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      Fans convinced ‘a decent vet could still save it’ as League One side serve up hot dog ‘with a heartbeat’

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      WYCOMBE have been mocked by rival fans after the League One side served up a hot dog “with a heartbeat”.The Chairboys welcomed fellow play-off chasers Bolton to Adams Park on Tuesday night.
      A Bolton fan was served this hot dog at Wycombe on Tuesday nightCredit: Twitter @FBAwayDays
      However, one visiting supporter was left furious after purchasing a hot dog at the stadium.
      A snap of their food has since gone viral on social media after they shared a look at the pale pork product between two small pieces of bread.
      Sharing their pre-match meal to X, formerly Twitter, user @Benclifteh wrote: “Wycombe hot dogs. Woman at the bar said ‘the buns not normally that bad, sorry’. IS THIS A F***ING JOKE!”
      Fellow fans could not help but see the funny side, though, as one commented: “A decent vet could still save it.”
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      Another added: “Still has a heartbeat.”
      A third supporter also wrote: “Looks like war rations.”
      Meanwhile, one more joked: “Even Bear Grylls wouldn’t eat that.”
      On the pitch, Bolton edged a six-goal thriller as they claimed a 4-2 victory.
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      Bolton beat Wycombe 4-2 to remain fourth in League OneCredit: Getty
      The Trotters had been 2-0 up at half-time before a second half fight back from the hosts.
      Goals from Eoin Toal and Aaron Morley in the final five minutes proved the difference, though, for Ian Evatt’s side.
      Bolton remain fourth in League One with a game in hand on two of the three teams above them.
      They go into Saturday’s trip to Charlton just two points adrift of the automatic promotion places, with the club bidding to end their five-year absence from the Championship this season. More

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      I was my football club’s youngest-ever player but suddenly QUIT at 20 – now I have a very different career

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      JOE HANCOTT swapped football for the classroom just four years after making his senior debut aged 16 and 161 days.The left-back has his name written in the Portsmouth record books after featuring in an EFL Trophy match against Fulham’s Under-21s in 2017.
      Joe Hancott quit football aged 20 to become a teacherCredit: 2019 Getty Images
      He became the club’s youngest-ever player a week before he was due to collect his GCSE results.
      His appearance smashed the record held by now Premier League manager Gary O’Neil.
      Hancott, who joined the club aged eight, was subbed on in the game by experienced boss Kenny Jackett and he went on to make a further three appearances for Pompey.
      But just four years after bursting onto the scene, he fell out of love with the beautiful game and no longer plays professionally.
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      The 22-year-old was hit by a season-ending ACL injuries when in pre-season training with Portsmouth and then again during his subsequent recoveries on loan at Bognor Regis and Basingstoke.
      His scholarship at Fratton Park was initially extended before his release in 2021.
      It took a toll on Hancott and he simply had enough of trying to make it as a professional footballer despite being snapped up by Bognor Regis on a permanent deal.
      The disillusioned wonderkid hung up his boots at the age of 20 and decided to try to achieve his ambitions of becoming a teacher.
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      Hancott explained to The News: “I wanted to be out of it. Not Pompey as a club, professional football as a whole. I couldn’t wait.
      “Some people would say, ‘What the hell?’, but I fell out of love with it completely.
      “When I say fell out of love, weirdly I still loved watching it, I loved watching the Premier League and my club Tottenham, watching the Football League and my mates performing at non-league level.
      “But I didn’t like playing it at the time.
      “It could be down to pressure or maybe going through a 12-year academy process had drained that fun out of me.
      “Perhaps it was due to commuting from the Isle of Wight four times a week to train or play, with your body developing and growing yet constantly getting battered on different playing surfaces.
      “Or you’ve tried to come back from injury and, yet again, it hasn’t worked out, so you think: ‘That’s not for me any more’.
      “Pompey kept extending my contract because they wanted to help me get back to full fitness, but it got to the point where I wasn’t fussed about playing professional football anymore – and I told them that.”
      During his rehab following the ACL injuries, Hancott began to look at forging a path into teaching.
      He enrolled on an Open University course in sport and business management at Salford University back in 2020.
      And just six months in, he had made his mind up and quit football.
      Hancott initially worked in a primary school before landing his dream job two years ago at his former secondary in Ryde as a PE teacher.
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      Now free from the pressure of the academy, he is back playing with Isle of Wight team Newport and now Cowes Sports.
      Both are in the Wessex Football League, which is the ninth tier of the English pyramid. More

