’s top target but talks won’t take place before the FA Cup FinalCredit: GettyHowever, this season has been completely different as the Red Devils finished last in their Champions League group and have officially missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League.The Dutch tactician has endured a raft of injuries woes and still managed to lead the Manchester giants to back-to-back FA Cup Finals but his future is still under immense doubt.According to transfer expert Marcel van der Kraan, there is a “great escape route” lined up for Ten Hag as he could go back to Ajax where he won six trophies in five years.However, no potential talks will take place before the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25.Read More on Man UtdVan der Kraan told the Trans Europe Express: “There is a great escape route for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.”Ajax have had a dreadful season – they’ve had three managers, they’ve sacked the technical director Sven Mislintat, they’ve sacked the CEO and brought him back… They’ve sacked almost everyone they can think of and it’s been really dire.”The CEO, the big man who was sacked only two weeks ago for suspected insider trading because he allegedly bought shares just before he was appointed is back on the scene as of on Friday afternoon.”Alex Kroes, who started SEG [Sports Entertainment Group], look after Erik ten Hag, they have done for many years. This Alex Kroes is the new technical director of Ajax.Most read in Football”Alex Kroes has got Erik ten Hag at the top of his wanted list. He is his man and will wait for him until the end of this month because by June 1st they have to appoint a manager or make a decision.Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v Burnley”He’s prepared to wait another month to see if Erik ten Hag will take the job on June 1st. Why until the end of May? Because on May 25th it’s the FA Cup Final and Ten Hag will not want to be disturbed with that question.”But he knows about it, he knows there’s an open door at Ajax and he can be the manager of Ajax next season and try and win a title there again.”Van der Kraan is also confident money won’t pose as an issue during potential talks with Ajax.Instead, Ajax will have to sell a lucrative project to convince the United manager to return to Amsterdam and lead them back to success.Van der Kraan added: “If we remember why Ten Hag came to Manchester United, money was never his motivation.”Ten Hag comes from a family of millionaires, his father had a huge, huge empire in the east of Holland. “I don’t think he’s ever had to worry about money and I don’t think one or two million more or less will make a difference for Erik.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Prince William urged to step in and ask FA to reverse ‘ridiculous’ decision that sparked nationwide backlash

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      PRINCE William has been urged to intervene and ask the FA to rethink scrapping FA Cup replays.The Prince of Wales has been President of the FA since 2006, although it is a ceremonial position.Prince William has been urged to get involved amid the FA Cup dramaCredit: GettyFA Cup replays have been scrapped following a decision that stirred controversyCredit: RexWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      But amid the fan backlash to the decision to end replays from the first round proper stage from next season, he has been asked to get involved.In a letter to the Prince, the lobby group “The People’s FA” pleaded with him to push back against the decision.Former Charlton player and co-chair Mickey Ambrose wrote: “The whole of the English Football Family, world was shocked to hear that the FA have announced that they are to scrap FA Cup replays as of the 2024/25 season.“Football fans up and down the country, especially those of the 72 English Football League clubs have been shaken to their core by this bombshell decision.Read More on Football“Even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, were in a rare consensus and agreed that this is wrong and against the interest of our national game.”He added: “FA Cup Replays give local clubs and their towns the chance to savour a momentous occasion in their community’s history.“In 2018, Rochdale fans queued in the snow at the Crown Oil Arena on the Monday morning to get their hands on the precious tickets for their replay against Tottenham.“Within four hours it was the first sell-out at Rochdale in living memory. In years to come, parents and grandparents will tell their children, ‘I was there’.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The money they earned was credited with saving Rochdale from potential bankruptcy and the club were able to plan and rebuild.“The People’s FA and the football community urge you to stand with the fans and to publicly request that the FA Board reconsider their impetuous decision and retain FA Cup Replays for the betterment, sustainability and longevity of all of the clubs in the football pyramid.VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECT“As things stand at present it feels as if the FA only care about the Premier League. Football’s governing body should be seen to be equally representing all clubs.”The controversial decision led to a furious backlash from managers as well with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder claiming it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.And Millwall manager Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”England risk World Cup ban over FA Cup replay controversyBy Martin Lipton and Anthony Chapman
      MPs demanding a U-turn on the FA Cup replay row could risk England being banned by Fifa.
      During the second reading of the Football Regulation bill in Westminster on Tuesday, former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron promised to propose an amendment to give the Regulator the power to force the FA to reintroduce replays.
      He argued, with backing from MPs across the House, that all member clubs must have a vote on deciding the rules of the competition.
      Yet such a move by the Regulator would leave open the possibility that Fifa could determine the FA had been subjected to “government interference” in the running of the game.
      That would be a breach of membership rules.
      In recent years, the world governing body has temporarily suspended the football associations of Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Pakistan because of outside influence.
      It emerged that Spain’s government could take over the RFEF (Spanish FA) following disgraced ex-president Luis Rubiales’ kiss-gate scandal at the Women’s World Cup final.
      That could see them run the same ban risk as England, although in reality such a punishment is unlikely. More

