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      Mark Wright broke down in tears over Spurs axe but hopes to score dream goal vs Arsenal to taunt GMB host Piers Morgan

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      MARK WRIGHT broke down in tears when he was released by Tottenham – but now hopes to score his dream goal against Arsenal to taunt Piers Morgan.
      The Only Way Is Essex star Wright, 33, was in the Spurs academy, captained the youth team and played alongside Jamie Redknapp in the reserves.

      Mark Wright opened up on his heartache of leaving Tottenham but revealed his dream of scoring against ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

      But after a summer of drinking and eating, he came back out of shape and was let go – leaving him broken.
      Now, 15 years later, he has joined League Two Crawley and made his professional debut in the FA Cup win over Leeds.
      And Wright has the added motivation to succeed and stick it to Good Morning Britain presenter and avid Gooner Morgan.
      He appeared on the ITV show on Monday to discuss his short cameo in the shock cup upset over Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

      The star could not resist a dig at Morgan, who branded his penalty shootout Soccer Aid managerial win in 2019 as the ‘best night of my life’.
      Wright said: “The buzz was nearly as much as the buzz you had when you beat us on penalties in Soccer Aid – it was an incredible moment.
      “Obviously I only got a few minutes. It was sensational to come on and make my professional debut and my brother making his debut.
      “It was a memory I’ll never forget and my family will never forget.

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      “Nick [Tsaroulla] who scored the first goal, he had an accident. His career was over a few years ago when he was told he’s lucky to be alive and then he goes and does that yesterday. A sensational day for the whole club.
      “I was in the shower with him actually. I said, ‘How are you feeling?’ He said, ‘Mark, honestly I can’t describe it I thought my career was over, my life was over.'”
      And now the ultimate dream for Wright would be to score against Morgan’s beloved Arsenal at Wembley.
      Asked about putting the Soccer Aid demons to bed, the former I’m A Celebrity and Strictly contestant quipped: “If I score in a penalty shootout against Arsenal in the FA Cup final, there’s only one man I’ll be thinking about at that point.”
      Speaking in his BBC documentary Mark Wright: The Last Chance, the left-back said: “The day I got released from Tottenham was one of the worst days of my life. I cried my eyes out, I realised I messed up.

      The former TOWIE star appeared on Good Morning Britain on MondayCredit: GMB

      Wright opened up about his release from Tottenham during the BBC documentaryCredit: BBC
      “I didn’t want to face my family, I didn’t want to face my friends. I was embarrassed.
      “I had it all, 18, going to clubs and I just thought, ‘It’s done. I’ve been spoiled, I played for Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham all of my life and never had to suffer when it came to football.’
      “Captain of the youth team, playing for the reserves with Jamie Redknapp, Stephen Dalmat, Helder Postiga. I had it all.
      “I went away one summer for a month, I drank alcohol for the first time, ate what I wanted every day, put on a stone and a half and came back to training pre-season and the goalkeepers were beating me. Never pulled it back.”
      Wright joined League One Southend but instead of working hard and fighting his way back up the pyramid, he slipped down into non-league – including a short spell with Crawley – before going into TV.

      Wright came on for a cameo with Crawley already 3-0 up against Marcelo Bielsa’s LeedsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Piers Morgan labelled his managerial Soccer Aid win in 2019 as one of the ‘best nights of my life’Credit: PA:Press Association

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

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      Mark Wright makes late cameo for Crawley v Leeds in FA Cup after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid

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      MARK WRIGHT made a late cameo for Crawley in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Leeds.
      The reality TV star climbed off the bench in injury time of his side’s 3-0 win over the stunned Premier League team.

      Mark Wright came on for Crawley against Leeds in the FA Cup on SundayCredit: Reuters

      The reality TV star came on late in the 3-0 FA Cup victoryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The 33-year-old, who is married to actress Michelle Keegan, tried to make it as a footballer when he was young.
      But the Essex-born star has found success from other avenues away from football, such as TV and radio.
      But coming on for an FA Cup clash against Premier League Leeds even if just for a few minutes would’ve been a big deal for Wright.
      He told the BBC: “The day I got released from Tottenham was one of the worst days of my life. I cried my eyes out, I realised I messed up.