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      Son of Premier League icon and Sky Sports favourite now following in his footsteps and League One club have ‘high hopes’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER’S son continues to go from strength-to-strength as he looks to forge his own footballing legacy.Despite their relegation to League One last season, Wigan Athletic secured the future of the highly-rated 20-year-old James Carragher.
      Wigan Athletic have ‘high hopes’ for James Carragher after he extended his contractCredit: Getty
      He penned a new contract at the DW Stadium to tie him to the club until at least 2025.
      And he continues to show that following in the footsteps of his legendary father is no issue.
      Liverpool icon Carragher, 45, spent his entire career at Anfield and made 737 appearances for them – second only to Ian Callaghan in the all-time standings.
      He played in the infamous Istanbul comeback against AC Milan that secured the Champions League trophy in 2005.
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      And he also won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup three times, the Uefa Super Cup two times and the Uefa Cup during his career.
      These days Carragher is one of the most-popular and recognisable pundits in the business and star of Sky Sports Monday Night Football alongside ex-Manchester United ace Gary Neville.
      Meanwhile, his son James left Liverpool’s academy for Wigan aged 14 and went on to captain their U18 side to two Professional Development League North titles.
      He turned pro in 2021 and then made his senior debut that August against Hull City in the Carabao Cup.
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      James made several more outings in the EFL Trophy that campaign before gaining more experience last term after scoring in a pre-season victory over a Liverpool XI.
      He had another appearance in the Carabao Cup before heading out to National League side Oldham Athletic on loan.
      Sadly, he made just five appearances before that spell was cut short through injury but Wigan’s academy manager has seen more than enough to admit he has “high hopes” for the starlet.
      After his contract extension was announced in the summer, Gregor Rioc said: “We are absolutely delighted to have James extend his stay with Wigan Athletic.
      “He has progressed brilliantly throughout his time in our Academy, and has made a number of first-team appearances following his debut in August 2021. 
      “James has spent time out on loan with Oldham Athletic, which was a great experience for him. 
      “We are really excited for James to return from his injury, and we have really high hopes for him in the future.
      “James is only going to keep improving, and we’re pleased that he will continue his development with us in the years to come.”
      Those thoughts were echoed by first-team boss Shaun Maloney, who added: “James is a talented young central defender who has a great future ahead of him.”
      James is yet to make an appearance for Wigan in League One so far this season, but his dad could not have been more pleased to see his boy pen a new deal.
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      He shared a snap of himself alongside his son signing the contract and captioned it with: “Delighted @jcarragher31 has signed a new two year deal @laticsofficial.
      “He’s had to show a lot of mental strength these last few months, which will hold him in good stead for a career in football. Very proud of you son.”
      Jamie Carragher’s son is now forging his own career in footballCredit: Getty More

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      Leyton Orient forced to wear away kit against Barnsley despite playing at home – and there’s a bizarre reason why