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      Fans slam ‘worst thing I’ve ever seen from EFL ref’ as John Eustace sent off after heated touchline bust-up

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      BLACKBURN ROVERS manager John Eustace has been sent-off for pushing Kasey Palmer in the technical area.Blackburn are up against FA Cup heartbreakers Coventry City in the Championship.Eustace is shown a red card by referee Anthony BackhouseCredit: PAThe Blackburn boss was sent off following a scuffle with Kasey Coventry star PalmerCredit: RexEustace was given his matching orders for pushing Palmer.The Coventry midfielder was holding onto the ball, which sparked fury from the former Birmingham manager.Palmer did receive a yellow card for his efforts.The incident happened in the 50th minute of the match, with the score still goalless.But just 12 minutes later, Liam Kitching was given a straight red for bringing down Sam Gallagher as the last man.One fan said: “John Eustace getting a red card for that is the worst thing I have ever seen from an EFL ref…. sort your Refs out ffs how is that a red honestly.”Another said: “So we now have no manager on the touchline for the rest of the season whilst fighting relegation.” More

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      Man Utd staff stunned by brutal cuts to FA Cup final perks as club saves cash ‘for returning to top of world football’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED staff are “disgruntled” at new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to cut their FA Cup final perks.The Red Devils will play a second successive FA Cup final on May 25 in a repeat of last year’s showpiece against Manchester City – where Pep Guardiola’s men claimed a 2-1 win.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made some brutal decisions around staff perksCredit: PAManchester United and Manchester City will play a second successive FA Cup final on May 25Credit: AlamyIn the past, Man Utd have given tickets to all of their 1,100 staff members, while senior staff and directors were able to take friends and family.Travel to and from the stadium, pre-match food, a post-match party and hotel accommodation were also paid for by the club.But The Times have now revealed an email has been sent to all staff after new protocols were established by co-owners Ineos, headed up by British billionaire Ratcliffe.Staff were told they will only receive one ticket for the game, while they will also have to pay £20 for coach travel to and from Wembley on the day of the match.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAll other perks have been scrapped.The email read: “There is still hard work ahead over the coming weeks, but I know everyone at the club is completely focused on delivering the performances and results expected of Manchester United and finding ways to win in whatever role you do.”In recognition of your ongoing support this season, we will organise a colleague trip to Wembley for the final on 25 May.”This year, the trip will be a little different. We will still provide you with a complimentary ticket to the game. However, we’ll ask you to contribute towards coach travel, and lunch will not be provided.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“While we appreciate this is a change from previous trips, you will all be aware of the need for us to spend the club’s money effectively, with a focus on performance and outcomes.”We hope that this year’s trip balances the opportunity for you to go to Wembley to support our players while also ensuring we can invest as much as possible into the club over the coming months to achieve our goal of returning Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football.”Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The email also states “subsidised coaches to and from Wembley will be provided”, though there is the caveat “you will be asked to contribute £20 towards return travel or £10 one-way”.This fee will be deducted from employees’ June salaries.Reports claim this is an attempt from Ratcliffe and Ineos to ensure they stay within Uefa and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.The withdrawal of staff perks is said to be a “blow to morale”, but some are understood to be “supportive” of the decision.However, the criticism comes after Man Utd’s owners were praised earlier this week for agreeing to subsidise FA Cup final tickets for all Under-16 season ticket holder.Young supporters will receive a £30 discount, meaning some will be able to buy a ticket for just £5. More

