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      Forgotten Man Utd kid labelled ‘top player’ by Jose Mourinho left unemployed at 26 after release from League One club

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      FORMER Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has been left without a club after being released by Burton.The left-back, 26, was one of 10 players axed by the League One side after failing to secure a new deal.
      Cameron Borthwick-Jackson played 14 games for Man Utd under Louis van GaalCredit: Reuters
      He has been released by Burton after two years with the League One clubCredit: Getty
      It comes just three years after he left Old Trafford to join Oldham in the fourth tier.
      He made 14 appearances for Man Utd under Louis van Gaal during the 2015/16 campaign – including 10 in the Premier League.
      But following loans at Wolves, Leeds, Scunthorpe, and Tranmere, he eventually left permanently to sign for Oldham.
      Borthwick-Jackson contributed two goals and two assists for the League Two side during the 2020/21 campaign.
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      And he then joined Burton in 2021 on a two-year contract.
      The ex-Man Utd man has registered two goals and four assists in 72 games for the Staffordshire club.
      And they finished safely in mid-table this season, 11 points adrift of the relegation zone.
      But Borthwick-Jackson’s performances were not enough to convince Burton to extend his deal.
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      That is despite him once claiming that former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho had described him as a “top player”.
      Speaking to FourFourTwo seven years ago, he said: “I speak to him [Mourinho] all the time. He’s always keeping eyes on me and he has people watching.
      “When I first came into pre-season I got injured early on, and as I recovered he asked me how I was and things like that.
      “When I came back he said: ‘the squad’s a bit too big but I see a future for you here’ and that I’m a ‘top player’.
      “He told me to go out and get some experience.”  More

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      Ex-Tottenham ace who was rated as more promising than Harry Kane and trained with Modric released by League One side

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      FORMER Tottenham wonderkid Jon Obika has been released by League One side Morecambe.Striker Obika, 31, played four times for Spurs between 2008 and 2013.
      Jon Obika has been released by MorecambeCredit: Getty
      Obika made just four appearances for TottenhamCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      He was once considered a more exciting talent than Harry Kane – who has gone on to become Tottenham’s all-time record scorer.
      But now he is searching for a new club after third-tier side Morecambe, who were relegated on the final day of the season, released him at the end of his two-year contract.
      A little less than two years Kane’s senior, Obika made a name for himself as Tottenham’s top scorer in the academy during the 2008/09 season.
      He also claimed the fans’ award for best young player and became an England U19 international.
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      His impressive displays earned him two appearances in the Uefa Cup during the first few months of Harry Redknapp’s reign at the club.
      And he began training with the first team – which included the likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart.
      Recalling those days, Obika told The Guardian: “I can’t even remember Modric losing the ball in training.
      “He set the standard: this is where we have to get to. You had to raise your level.”
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      However, Obika failed to reach those heights at White Hart Lane.
      After playing two cup games in the 2012/13 campaign, he left Spurs permanently in 2014 – joining League One side Swindon.
      That came after loan spells with Milwall, Yeovil Town, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace and Brighton.
      Obika registered 28 goals in 108 games for third-tier side Swindon, before he joined Oxford United for two seasons.
      In 2019, he returned to top-flight football by moving to Scotland and signing for St Mirren.
      And after scoring 20 times in 77 games, he headed back to England in 2021, penning a two-year deal with Morecambe.
      But he hit the back of the net just twice in two campaigns with the Lancashire outfit – suffering a serious injury ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
      Now he has been released at the end of his contract and is searching for a new club.
      Former Arsenal man Dan Crowley was also released by Morecambe following their relegation to the fourth tier. More

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      I joined Premier League in a £13.5m transfer but I’ve just been released from my League One club after getting relegated

