Football League

A MANAGER has brutally hit out at his own players calling them a “bunch of losers” in an astonishing rant.Horndean FC are in the eighth tier of English football and lost 1-0 to Phoenix Sports on Saturday.

Non-league boss Michael Birmingham slammed his own players after suffering a defeatCredit: X/Horndean_FC
Their gaffer Michael Birmingham raged after the defeat and tore into his squad with the club sitting 16th in the table.
Horndean have won just two of their ten Isthmian League South East Division games and the manager has had enough.
Speaking post-match, Birmingham launched an attack, saying: “It weren’t frustrating. We were crap. First-half pathetic. Bunch of losers.
“Didn’t want to work hard, didn’t want to get in a physical fight, scared.
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“Thought they could turn up after having a good result against Sheppey and having a good performance against Ramsgate on a pitch that was lively, very heavy – and they didn’t want to do the hard graft.
“They got out-muscled, out-worked and to be honest we were crap first-half and we got what we deserved.”
Birmingham didn’t calm down when asked if the second-half was any better, replying: “No. Just huff and puff. Nothing really positive about it.
“My centre-forwards could still be out there until training on Tuesday and won’t hit the target, we created enough opportunities to win two games.
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“To be honest, fair enough to Phoenix, they were better than us in the first-half when the damage was done – we were crap.”
Birmingham’s rant was one that Dorking Wanderers boss Marc White would be proud of.
He had his own meltldown of the season contender as he fumed after a recent defeat, saying: “Today was wholeheartedly a bunch of players that were absolutely s**t.”
Horndean play in the same league as Cray Valley Paper Mills, who drew with Charlton in the FA Cup on Sunday. More

A PREMIER League prodigy went from winning the U-17s World Cup with Phil Foden to non-league football in just six years.Nya Kirby played a crucial role in the Young Lions’ 2017 success – scoring the winning penalty in the last-16 against Japan.
Nya Kirby (11) played a crucial role in the Young Lions’ 2017 success alongside Phil Foden (7)Credit: Getty
After failing to impress on loan moves at Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers, Kirby was released by then Crystal Palace boss Patrick VieiraCredit: Getty
And the midfield starlet, then 17, came off the bench to help England come from behind to outclass Spain in the final.
At the time, the Crystal Palace graduate shared a dressing room with the likes of Man City’s Phil Foden and Utd’s Jadon Sancho.
Old England U-17 photos show Kirby also alongside Sheffield United’s Rhian Brewster and Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
And Kirby was tipped to be another home-grown hero, too.
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But tonight he is taking part in a different cup competition – an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay.
He is set to line up for non-league part-timers Oxford City who take on Scarborough Athletic in a bid to reach the first round.
After failing to impress on loan moves at Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers, Kirby was released by then Palace boss Patrick Vieira.
The London-born footballer joined the Vanarama National League side – in the fifth tier of England’s football pyramid – this summer. 
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The club, promoted last year to the top division of non-league football, play on an artificial pitch and average just 945 supporters.
Announcing the signing, Oxford City told fans: “Oxford City FC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Nya Kirby ahead of the 23/24 campaign.
“The highly-rated 23-year-old has already had an impressive career, coming through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
“Most notably, Kirby was a member of the England U17 squad that won the U17’s World Cup back in 2017.
“Furthermore, he played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring the decisive penalty in the round of 16 clash with Japan. He also featured in the final victory over Spain.
“Kirby has also represented the three lions at U16, U18 and U19 level (featuring in the under-19 championships in 2018).
“Nya also joins us with EFL experience after spending time on loan at Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers in League One.”
After signing for the Hoops, Nya said: “I’m delighted to sign.
“I’ve been here since the beginning of pre-season and I’ve loved working with Ross [Jenkins, head coach] and the team.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
“It’s been very easy to settle in, there’s a great group of lads here.
“It’s a great platform for me to come and play in.
