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    Hanlan out of things to watch on TV if season is suspended and says: Football keeps fans who are holed up at home sane

    BRANDON HANLAN could not bear football being curtailed … as he has run out of box-sets to watch.
    There has been a lot of debate about whether the season should be paused with more players testing positive for Covid-19 and games being cancelled as the new variant sweeps through the country.

    Brandon Hanlan is having a great first season at Bristol RoversCredit: rex features

    Bristol Rovers striker Hanlan, 23, takes on Sheffield United this weekend in the FA Cup and believes keeping the season going is vital for the sanity of football lovers holed up at home.
    And he cannot do without his own TV football fix especially now that he has pretty much exhausted everything to watch on Netflix.
    Hanlan told SunSport: “With the times that we are in now, it’s very hard. We’re fortunate as footballers to be able to play. If you’re still doing what you enjoy, you definitely must appreciate it because it’s hard for a lot of people out there.
    “Football on TV lifts people’s spirits. I watch every game myself because it gives you something to do when you’re home. During lockdown, there is definitely nothing better to do than watching football.

    “Besides, I’ve watched almost every box set on there is on Netflix. I’m a big fan of Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy and crime mysteries.”
    Hanlan has had a successful first season at League One club Rovers after deciding to switch from Gillingham in the summer.
    The striker has already scored eight goals in 20 outings for the Pirates – which is the best ratio of his career to date.
    He has progressed steadily since growing up as an Arsenal fan, idolising striker Thierry Henry as well as Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

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    Hanlan said: “They were my ideal players. My family are all big Arsenal fans so I support them too.
    “I remember going to Highbury once and went to watch them at Craven Cottage but it was so long ago and I didn’t appreciate what I was seeing – the team I ended up supporting.
    “It did 100 per cent galvanise me though. I’ve always loved football. I’ve never not played football.”

    Brandon Hanlan was a big Arsenal fan as a kid and idolised Thierry Henry
    Hanlan played Sunday league youth football for Waterloo FC before having a trial at Charlton where he was signed by former Addicks star Jason Euell, who was coaching the youth team.
    And he graduated through the ranks at The Valley before getting on to the fringes of the first team.
    But it was two loan spells with Bromley in the National League and another at Colchester where he really cut his teeth.
    And while with Bromley he played at Wembley in the 2018 FA Trophy final although they lost on penalties to Brackley – although Hanlan scored his spot kick.
    He said: “It was a great experience. It’s everyone’s dream to play at Wembley and whatever happens in my career I can say I’ve played and scored there.”
    Hanlan had two enjoyable years at Gillingham – winning young player of the year in his first season – and is indebted to former boss Steve Lovell for showing faith in him and to Steve Evans for continuing to believe in him when he took over.

    Hanlan missed a sitter for Gillingham in last year’s FA Cup against West Ham
    The striker said: “Those two years were great because it was the first time I really got to experience playing week in, week out at a club in the League.
    “And it taught me about what three points really mean and what it’s like to climb the table. It also gave me an identity.
    “I wanted to give myself a new challenge. I’ve got nothing bad to say about Gillingham.”
    This is Hanlon’s second crack at taking on a Premier League side – having played in Gillingham’s spirited 2-0 third-round defeat to West Ham last January.
    And he hopes to go one better today and create an upset.
    He said: “It’s a great opportunity. Every game is. They’re not doing so well but they are still a Premier League club and have quality players.
    “If we play our best football, hopefully that’ll be enough to get into the fourth round.” More

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    How Man Utd could line up vs Watford with Odion Ighalo CONFIRMED to play against old club in FA Cup clash

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will hand Odion Ighalo an outing against old club Watford in the FA Cup this weekend.
    The Hornets travel to Old Trafford for a third-round tie kicking off at 8pm on Saturday.

    Odion Ighalo could make his last appearance for Manchester United on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

    Former Watford striker Ighalo was a shock signing for the Red Devils last season and his loan move from Shanghai Shenhua is set to expire at the end of the month.
    And Solskjaer has vowed to give the Nigerian a runout in what may be his farewell appearance for the club.
    The United boss said: “Odion, it’s special for him against Watford. He will be involved; he’s in the squad.
    “He’s been training really well. I was just saying before, I don’t know how many goals be scored, but he was the top scorer by a mile in round robin we just had in training.

    “So he’s not lost any of his sharpness or his quality. It’s been difficult for him to be out of the squad as many times of course, because he did really well up to the summer.
    “This season he’s not had as many opportunities, but he’s never let himself down as a professional and a human being.

    “In training he always works hard and he’s been a positive influence in the dressing room.
    “He’s in the squad and hopefully I don’t need to put him on that we need goals, but hopefully he can join in.”

