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      Sky Sports Soccer Saturday crew burst out laughing after mascot’s hilarious reaction to being shoved in EFL clash

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      TIM SHERWOOD couldn’t contain his laughter at a bizarre moment during Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.The former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager was keeping a watchful eye over Northampton Town vs Derby County when he was left laughing at The Cobblers’ mascot.Tim Sherwood was left laughing after a bizarre moment during Northampton Town vs DerbyThe Northampton mascot cheekily threw the ball away from Derby star Nathaniel Mendez-LaingMendez-Laing appeared to lightly tap the mascot as he went to retrieve the ballClarence The Dragon hilariously threw himself to the floor as a resultThe mascot rolled around on the floor pretending to be injuredSoccer Saturday host Julian Warren was also left laughingSherwood interrupted host Julian Warren with his laughter as he watched the hilarious moment that Northampton’s mascot appeared to dive after being shoved by a Derby player.The incident occurred when Derby won a corner and Rams star Nathaniel Mendez-Laing tried to retrieve the ball off Northampton mascot Clarence The Dragon.The fan-favourite mascot playfully dropped the ball away from Mendez-Laing, leading the 31-year-old forward to lightly shove him.Clarence The Dragon then decided to play up to the push and jokingly fell to the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter throwing himself down the character then began rolling around as if he had been fouled.The funny exchange left the Sky Sports studio in floods of laughter while Warren commended on the antics of the mascot.He said: “That is brilliant! Clarence The Dragon take a bow!”Things worked out on the pitch for Northampton Town too as they wound up shock winners over Derby during the League One clash.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 11th placed outfit got the better of promotion chasing Derby, who sit second in the table, with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Sam Hoskins.Derby are still trying to bounce straight back up to the Championship following their relegation back in 2022 after being deducted 21 points for breaching EFL accounting rules.Fans spot Roy Keane’s ‘cold’ interaction with Man Utd mascot during FA Cup clash against Liverpool More

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      We’re an EFL club where Robbie Williams is president, but now want to be famous for another reason

