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      Simon Thomas teases fans about a ‘new look Soccer Saturday’ as Sky Sports presenter admits he is ‘a bit nervous’

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      SIMON THOMAS has teased football fans that Soccer Saturday will have a “new look” when the show returns tomorrow.The presenter was named the show’s lead after replacing the long-standing Jeff Stelling.
      Simon Thomas has teased fans about a ‘new look’ Soccer Saturday
      He will be hosting the show this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      Former host Jeff Stelling stepped down after 30 years at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty
      Thomas, 50, admitted that he is “a bit nervous” about starting in the role.
      In a video on Instagram, he said: “The night before the football season returned in full and not a sound in the house could be heard.
      “I know the season returns tonight with Sheffield Wednesday against Southampton, but tomorrow is the return of Soccer Saturday with a new look, a new studio and a new host.
      “And I will be honest enough to say I am a bit nervous.
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      “I think nerves are good, I would be a bit worried if I had no nerves.
      “Healthy nerves are good, overwhelming nerves, not so good.
      “But I am feeling okay, I have been working really hard for the last month to try and catch up on everything.
      “Because it has been a long time since I was involved in football full-time, obviously I have been doing bits and bobs for Amazon Prime over the last three seasons, which has been amazing.
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      “But now I am fully back at Sky, and I am really excited, the Soccer Saturday team a brilliant team.
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      “I know that the pundits that are with me tomorrow, Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith and Neil Lennon is popping in, so I know I am in safe hands.”
      The former Blue Peter star has won the race for the iconic job – six years after leaving Sky Sports following the tragic death of wife Gemma.
      The respected broadcaster quit his full-time job in 2017 to care for his son when wife Gemma died just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
      And Thomas admitted in an emotional statement that he never thought he’d end up hosting Soccer Saturday, thanking new wife Derrina and his family and friends for their support.
      Thomas is not the only new face joining Soccer Saturday next month.
      Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has landed a role offering insight into games from the perspective of an official.
      He secured the job just 24 hours after quitting football, leaving his role as a video assistant ref in the process.

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      I’m a football club owner who launched my own newspaper and starred in Netflix show… now I’m trying to get promotion

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      CHARLIE METHVEN is arguably best known for his cringe-worthy antics on Netflix.But now the former journalist is hoping to write a new blockbuster script in his latest football project.
      Former Sunderland director Charlie Methven has a new gig as co-owner at CharltonCredit: Getty
      The journalist set up his own newspaper but it folded after a yearCredit: Getty
      Methven, 47, rose to fame during his infamous spell as co-owner of Sunderland.
      The blundering PR consultant, who was educated at Eton and the University of Oxford, came in for criticism for his behaviour in the Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary.
      That included his iconic executive meeting to discuss PA music and his attempt at an inspirational rousing speech at the Stadium of Light.
      He stepped down as the Black Cats’ executive director in December 2019 after a series of struggles and controversies – including calling fans watching illegal streams of matches “parasites”.
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      But Methven was making waves in the media world a long time before his sudden rise to stardom on Netflix.
      The reporter wrote for Sporting Life, The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and the Evening Standard.
      But in 2005, he launched The Sportsman, a daily horseracing and gambling title and the first new UK national newspaper in 19 years.
      The following year, though, it ran out of funds and folded.
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      Methven went on to have a communications firm which had Tottenham and the Kingdom of Bahrain on its clientele list.
      The Oxford United fan is back in football now, though, after he teamed up with investors at SE7 Partners to take over Charlton Athletic.
      And the Addicks’ new owner is insistent he is not at The Valley for some quick cash – but instead is desperate to see Dean Holden’s South Londoners promoted back into the Championship this season.
      Methven said: “I understand why people will say that because it was our model at Sunderland – but that was a very different ownership group.
      “The situation here is very different because the rest of my ownership group is very wealthy – at least the larger shareholders are – and really the increase in capital value from moving from League One to the Championship wouldn’t really be of any financial interest to them.
      “Really this project is more about passion.
      “They are successful people and successful investors and they want to be successful.
      “But if we were to get promoted this season, do I then envisage we would sell the club the next season? Absolutely not.
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      “Absolutely there is no intention for that to be the case.
      “I would put this as a five-year minimum project.”
      Methven frustrated many fans with his antics in the Netflix showCredit: Netflix
      Charlton will be eyeing promotion under new ownersCredit: Reuters More

