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      Coventry boss Mark Robins saved Fergie’s job at Man Utd in 1990 FA Cup.. now he may hammer final nail in Ten Hag coffin

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      IT was one of my favourite FA Cup memories — not as a player but as a fan.I was in the away end at what was then called the Ricoh Arena to watch Coventry City suffer a first-round giant-killing at the hands of non-league Worcester City in 2014.Mark Robins netted a vital goal early in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United careerCredit: GettyFergie had been under pressureCredit: APRobins now faces United as the manager of CoventryCredit: AlamyErik ten Hag takes on Coventry in the FA CupCredit: GettyMy brother Ellis, a loose-cannon of a central midfielder, was playing for Worcester and I had a thoroughly good day out, shouting myself hoarse, watching his team cause a proper upset.Fast forward a decade and Championship Coventry will face Manchester United at Wembley tomorrow in an FA Cup semi-final.It says a lot about the Cup’s special place in the English football calendar that Coventry can experience such extreme fortunes in the competition.Indeed, back in the 1980s, the Sky Blues won the Cup in a classic final against Tottenham and then lost to non-league Sutton United a couple of years later.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoventry and their supporters have been to hell and back in the last decade or so.They have had to play home matches at Birmingham’s St Andrew’s and Northampton because of a dispute between their former owners and the arena operators.I was at Birmingham when they were sharing St Andrew’s and I managed to snap my Achilles playing against them in an ‘away’ fixture at our ground.Coventry fell into the fourth tier at one point. For a club which was a fixture in the top flight for three decades that was a hell of a fall.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are back under local ownership, after years of being run by a hedge fund — although the only cloud might be Mike Ashley owns their ground, now known as the Coventry Building Society Arena.Mark Robins, whose seven years in charge make him the fourth-longest serving manager in English football, has done a tremendous job, taking Coventry to within a penalty shoot-out of the Premier League last season.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Mark is a terrific bloke, who knows football inside out. He is such a decent and generous man.He has this aura about him which makes him a big personality without having to shout and scream.He has consistently had to sell Coventry’s best players — especially Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer last summer — but still manages to rebuild impressively.He famously scored the FA Cup third-round winner for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest to save Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in 1990.And if Cov pull off a win at Wembley, he could do the opposite for Erik ten Hag, whose job as United boss is hanging by a thread.I genuinely think Coventry have a chance, mainly because you never have a clue which United are going to turn up on any given day.Also, Coventry have two forwards who can really cause problems.Ellis Simms, who has scored five goals in their last two Cup ties, and the American, Haji Wright, both have the ability to make runs behind United’s defence and that is exactly what the Premier League side don’t want to encounter.Simms, signed from Everton last summer, is one of many players whose careers have been revived by Robins at Coventry. He might not be absolutely top-drawer but he has a real eye for goal.He scored twice in a dramatic 3-2 win at Wolves in the quarter-finals and a hat-trick against Maidstone in the previous round.Like some of their team-mates, Simms and Wright will be thinking ‘one big game here and I could earn myself a Premier League move’.This is a free hit for Coventry’s players. They have already earned a massive day out for their supporters — a Wembley trip for the second successive season after the Championship play-off final against Luton.Nobody is expecting them to win but they have a real chance. Anything is possible in the Cup, as I remember from my day out with Worcester City.My main memory of that match was that Sean Geddes, who I’d played with at Walsall, scored both of Worcester’s goals.All I can remember of my brother’s performance is that he got booked for a heavy challenge!READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there will be plenty of Coventry fans at Wembley tomorrow who will have seen their team lose at home to Worcester.And when you have experienced bitter moments like that — especially with people like me goading them from the away end — then the good times taste all the more sweet.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row

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      CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.Clubs are threatening to boycott the FA CupCredit: PAA spokesman for Rishi Sunak has demanded to know why the changes have been madeCredit: AlamyThe FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.”But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHowever, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.”We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.”But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

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      THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

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      EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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      How Man Utd lined up last time they played Coventry with Barcelona legend unable to prevent humiliating defeat