      Mark Wright warms up ahead of Crawley’s FA Cup clash with LeedsCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright was named on the bench for Crawley’s clash with LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I didn’t want to face my family, I didn’t want to face my friends. I was embarrassed. I had it all, 18, going to clubs and I just thought, ‘It’s done.’
      “I’ve been spoiled, I played for Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham all of my life and never had to suffer when it came to football.
      “Captain of the youth team, playing for the reserves with Jamie Redknapp, Stephen Dalmat, Helder Postiga. I had it all.
      “I went away one summer for a month, I drank alcohol for the first time, ate what I wanted every day, put on a stone and a half and came back to training pre-season and the goalkeepers were beating me. Never pulled it back.

      “Went to League One club Southend and thought, ‘What is this?’ And that is the point where I looked back at “where it all went wrong.
      “Instead of going, ‘Right, I’ve dropped the down to League One, I’ve got to get myself back up.’ I’m going to train harder, train longer. Do what I’m doing now at Crawley.
      “Staying out after with the fitness coach. On my days, I’m going to work harder to get back.”
      Wright is still haunted by how his actions cost him a place at Spurs and has urged youngsters at big club’s academies to never let their work ethic slip.
      He added: “If I could tell any young player now, don’t do what I did. The hardest working players make it. And that’s what I didn’t do.”

      The former Only Way is Essex Star signed for Crawley last month on a non-contract basis.
      Upon joining the Reds, Wright said: “My love for the game has never gone away and the fact that I never played a professional game in the Football League has always niggled away at me. If I don’t do it now, I never will.
      “When the manager, John Yems, who I played for 12 years ago here at Crawley asked me if I would like to take it further and sign for the club, of course I didn’t think twice and tonight I’m quite simply over the moon.
      “I’ve worked so hard to get fighting fit and I will continue to do so. When/if the time comes for me to make my debut, it will be a day I remember and cherish forever.”

      Mark Wright reveals he’s the new face of Cadbury’s as he plays a footballer in new ad More

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      Newport 1 Brighton 1 (AET, 3-4 pens): Jason Steele produces penalty heroics after nightmare error sent tie to shootout

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      JASON STEELE showed nerves befitting of his surname as Newport suffered Premier League penalty heartbreak for the SECOND time this season.
      County, who lost out on spot-kicks to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup earlier this term, took it all the way after Adam Webster’s 96th-minute own goal erased Solly March’s late strike.

      Jason Steele saved a quartet of spot-kicks in Sunday’s shootoutCredit: Reuters

      The goalkeeper had missed an injury-time cross that Adam Webster converted into his own net for the equaliserCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But they could not keep their cool in the shootout as Steele made FOUR saves, allowing Webster to redeem himself by netting the decisive kick.
      Graham Potter picked a strong XI to respect County’s recent history in this competition, which had seen them beat Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester in the last three years.
      Yet Albion were lucky not to fall behind to their League Two hosts when Lewis Dunk got a backpass horribly wrong and allowed Padraig Amond in – but the striker fired wide.
      It was a rare gaffe in this competition for Amond who is usually nuts for the FA Cup, having bagged 12 goals in it previously.

      Ten of those have come for Newport, including strikes against Leicester and Manchester City, proving he is a man for the big occasion.
      Potter’s pass-masters were having to get to grips with a cut-up pitch that doubles up as the home of rugby union side Dragons.
      Ben White, who began his journey up the leagues with a loan spell at County, was lucky not to be punished on his old stomping ground when horribly miscuing thanks to a bobble.
      Gradually, the Premier League side began to take control of the first half and came close when Dunk crashed a header from Pascal Gross’ corner.

      But he was denied by a super stop from keeper Tom King, who then instinctively turned over Andi Zeqiri’s close-range volley.
      Whether this fixture had any more on it for King given he began his career at Albion’s rivals Crystal Palace only he knew, but the 25-year-old certainly stepped up.
      Newport lost midfielder Robbie Willmott to injury shortly before the break and were then cursing their luck further when Amond, again, spurned a superb chance.
      Brighton keeper Steele had raced out to a long ball and got a header all wrong just outside his box, allowing striker Amond to lift it over him towards an empty net.
      Yet an acrobatic, last-ditch clearance from Dunk rescued the visitors.
      Sub Davy Propper an excellent opportunity minutes later to break the deadlock as he raced onto a loose ball, but could not hit the target.
      It remained nip and tuck as King flicked over a March cross which was creeping in, before Steele blocked a goal-bound strike from Newport’s Wales international Josh Sheehan.
      March looked to have settled things with his fine finish from 20 yards with 90 minutes on the clock.