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      PORT VALE are famous for being supported by singer Robbie Williams who is their club president.But Williams – whose hits included Kids – will be thrilled that his League One side are fast becoming known in football for developing some top young England talent. The nine academy players at Port Vale who have played first-team football this termSinger Robbie Williams is the club president at Port ValeBaylee Dipepa scored twice on his England U17s debut against Northern IrelandJust ask rookie striker Baylee Dipepa, who on Wednesday scored twice on his Young Lions debut for the under-17s against Northern Ireland at St George’s Park.Or Wesley Jose who has been part of the England U15s emerging talent camp.The Valiants have also in the past year received compensation packages from Newcastle for 14-year-old wonder kid Michael Mills and Aston Villa for under-15s player Freddie Lawrie – as well as 18-year-old striker Tommy McDermott joining Burnley.And the club have so far this season given minutes in senior football to TEN academy products, including the now-departed McDermott … while five of them have made their EFL debuts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis season Vale are closing in on an incredible FIFTY League One appearances for academy products.That is not to mention Vale have been entrusted to help England Under-20s duo Dan Gore and Alfie Devine, both 19, develop in the first team on loan from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.And Oliver Arblaster spent the first half of this season at Vale and has since broken into the Sheffield United team in the Premier League.This blossoming of talent are the fruits of a match made in heaven between club owner Carol Shanahan OBE and her family, the people of Burslem and academy director Will Ryder and his staff.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOliver Arblaster is now playing Premier League football for Sheffield United after spending the first half of the season on loan at Port ValeShanahan fell in love with Port Vale after the family business – fintech company Synectics Solutions – moved next door to their stadium in 2015 and she went to a match.Her son Patrick told SunSport: “She moved the business along with 350 staff here from Newcastle-under-Lyme.Nike changing our England kit is borderline offensive & utter cobblers – shame on them, says Colin Robertson“The locals thanked our family for coming to Burslem because they had only been used to people leaving for 20 years. “Suddenly a high street that had the lowest percentage of shops in the UK started to get life into it because staff were going into the town during lunch breaks.“We were sent gifts and received so much goodwill. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them.”PATRICK SHANAHAN, Port Vale director of strategy“She recognised Port Vale was at the centre of it so went to a game to learn more.“I was living in Manchester then and remember calling her. There was the loud noise of lots of people and she said, ‘I’m on a coach with the Vale fans … we’re off to Exeter!”Shanahan eventually bought the club from unpopular ex-owner Norman Smurthwaite for a hugely-inflated £5million five years ago – a figure she likened to paying a ransom for a loved one held hostage but “someone had to pay it.”Carol Shanahan OBE fell in love with Port Vale that so much she bought the clubWill Ryder has worked wonders in charge of Port Vale’s academySince Vale became free of their captor, her family have put people at the front and centre of the club’s vision. They plan to leave a lasting legacy in Burslem – making Vale a welcoming club where local people can go, aspire to better themselves and learn good life skills and values.And delivering on that vision with flying colours has been Ryder, who took charge of the academy two-and-a-half years ago. He said: “We’ve now arrived at a sweet spot where we’re renowned across England as a centre for producing players and good people as well. That sits at the heart of everything we do.“It’s centred on individual development but within a team structure. There’s opportunity here because of a clear pathway into the first team – and it’s then up to the young players to take that chance.“Everyone who comes through this door is on their own journey and we’re here to make sure we help every person with their own needs regardless of what level they’re at. “When a player ends his journey at Port Vale, whether it’s to go to another professional club, play semi-pro or do something else entirely, we want them to look back fondly at their time here. “Also, crucially, we want them to remain loving the game because less than one percent of academy kids go on to become pros.Back, from left: Baylee Dipepa, Patrick Shanahan, Will Ryder, Carol Shanahan, Dave Flitcroft (director of football), Jack Shorrock, James Plant. Bottom, from left: Rhys Walters, Andrew Buah, Logan Cousins, Liam Brazier, Dan Mahaffy, Ben LomaxVALE’S SUPER KIDSHere are the academy products who have played in the first team this season.

      RHYS WALTERS, 18: Midfielder
      JACK SHORROCK, 16: Defender
      JAMES PLANT, 19: Winger
      TOMMY McDERMOTT, 18: Midfielder *now at Burnley
      DAN MAHAFFY, 18: Midfielder
      BEN LOMAX, 18: Defender
      BAYLEE DIEPA, 17: Forward
      LOGAN COUSINS, 17: Midfielder
      ANDREW BUAH, 17: Forward
      LIAM BRAZIER, 17: Midfielder

      “And, because this sport is brutally competitive, we make sure we support people when they’re not playing.“Sometimes that’s putting an arm around them but also being honest about where they are.“One of our players was around the first team but wasn’t breaking into the side and I had a frank conversation with him and one of his parents about where he was falling short.“When he made his debut that parent couldn’t thank me enough because at that point they needed that honest chat.”Unlike at some pro clubs, the Valiants like players’ families to be at the centre of their development. One scholar for example was treated to some boardroom hospitality at a recent game along with his family.Baylee Dipepa has had a breakthrough year for club and countryAs Ryder said: “It’s important to bring people in, rather than shut them out. Families can play a massive part in the journey and I’ve seen many times in football where they’ve been pushed out.”Patrick Shanahan, who is the club’s chief strategy officer, added: “Will has been massive in helping us deliver on our family’s vision. We know parents are sending THEIR son to our academy, THEIR boy. “And he’s giving away a part of his childhood to be developed and push himself to get into the professional game.“That deserves huge respect – so it’s important to care about their son as a human being. And that’s what we do.”You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.”WILL RYDER, Port Vale academy directorThe club takes care of helping players develop life skills. Their under-18s went to a local fire station to improve leadership qualities while under-nines are encouraged to stand in front of their peers to talk through their clips.Ryder added: “The more they do that at a younger age, the more natural and comfortable it becomes.”The business model relies on good recruitment and either receiving “training compensation fees” when players get taken by Category One academies or selling players at the right price when they are pro.The Shanahans have invested funds into the academy so over time it can pay for itself. The club are playing catch-up in that department as it had not enjoyed much outlay during the past quarter of a century,READ MORE SUN STORIESBut things are now taking off. Ryder added: “You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.” More