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      A BARCELONA legend was left red-faced the last time Manchester United faced Coventry City.The Red Devils will meet the Sky Blues in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.Coventry City’s Michael Mifsud celebrates after his second goal against United in 2007Credit: PA:Press AssociationGerard Pique was in defence for United on that night against the Sky BluesCredit: GettyJonny Evans (pictured in 2007) is back at Old Trafford playing under current boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyJohn O’Shea has just taken his first job in managementCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side will go into the clash as heavy favourites against the Championship team managed by their former striker Mark Robins.The two clubs were regular opponents in the Premier League throughout the 1990s but have barely met since Coventry were relegated from the top-flight in 2001.However, there was a shock the last time they went head-to-head back in September 2007.Old Trafford hosted the League Cup third round tie with over 74,000 fans packed in to watch the action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut it was Coventry who were left celebrating as they ran out 2-0 victors thanks to a brace from Michael Mifsud.It was far from a star-studded line-up named by Sir Alex Ferguson that night.And the result seemed to have little impact on their season as they lifted both the Premier League and Champions League.Here’s who was in the United starting XI that night:Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTOMASZ KUSZCZAKThe Polish goalie spent six years at United having caught the eye previously at West Brom.He later played for Watford, Brighton and Wolves before finishing his career at Birmingham City in 2009.It’s baffling,’ says Gary Neville as he blasts Ten Hag’s coaching and reveals what Man Utd are ‘worst in the league at’DANNY SIMPSONCame through the academy at Man Utd but it would be at Leicester City where he enjoyed his greatest success as he helped them to Premier League glory in 2016.PHIL BARDSLEYThe ex-Scotland defender left United for Sunderland at the end of this season and later played for Stoke, Burnley and Stockport.JONNY EVANSThe veteran defender is now back at United after rejoining on a free transfer following an eight-year absence that included spells at West Brom and Leicester.GERARD PIQUEThe Spanish icon won the Euros and World Cup with Spain and everything possible at Barcelona after his move to the Nou Camp in 2008 but he was given a torrid time by Mifsud on this night. JOHN O’SHEAThe versatile Irishman was a huge favourite with Fergie and fans but left in 2011 to join Sunderland and then ended his career at Reading.ANDERSONThe Brazilian spent eight years at United before returning to his homeland, and then he headed to Turkey to finish his career.LEE MARTINAlso played for Rangers and Nottingham Forest on loan before he dropped down the pyramid and ended up in non-league.CHRIS EAGLESLeft for Burnley in 2011 and became a big fave and was equally loved at Bolton before spending the latter years of his career with several clubs in the lower leagues and Scotland.READ MORE SUN STORIESNANIThe Portuguese winger was a first-team regular for years at United after this and still plays as a winger for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.DONG FANG ZHOUThe Chinese forward was simply not good enough to cut it at United and after just a handful of appearances he was shipped out, and following some stints elsewhere in Europe, he finished his career back in his homeland.WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Here’s what the United players from that night are doing now:
      KUSZCZAK
      He was most recently the goalkeeping coach of the Poland national team.
      SIMPSON
      Still plays for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Macclesfield.
      BARDSLEY
      Assistant manager of Macclesfield.
      EVANS
      Back playing for Man Utd under Ten Hag.
      PIQUE
      Retired from football in 2022 and then hit the headlines after splitting with his pop star wife Shakira.
      O’SHEA
      Recently appointed interim manager of the Republic of Ireland.
      ANDERSON 
      Assistant manager of Adana Demirspor in Turkey.
      MARTIN
      Signed for Isthmian League South East Division club Ramsgate at the start of the season.
      EAGLES
      He joined Alcoholics Anonymous in September 2021.
      NANI
      Still playing for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.
      DONGCoaches youngsters back in China after retiring from playing More

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      FA Cup confirm major broadcasting change as they respond to furious backlash from EFL clubs and Number 10 wades in

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      THE FA have announced a major broadcasting change in response to the backlash from EFL clubs.Teams outside the Premier League were left furious on Thursday after the latest changes to the competition.The FA have announced a major broadcasting change to the FA CupCredit: APFrom next season, replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards following a deal between the FA and Premier League.The decision was met with criticism from supporters and lower league clubs with concerns over the financial impacts of the decision.Number 10 has also waded into the row.The FA have now confirmed that more matches from the earlier rounds will be broadcast live on TV as a result.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, they said: “To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams.”Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.”Additional changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, played without clashing with Premier League matches.Meanwhile, the fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday and the final has been moved to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.Most read in FootballThe statement continues: “The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      “This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.”We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision”We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.”Number 10 has also joined the growing row, saying: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities. But clearly its incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interest of fans.” More