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      LEYTON ORIENT will wear their white away kit against Barnsley tomorrow, despite being the home side.Both sides traditionally wear red at home.
      Leyton Orient will wear their white away kit against BarnsleyCredit: Rex
      Barnsley would normally rock up in their white away strip for the Brisbane Road clash.
      They are currently without their alternate kit, however, after their team bus caught fire a fortnight ago.
      The Tykes had been travelling home from their 1-0 win at Exeter when the incident occurred.
      Everyone on board was thankfully evacuated safely and no one was harmed.
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      But Barnsley’s away kit, which they had worn that day, was onboard and is now unusable.
      Neill Collins’ side have been unable to source replacements in time for tomorrow’s clash with Orient.
      Barnsley could wear their black third kit instead, which wouldn’t clash with their opponents’ red home shirts.
      But due to red and black causing significant issues for those who are colour blind, Orient have agreed to wear their white away shirts instead.
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      This means that home fans will get a rare glimpse of their team not playing in red.
      Orient boss Richie Wellens will be looking for his side to continue a positive run of form that has seen them win four of their last six games.
      During this run their home match with Lincoln was abandoned with ten minutes remaining following a medical emergency.
      The O’s later confirmed the tragic news that fan Derek Reynolds had died aged 74.
      It was later decided by the EFL that the match will be replayed in full at a later date. More

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      What stunned Curtis Davies told Sierra Leone when he was handed shock international call-up at 38

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      CURTIS DAVIES has revealed his stunned reaction to being called up by Sierra Leone at the age of 38.The Premier League cult hero enjoyed a long career in the top-flight with spells at West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Hull.
      Former England U21 international Curtis Davies hit the headlines last weekCredit: Getty
      Cheltenham Town’s 38-year-old defender received a shock call-up from Sierra LeoneCredit: Getty
      The centre-back spent the last six seasons playing at Derby but is now at League One outfit Cheltenham Town.
      Back in his younger days, the Leytonstone-born ace won three caps for England Under-21s and even received two call-ups to the seniors from Fabio Capello in 2008 – without ever stepping onto the pitch.
      However, Davies hit the headlines last week after he was a surprise call-up for African nation Sierra Leone.
      He missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Benin as he is still waiting for international clearance but he hopes to finally make his international debut in Tuesday’s friendly clash with Somalia.
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      Now he has opened up on how the whole scenario unfolded, starting with answering an Instagram message requesting the chat before Sierra Leone’s physiotherapist called him.
      He told old BBC Sport Africa: “I was like, ‘You know I’m 38, right?’”
      Davies, who is eligible to play for the African country as his father is from there, was first contacted about a potential call-up a decade ago but nothing ever materialised.
      He continued: “It’s always been a big thing in the back of my mind, but I didn’t think the opportunity would come again.
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      “It will be amazing. I’m proud to be English and proud to be Sierra Leonean – more so because I never expected it to come.
      “The fact that it’s come this late in my career almost makes it more special.
      “When I first got the call, I was trying to get promotion back to the Premier League – that was my focus.
      “The next time, I was trying to stay in the Premier League with Hull. It was a little bit difficult for me, in terms of my club career, to make the decision.”
      Davies then explained how his father, who was born in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, moved to England in 1970 and then decided to stay once the rest of his family returned to Africa.
      And it is not just the football he is looking forward to – it is finding his roots.
      Davies added: “When his family all went back in ’74 or ’75, he chose to stay – to try to find the English dream, I guess.
      “My culture is black British culture. I grew up around Jamaicans, Africans, Somalis – all kinds of different black people, but not necessarily Sierra Leoneans.
      “My dad had effectively acclimatised to the English way of life, other than cooking okra soup.
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      “I was quite removed from the [African] culture – I’m honest enough to say that. There was never even an opportunity for me to go back.
      “It’s never too late to finally engage with and find your roots.” More

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      FA Cup draw: League One leaders Portsmouth face tough trip to non-league side as Wrexham travel to League Two rivals