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      Premier League clubs face Government fines of over £50m as tough new rules are introduced

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      PREM giants face fines of £50m-plus if they fail to engage with the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator.The long-awaited measure will be introduced in the Commons on Tuesday and is expected to get all-party support.The Government are on the verge of appointing an Independent Football RegulatorCredit: GettyClubs face potentially huge fines if they don’t engage with the regulatorCredit: RexAmong its powers, the Regulator will be able to impose a funding deal between the Prem and the EFL after the process stalled again last week, stop and boot out rogue owners and block clubs from joining any breakaway Super LeagueBut the Regulator will also “have the ability to fine clubs up to 10 per cent their of turnover for non-compliance”Meaning potentially HUGE penalties, with the Big Six grossing £500m-plus every year.Tory MPs said the Regulator would prevent repeats of the financial chaos that overtook Bury, Derby, Wigan, Bolton and non-league Rhyl in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said: “The Regulator is a new dawn for fans of the beautiful game.“I am so proud that we managed to save Derby County but many other clubs aren’t as lucky.”And I don’t want any other fans to face what we did.“The Government has listened and is taking strong action to give football fans a voice.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTory MP Pauline Latham is a “is a new dawn” for footie fansCredit: RICHARD TOWNSHED PHOTOGRAPHYIn a short response, Prem chiefs said they agreed it is “vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game”.However, the Prem warned of the “unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football”.FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateBy contrast, EFL chief executive Rick Parry hailed an “important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability” of the pyramid.Parry added: “If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model to help ensure that all clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.” More

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      ‘The club is on life support… he’s killing us’, say angry Reading fans as owner SELLS training ground to EFL rivals

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      ANGRY READING supporters have claimed that the club is “on life support” and that their owner is “killing” the club amid the latest controversy.The League One club, who were relegated from the Championship last season, have lurched from one crisis to another under Dai Yongge.Fans have already launched numerous protests against Dai YonggeCredit: AlamyThe Reading owner has infuriated fed-up fans once againCredit: Rex FeaturesThe Royals were initially docked a point in August for breaching EFL regulations, with a further three suspended.The following month they triggered their extra three-point deduction, after failing to deposit 125 per cent of their monthly wage bill into an account by a date agreed to by the EFL.They then received their third points deduction of the season last month after they were docked an extra two points to take the total to six.During 2023, the Royals were late paying HMRC for over 100 days, with EFL rules prohibiting more than 80 and that has led to regular protests from supporters demanding that Yongge sell the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, this week reports emerged that the controversial Chinese businessman had agreed to flog something else instead – Reading’s Bearwood Park training ground to League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.And that has further infuriated fed-up fans as Caroline Parker, a spokesperson for Sell Before We Dai spokesperson, said in an open letter from the group: “The news that Reading FC owner Dai Yongge, his sister and fellow owner Dai Xiu Li, and CEO Dayong Pang, are selling our training ground shows that they never intended to sell the club.“They’re intent on only one thing – killing Reading FC – a club with a proud 152-year history. This club is now firmly on life support.“But if Yongge, Xiu Li and Pang are killing the club, then Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is an accomplice. He might not have pulled the trigger, but he’s helping the owners to hide the body.Most read in EFLCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “Selling one of Reading’s key assets makes the club even less attractive to a new owner – and almost certainly scares off potential investors who were already having to contend with Yongge’s unpredictability, all while leaving more chaos for fans, players and staff to endure.“But questions must be asked.Watch hilarious moment lone EFL fan has rival supporters trying to storm past stewards after pitchside wind-up“To Yongge, Xiu Li and Pang – with a £1 million shortfall staring the club in the face, are they planning on using the funds to keep the club alive, or to run off with them to an off-shore tax haven, leaving Reading FC in an even more perilous situation?”It added: “It’s time for action. We’re calling on all Reading fans to gather tomorrow night (Friday) at 6pm outside Adams Park for a peaceful protest – and we’d invite all Wycombe fans who don’t want their club to become known as the new MK Dons to stand with us – because football has an ownership problem.“We know Reading fans are confused and worried. So are we. But one thing is clear: we will not give up in the fight for the future of our club.” More

