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      Gainsborough’s own Jamie Vardy swapped Hollywood for non-league and hopes to land dream FA Cup tie with DONCASTER ROVERS

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      GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY’S very own Jamie Vardy may have swapped Hollywood for non-league but is still desperate to see his name up in lights on the big screen tonight.Only it is Doncaster Rovers rather than Manchester United or Arsenal that striker Declan Howe, 26, is dreaming about facing in the FA Cup third round.Dec Howe is hoping to shine on the big screen against HarrogateCredit: Heather King PhotographyPitchingIn Northern Premier League Trinity, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, are into the second round for the first time in 72 years and head to Harrogate Town.And they go into their clash with the League Two outfit full of confidence – particularly hotshot Howe.The ace, a sales consultant by day, moved to the Kal Group Stadium last September with the club down the bottom.However, his 21 goals helped them to finish eighth and secured him the golden boot and he is already on 18 this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut his scoring exploits are a far cry from his days swanning about alongside movie stars after moving to live with his brother, who is now a manager of team operations at LA Galaxy II, in California to coach football.He told SunSport: “I went over there just as I was turning 21 and spent a couple of years in California coaching.“You’d see a few famous people about and if you went over to Hollywood then you’d see some faces.“I remember seeing Adam Sandler at an LA Lakers basketball game, which was a bit surreal.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I had to come back every year to renew my visa, but in 2020 the embassy was shut because of Covid when I came home and that was the main reason I never went back out.“Then I got back into football and rediscovered my love for it again, started scoring goals and it’s taken off from there.”Ex-PE teacher deemed ‘too small’ eyeing legendary third promotion at Harrogate Town after help from former England bossHowe was on the books of both Scunthorpe United and Doncaster, where he grew up, as a YTS before being released and dipping his toe into non-league and then heading Stateside.Despite leaving the glitz and glamour of Tinsel Town, Howe has now become a star in his own right at Trinity following spells at Staveley MW, Darlington, Cleethorpes Town, Alfreton and Ilkeston.And while he knows not even Hollywood’s boldest writers could get away with a story that ended in Trinity going all the way to Wembley, he still could.Eliminated Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer, on ten, tops the race for the Mitre Golden Ball as top scorer in the FA Cup.But Howe, currently on eight, knows a hat-trick on Friday would see him surpass that tally and put him in pole position to collect his award and land a VIP day out at the final in May.He said: “That would be lovely. I’ve spoken to a couple of people related to the Mitre Golden Ball award and they mentioned how last year a trip to Wembley was involved. So it’s definitely an aim for me to try and be at the top of those goalscoring charts.“We all wanted the TV fixture for the great exposure. There’ll be a lot of people watching with it being on a Friday night and family and friends who weren’t able to get a ticket will be able to tune in.“We can’t let any of that get to us, it’s just got to be a normal day at the office and go out to try and get out there.The hotshot is dreaming of a Doncaster FA Cup tie in the third roundCredit: Heather King Photography“It’s been a long time since we reached the third round and it’s a great opportunity to put our names in the history books of the club.”However, rather than one of the giants, Howe would be just as happy to land Doncaster, the team he used to watch from the stands, in the next round if they get past Harrogate. He said: “I was surprised we didn’t get them in this round with both names still being in the hat. All my friends are Doncaster supporters and they were convinced that it was destined to happen.“Obviously if you get through you want a Premier League team, but if it isn’t then Doncaster would be a nice one.”And it is not just his goals that have made him a huge hit with supporters. His tireless running and work-rate has also seen him being compared by fans to Vardy.The Leicester legend, 37, went from non-league to Premier League and FA Cup winner in his own fairytale story.And Howe admits he has still not given up on his dream of turning pro – and he knows there is no better stage than to show what he’s capable of than in front of the cameras later.He added: “At the start of the season I said to my girlfriend that promotion was obviously the target but the one thing I’d always wanted to have was a nice FA Cup run and here we are.“Growing up it was every kid’s dream to be pro and I think that it is maybe getting a bit more reachable to myself now.I’ve definitely been thinking over the past couple of years that is where I want to end up and you never know.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Jamie Vardy himself didn’t breakthrough as a pro until late and he’s had an incredible career since and that is still a huge ambition of mine.“The Hollywood script ending for me and the club would be a dream. You just never know what’s in store.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Devastated FA Cup and title winner Derek Mountield, 62, launches appeal for return of stolen motorhome