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      NON-LEAGUE Chesterfield will host League One leaders Portsmouth in the first round of the FA Cup.The draw for the first round was made on Sunday afternoon as EFL clubs and non-league sides learned who stands between them and the next stage of the competition.
      The draw for the first round of the FA Cup was made on Sunday afternoonCredit: Getty
      The draw was broadcast live on ITV1Credit: ITV
      One of the standout ties saw Chesterfield – who beat Kettering 5-0 in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday – drawn at home to Championship-chasing Pompey.
      Meanwhile, League Two outfit Wrexham will travel to fellow fourth-tier side Mansfield.
      And in a classically romantic FA Cup tie, eighth-tier Cray Valley will travel to The Valley to face League One side Charlton.
      Oxford United are the second-highest ranked team behind Portsmouth as they sit just one point behind the South Coast side in League One.
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      They have been drawn at home to Maidenhead United – third-bottom in the National League.
      Other big clubs hosting non-league opposition include Bolton taking on Solihull Moors and Barnsley hosting Horsham.
      A total of 40 games were drawn, with 32 non-league sides still in the competition.
      The ties will take place between Friday, November 3 and Monday, November 6.
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      Premier League teams do not enter the competition until the third round in January.
      Last year’s best FA Cup performance from a side in the third tier or below came from Grimsby as they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Brighton.
      Full draw:

      Curzon Ashton vs Avely or Barnet
      Alfreton Town vs Worthing
      Chesterfield vs Portsmouth
      Bolton Wanderers vs Solihull Moors
      Exeter City vs Wigan Athletic
      Leyton Orient vs Carlisle United
      Kidderminster vs Fleetwood Town
      Hereford vs Gillingham
      Ebsfleet United or Slough Town vs Grimsby Town
      Charlton Athletic vs Cray Valley
      Oxford vs Maidenhead United
      Newport County vs Oldham Athletic
      Swindon Town vs Aldershot Town
      Crewe Alexandra vs Derby County
      Mansfield Town vs Wrexham
      Marine vs Harrowgate Town
      Barnsley vs Horsham
      Port Vale vs Burton Albion
      Peterborough United vs Salford City
      Eastleigh vs Boreham Wood
      Bradford City vs Wycombe Wanderers
      Billericay Town or Sheppey United vs Walsall
      Shrewsbury Town vs Colchester United
      Bristol Rovers vs Chelmsford City or Whitby Town
      Lincoln City vs Morecambe
      Sutton United vs AFC Fylde
      Reading vs MK Dons
      Doncaster Rovers vs Accrington Stanley
      Chester vs York City or Needham Market
      Scarborough Athletic or Oxford City vs Forest Green Rovers
      Notts County vs Crawley Town
      Stockport County vs Worksop Town
      Yeovil Town vs Gateshead
      Stevenage vs Tranmere Rovers
      Braintree Town or Chesham United vs Maidstone
      Bromley vs Blackpool
      AFC Wimbledon vs Cheltenham Town
      Cambridge United vs Bracknell
      Northampton Town vs Barrow
      Ramsgate vs Hemel Hempstead or Woking More

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      Meet the EFL’s ‘newest owner’, wacky maths whizz William Storey who owned a pet cheetah and was a pro gambler and farmer