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      Top footballer punched woman, 60, and left her unable to speak in bloody queue row at nightclub

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      A FORMER Premier League footballer is facing jail after he punched a 60-year-old woman and left her covered in blood following a nightclub row.Marcus Maddison insulted the victim’s daughter before launching the brutal assault which left the older woman unable to speak due to her facial injuries.
      Maddison started out at Newcastle but played most matches for PeterboroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Maddison attacked his victim after spending time at The Gate nightclub in DarlingtonCredit: The Gate/Facebook
      The attack happened after the ex-pro – who rose through the youth ranks at Newcastle United – left The Gate nightclub in Darlington in the early hours of September 25 last year.
      Teesside Crown Court has now heard how he got into a row with two women for apparently jumping the queue in a kebab shop close to the nightclub in County Durham.
      Prosecutor Robin Turton told how Maddison threatened: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you.”
      Mr Turton added: “As the defendant threw the chips he fell backwards and he punched the victim with his right clenched fist.
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      “There was a steady stream of blood coming from what appeared to be a broken nose. She was unable to speak due to her injuries.
      “The victim was taken to hospital and a CT scan revealed complex midfacial bone fractures.
      “She reported that she continues to suffer numbness to the teeth, diminished sense of taste and smell and is now reluctant to go out on her own.”
      Maddison was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
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      He now faces sentencing on August 8.
      The judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, extended his unconditional bail while an updated victim impact statement is prepared and a medical carried out on the victim.
      The 29-year-old midfielder scored 52 goals in more than 200 appearances during a six-year stint at League One side Peterborough United.
      He also played for former Premier League sides Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
      He also won two caps in 2014 for England C, the team representing the country for non-league level footballers.
      Maddison signed for National League North club Darlington in June last year but had his contract ripped up days after the assault.
      Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
      “After discussions with the player concerned, the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
      “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.
      “It would be inappropriate for Darlington FC to comment further at this time.”
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      Maddison took time off from football in March 2001 for mental health reasons, having played ten matches for Bolton on their way to promotion from League Two.
      Speaking a year later, he said: “Things didn’t go well at Bolton and, headspace, I just wasn’t in the right way to play football anymore.” More

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      Fans ‘pack their bags’ after discovering amazing city where streets are named after football teams – is yours included?

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      FOOTBALL fans have unearthed an incredible place where the streets are named after English football teams.This amazing area can be found in the city of McKinney, located in Collin County, TX, USA – roughly 32 miles north of Texas capital Dallas.
      The city in America has an uncanny amount of names belonging to football clubs
      Mckinney in Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA.
      After the astonishing find, fans have been declaring their intention to cross the pond and live on a road named after their team.
      Exactly why the streets have been named after the English clubs is unclear – but more importantly – has your side been included?
      Kicking things off in the Premier League, Fulham are one team to get a mention with the street name Fulham Lane.
      Newly-promoted Sheffield United and local rivals Sheffield Wednesday get a feature with their own Sheffield Drive, while Burnley Drive can also be found right off Fulham.
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      Another set of local rivals, Bristol City and Rovers also have a place in the City with Bristol Drive.
      Championship sides Southampton, Millwall and Preston are named too, with Southampton Drive, Millwall Drive and Preston Lane respectively.
      Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are there too, though a misspelling of the road – Middlesborough Drive – being spelt like the location rather than the club left a couple of fans fuming.
      One fan wrote: “And OBVIOUSLY they spelled Middlesbrough incorrectly.”
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      The city has names from all across the English football pyramid
      As of 2020 it had a population just shy of 200,000
      While a second typed: “Aaaand they f***ed up and spelt Middlesbrough wrong 😬.”
      Relegated Championship sides Reading and Blackpool are in the City too with Reading Drive and Blackpool Parkway.
      From League One, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury can also be found.
      There is even a property currently for sale on Port Vale Drive, with houses in the area selling for around £400,000.
      League Two sides also have some resident street names, namely Crawley and Gillingham.
      In Non-League there is even a mention of Dagenham and Redbridge with Redbridge Lane.
      One fan added on Twitter: “All I want in life is to live on Port Vale Drive.”
      While another wrote: “Packing my bags.”
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      In 2017 McKinney was named the third fastest-growing city in the States, and as of 2020 has a population of 195,308.
      That number may swell even more with a flood of football fans now plotting a move over. More