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      EVERTON legend Derek Mountfield has launched an appeal for the return of his stolen motorhome.The 63-year-old, who won the title twice with the Toffees and also the FA Cup in 1984 in a 2-0 win over Watford, shared a picture of his vehicle on social media and a heartfelt plea for it to be found.Derek Mountfield has revealed his motorhome has been stolenCredit: AlamyHe shared a picture of the stolen vehicle on social mediaCredit: XSpeaking on X, he said: “So f***ing annoyed, our motorhome was stolen last night 😡😡.”WX18CUK Elddis Autoquest 196 [number plate].”Any info would be appreciated, but I fear it’s too late now 🙏.”Reacting to the post, one of his 22,000 followers replied: “That’s awful Derek 😔😔😔😔.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile another added: “Hope you get it back 🙏 shared!”A third responded: “No way. Aww Derek. So sorry to hear your terrible news.”And a fourth said: “Gutted mate. Hopefully it’s found soon.”As well as his FA Cup win, ex-centre-back Mountfield, who was at Goodison Park for six years until 1988, also claimed First Division titles with Everton in 1985 and 1987.Most read in FootballMountfield, top left, won the FA Cup with Everton in 1984Credit: GettyDefender Mountfield joined Everton in 1982 and left in 1988Credit: PA:Empics SportIn 1985, The Toffees also won the Cup Winners’ Cup.Mountfield, who played once for England B but never earned a senior cap, also had spells at Tranmere, Aston Villa, Wolves, Carlisle, Northampton, Walsall and Scarborough.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHe hung up his boots in 1999 and had a brief managerial career with Scarborough and Cork City – who he left in 2001.He won First Division titles with the Toffees in 1985 and 1987Credit: Getty More

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      Man City chief slams ‘awful’ transfer window after Treble as stars either wanted more money or were ‘p***ed off’

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S historic Treble led to one of their most troubling transfer windows ever, club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed.City matched the historic feat oftheir bitter rivals Manchester United in the 2022/23 season by winning the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League.Manchester City won a historic Treble in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: GETTYBut club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed the historic season led to a summer of turmoilCredit: GettyBut their success, according to Begiristain, prompted a slew of players – some of whom left the Etihad the following summer – to lay down ultimatums to the club.The Spaniard – who is set to leave at the end of the season – said in the soon-to-released Together: 4 in a Row documentary: “The transfer window was a bit awful.”At least for me. After winning the Treble, everyone was confused.”The protagonists from those trophies were thinking they should get more or new contracts and take the opportunities.READ MORE ON CITY”And the ones who didn’t play in finals were p***ed off and trying to get out from the club.”Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gundogan would all leave the Etihad in the months that followed City’s Treble.And the club broke their wage structure in order to stop skipper Kyle Walker from joining German giants Bayern Munich.The slew of departures, however, didn’t stop City from winning a historic fourth Premier League title on the trot last season in what was set to be manager Pep Guardiola’s penultimate season with the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.But the Spaniard is said to be on the verge of inking a new deal with the Citizens.It’s claimed Guardiola, who was on the FA’s shortlist of candidates to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, is on course to sign a new one-year extension at Eastlands.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal Manchester City will be back in action on Saturday evening, welcoming Tottenham to the Etihad. More

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      Man Utd star reveals Casemiro gave him FA Cup winner’s medal despite polite protest Real Madrid legend should keep it

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      TYRELL MALACIA has revealed that Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winners’ medal and refused to take it back.The Manchester United star, 25, has not played since the 2022/23 campaign after suffering a knee injury.Casemiro gave his FA Cup winners’ medal to Tyrell Malacia after last year’s finalCredit: GettyCrocked Malacia tried and failed to return the medal to CasemiroCredit: GettyMalacia was a £13million signing from Feyenoord over two years ago.And with 39 games under his belt in his first season, the Dutch left-back looked set to become a vital member of the side.However, his recovery from surgery saw Malacia miss the entirety of last term.It meant he was only a spectator as Erik ten Hag masterminded United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Malacia still ended up with a winners’ medal after being given the one belonging to Casemiro.United’s veteran midfielder, 32, struggled for form last season.He was expected to start in the Wembley showdown against City.But Casemiro was dropped to the bench at the final moment due to a mysterious “late injury issue.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Brazilian then skipped United’s FA Cup party later that night, instead opting to jet off for a family holiday.And Malacia has now revealed that Casemiro even gave up his winners’ medal on the day, insisting the defender take it despite his protests.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Malacia has opened up over being included in celebrations despite not playing due to injuryCredit: GettyMalacia told The Athletic: “I wanted to be there (at the final) to support everyone.“But the most difficult part was to be up there with the guys (for the trophy), because I wasn’t part of the team during the whole process.“I was like, ‘I’m staying down here then I’ll see you in the dressing room’. Casemiro was like, ‘Nah you have to go up there as well’.“And if someone with that kind of experience tells you that, you’re listening. They (the squad) said, ‘At the end of the day you’re still part of the team’.“They know how hard I’ve been working to come back so they said you deserve it as much as we do.“(Getting Casemiro’s medal) Like I said before, if he gives you that, you just listen!”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      England fans tear gassed & shoved against fences by ‘heavy handed’ riot cops before Greece clash as FA launch probe