    Ighalo has started just two Carabao Cup games this season with a further pair of appearances off the bench.
    Fighting with the forward for a place in the line-up are Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial.
    All three will be keen to impress ahead of a crunch week for United, which features a trip to Burnley and a crunch meeting with Liverpool.
    The busy fixture schedule means Solskjaer is likely to rotate his side on Saturday, with Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard ready for an opening.

    New signing Amad Diallo will not feature while the final documents are completed for his move from Atalanta.
    Facundo Pellistri is also unavailable for a debut after testing positive for coronavirus.
    Edinson Cavani serves the final game of a three-match ban for breaching FA social media rules, while Marcos Rojo and Phi Jones are injured.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    EFL confirm 112 coronavirus cases from 66 clubs as new Covid-19 strain rips through English football

    THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE has confirmed 112 cases of coronavirus among 66 clubs competing in this weekend’s FA Cup third round.
    The positive tests came back from Championship, League One and League Two teams still in the competition, which has been marred by an increase in cases.

    This weekend’s FA Cup third round has been hit by a rise in coronavirus casesCredit: PA:Press Association

    Some 3,507 players and staff were tested and confirmed cases have been told to self-isolate for ten days.
    Coronavirus has ripped through the third round with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby reporting outbreaks within squads.
    All three teams are expected to play youth sides in their weekend games, although positive tests in the Shrewsbury camp has led to their match with Southampton being postponed.
    If games cannot be completed amid a congested fixture schedule, reports suggest teams suffering outbreaks could be kicked out of the competition.

    This round of EFL tests does not include Premier League teams, which reported 12 new cases from 984 tests between January 1 and 3.
    League bosses have stated their confidence in coronavirus protocols amid the rise of a new, highly-infectious variant of the disease across the UK.

    The EFL’s Medical Advisors Dr Richard Higgins and Dr Subhashis Basu said in a statement: “Today’s results reflect the current speed at which the virus is spreading amid the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19.
    “But the low reported numbers across the overwhelming majority of clubs means we remain confident that our protocols continue to mitigate against the spread of infection as intended.

    “The protocols, supported by the clubs and government, are allowing us to continue playing fixtures as scheduled but we cannot be complacent.
    “Which is why recently enhanced matchday and non-matchday Covid protocols have been issued to underpin the re-introduction of a League wide testing programme which commences next week.
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    “Medical advice continues to support that following these protocols is the most successful route to mitigating against the spread of infection.”
    The remaining six EFL clubs not involved in the FA Cup third round will be tested ahead of their next fixtures.
    From next Monday, all 72 Football League clubs will be tested twice a week.

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    Aston Villa’s clash vs Liverpool is ‘morally wrong’ and ‘devalues the FA Cup’, slams Newcastle boss Steve Bruce

    STEVE BRUCE said it is “morally wrong” to keep playing football while the country is gripped by coronavirus. 
    And the Newcastle boss insists the decision to play tonight’s clash between Aston Villa and Liverpool “devalues the FA Cup”. 

    Steve Bruce claims the FA Cup is being devaluedCredit: Reuters

    The Magpies were the first Premier League club to be hit by a Covid outbreak, leading to their training ground being shut down for 10 days. 
    Villa will play their kids against Liverpool tonight with their entire first-team squad self-isolating.
    And Bruce said: “Financially it is right to play, but morally it is wrong. 
    “I’m no doctor but there are so many symptoms. Even after it’s left you it can cause big problems. 

    “I see other clubs are struggling with it as well. The whole country is, and we are no different to anyone else. There are wonderful protocols put in place but when we leave the training ground you have to go to the big outside world. 
    “We are the lucky ones, providing entertainment that people can tune into and watch. But there will come a stage though when we have to make a decision. 
    “Let’s be fair, when you are going into football you are socialising. 
    “Two or three weeks ago we didn’t think we would be like we are today having record numbers and record deaths – and we are carrying on.

    “There will come a time when I’m sure the big question will be asked.
    “Even though all the protocols have been fantastic, we are not immune to this disease because we are footballers.” 
    Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin were the two Toon players worst-affected. 
    While skipper Lascelles is closing in on a return, Saint-Maximin is still a couple of weeks away having been recovering from the long-term effects of Covid.
    And Bruce pointed to the Manchester City players celebrating together after knocking out Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday. 
    He added: “How do you stop the City players celebrating the way they did? How great it was to see them, but if you stop that you’re stopping the whole enjoyment of sport. 
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    “They were all together in a huddle, seating, exhaling badly. That’s the difficult side of it and I don’t think that’s going to stop.
    “There might need to be new protocols where players can only fist bump.”
    And asked if tonight’s FA Cup game should be postponed, Bruce said: “Yes. I think it devalues the FA Cup.”

    Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool signing centre-back in transfer window ‘unlikely’ due to Covid-19 despite injury crisis More

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    How Shrewsbury could be handed FA Cup lifeline in double draw amid fears they will be kicked out after Covid outbreak

    SHREWSBURY could be handed an FA Cup reprieve despite being unable to play their third round tie with Southampton.
    But it will need them to avoid a path through the Big Six or Leicester in Monday’s unprecedented double draw.

    Shrewsbury could avoid forfeiting their FA Cup third-round clash with Southampton thanks to the ‘double-draw’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Wembley’s Professional Game Board will make a final decision on the League One Shrews’ fate ‘early next week’.
    Initially, it seemed likely the Shropshire club would be booted out of the competition with the fourth round scheduled for a fortnight away and fifth stage two-and-a-half weeks later.
    But FA chiefs are desperate to avoid such a hardline response to a situation effectively out of Shrewsbury’s control as the mutant wave of the virus rages up and down the country.
    And it means there is still a chance Shrewsbury will be given a second chance to put on the game – although that will be determined on Monday evening.

    The FA announced earlier this week the next two rounds would be both drawn, one after the other, on Monday, during the BT Sport broadcast of Stockport’s clash with West Ham.
    That ensures the FA will know the path the winners of the postponed tie face to get to the last eight of the cup.
    And should the winners be drawn against none of the seven Premier League sides still in European competition in the next round, and also avoid a potential clash in the last 16, there could to be enough ‘wriggle room’ for rescheduling.   
    If Shrewsbury and Saints do come out of the hat with one of Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester, Liverpool, the two Manchester giants or Tottenham, then Southampton seem certain to be handed a walkover.

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    If Shrewsbury-Southampton avoid any of the PL sides still in Europe in the fourth-round draw there could be enough time to squeeze in their gameCredit: Getty – Contributor

    That scenario will allow future rounds to be played as planned.
    However, if the draw does keep them apart from those sides, the third round tie could be rescheduled for fourth round weekend.
    The winners would then meet their fourth round opponents next month.
    The subsequent game would then be pushed back until the end of February, also played midweek.

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    Will FA Cup games have replays or are extra-time and penalties used if it is a draw?

    THE FA Cup third round has arrived, just five months after last season’s final where Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1. 
    But what happens if matches are drawn? Will there be a replay to decides who gets to the next round?

    Some rounds of the FA Cup continue to use replays to decide tiesCredit: PA:Press Association
    Will FA Cup games go to replays or extra-time and penalties?

    The FA Cup will not go to replays this season to help fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Replays were first scrapped from the quarter-finals onward in 2016 but we won’t see any at all this term. It’s likely, however, that replays could return for next season, providing the pandemic isn’t still having an impact on the football calendar.

    Which FA Cup rounds have replays and which go to extra time?
    Third round – Extra time (Since 2020/21)
    Fourth round – Extra time (Since 2020/21
    Fifth round – Extra time (Since 2018/19)
    Quarter-final – Extra time (Since 2016/17)
    Semi-final – Extra time (Since 1999/00)
    Final – Extra time (Since 1993/94) More

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    Man City owner Sheikh Mansour forks out £760,000 to keep oldest surviving FA Cup in England after buying from David Gold

    MANCHESTER CITY have got their hands on another trophy – after owner Sheikh Mansour paid almost £760,000 to buy the oldest surviving FA Cup.
    The silverware that was used for the world-famous competition between 1896 and 1910 was sold for the huge sum to a ‘mystery buyer’ back in September.

    Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour has bought the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy

    Sheikh Mansour spent almost £760,000 to keep the trophy – used between 1896 and 1910 – on English soilCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    It was put up for auction by West Ham supremo David Gold, who had owned it since 2005 and viewed it as a ‘unique piece of football history’.
    He had talked of ‘safeguarding it for the nation’ – but the fear was it had been bought privately and would be taken away from these shores.
    However, it has now emerged that City’s Abu Dhabi owner swooped to land the cup – and he will send it straight out on loan back to National Football Museum, based in Manchester.
    The lot – which was described by the auctioneer as a ‘national treasure’ – went under the hammer at Bonhams in London on September 29.

    And after some spirited bidding by various parties, it went to the Sheikh for a whopping £759,052.
    Etihad chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak said: “This Cup is a visible reminder of the rich and long history of English football to which Manchester City is inextricably entwined.
    “Winning this actual trophy in 1904 was a turning point for the club and for the city of Manchester in that it firmly cemented football in the heart of its community.
    “Sheikh Mansour’s view is that a trophy of such cultural significance must be shared with the people of Manchester, the English football family, and all of those who love the English game.