“I watched some games last season and they played some amazing football and I feel that’d it would suit me and help the team.
“I’ll work very hard for the team and I’m here to help us do as well as we can. I can’t wait to get started!”
Kirby has had a strong start to life with Oxford City, scoring twice in 10 games.
If he helps the Hoops past National League North’s Scarborough, they will play League Two’s Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup first round.
He is not the only member of the Young Lions squad – which featured now Premier League stars such as Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, and Emile Smith Rowe – to play in non-league.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Curtis Anderson – who played in the final as England beat Spain 5-2 in India – now plies his trade at ninth tier Kendal Town.
Anderson, 22, previously told how he watched his old England under-17 teammates star at the World Cup in Qatar last year.
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While playing for non-league Bootle, he said: “I really struggled [during the World Cup] because I was seeing so many of my old team-mates and people I had spent a lot of time with.
“And then there’s me, sat at home watching on TV, thinking, ‘How has this ended up happening?”
Kirby alongside Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi (15), Sheffield United’s Rhian Brewster (9) and Jadon Sancho (11)Credit: Getty
Nya Kirby played a crucial role in the Young Lions’ 2017 success – scoring the winning penalty in the last-16 against JapanCredit: Rex
The midfield starlet, then 17, came off the bench to help England come from behind to outclass Spain in the finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

CARLISLE boss Paul Simpson has gone viral after threatening to axe four players on the spot.The raging manager produced a brutally honest interview on live TV after his side were beaten by Nottingham Forest under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
Paul Simpson’s brutally honest interview has gone viral
Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss leaves Carlisle on the brink of elimination ahead of their final group match against Harrogate next month.
After the game, Simpson claimed he wants to name just three players on the bench for Saturday’s home match against Leyton Orient.
However, he admitted he has to include seven substitutes in his matchday squad.
“They’re adults,” he fumed at full-time. “They don’t need somebody to lift them, you have to lift yourself.
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“You’re a professional footballer. It’s your b***** job. So you have to lift yourself, you have to be professional.
“You’ve got to go about your business properly. We have standards that we need to set.”
Simpson continued: “That was disgraceful, so no I’m not going to lift them, no I’m not. They’re going to have to lift themselves because otherwise they’ll just fall by the wayside. Simple as that.
“There’s a situation where I would probably want to put three players on the bench on Saturday but I’ve got to put seven on.
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“I’ve got to do what’s right for the first-team. So now we’ll see what reaction we get from everybody.”
The Cumbrians gaffer was not done there, though, telling the club website: “It was as if we were asking professional footballers to play a game of football and it was a bit of a chore to them.
“Not all of them, some of them have gone about it in the right way, they’re the ones who we can normally depend and rely on.
“But there was a number who were way off it. The scary thing is that we’ll probably have to use some of them at the weekend because we haven’t got enough to just discard these, we’re going to have to use them.
“They haven’t done themselves any favours, it’s as simple as that.”
Carlisle are currently 20th in League One and three points above the relegation zone having won just two of their first 12 matches.
Simpson has been in the dugout since his appointment in February 2022.
The former England under-20 boss guided Carlisle to promotion from League Two last season via the play-offs.
Simpson threatened to drop four of his players on the spotCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED academy graduate Charlie Savage is keen to create his own legacy in the footballing world.Savage, 20, left Old Trafford for League One side Reading on a free transfer this summer.
Charlie Savage is looking to kick-start his career in the EFLCredit: Getty
The 20-year-old left Manchester United after joining the club at age nineCredit: Getty
The midfielder, son of Robbie Savage, was the one pushing for the move after 11 years in Manchester.
The four-year-deal includes a significant sell-on fee for the Reds, who will also retain the right to match any bid for him in the future.
And he’s already scored and assisted for Reading after their tough start back in League One.
The youngster also sealed a stunning free-kick in their 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Millwall in August.
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He told Reading FC’s YouTube channel: “I was begging United to let me speak to Reading, and I’m thankful for them to get it done.