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      FA set to use FANS in trial of radical new countdown plan to stop goalkeepers time wasting

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      FANS in stadiums will be invited to join in a “five second countdown” before time-wasting goalkeepers give away a throw-in or a corner.The radical trial could be used in the EFL lower divisions or the Football League Trophy from next season after being backed by the game’s Law-making body the International FA Board.Refs will be encouraged to punish goalkeepers taking too long on goal kicksCredit: GettyWhile introducing sin-bins in professional football has gone on the backburner after a global backlash, Ifab chiefs, at their annual general meeting at Loch Lomond, believe their latest idea will help reduce time-wasting.The current six second rule, rarely punished, will be extended to eight seconds, but with referees then holding up their hands to count down to zero with five seconds left.FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “So many times we see the goalkeeper holding onto the ball for five or six seconds at 0-0 and then when they’re 1-0 up they suddenly hold it for 25 seconds.“That’s not right and people get frustrated.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Once the goalkeeper has got the ball under control, and the referee puts up his hand so that the five seconds gets counted down, you’ll see the crowd respond to that and the other players will.“In terms of how you give possession to the other team, the protocols being discussed are either a throw-in in line with the penalty spot or a corner.“There are pros and cons to both of them. They are still working that out but both will be trialled.”Other trials available from July 1 will see only captains allowed to speak to referees and the use of “cooling off periods” where feuding players would be ordered back to their respective penalty boxes until tempers calmed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPushed on whether that would see the discussions with the EFL and other leagues on introduction of any of the ideas next term, Bullingham added: “I’m sure we will.“We haven’t got to that point yet but I anticipate that some will be looked at lower levels of English football.’How is he our captain’ moan Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes spotted furiously arguing with referee after Fulham loss“What level we will look at is an open discussion, I’m sure we’ll get that discussion with the relevant leagues.“It’s clear that we’re not aiming at the top two leagues in any country. But we’ve got so many options in England.”The meeting took place hours after Fifa President Gianni Infantino gave a “red card to blue cards” as the way of signalling sin-bins.But Ifab chiefs insisted they are not turning their backs on the sin-bin principle – although it will be purely for dissent and not, as previously suggested, cynical “action football action” fouls.Trials at grass roots levels will continue ahead of possible future extension.Bullingham added: “We’ve focused on the area that is more straightforward, which is dissent and encouraging referees to come into the game.“It’s something that affects 90 per cent of the game at all levels.“The cynical foul aspect is a subjective one and that potentially makes applying it harder. Let’s get sin-bins right first and then see if there is a broader application.”Changes for next season will see the option of permanent concussion substitutions written into the Laws as well as red cards for penalty box defensive handballs which deny scoring chances.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League and PFA have called for a trial of temporary concussion replacements and Bullingham conceded: “Permanent substitutions is a positive and there are medics who say that means there is no risk of an injured player being sent back on the pitch.“We operate in an environment where different opinions are aired. English football does think temporary substitutions is worth being trialled at some point but we’ve made big steps forward.” More

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      EFL cult hero rewards fans with brilliant gesture after they came to his rescue by crowdfunding to help him keep medal