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    “The National Football Museum is in a unique position to do that.”
    The museum’s chief executive Tim Desmond said: “When it left us in September 2019 to be auctioned by its then-owner, we feared we may never see it again and that Britain would be losing the FA Cup for good.
    “We are blessed to have many wonderful items on display but, as the oldest surviving FA Cup, this particular trophy was amongst the ‘crown jewels’ of our artefacts.
    “The fact that it has been bought by His Highness Sheikh Mansour and offered back to us is simply wonderful news both for the museum – but also for the preservation of our sporting heritage in this country.”
    The trophy is particularly significant to City as it was the first trophy they won – 116 years ago – when they beat Bolton 1-0.
    It replaced the original FA Cup which went missing from a shop window in Birmingham – where holders Aston Villa had put it on display in 1896.
    Since taking over the club back in 2008, Sheikh Mansour’s backing has helped City win 11 major trophies, including the current FA Cup in 2011 and 2019.

    David Gold bought the historic trophy in 2005 before putting it up for auction in 2020Credit: Doug Seeburg – The Sun

    Manchester City have won the FA Cup six times, most recently in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Aston Villa in fight to save FA Cup tie with Liverpool – and could be forced to play kids against the Reds

    ASTON VILLA are in a fight to save their FA Cup tie with Liverpool after a “significant” coronavirus outbreak at the club.
    Villa and the FA held emergency talks on Thursday, with the club set to field a team of kids unless another round of testing KO’s the third-round clash.

    Credit: Reuters

    Their Bodymoor Heath training ground was closed after a large number of first-team players and staff tested positive.
    It prompted Fulham’s Kevin McDonald to hit out at football carrying on as Covid-19 cases soar, calling the situation “shambolic” and claiming players are being “treated like guinea pigs”.
    Shrewsbury’s match with Southampton on Saturday has already been postponed following an outbreak at the League One club.
    Doubts also hang over Middlesbrough’s game at Brentford, while Derby will field a shadow side against non-league Chorley.

    Clubs face forfeiting their place in the competition if ties cannot go ahead.
    Villa’s entire first-team squad are now isolating, putting Wednesday’s home Premier League game against Tottenham, and next Saturday’s home clash with Everton, in doubt and sparking another fixture crisis.
    In a joint statement, Villa and the FA revealed they are “working closely together to try to ensure” the Liverpool game can go ahead at Villa Park.
    But final confirmation will only be made “pending results of additional Covid-19 testing”.

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    If the game does survive, Under-23 coach Mark Delaney will be in charge of a youth team, with boss Dean Smith and assistants John Terry, Richard O’Kelly and Craig Shakespeare all in isolation.
    A Villa statement read: “We have closed Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant coronavirus outbreak.
    “A large number of first-team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and went into isolation.
    “A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results.
    “First-team training ahead of the FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled.
    “Discussions are on- going between medical representatives of the club, the FA and the Premier League.”

    It is ironic that Liverpool crashed to a 5-0 defeat at Villa Park 13 months ago in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
    That was when boss Jurgen Klopp fielded the Anfield club’s youngest-ever starting line-up while he was in Qatar with the first team in the Club World Cup.
    Fulham’s Scottish midfielder McDonald, 32, fumed on Instagram at the crisis.
    McDonald, who could play in the third-round tie at QPR, wrote: “How many more outbreaks and training ground closures until football needs to stop?
    “Shambolic! Literally treated like guinea pigs!”
    Fulham had their own outbreak last month which saw their Motspur Park training ground deep cleaned and games against Spurs and Burnley postponed.
    Further FA Cup postponements threaten to make a mockery of the competition.
    The Shrews’ game with Southampton was KO’d by a “significant number” of positive cases.
    The FA said the League One side “did not have a sufficient amount of fit, non-isolating players who would be able to play”.

    A final decision on whether to award the Saints a walkover will be taken by the Professional Game Board next week.
    Oldham’s home tie with Bournemouth has been switched to the Cherries because of a frozen pitch at Boundary Park.
    In the women’s game, Reading’s Emma Mitchell slammed the postponement of Manchester City and Arsenal’s weekend games.
    Four unnamed City players tested positive for Covid-19 after reportedly jetting off to Dubai.
    One Gunners player has since tested positive after allegedly also going to Dubai, along with two other senior players.
    Royals ace Mitchell tweeted “Different rules for different teams.”

    Aston Villa set to be kicked out of FA Cup after ‘significant’ coronavirus outbreak More