      Tom King made a fine attempt at his own heroics in the shootoutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Brighton could not make their pressure pay in the 120 minutesCredit: Reuters

      Yet, somehow, knackered Newport took it to extra-time as Steele missed a routine punch and the ball crashed in off Webster in the 96th minute.
      His team may have been tired, but King kept his focus as he brilliantly tipped another Dunk header over the bar early on in the added 30.
      To a shoot-out it went, with Steele making up for his error in normal time by saving from Josh Sheehan, Jason Demetriou, Liam Shepherd and Scott Bennett.
      Webster succeeded where Neal Maupay, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard failed to squeak his side through.

      Chorley’s love affair with FA Cup goes on as they beat Rooney’s Derby and celebrate by singing Adele’s Someone Like You More

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      Police insist Marine fans did NOT break Covid rules despite mobbing buses before Spurs FA Cup clash

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      POLICE insist Marine fans did not break Covid rules – despite mobbing team buses before Tottenham’s 5-0 win.
      Hundreds gathered outside Rossett Park Stadium to welcome players from both teams ahead of the club’s historic FA Cup clash with the Premier League side.

      Police insist Marine fans did not break Covid rules before the Spurs matchCredit: Reuters

      Hundreds gathered outside Rossett Park Stadium before the FA Cup clashCredit: Reuters

      Merseyside Police believe social distancing was carried outCredit: AFP or licensors

      And Spurs boss Jose Mourinho even shared a video on Instagram of fans swarming the streets within close proximity of each other as his side’s bus arrived.
      Yet, despite government lockdown advice stating individuals should only leave home for essential trips or to exercise with one other person, Merseyside Police believe social distancing was carried out.
      Superintendent Andy Rankine said: “A small gathering took place ahead of the arrival of the team coaches, and road closures were put in place to facilitate this arrival safely.
      “The vast majority of people present were adhering to social-distancing measures and those who were not were advised by officers.”

      The vast majority of people present were adhering to social-distancing measures and those who were not were advised by officers

      On the pitch, Marine caused little worry for their illustious rivals as Carlos Vinicius bagged a hat-trick en route to a comfortable 5-0 win.
      Lucas Moura also scored beofre substitute Alfie Devine made history after becoming both the club’s youngest ever player and scorer.
      Yet despite the scoreline, Marine boss Neil Young said the club was indebted to Mourinho and Tottenham.
      He said: “I had a good chat with Jose before the game and he was very complimentary about the ground and the pitch.

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      “He gets English football. He always has done. You only have to see that from the teams he has put out in the League Cup and the FA Cup.
      “It would have been very easy for him not to bring Gareth Bale on but he did it because he respects what we have achieved in the competition.
      “I have so much respect for Jose Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur as a football club from this.”

      Mourinho is very happy with his players as it was clear Spurs were ready for anything More

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      Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho confirms Dele Alli is back in his plans after midfielder stars in Marine FA Cup thrashing

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      DELE ALLI looks to have played his way back into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a majestic display in the 5-0 FA Cup thrashing of Marine.
      One comedy tumble aside, the 24-year-old midfielder was on fire in the first half as Spurs went in at the break 4-0 up.

      Dele Alli ran the show in the first half for Spurs against MarineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Carlos Vinicius scored a hat-trick, with Lucas Moura adding the other with a sublime free-kick.
      Alli, who has failed to even make the bench in a number of games this season, had the luxury of being rested when replaced by Gareth Bale on 65 minutes.
      That was five minutes after 16-year-old Alfie Devine had put the Londoners 5-0 up.
      Alli has been linked with a January transfer and a potential reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.