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      Barnsley face points deduction and huge fine as EFL find them guilty of FIVE rule breaches after play-off heartbreak

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      BARNSLEY have been charged with FIVE breaches of EFL regulations.The EFL have found the club guilty of breaches concerning its ownership.
      Barnsley have been charged with five breaches of EFL regulationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged by the EFLCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The EFL have said that the Tykes have failed to provide the league with “correct and/or complete information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares in the club” despite a request for the information by the League.
      Barnsley have also been charged with failing to provide “necessary notifications regarding the ownership position” and “failing to publish accurate information on the club’s website concerning the ultimate owners of the significant interest”.
      The other two charges include “allowing individuals to acquire a position of control without prior clearance from the EFL” and “failing to act towards the League with the utmost good faith”.
      Former club directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged with “causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations”.
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      Barnsley, Paul Conway and Chien Lee have 14 days to respond to the charges.
      The EFL could hand Barnsley a points deduction and a heavy fine.
      Reading are one club that have been the subject of similar punishments from the EFL in recent times.
      Barnsley have since released a statement addressing the charges in which it confirmed that they were the result of an investigation initiated by the club itself.
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      The club could face a fine and a points deductionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It read: “The charges announced by the EFL today are the result of an investigation initiated by the club following an internal review into the shareholdings of former directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee.
      “After bringing the issue to the attention of the EFL, the club has fully cooperated with the investigation at every stage and will continue to do so, as appropriate.
      “The steps taken by the club to instigate and then ensure a thorough investigation into the issue underline Barnsley FC’s commitment to compliance with the EFL’s regulations.
      “The club will await the EFL’s sanctioning decision and will comment further in due course.”
      Barnsley finished fourth in League One last season but missed out on promotion after losing to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final. More

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      Iconic former Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable as a building site with one stand demolished

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      AN ICONIC former Premier League stadium currently looks unrecognisable with one stand demolished.Renovation work is currently ongoing at the 20,899-capacity venue to modernise the ground.
      The former Premier League stadium looks unrecognisableCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
      The stadium has been turned into a building siteCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
      Work is ongoing on one of the standsCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
      Although it hosted Premier League football for seven consecutive seasons, the stadium has not been a top-flight venue since 2010.
      However, Fratton Park is now unrecognisable as Portsmouth continue to redevelop their famous home.
      New footage of the work, which began in 2020, shows that the Milton End has been transformed into a building site.
      Following work on the North and South Stands in 2020, the Milton End is now having its capacity increased to 3,200.
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      Seats and the control room have been demolished in the stand to allow space to fill the corner to the neighbouring North Stand.
      A new control room will then be constructed behind the new seats, which will be covered by a roof.
      Entrances at both ends of the stand are also being built, along with freshly installed ladies’ toilets for supporters.
      As part of plans to transition to safe standing, concrete terraces are being installed in the Milton End.
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      The concourse is also being extended and new turnstiles have been added at both entrances to the stand.
      Pompey will be keeping their famous entrance at the corner of the Fratton End and South Stand despite the renovation of the stadium.
      The unique design of the League One ground has even allowed local residents to see the pitch from their gardens.
      Seats have been removed from the Milton End at Fratton ParkCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
      Portsmouth are renovating their Fratton Park homeCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC More

