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      I went from non-league to FA Cup Final with Sunderland and won promotion at Oxford… now I’m helping kids with autism

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      MARTIN GRAY went from naughty schoolboy to a promotion winner at both Sunderland and Oxford – now he is helping other youngsters in need.The 53-year-old was a self-confessed bad boy as a kid and he never dreamed that he would make it as a footballer when he was released by Middlesbrough aged 15.Martin Gray is now making a big impact off the pitch by helping kids in the North EastCredit: GettyThe former midfielder went from non-league to being a Sunderland heroCredit: PAThree years later he was handed a lifeline by Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby at Sunderland, and that led to him working under the pair for the best part of ten years.“I remember leaving the Northern League, where I was playing for Ferryhill, and Denis Smith signed me for Sunderland,” Gray told Sun Sport. “Seven years later he and Malcolm Crosby signed me for Oxford United. I probably had ten years playing under them.“Malcolm was an inspiration and like a father figure to me if I’m honest. I was a late developer and wasn’t at the level of the other players when I first went to Sunderland but I don’t think they signed me based just on my skills.“I think they got me for my work ethic, hunger and toughness etc. I found it really difficult at first as I knew I didn’t have the qualities of the lads that were there but Dennis and Malcolm, mainly, what they did to try and help me as a person and player was amazing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Malcolm was the best person that I worked with in football and had the biggest impact. He’s a great person.”Smith was sacked by Sunderland in December 1991 with assistant Crosby taking over, and Gray would go on to make his debut and was even part of the travelling squad that went to Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.He said: “That was special. I played against Blackburn the week before as he had rested Paul Bracewell and a few others. I was involved in the last couple of matches leading up to the final and managed to get in the travelling squad.“I never, and didn’t deserve to, make the bench but that whole occasion of wearing the suits and being part of it was unbelievable.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGray was part of Peter Reid’s squad that won promotion to the Premier League – and that was a campaign he enjoyed double joy after departing the North East for a reunion with his mentors at Oxford.He said: “I signed on deadline day and we were celebrating promotion a few weeks later. That was amazing.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton “I played the last ten or 12 games of that season and it was good to contribute to help get over the line and reach the Championship.“I was eventually made club captain down there and I had an amazing time there. I had four special years at Oxford.“We were the small club in the big league going up against the likes of Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Man City, Sunderland, many thought that we would just be the whipping boys.“We had Joey Beauchamp and some other really good players that went on to become Premier League regulars like Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Darren Purse and Dean Windass, who I still speak with almost every day.“Dennis created a great working ethic within the club and we were a very close team with no superstars and if anybody got above themselves then they were soon brought back into line.”Oxford, whose draws with West Brom and Derby over the past week have left them 11th, are now back in the Championship and travel to the Stadium of Light to face table-topping Sunderland tomorrow.Gray, who moved to Darlington in 1999 before hanging up his boots, said: “It’s great to see them back after coming close a few times.Martin Gray pictured in action for Oxford United against Man CityCredit: PA“They are still a small fish in a big pond but they are holding their own. It goes to show that by putting trust in young managers and allowing people to develop can really pay off.“They are in the top half and got a good result last weekend against a tough opponent. “They’ve done great and then you look at Sunderland and wonder where all this has come from.“I didn’t know much about Regis Le Bris but I heard after pre-season some really good feedback about what he was doing. And what he is doing is working and they’ve got off to a start that most of us never expected.“I’ve been to the Derby and Leeds matches recently and from where they were two or three years ago to now is something I didn’t foresee to be honest.”Gray is set to attend the clash between his two former teams, but unlike his tigerish displays on the pitch, he is holding back when it comes to making a prediction.“I’m sitting on the fence and going for a draw aren’t I,” he says with a huge grin when pressed for a prediction.“Both clubs have had a great start to the season and I want them to each do well. So I’ll be supporting both teams massively as they both played a massive part in my career.”The midfielder enjoyed promotion with Oxford in 1996Credit: PAAway from the pro game and his coaching career, including leading Darlington to numerous promotions, Gray has also made a huge impact in the North East with his work in education – especially in providing alternative provision for children and young people.In 2018 Future Pathways began in Darlington, a provision which set out to offer support and education to young people. The young people accessing the service have a range of complex needs, and felt mainstream schooling was unable to meet them, but are now thriving in the small bespoke environment.Gray added: “Whether you are dealing with a young child that has difficulties due to trauma that they have unfortunately come across to a footballer that is not getting a new contract or being released, then you have to deal with people in a caring way.“It’s amazing. It used to be kids just getting kicked out of school and being labelled as naughty, and I’ll be honest, that was me.“But there was no alternative education around then, you were just labelled and got excluded.“Our provision is based around a sporting theme from boxing, biking, football… They do their education around the sport and the education is built around that and developing life skills, it feels so rewarding and it’s just great to help the kids we have.”Still keen to stick to his sporting roots, Gray still runs a sporting academy in partnership with a local college, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of players and offer high quality coaching. Staff from Gray’s Future Pathways Alternative Provision company are about to embark on a sponsored 30-mile walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe money earned from this fundraiser will go towards delivering Christmas Presents to children in both of these hospitals in December.If you would like to sponsor them please visit: Fundraiser for Anthony Verity by Tyler Hutchinson : Future Pathways Staff Walk from Sunderland to DarlingtonWho are these famous footballers? 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      ‘That’s a cracking football.. lovely memories’, say fans as retro Mitre ball for FA Cup released