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      EX-PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star David Norris passed out the pasties to thank supporters for their generosity today.The now 43-year-old claimed his parents had “disappeared with my savings” back in January.David Norris was dishing out the pasties to fans who came to his rescueCredit: C1 MediaThe ex-Plymouth star put his title medal up for sale after falling into financial troubleCredit: XThe ex-midfielder then put his League One winners’ medal, which he won with Plymouth in 2004, up for sale in an apparent bid to raise some much-needed cash.After his post went viral on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, raised £6,000 for their 2006 Player of the Year on JustGiving in order to stop him having to flog his prized memorabilia.Norris, who went on to enjoy more success with Ipswich, Portsmouth and Leeds, showed his appreciation today by handing out 1,330 Cornish Pasties to fans from both Plymouth and Ipswich ahead of today’s Championship clash between his two old teams.He teamed up with Sky Bet and Plymouth to give away £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks to both sets of fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSky Bet helped deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which champions the modern football fan and fan culture, whilst helping to make their matchday experience better.Norris said: “After being faced with this difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider football community has been incredible.“The generosity and kindness I have been shown has been overwhelming and I’m really pleased I’ve been able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and give something back with help from Sky Bet.” Leigh Peacock-Goodwin, head of brand and sponsorship at Sky Bet, said: “We want to celebrate all the best parts of football fan culture in the UK and the Plymouth fans’ commitment to their former player really stood out.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We’re delighted to have supported David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”Meanwhile, Plymouth’s head of marketing and communications Jamie Yabsley added: “Our fans’ loyalty to the club and its players – both past and present – is clear to see.Plymouth fan goes crazy after he is tripped up by Sunderland fan during half-time competition“The way they showed up for David whilst he is facing a hard time fully embodies the spirit of the club and we are glad to have given them the recognition and rewards they deserve for their generosity today alongside Sky Bet.” Norris scored five goals in 45 matches to help Argyle win promotion to the Championship 20 years ago.Norris was a big hit with fans during his six-years playing for the PilgrimsCredit: Action More

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      I won promotion at Wembley and was told I was losing my job the next morning – I ended up on LinkedIn looking for a club

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      MK DONS keeper Michael Kelly was told he was being released by Carlisle just ONE DAY after they were promoted to League One.The Irish shot-stopper, 27, only played in the EFL Trophy last season as he watched all of the fourth-tier side’s league matches from the bench.Michael Kelly was told Carlisle were releasing him just one day after they secured promotionCredit: GettyBut he was still a part of the squad that beat Stockport on penalties at Wembley to clinch promotion.Yet the following morning, manager Paul Simpson met him at the team hotel to inform him that his contract was not being renewed beyond the summer.Speaking to BBC Look East, he recalled: “He [Simpson] said it wasn’t an easy subject and that he wasn’t going to keep me.”I was shocked. The night before was the best of my life. Getting promoted on the steps of Wembley, it’s what you dream of as a kid. Now you’re trying to process what to do next.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKelly then spent three months without a club, before MK Dons picked him up in September.He has started eight games this season, four of which have come in League Two where the club occupy a play-off place.But prior to penning a deal, he admits he was even reduced to going on LinkedIn to try and search for a club.He added: “I kept wondering, when am I going to get a phone call? I’ve just got promoted. I should look good. But you have to wait. The toughest part is seeing other players get the call.Most read in Football”My girlfriend and family were on top of me the whole time asking me to ring this person, message this guy, go onto Linkedin and look at this person.”You have got to hold yourself accountable.I broke down in tears in the en-suite’ reveals Steve Sidwell as ex-Chelsea star opens up on way football career ended”You can run all you want and give all you want but personally being around a group, with the guys, they’re the hardest moments to replicate. I don’t mind going for runs but it’s very, very difficult to keep going.”You can have a bad day, which can spiral into two or three bad days when you wonder, why am I bothering? It’s about just getting out there and doing something.” More

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      I sat on bench next to Saka at the FA Cup final but Arsenal released me after 15 years… now I’m making my way in EFL