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      Former Premier League boss Darren Moore makes shock EXIT from Sheffield Wednesday despite winning promotion

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      DARREN MOORE has left Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent.The manager leaves the club having just won promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs last month.
      Darren Moore has left Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA
      Moore won promotion to the Championship with the club in MayCredit: Alamy
      He has been in charge since 2021Credit: Alamy
      Moore’s side beat Barnsley in the final at Wembley thanks to an extra-time goal from Josh Windass.
      They made it to the final after pulling off an historic comeback against Peterborough in the semi-finals.
      However, the former West Brom manager will not be in charge next season after leaving the club by mutual consent following two years in the role.
      Moore’s backroom staff will also depart the club following his exit.
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      Chairman Dejphon Chansiri revealed the decision was made as both the club and Moore agreed that it was the “right time” to part ways.
      He told club media: “Both parties believe that now is the right time we go our separate ways.
      “The journey of Sheffield Wednesday with Darren has been in many ways unique and always as a team. In the football industry, journeys come to an end and now is that time, which we both agree.
      “The mutual respect we have for each other is immense on a personal and professional basis and I offer my sincere thanks for the dedication and commitment Darren has given to our club.
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      “Darren will always be welcome at Hillsborough.”
      Speaking on his time at the Owls, Moore admitted that he is happy that he managed to achieve promotion to the Championship with the club.
      He said in a statement as his exit was revealed: “I would like to take this time to acknowledge the chairman, Mr Chansiri, for giving me the opportunity to manage this great football club in Sheffield Wednesday, it’s been a journey in every sense.
      “Both the chairman and myself have been determined to get this club back into the Championship. I’m delighted this has been achieved, and I hope the football club continues to develop and will soon fulfil the dream of mine, which was to take them back to the Premier League where they belong.
      “I would like to thank all the players, past and present, that I have had the joy of working with over my time here.
      “For the many hours spent on the training ground and in the classroom, I thank you all. The staff who have worked so hard day in, day out, I thank you for your commitment and help throughout my campaign.
      “Now to the loyal fantastic fans, all you Wednesdayites, I want to thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart. With all your support and passion we have created history this season and achieved our goal of promotion.”This was most apparent during the second leg of the play-offs at Hillsborough when so many people around the country thought it wasn’t possible, we rallied together to achieve the impossible.
      “Also the scenes I witnessed from the technical area at Wembley, especially for the winning goal, will be images I will never forget.
      “Onwards and upwards to you all at SWFC and please stay together as one. WAWAW.”

      Wednesday have also confirmed that the club is already on the hunt for the next manager.
      More to follow…
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      Forgotten former Chelsea wonderkid who’s now unemployed closing in on transfer to tenth club

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      FORMER Chelsea prospect Josh McEachran is reportedly set to join League One side Oxford United.The English midfielder, 30, came through the Blues’ academy set-up at Stamford Bridge.
      Josh McEachran came through Chelsea’s academy and left the club in 2015Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      He has featured for a host of Football League clubs since departing Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      He made 22 first-team appearances for the Premier League giants – including 17 during their 2010/11 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti.
      Loan spells with Swansea, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan and Dutch club Vitesse followed over the next four years.
      He eventually left Stamford Bridge permanently in 2015, penning a deal with Brentford who were in the Championship at the time.
      After four seasons and more than 100 games for the Bees, McEachran joined Birmingham for one season in 2019.
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      A stint at League One outfit MK Dons followed, before he left on a free in the summer.
      But he looks set to be snapped up quickly by another third-tier side, Oxford United.
      According to BBC Radio Oxford, they are “close” to signing him on a free transfer.
      McEachran was born in Oxford and played for the Oxford Mail Boys team as a youngster before being scouted by Chelsea.
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      He has played 13 games for England’s U21 side – the last of which came in 2021.
      But he has never received a call-up to the senior team.
      Oxford finished 19th in League One last season, narrowly avoiding relegation by two points. More