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      THIS season’s official FA Cup ball has taken fans on a trip down memory lane.The FA revealed a nostalgic Mitre football to be used throughout the 2024/25 edition of the world’s oldest football competition. Mitre have unveiled the new Ultimax Pro to be used in FA Cup games this seasonCredit: https://x.com/MitreSportsThe new balls have transported nostalgic fans of a certain age back to their childhoodsCredit: https://x.com/MitreSportsMitre unveiled the Ultimax Pro 3 on Thursday ahead of the FA Cup first round proper next month. The company have supplied official match balls for the tournament since 2018, taking over from Nike. And the latest, featuring an iconic V-shape and dashes of silver, has fans of a certain age remembering the classic Mitre Delta and Mouldmaster. Both of the balls were used throughout English football in the 1990s and early 200s, with the Mouldmaster a staple in playgrounds across the country. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Mitre official X account wrote: “Introducing the @emiratesfacup Official 24/25 Match Ball. “Inspired by the magic of the cup, and what it means to the fans. “Flashes of silver, etched and scratched to reflect tin foil trophies. Power, precision, perfection.”One nostalgic fan wrote on X: “That is a cracking football. Came along way since the mouldmaster. Lovely memories of that skelping my leg in a gale force wind.”#Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Great to mitre balls being used in top games again.”While a third added: “Absolutely love these!Non-league club labelled ‘absolute class’ as they rock up to FA Cup tie in bizarre pina colada kitBut a baffled non-league fan commented: “Why now? We’ve already had 6 rounds!”The first round of this season’s FA Cup will be held between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.The original Mitre Ultimax was used over 20 years ago in the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE 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.Tamworth’s clash against League One outfit Huddersfield Town will begin a bumper weekend of TV coverage.Other ties set for broadcast include Northampton’s match-up against Kettering Town and Birmingham City’s clash with Sutton United. More

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      ‘I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment