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      ENGLAND fans were tear gassed and shoved against fences by riot cops before last night’s clash with Greece.The FA is now launching a probe into the Nations League match in Athens with officers accused of being heavy handed with Three Lions supporters.The Football Supporters Association accused Greek police of creating a ‘dangerous’ situationCredit: PARiot cops met England fans outside Athens Olympic Stadium on Thursday nightCredit: PAEngland fans eventually made it inside to watch the team win 3-0Credit: GettyAround 3,000 supporters had tickets for the game, but some were not inside Olympic Stadium by kickoff. The travelling crowd were held up by the officers wearing helmets, gas masks, and holding shields.England fan Jack Loftus said: “They [police] went to adjust the queue at the front to make it narrower and longer, and just did it with force.”They were pushing the crowd amongst the fence.”Read more on footballThe FA said: “We are aware that some of our fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on exactly what happened.”The Football Supporters’ Association accused Greek officers of of creating an “unjustifiably dangerous” situation.They said: “Unfortunately, once again, we are having to ask England supporters to send in their witness accounts to ourselves regarding the situation outside of the Athens Olympic Stadium.”To see the treatment of our fans by local police using shields and tear gas to do something as simple as rearrange a queue, is so incredibly frustrating.Most read in Football”On a night where we had a great result on the pitch, there is still clearly so much needed to do off it to ensure our supporters aren’t put in unjustifiably dangerous situations.”England trounced Greece 3-0 moving the Three Lions to the top of group B2 and avenging the shock 2-1 loss to the side back in October.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsBut the players faced a hostile atmosphere on the pitch with lasers shone in their face during the clash.Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford were hit in the face by the green lights, which plagued England throughout the first half.Despite Greek fans’ crooked efforts, England were able to keep their focus and earn an important win in Athens.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.One fan said a queue was forcibly shoved to the sideCredit: PAEngland players like Jude Bellingham were hit with lasers during the matchCredit: RexMore to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. 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      Walsall kit man and pitch-side announcer charged by FA for ‘acting in an improper manner’

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      WALSALL kitman Dave Joyce and pitch-side announcer Simon Hill have both been charged with misconduct by the FA.The pair allegedly acted in an “improper manner” in stoppage time during Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.A kitman and pitch-side announcer at Walsall have been charged by the FACredit: RexThe charges relate to an incident during the Saddlers’ League Two match against Crewe on SaturdayCredit: RexWith both sides pushing for a winner, a stoppage-time scuffle broke out when staff refused to give the ball back after it went out of play.Walsall kitman Joyce was sent off by referee Stephen Parkinson for the touchline melee.The ref then turned to book Crewe boss Lee Bell and Saddlers defender Liam Gordon.An FA statement read: “It’s alleged that David Joyce and Simon Hill acted in an improper manner around the 98th minute, and both of them have until November 18 to respond.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOmar Bogle opened the scoring for Crewe in the 66th minute when he crept in behind the Walsall defence to slot past Tommy Simkin.The home side equalised through Nathan Lowe with five minutes of normal time remaining before tempers flared in the closing stages.Tensions arose as both sides are pushing for promotion to League One, with Walsall sitting second and Crewe inside the play-off places.Mat Sadler’s side are three points adrift of league leaders Port Vale, but do have a game in hand.Most read in EFLA scuffle broke out at the end of Walsall’s 1-1 draw with CreweCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall will not be in action this weekend, though, after their home clash with Gillingham was postponed due to international call-ups.Meanwhile, Crewe are back in action on Saturday as they host a huge clash against Notts County, who currently sit third.Both teams are vying for promotion to League OneCredit: RexOmar Bogle opened the scoring for the visitors inside 66 minutesCredit: RexNathan Lowe equalised for Walsall before carnage broke outCredit: Rex More