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      BRITISH businessman William Storey is reportedly set to make his mark in the English Football League.The 45-year-old, who founded drinks brand Rich Energy in 2015, is understood to be interested in buying League One outfit Reading.
      William Storey is reportedly interested in buying ReadingCredit: Getty
      Storey is a British businessman and mathematician
      Reports claim that he is ready to wrap up a deal worth £50million and clear the club’s huge debt, but the Royals have denied that a deal has been agreed.
      An official statement released on Thursday afternoon read: “Reading Football Club would like to clarify that the process of the sale of the club is ongoing and, contrary to reports, there is currently no agreement in place with any party.
      “Several parties have approached the club in recent weeks with declarations of interest in purchasing the club.
      “All approaches are being assessed on their own merits to find the most suitable buyer to ensure a healthy future of the club and, at this stage, no single individual or entity has exclusivity in this process.
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      “We thank our supporters for their continued support, patience and understanding. As ever we will endeavour to keep our fans as informed as possible, and further updates will be provided as and when it is appropriate to do so.”
      Despite Reading’s reluctance to let any information of a potential takeover slip, Storey has remained firmly in the frame.
      The businessman has been desperate to invest in a football club in recent years, having failed in a bid to take over Sunderland in 2020 and Coventry City last year.
      But his potential involvement with Reading – who currently sit 22nd in the League One table after being relegated from the Championship last season – has raised some eyebrows given his fiasco in Formula One.
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      He once owned a pet cheetah while working on a farm in Zimbabwe
      Storey (R) pictured with Bernie Ecclestone (L) having previously worked in F1 as a team sponsor for HaasCredit: Linkedin William Storey
      Storey and Rich Energy signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Haas F1 team in 2018, but it was amicably terminated the following year due to the team’s poor performances.
      He was involved in another sponsorship saga last year, this time with British Superbike team OMG Racing Yamaha.
      However, the team issued a bizarre statement stating that they were not sponsored by Rich Energy’s owners – including storey – but but by “the global sales and distribution rights holder” for the drinks produced by the company.
      Aside from his attempts to take the sporting world by storm, Storey has led a very interesting life.
      He was educated at the Russell School in Petersham before moving to the Tiffin Boys’ School in Kingston upon Thames.
      The former F1 team sponsor studied mathematics at St Andrews University and gambled to pay his way through his studied after discovering an algorithm.
      He told RiverTribe: “I started at university and to supplement my income I developed a trading algorithm for horseracing using mathematics, which was my degree.
      “A meeting with Irish punting legend Barney Curley fired this passion. For two years I was a professional gambler and in recent years made significant bets on the outcome of the US elections and on the Referendum.
      “This philosophy on risk undoubtedly informs my business strategy.”
      Storey, who once had a pet cheetah called Boy and worked as a farmer in Zimbabwe, also claims he had a trial at Queens Park Rangers in 2000.
      Speaking to The Daily Mail in 2020, he admitted: “I trained with QPR for about a month when Gerry Francis was the manager.
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      “It was round about 2000 with the first team. You had the likes of Iain Dowie, Peter Crouch was there at the time too.
      “I trained for about a month and played a couple of reserve games as a trialist.” More

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      Watch hilarious moment lone wind-up merchant gets on pitch and has rival EFL supporters trying to storm past stewards

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      A CHEEKY Swindon Town fan burst onto the pitch to wind-up rival supporters – before he was pelted with tennis balls.The incident occurred on Wednesday as Reading hosted the Robins at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
      A Swindon fan burst on the pitch to wind-up Reading fans last nightCredit: X formerly Twitter
      Security then escorted him out of the ground past the angry Royals mobCredit: X formerly Twitter
      The Royals suffered relegation from the Championship last term and their opening to this campaign in League One has been marred by administration fears and a four-point deduction.
      Fed-up fans have been venting their fury at the ownership of the club as they sit 22nd in the third tier.
      A number of protests have been staged against owner Dai Yongge over recent weeks, which include supporters throwing tennis balls on the pitch.
      But they got a bit of welcome relief from their dire league position as they took on Swindon in the EFL Trophy.
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      Reading thrashed Swindon 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Harvey Knibbs and further strikes from Paul Mukairu and Harlee Dean.
      However, during the encounter, a Swindon fan charged from the away end and raced towards the corner flag in front of the Reading supporters to wind them up over their troubles.
      He goaded them by holding out his arms and appearing to chant at them before a number of tennis balls began being hurled towards him.
      A number of irate fans then piled forward in the stand to try and get on to the pitch to confront the pitch invader, forcing sewards to hold them back.
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      Another steward then managed to escort the lone Swindon supporter off the pitch before he was man-handled and taken out of the ground when another appeared on the scene.
      But it was the Reading faithful that got the final say as the invader was taken through an exit in the corner right next to those who he had just been winding-up.
      They continued to pelt and hurl abuse at the Swindon fan as the two stewards struggled to drag him past the baying mob. More