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      EDDIE HOWE is not angry about being overlooked by the FA for the England job and believes Thomas Tuchel was the “best” foreign candidate available.SunSport revealed there was no contact with Howe, 46, as the FA spoke to 10 different managers.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he was never contacted by the FA for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel became the new England manager as he replaced Gareth SouthgateCredit: SplashHowe believes ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is a great England appointmentCredit: AlamyThe Newcastle boss was touted as one of the favourites to take charge of the Three Lions until the FA named the German as their new boss.The decision has been met with mixed reaction, but when asked on what his thoughts are about Tuchel, Howe revealed: “Firstly, speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him and was lucky and fortunate enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work.“What a brilliant guy, great person, great coach. I had two days with him and thought that he was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.“I really wish him well and think that he’s a great appointment. I hope that he leads England to many trophies.Read More on Football“I have always said, and I’ve been very clear on this going back years and years, my preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”The FA claimed to have interviewed ten candidates, but the Toon chief says he was not one of them and there had been “no contact” from the FA.Howe was the choice of many to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup, and when asked if he was angry that he had not even been approached for talks, Howe replied: “Absolutely not. “The FA have to do what is right for them and only they know the processes and decisions that they have made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m not the type of person to analyse that and my focus is on Newcastle and trying to win games.“That’s hard enough to do being 100 per cent focused and I’ll always remain that way to my work but know if you drop your levels then your job becomes impossible. I’ve never allowed myself to do that.”Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceHowe is perceived by many to be a future England manager, but does he feel that too?“I don’t visualise that,” he insisted. “I just think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I’m immersing myself in what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts have entered my head.“So I don’t take on that feeling and just try to do the best I can.”Howe has faced constant questions about the England job, despite stating from the off that he wanted to stay at St James’, and admits there is some relief that the chase for Gareth Southgate’s replacement is over.He said: “There was no-one more pleased than me to see Thomas get the job, really, and take it because it’s just a distraction – not that it distracts me, but you can see it’s unsettling at times when certain things are said and written about.“The more that everyone can focus on Newcastle – which has always been my only concern – the better.”Howe focused on NewcastleEven though it appears FA chiefs overlooked him this time, is it a job that interests him in the future?“Who knows,” responded Howe. “I’ve always said that you can never predict what’s going to happen in management, you can never plan too far ahead. I certainly don’t.“I’m a day-to-day planner, while certainly acknowledging that Newcastle – I’ve always said this – has a future and we have to make sure we make the right decisions long-term. “But the job takes so many twists and turns, you can’t look too far ahead. I think that’s negative, actually, if you do that, so in terms of my own career and what’s five, 10 years ahead, I don’t know, I’ve got no idea.“But I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”Howe was then asked directly if he would have spoken to the FA if they had knocked on his door, to which he replied: ‘Hypothetical questions are very dangerous to answer. England still the pinnacle “Listen, I will talk to anyone who knocks on my front door… but not in the respect of entering conversations about leaving Newcastle.”Everton boss Sean Dyche has stated that the England job is perhaps no longer the pinnacle for English coaches.But Howe feels differently, saying: “I think if you are looking to get into international football and you have got that passion for international football then absolutely yes.“It just depends on your viewpoint. If you look domestically and you love the day-to-day aspect of the job then obviously you’ll have a different answer.“For me, as a kid I loved World Cups, European Championships, I was obsessed with England trying to win something and I really do hope that Thomas can do that for the country.”And Howe, whose side face Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League, refused to be drawn on the credentials of other English coaches that were overlooked, saying: “Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.“But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. 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      ‘England is not a dream job’ – Premier League managers react after being snubbed by FA for Thomas Tuchel