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      Liverpool icon reveals two ex-England stars were best for celebrating with and says amount they drunk ‘was unbelievable’

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      LIVERPOOL cult hero Markus Babbel named Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler as the biggest party animals he played with.Babbel won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001 alongside the ex-England internationals.Fowler was Liverpool’s captain and Carragher, then 23, were Liverpool’s resident raversCredit: PA:Press AssociationBabbel arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2000 as one of the most decorated players in German football history, having won the Euros in 1996.Two spells with Bayern Munich saw him win four Bundesliga titles, three German League cups and the UEFA Cup in 1996.But despite being no stranger to celebrating in style, Babbel claimed that the partying antics of Carragher and Fowler were on another level.The German hilariously revealed Carragher in particular loved to throw shapes on the dance floor.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told OLBG: “Didi Hamann and Christian Ziege were really good at celebrating titles.”But the best by far were Carragher and Fowler. It was unbelievable how much they could drink.“We were top professionals, but if you win something you have to celebrate. “And oh my god Carragher was the perfect guy to celebrate with, he can sing, he can dance, he can drink. Perfect for a good party.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarragher’s drinking habits reportedly changed after a conversation with manager Gerard Houllier. On one occasion, the Liverpool boss called him over in training to ask him what’d he’d done at the weekend.Home Wins – Alex FergusonHoullier was disappointed to learn that Carragher had enjoyed a few pints with his dad, and gave him a stark warning about the path he was going down.The ex-England internationalpreviously told Sky Sports: “Houllier didn’t like our culture.”He couldn’t work out why a father would be damaging his son’s career, putting unnecessary stress on an athlete’s body.”Houllier told me if I kept living that kind of lifestyle, my career as a Premier League footballer would be over by the time I was 26.”Babbel enjoyed four years at LiverpoolCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League clubs ‘in talks to enter shock new competition’ just days after FA Cup replays scrapped

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      “RIDICULOUS” plans for a new competition after FA Cup replays were scrapped have angered fans.The Premier League are reportedly in talks over a format involving 16 of their Under-21 teams and 16 National League sides.The FA Cup will lose replays but the National League could yet face fixture congestion via another competitionCredit: PASheffield United boss Chris Wilder blasted the axing of FA Cup replaysCredit: GettySupporters blasted the suggestion – having already joined many clubs and managers from the Prem down in slating the FA for ditching FA Cup replays from next season.But the idea of a new 32-team event might be the reason the National League shocked lovers of grassroots football by BACKING the replay axe.That’s because the fifth tier could profit financially from the plan for an EFL Trophy-style competition, as revealed by the The Athletic.It would see four regional groups of eight teams, with the National League teams playing the U-21 sides at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s understood the host NL clubs would keep all the gate money plus half the prize money.The rest of the cash would be split between the eight NL teams not competing in the tournament, as well as all the NL North and NL South sides – meaning 56 clubs in all.The National League’s top 16 teams would take part – with the two clubs promoted from there into the EFL replaced by the two relegated sides going in the opposite direction.The Athletic’s Matt Slater posted on X: “When is fixture congestion OK? A: When it’s subsidised by the PL.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd most fans appeared to agree with his withering reaction.One wrote: “This is ridiculous. No one wants u21 sides in the EFL trophy. The national league boss wants less fixture congestion. So why is this needed? Keep FA cup replays.”Another argued: “What a ridiculous idea. So they now want to ruin the FA Cup AND the FA Trophy? This is appalling.”Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionAnd a third said: “How can the National League look at this year’s fixture congestion and think the answer is more games?”However, one supporter posted: “I am no doubt in a minority but I do enjoy the more unusual competitions, including the EFL Trophy.”Cheap tickets, lots of games, get to play teams you wouldn’t normally. Random nature of it with teams not chasing promotion means unlikely teams make the last stages too.” More