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      David Coote facing highly unusual FA charge for use of word ‘German’ in furious Jurgen Klopp tirade

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      REFEREE David Coote may face an unusual FA charge after his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.The shocking clip, which appears to be at least two years old, emerged showing Coote, 42, branding Klopp a ” German c**t” and Liverpool as “s**t”.Referee David Coote may face an unusual FA charge due to “reference to nationality”Credit: GettyCoote may be charged after his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen KloppCredit: APDavid Coote admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is authenticCredit: XWithin a couple of hours of it first being circulated publicly, it was announced the ref had been “suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation” by the PGMOL.Now, according to The Times, the FA will make their own separate probe for the use of the word “German” and that could lead to an aggravated misconduct charge.That is because references to a person’s nationality can lead to stiffer sanctions.FA rules state that an “aggravated breach” includes a reference “whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality”.Read More on FootballAn FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating.”The clip could prove to be the end of Coote’s refereeing career.SunSport understands Coote “cannot recall” abusing Klopp in the video rant.But the Nottinghamshire official is not denying the accuracy of the footage.Most read in FootballIn the video circulated online, Coote also said: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f*****g pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant. Moment Jurgen Klopp had penalty meltdown at David Coote before video that’s likely to KO referee’s careerShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.””So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is alright, I get on with him.”You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my God, German c**t, f**k me.” More

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      John Dempsey dead at 78: Chelsea legend who won FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup dies as tributes pour in

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      CHELSEA legend John Dempsey has died aged 78.The former defender spent nine years at Stamford Bridge between 1969 and 1978.Chelsea legend John Dempsey passed away at the age of 78Credit: AlamyThe former defender played 207 times for the BluesCredit: Rex FeaturesThat saw him lift the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in back-to-back seasons for the Blues. In fact, the centre-back scored “one of the crispest volleys seen from a Chelsea player” as the Blues beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the 1971 final replay in Greece. In total, he scored seven goals in 207 games for the club, having joined from West London rivals Fulham where he started his career.Chelsea announced his sad passing on Wednesday morning.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe club said: “It is with tremendous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing of our former centre-back and FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup winner John Dempsey. He was 78.”All at Chelsea send our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Trish and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”Dempsey had stints with the Serbian White Eagles and Philadelphia Fury in North America before finishing his career as player-manager at Dundalk in Ireland in 1984.Born in London, he represented the Republic of Ireland 19 times.Most read in FootballThe defender became the first Irish player to be sent off in a World Cup qualifier when he saw red against Hungary before the 1970 tournament.After his time in football, Dempsey spent time working as a carer supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties in North London. How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyJohn Dempsey’s careerPOSITIONCentre-backCLUB CAREER1964–1969 Fulham 149 league games (4 league goals)1969–1978 Chelsea 166 (4)1976 Serbian White Eagles1978–1980 Philadelphia Fury 81 (2)1983–1984 Dundalk 10 (0)Total 404 (10)INTERNATIONAL CAREER1966–1972 Republic of Ireland 19 (1)TROPHIESFA Cup: 1969–70European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1970–71MANAGERIAL CAREER1976 Serbian White Eagles1982 Maidenhead United1983–1984 DundalkEgham TownSource: WikipediaTributes poured in from the footballing world for Dempsey following his passing. One fan said: “Sorry to hear about the death of John Dempsey. A very underrated centre-half and as most of you will know a particular favourite of mine for his iconic hairstyles.”A second wrote: “Rest in peace legend.”A third added: “With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Chelsea legend John Dempsey. His legacy on the field and his contributions to our club will never be forgotten. “Our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”A fourth typed: “A true Chelsea legend who will never be forgotten.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a fifth replied: “Really sad to hear that Chelsea’s legendary 1970s centre-back John Dempsey has died. “My ex-wife’s sister worked for the Philadelphia Fury team when he played there and stayed close to him. As a result I got to chat to him and found him to be a lovely, warm, humble man.”Dempsey started out at Fulham before making the short switch across West LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored in the final of the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup against Real MadridCredit: PA:Empics SportDempsey worked for local charities and supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties after footballCredit: Rex Features More