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      MATT SMITH came within touching distance of making his Arsenal debut in the FA Cup final.And he still walked away from Wembley with a winner’s medal.Matt Smith and Bukayo Saka were unused subs in the 2020 FA Cup finalCredit: GettySmith is forging his career in the EFL with WiganCredit: GettyBut after being released following 15 years with the Gunners, he is now making a name for himself in the EFL.Smith, 23, is a year older than Bukayo Saka and the pair came through at Hale End together, both playing in the 2018 FA Youth Cup defeat to Chelsea.But while Saka burst into the first team under Unai Emery in November 2018, the holding midfielder had to remain patient.Then when Covid struck and restrictions meant Mikel Arteta needed to call upon some of the best academy talents to train in the senior squad bubble.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd as he impressed the Spaniard, Smith found himself in an Arsenal matchday squad for the first time for the behind-closed-doors 2-0 win at Southampton during Project Restart. Five weeks later, he was once again named among the substitutes – this time under the famous arch as Arsenal took on Chelsea in the FA Cup final.Smith sat two seats along from pal Saka for the full 90 minutes at Wembley, with fellow academy graduates Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson not brought on while Eddie Nketiah got on for the final eight minutes.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice after Christian Pulisic’s early goal to crown Arsenal FA Cup winners for the record-extending 14th time. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSmith told The Athletic: “It is my best memory. “It was different due to there being no fans but the full day was an amazing experience. The medal is pride of place at my mum and dad’s house.Arsenal fans fall in love with Bukayo Saka after response to young kid asking him to join struggling League One club “I didn’t play but it will be one of those things at the end of your career you look back on and appreciate it a little bit more. I appreciate it now but my career is just getting started.”Saka has kicked on in style since, racking up more than 50 goals and 200 Arsenal appearances – plus he is a regular starter for England.Smith, though, would never make a first-team appearance for the boyhood club he joined aged seven. He went on loans to Swindon, Charlton and Doncaster before giving it one final go at Arsenal in the 2022-23 season.But as Arterta’s men challenged for the Premier League title, he captained the Under-21s and was limited to nine senior matchday squads, including three in the league. And with his contract expiring at the end of last season, he was let go.Reflective Smith added: “It was always in my mind that I might be coming on. “There were definitely times I think Arteta did consider bringing me on. I felt I was next in line.“He doesn’t dish out the debuts willy-nilly. That sums him up as a manager – he is very calculated in everything he does.There are no passengers allowed with Arteta… he was a massive help with my developmentMatt Smith“It was frustrating but that’s football. You can think about what would have happened but at the end of the day, I didn’t get the opportunity.“There are no passengers allowed with Arteta. He was a massive help with my development, showing me little movements to make the game easier, so I have nothing but good things to say about him.“We had meetings at the hotel before the match and there would always be a game or something silly to get everyone switched on and working together as a team.“Some involved tennis balls and other times there were quizzes, which would be about the tactical information on the opposition we’d been learning all week. You had to get into groups and play things like Pictionary.“It was an ‘are you ready for the game?’ type of thing but it was mad because, at times, it was only two hours before kick-off!”After thinking about moving abroad, that next club ended up being Wigan.Smith joined the Latics fresh from their relegation to League One and starting this season on -8 points. The ex-Gunners man grabbed his first goal for the club with the winner in the 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury in February 2024. Now he has cemented himself as a key man in Shaun Maloney’s midfield, one of the more experienced heads despite his age.READ MORE SUN STORIESWigan are sitting comfortably in mid-table and already looking ahead to a title charge in the next campaign.Success in that endeavour and Smith would have another medal to put on display at his parents’ house. Smith learnt lots under Mikel Arteta but did not get a first-team appearanceCredit: GettyThe midfielder joined Arsenal when he was sevenCredit: GettyHe was named on the bench six times during Project RestartCredit: GettyCaptain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice to down ChelseaCredit: GettyWembley was empty as Smith collected his winner’s medalCredit: PA More