      But Mourinho doesn’t appear ready to ship out the 37-cap England international just yet.
      When asked if Alli is in centention for a Premier League starting spot, the Special One replied: “He was here today and of course it was not the match to measure the quality.
      “But the professionalism and attitude and I am very happy with it.
      “I will not be surprised if next Wednesday Dele is playing with us.

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      Jose Mourinho hinted Alli is back in his first-team thinkingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I am really happy with his attitude in the game. Of course we didn’t want to risk much, the pitch is a bit dangerous and their enthusiasm can put the creative ones in some risk.
      “But I am happy – good professionalism, good dynamic from him and Gedson [Fernandes] to start trying to create, so really pleased for the performance.”
      Spurs travel to take on Aston Villa on Wednesday.
      Alli has played just 74 minutes of Premier League action this season.

      Dele Alli may well have resurrected his Spurs careerCredit: AFP
      And exclusively speaking to SunSport last month, White Hart lane legend Glenn Hoddle admitted the former MK Dons man might need to move on.
      The Amazon Prime Video pundit said: “I could see Dele going to another club and doing really well in the right system. I don’t think he suits this system that Jose’s looking for.
      “I think at some stage he will move on, when that will be I’m not sure”

      Son laughs and Bale calls for yellow card as Alli makes comical tumble in Spurs’ clash with Marine More

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      FA Cup third round TV fixtures: How to live stream FREE and watch matches on BBC iPlayer, BT Sport and FA Player

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      THE world’s greatest cup competition is BACK on our screens as clubs up and down the pyramid prepare for third round weekend.
      With the UK back in lockdown the magic of the FA Cup will hopefully be a tonic for supporters facing months under new coronavirus regulations.

      Credit: PA:Press Association

      And in a boost for fans, you’ll be able to watch every single clash on TV – with a number of matches on free-to-air.
      FA Cup third round TV matches
      There are 32 matches this weekend, spread across four days of action.
      Liverpool and Aston Villa got us started on Friday, with Jurgen Klopp’s side looking to avenging their 7-2 humiliation from earlier in the season by beating Villa’s youth side 4-1.
      Matches are being shown on BT Sport, BBC and for the first time, on the FA Player.

      Games on BBC ONE, BBC iPlayer and the FA Player are FREE to watch for everyone – there is no iFollow service running for the FA Cup.
      BT Sport games will be available to anyone who has a subscription to the service, with the BT Sport Extra channel available by pressing the red button.

      BT Sport will be showing the majority of matchesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      If you have an EE phone contract, you can grab a three-month BT Sport trial by texting SPORT to 150.
      To get the FA Player, head to their official website or download the app from the App or Play Store on your mobile.

      Friday, January 8
      Aston Villa vs Liverpool – 7.45pm (BT Sport 1)
      Wolves vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm (BT Sport Extra 2)
      Saturday, January 9
      Boreham Woods vs Millwall – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 3)
      Everton vs Rotherham – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 2)
      Luton Town vs Reading – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 6)
      Norwich vs Coventry – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 5)
      Nottingham Forest vs Cardiff – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 4)
      Chorley vs Derby County – 12.15pm (BT Sport 1)
      Blackburn vs Doncaster – 3pm (FA Player)
      Blackpool vs West Brom – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 3)
      Bristol Rovers vs Sheffield United – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 4)
      Burnley vs MK Dons – 3pm (FA Player)
      Exeter City vs Sheffield Wednesday – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 5)
      Oldham vs Bournemouth – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 6)
      QPR vs Fulham – 3pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Stevenage vs Swansea City – 3pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Stoke vs Leicester – 3pm (BBC Red Button/iPlayer)
      Wycombe Wanderers vs Preston – 3pm (FA Player)
      Arsenal vs Newcastle – 5.30pm (BBC ONE)
      Brentford vs Middlesbrough – 6pm (FA Player)
      Huddersfield vs Plymouth – 6pm (FA Player)
      Man Utd vs Watford – 8pm (BT Sport 1)
      Southampton vs Shrewsbury – POSTPONED (COVID)