“I think it’s the perfect place for me to develop my career.
“I can just progress and progress. If I was the finished article I’d be in the Premier League already.”
But Savage and his team-mates are facing a real baptism of fire for The Royals in League One.
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Fans are regularly protesting against owner Dai Yongge to sell the club with debts mounting up.
Charlie made his United first-team debut against Young Boys in December 2021.
His dad Robbie Savage was commentating the match, and had to fight back tears describing Charlie’s inclusion as the proudest moment of his life.
Charlie spent last season on loan at Forest Green, making 15 appearances for the club.
He hopes the move to the EFL can kickstart the next phase of his development, as he’s in line to make his debut for Wales against Gibraltar this week. 
Savage Snr, 48, also came through the youth ranks at United, winning the FA Youth Cup with that iconic 1992 side.
Before being released to Crewe two years later, after failing to break into Sir Alex Ferguson’s first-team.
But he did go on to an make 350 Premier League appearances with Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn, and Derby.
The TV pundit for the BBC and TNT Sports, posted on social media: “So, so proud … hard work, dedication and sacrifices are paying off for him.”
Robbie Savage is a pundit on the BBC and TNT SportCredit: BT Sport
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FURIOUS locals living in a picturesque town say it’s being ruined by a new football stadium – and they don’t even have enough people to fill it.Homeowners in Chard, south Somerset fear that their town is “dying” and the last thing they need is for their local club to have a shining new ground.
Locals living in a picturesque town say it’s being ruined by a new football stadiumCredit: DPJ
Chard Town FC are in the Somerset County Premier LeagueCredit: DPJ
Butcher Nigel Matthews said the town is ‘dying’Credit: DPJ
Chard Town FC, who are in the Somerset County Premier League, currently play at Zembard Lane which is notorious for being on a steep slope.
The 11th tier English team have been trying to move to a new stadium for the last 30 years.
And now their dreams could become a reality as new stadium plans are submitted including 295 homes.
But many in the town are angry that planners and local authorities should be prioritising better health services rather than agreeing to a new football stadium and new homes.
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Butcher Nigel Matthews, 59, said: “Why are we trying to build a new football stadium when the town desperately needs more doctors surgeries and dentists.
“It’s a joke, this place is dying because we can’t attract people because there just isn’t the infrastructure in the town.
“A nice new football stadium would be great but if there’s no-one to come and watch or even play in the team it seems a bit pointless.”
Grandmother Jackie Dennis, 57, said: “I have two grown up children and a grandchild and they can’t find a dentist in the town.
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“Since Covid the whole system seems to have collapsed and dental surgeries have closed and people are either having to go private at a time when the cost of living is going through the roof or travel miles to find an NHS dentist.
“I’ve known people travel to Taunton a round trip of 30 miles just to see a dentist.
“While for older people that is not feasible because the bus service is just non-existent around here.
“It would be nice for the town to have a new football stadium but we need to get our priorities right.”
Shop worker Kimberley Gaylard, 63, added: “There’s talk of another 295 homes which means more than 600 new people coming into the town.
“That should be good news but where are their kids going to go to school and where are they going to get their health care.
“Perhaps when the houses remain unsold these developers will appreciate that people don’t want to come to Chard – even if it has a nice new football stadium – because there are no dentists or doctors to look after them.”
But retired Peter Langridge, 68, a member of Chard Bowls Club, said that the new stadium will be a great addition to the town.
He said: “We desperately need to attract new blood to the town and this will only help to do that.
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“The prospect of a new stadium and two other pitches on the site will only be good for the health of the community.”
The new stadium will come with a clubhouse and retail space and will allow The Robins – who celebrated their centenary in 2020 – to relocate from their current ground on Zembard Lane.
Jackie Dennis said the town need to get their priorities straightCredit: DPJ
The new stadium will come with a clubhouse and retail spaceCredit: DPJ More