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      SEAN DYCHE claims managing England is no longer a job bosses are desperate to land.The Everton chief had no interest in succeeding Gareth Southgate and says “lots of coaches” felt the same.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettySean Dyche has claimed the England role is no longer a ‘dream job’Credit: ReutersSteve Cooper believes British coaches need to prove themselvesCredit: PADyche confirmed he was not among the ten candidates interviewed by the FA before they appointed Thomas Tuchel and said: “I’m not sure ‘dream’ is the right word for the England job.“It’s a respected job but I don’t think it’s a dream, having spoken to a few England managers  — it’s a massively challenging job and changed over the years.“It’s certainly something that at some point of your career you’d like to have a look at. But it’s certainly not my time now — for lots of coaches.”Tuchel won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 18 months at Chelsea.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFA chief executive Mark Bullingham gave the England job to the German — on an 18-month deal worth £7.5million — because he believes there is a lack of elite English coaches.Eddie Howe was not one of those approached because the FA knew that Newcastle would demand huge compensation.Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are the only other English bosses working in the Prem.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter was on the FA’s shortlist.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDyche, 53, added: “I know most people would have liked an English coach to come in but Tuchel clearly has a record that says he can do it.“Gareth did a fantastic job but there have also been plenty of other very good managers since we won the World Cup in 1966.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.“It’s not disheartening for English coaches like me — and I certainly wasn’t one of the candidates.”England legend Wayne Rooney is “surprised” that Tuchel landed the job.The Plymouth boss, 38, said: “What the FA have built over the last ten to 15 years has been a great platform for young coaches coming through.“So I’m surprised they haven’t gone with one of their own.“He’s a very good coach but I’m surprised the FA have employed him.”Leicester manager Steve Cooper believes British coaches need to stop moaning about not landing the England job until they prove they can compete on a global stage.But the Welshman, 44, does not feel the FA’s coaching pathway is broken.Cooper won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, with a squad that included Marc Guehi, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.He said: “Hopefully over the course of time, British coaching will continue to improve and we’ll be right up there with the world’s best.“In the meantime, any opportunity we’re given, we have to take it and do a good job.“Until we do that on a regular basis maybe we shouldn’t say so much.“I really believe in British culture, I believe in the coaching education pathway as well.“The ones I’ve been involved with have been the FA and FA of Wales, and they have been  brilliant courses which have evolved over time.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“They develop coaches and educate coaches in the right way.“But there’s no doubt the FA have appointed a top coach — and assistant with Anthony Barry — and hopefully they can carry on the progress of the last few years.”Gary Neville, who worked as No 2 to former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson, feels that England are “damaging ourselves” with Tuchel’s appointment and says it leaves “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.Yet his old Manchester United and England team-mate Michael Carrick, now in charge at Middlesbrough, said: “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong.“It would be nice if there were more English coaches at the top level and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Southampton’s Russell Martin, born in England but a Scotland international, insists “loads of English coaches are capable of doing the job”.He added: “Maybe English managers aren’t given enough credit. Or maybe they are deemed not good enough by the most important people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s going to cause a lot of interesting discussion,  especially at the FA.“We have a renowned coaching education system that people come from far and wide to do, then we can’t appoint someone from that.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      FA Cup first round TV games revealed as BBC and ITV choose NOT to show MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon

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      FIVE of the FA Cup first-round fixtures have been selected for TV – but a huge derby has been omitted.The BBC and ITV have selected their picks to broadcast with the competition’s games scheduled for November.The FA cup first-round picks for TV coverage have been madeCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesThe first game to be shown on TV will be Tamworth’s clash against Championship outfit Huddersfield Town.The fixture will be shown on BBC 2 at 7.45pm on November 1.The other four ties that will be broadcast include Northampton’s match-up against Kettering Town on November 2.Sutton United will face Birmingham City on November 3, which will be on ITV 1 at 12.30pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHarrogate will host Wrexham on the same date but in the 3.30pm slot on ITV X.The final televised match will be Chesham’s attempt to cause an upset against League One Lincoln City on ITV 4.However, fans are fuming that the rival match between MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon has not been selected for coverage.One posted: “No MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “How do you consistently manage to get it so wrong?”A third commented: “Can’t believe Birmingham and Wrexham are on TV!!! Plenty of better games missed… again!!!!” Non-league club’s stadium underwater as thunderstorms wreak havoc with entire pitch engulfed in flood waterFA Cup first-round drawHere is the FA Cup first round proper in full…Rotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs PeterboroughA fourth asked: “Who picks these things? Why not Bristol Rovers vs Weston-super-Mare? AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons?”A fifth said: “Wow no Dons v Dons.”A sixth fumed: “Harrogate vs Wrexham is a real stinker.”Another added: “So the tie of the round AFC Dons v MK is being ignored.”MK Dons and Wimbledon have had bad blood since the formation of of the former in 2002.The owners of the original Wimbledon FC moved the side to Buckinghamshire and changed the name.This led furious supporters of the club to form AFC Wimbledon, which has worked itself up from non-league to the professional game.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Fans stunned with one team ‘set to host a racecourse’ in sensational FA Cup round one draw blunder