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      Sir Chips Keswick dead at 84: Former Arsenal chairman who oversaw four FA Cup triumphs dies as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has died at the age of 84.Keswick was a lifelong Gunners supporter, and was a regular feature at Highbury when he was younger.Former Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has diedCredit: Getty – ContributorKeswick took over as chairman in 2013 and oversaw four FA Cup triumphsCredit: Getty – ContributorAn Arsenal statement announced the sad news this morning.The club said: “It is with great sadness that the club reports the death of former Chairman, Sir Chips Keswick.”A lifelong Arsenal supporter, he was a regular at Highbury after first standing in the boys’ enclosure in 1949 and listed his early heroes as the Compton brothers and Jimmy Logie but, above all, goalkeeper – and later manager – George Swindin, as young Chips was a budding schoolboy keeper himself.”Keswick became the chairman of the north London side in 2013 having initially joined the club’s board alongside Lord Harris in November 2005.READ MORE ON ARSENALIn becoming chair he replaced Peter Hill-Wood.During his time there he oversaw the team winning four FA Cups, with his final year fittingly seeing the team win the 2020 FA Cup as he stepped down in May of that year.The tribute continued: “Retirement allowed him to spend more time with his beloved family as well as indulge in his other great sporting passion, horse racing – he was a respected owner of numerous racehorses over the years. “Sir Chips will be greatly missed by everyone at Arsenal who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Sarah and their children David, Tobias and Adam.”Most read in FootballKeswick had previously been a vice-chairman of Hambros bank between 1986 and 1998 and knighted by the Queen for services to banking in 1993.He was known to be a keen racehorse owner and owned some with the Queen.Keswick won the Cheltenham Festival Novices’ Handicap Chase in 2014 with Present View, trained by Jamie Snowden, but missed it because Arsenal were playing in Europe.After landing another Cheltenham win last year, he said on his first time miss: “It is great to be here this time. I had to watch Arsenal against Bayern and they beat us 3-1 (on aggregate).”I retired when I was 80 from the board. I think when you leave, you leave. “You shouldn’t hang around, but rest assured I watch Arsenal every time on the television.”Sir Chips Keswick “the perfect chairman”
      Sir John Chippendale “Chips” Lindley Keswick was a major figure at Arsenal Football Club.
      He joined the board in 2005 and then in 2013 was named chairman – a role he held for seven years.
      During that time as chairman, Arsenal won the FA Cup four times.
      He earned his money as chairman of Hambros Bank and as a director of the Bank of England.
      Upon his retirement as the most powerful man at Arsenal in 2020 he said: “It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football club.
      “Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future.”
      Current Arsenal owners Stan and Josh Kroenke said at the time he stepped down: “His extensive business knowledge and experience coupled with his deep love of Arsenal have made him the perfect chairman.”
      He was a lifelong Arsenal fan. More

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      Man City vs Chelsea tips: Back our 28/1 #PickYourPunt for FA Cup semi final with Betfred

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea do battle for a spot in the FA Cup final when they meet in a blockbuster semi on Saturday.So our team of betting experts have selected a #PickYourPunt for the big match, which Betfred have priced up at a cool 28/1.Back our 28/1 PickYourPuntMan City vs Chelsea: Back our 28/1 #PickYourPunt for FA Cup semi with BetfredMan City vs ChelseaOur #PickYourPunt selections: Match result to be a draw, Phil Foden to score anytime and Man City over 6.5 corners.Here’s why we’ve made those selections:
      Draw: After a tough week for Man City, they have a chance to bounce back in a big way. But Chelsea are eight games unbeaten now and in a good place themselves and will look to pounce on any vulnerability. Can cancel each other out.
      Phil Foden to score: City’s main man this season, scoring four in his last three games. Will get chances with City more than likely set to dominate the ball. After Haaland’s midweek flop, he’s probably City’s best chance at a goal.
      Man City over 6.5 corners: They registered 15 corners in normal time against Real Madrid, before three more in extra time. 12 in the game before against Luton. Wingers create corners and City’s are the up with the best at doing so. Achievable number.
      Back our 28/1 PickYourPuntPickYourPuntYou’re in control with PickYourPunt, create and customize your own unique bets.Go to any qualifying event and click the #PickYourPunt tab, here you will find the current selection of available bets. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply tweet @Betfred with your bet along with #PickYourPunt.Our PickYourPunt builder covers all the major football leagues from around the world, enabling you to build your bet and get your price instantly. For example, in the Premier League you could back Newcastle United to win, with 15 or more corners and Fabian Schar to score from outside the box, open the builder and build the bet yourself.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More