      Sunday, January 10
      Barnsley vs Tranmere – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Bristol City vs Portsmouth – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Chelsea vs Morecambe – 1.30pm (BBC Red Button/iPlayer)
      Cheltenham vs Mansfield Town – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Crawley Town vs Leeds – 1.30pm (BBC ONE/iPlayer)
      Man City vs Birmingham – 1.30pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Marine vs Tottenham – 5pm (BBC ONE/iPlayer)
      Newport County vs Brighton – 7.45pm (BT Sport 1)
      Monday, January 11
      Stockport County vs West Ham – 8pm (BT Sport 1) More

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      Tottenham give fresh shirts to Marine’s part-timers in classy gesture as coronavirus sees swaps banned after FA Cup ties

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      TOTTENHAM were hailed for their classy gesture to Marine following their FA Cup win over the non-League outfit.
      Jose Mourinho’s side put in a professional performance to ease into the fourth round with a 5-0 win over the Merseysiders.

      Tottenham proved their class following their 5-0 win over MarineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Marine, who feature in the eighth tier of English football, are 161-places below Spurs – the largest gap between two sides in the competition’s history.
      Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic meant fans were robbed of the chance to see their side’s biggest ever game against Tottenham.
      The north Londoners had already done their part in helping Marine sell over 21,000 virtual tickets to help the club’s finances.
      But Spurs also had a classy gesture saved for the part-timers who were also barred from swapping shirts with the Prem superstars.

      Coronavirus regulations in the FA Cup had prohibited the once-customary post-match gesture but, thankfully for Marine, Tottenham came prepared.
      The Carabao Cup finalists revealed they travelled with brand new shirts to give to the non-League oufit to commemorate the occasion.
      The club confirmed on Twitter: “The players are unable to swap shirts after the game due to COVID protocols, so we’ve provided @MarineAFC with a whole set of fresh match shirts as a souvenir of today’s historic match.”
      Fans loved Tottenham’s classy gesture, with one replying: “Always great to see a mark of respect and true sportsmanship.”

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      Another said: “Lovely gesture”, while a third simply added: “Legends.”
      Carlos Vinicius scored a hat-trick on route to Tottenham’s comfortable 5-0 win over Marine.
      Lucas Moura also scored and substitute Alfie Devine then made history after becoming both the club’s youngest ever player and scorer.

      Mourinho is very happy with his players as it was clear Spurs were ready for anything More

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      Cheeky Marine fan asks for Jurgen Klopp’s number on live TV as Liverpool boss ‘watches’ Spurs win from garden

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      A CHEEKY Marine fan asked for Jurgen Klopp’s phone number live on TV during Sunday night’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham.
      The coronavirus pandemic meant fans on Merseyside were robbed of the chance to see their side’s biggest ever game against the Premier League challengers.

      One fan made a plea to ‘mingle’ with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

      A Klopp cutout was, in fact, in attendance at Marine Travel ArenaCredit: Reuters

      But, with Rossett Park Stadium being overlooked by a host of conveniently-placed back gardens, plenty of fans made sure to get a good vantage point of the action as Spurs won 5-0.
      And the primetime TV audience meant a number were inspired to make their mark on a memorable cup meeting.
      One supporter even showcased their romantic availability for the BBC cameras – with a placard asking for Klopp’s number.
      The hilarious sign read: “Well hello. Due to unforeseen circumstances… I’m single and ready to mingle.

      “Have you got Jurgen’s number?”
      Luckily for the eager fan, Liverpool boss Klopp was just yards away in another garden.
      TV cameras picked up the German peering out over the pitch – albeit in cardboard cutout form.
      One fan carried the static Klopp around with him as Merseyside club Marine did battle with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.

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      Tottenham took on the eight-tier Marine in front of a host of garden-based fansCredit: AFP

      Jose Mourinho’s men came out on top in the Merseyside battleCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The eighth-tier minnows had received a helping hand from their neighbours ahead of the clash, with Reds hero Jamie Carragher sponsoring the team.
      Everton also leant Marine their training facilities while Liverpool sent over advanced scouting data ahead of the tie.
      Alas, Spurs came away with a healthy win thanks to Carlos Vinicius’ first-half hat-trick.
      Lucas Moura and teenager Alfie Devine also got on the scoresheet, but not until Neil Kengni had fired off a delightful volley that rattled Joe Hart’s crossbar with the scores level.

      Son laughs and Bale calls for yellow card as Alli makes comical tumble in Spurs’ clash with Marine More