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      FANS spotted a funny mistake after the draw for the first round of the FA Cup was made.Games will take place between November 1-4.The draw for the FA Cup first round has been madeCredit: GettyIt will feature some big teams like Birmingham, Huddersfield and Wrexham, as well as non-league minnows.A total of 44 names were pulled out of the hat for the first round – but one appeared as something else on the FA’s website.The fixtures showed a tie between Hartlepool/Brackley vs Aintree.A correction was later made so the correct team, Braintree Town, was put in place of Aintree.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut not before eagle-eyed fans spotted the mistake, with some joking the game would be held on a racecourse, referencing Aintree’s famous horseracing venue.One fan reacted saying: “Wonder how long it will take for the FA to realise that they’ve currently got the winner of the Hartlepool-Brackley replay hosting a racecourse…”Another added: “To be a fair, a team of players on horses is something I’d pay good money to see.”There is actually a football team called Aintree Villa FC – but it would have been some achievement for the Step 7 team who play in the West Cheshire League to reach this stage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe FA listed Aintree instead of BraintreeAintree is of course famous for horseracing and hosting the Grand NationalCredit: GettyElsewhere there are some notable ties including AFC Wimbledon’s visit to MK Dons.The two are the bitterest of rivals following the relocation of the original Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ AFC Wimbledon pretty much had to start again and now play in League Two.While League One leaders Birmingham face a trip to non-league side Sutton United.Huddersfield also take on non-league Tamworth.FA Cup first-round drawRotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs Peterborough More

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

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

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      When is FA Cup first-round draw? Date, time, ball numbers, TV channel and FREE live stream as 48 EFL sides enter the hat

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      THE draw for the FA Cup first-round proper will take place on Monday night.48 EFL clubs from League One and League Two begin their campaigns at this stage, alongside the 32 non-league teams who have progressed through qualifying.The FA Cup first-round proper gets underway in NovemberCredit: PAPremier League and Championship sides will join the iconic competition from the third round stage in the new year.But before that, teams from the lower end of the footballing pyramid will battle it out in the first-round proper.SunSport has all the information you need ahead of the huge draw.When is FA Cup first-round draw?The FA Cup first-round draw will take place on Monday, October 14.The draw will take place from 7pm BST.Bradford City’s Valley Parade will host proceedings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is the FA Cup first-round draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?The FA Cup first-round draw will be broadcast live on BBC Two.You can live stream the event for FREE on the BBC iPlayer website/app.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will provide full coverage of the draw.FA Cup first-round ball numbersThe ball numbers for the FA Cup first round are as follows:1. Accrington Stanley2. AFC Wimbledon3. Barnsley4. Barrow5. Birmingham City6. Blackpool7. Bolton Wanderers8. Bradford City9. Bristol Rovers10. Bromley11. Burton Albion12. Cambridge United13. Carlisle United14. Charlton Athletic15. Cheltenham Town16. Chesterfield17. Colchester United18. Crawley Town19. Crewe Alexandra20. Doncaster Rovers21. Exeter City22. Fleetwood Town23. Gillingham24. Grimsby Town25. Harrogate Town26. Huddersfield Town27. Leyton Orient28. Lincoln City29. Mansfield Town30. Milton Keynes Dons31. Morecambe32. Newport County33. Northampton Town34. Notts County35. Peterborough United36. Port Vale37. Reading38. Rotherham United39. Salford City40. Shrewsbury Town41. Stevenage42. Stockport County43. Swindon Town44. Tranmere Rovers45. Walsall46. Wigan Athletic47. Wrexham48. Wycombe Wanderers49. Rushall Olympic or Peterborough Sports50. Tamworth51. Oldham Athletic52. Hartlepool United or Brackley Town53. Kettering Town54. Altrincham or Solihull Moors55. Rochdale56. Scarborough Athletic57. York City58. Harborough Town59. Curzon Ashton60. Gainsborough Trinity or Boston United61. Hednesford Town or Gateshead62. Alfreton Town63. Guiseley64. Taunton Town or Maidenhead United65. Horsham66. Aldershot Town67. Southend United68. Sutton United69. Boreham Wood70. Weston Super Mare71. Wealdstone72. Dagenham & Redbridge73. Barnet74. Chesham United75. Tonbridge Angels76. Woking77. Forest Green Rovers78. Maidstone United79. Worthing80. Braintree TownWhen will FA Cup first-round ties take place?FA Cup first-round ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.Most read in FA Cup More