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      OUMAR NIASSE has been released by League One Morecambe following the Shrimps’ relegation.Boss Derek Adams recruited Niasse back in March, citing the need for an experienced striker in his side’s battle against the drop.
      Oumar Niasse celebrates his only goal for Morecambe alongside Cole StocktonCredit: Rex
      Oumar Niasse with former Everton manager Carlo AncelottiCredit: Getty
      The former Everton man went on to play ten times for Morecambe, only managing one goal with his side going on to experience the first relegation of their 103-year history.
      Adams’ side already had six players under contract for next season, but every other member of the squad have been released.
      Upon confirming the retained list, the former Plymouth Argyle and Bradford manager said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of the players for their contributions across the campaign and for the effort, commitment and dedication they have given to the club.
      “To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.
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      “Ryan Cooney, Liam Gibson and Cole Stockton were all part of our play-off winning side and depart with nothing but my best wishes for everything they have given both me and the football club.
      “My thanks also to the further departures who will always be able to look back, with pride, at the fact they played for Morecambe FC in League One.
      “These players have given as much as they possibly could for the club and created some memorable moments for Morecambe along the way.”
      Niasse, 33, signed for Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow for £13.5m in 2016.
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      Derek Adams confirmed his retained list this weekCredit: Rex
      Things didn’t go to plan at Goodison, as he made just 42 appearances in four years, scoring nine times.
      During this stint he had loan spells at Hull City and Cardiff City.
      Following his Everton release he briefly joined Huddersfield, before scoring three times in 12 outings for Burton Albion last season.
      After the 3-2 defeat at Exeter City on Sunday which confirmed relegation, Adams revealed that it would be difficult to offer deals to out of contract players due to the uncertainty surrounding Morecambe’s playing budget for next season.
      He said: “We’ve got to do a retained list within a certain number of days after the last game of the season.
      “With that in mind, we’re still waiting for confirmation of the wage budget for next season: we understand there’s going to be a big reduction from this season and we’re waiting for confirmation on that.
      “What we weren’t able to do was offer any out-of-contract players deals for next season because, financially, we need to see where we are.”
      In addition to Niasse and star man Stockton, former Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souare was also among those to be released.

      The 32-year-old had been a regular in the Premier League for the Eagles, before a devastating car accident in September 2016 saw him have to be airlifted to hospital.
      Since his recovery Souare has played for Troyes and Charlton, before joining Morecambe in March – for whom he played seven times. More

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      When are the EFL play-offs? Championship, League One, League Two dates, kick-off times and all the details you need

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      IT’S crunch time in the EFL as the agony and ecstasy of the play-offs is almost upon us – and the encounters have been finalised.Every year, in each of the three divisions in the Football League – Championship, League One and League Two – four teams compete in the play-offs with only one earning promotion in the final at Wembley.
      Nottingham Forest beat Huddersfield in last year’s Championship play-off final.Credit: Reuters
      For Championship sides fighting for a top-6 spot, they will be eyeing a place in the Premier League and all the cash that goes with that precious promotion.
      Burnley and Sheffield United have already booked their place in next season’s top flight, but one more space remains to join them.
      Luton Town and Middlesbrough will definitely be involved in the dramatic Championship play-offs this year, despite whatever happens on the final day.
      5th and 6th are still up for grabs with Coventry, Millwall, Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn Rovers all in the conversation.
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      When are the EFL play-off semi-finals?
      Here are all the confirmed dates for this year’s EFL play-off semi-finals:
      Championship:

      Semi-final, first leg – Sunderland vs Luton on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 5:30pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Coventry vs Middlesbrough on Sunday, May 14th – Kick off: 12pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Luton vs Sunderland on Tuesday, May 16th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Middlesbrough vs Coventry on Wednesday, May 17th – Kick off: 8pm BST

      League One:
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      Semi-final, first leg – Peterborough United vs Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, May 12th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 3pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Sheffield Wednesday vs Peterborough United on Thursday, May 18th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley on Friday May 19th – Kick off: 8pm BST

      League Two:

      Semi-final, first leg – Salford City vs Stockport on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 7:45pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Braford vs Carlisle on Sunday, May 14th – Kick off: 7pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Stockport vs Salford City on Saturday, May 20th – Kick off: 12:30pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Carlisle vs Bradford on Saturday, May 20th – Kick off: 3pm BST

      When are the EFL play-off finals?
      All of the EFL play-off finals will be hosted at Wembley Stadium.

      The Championship play-off final will be played on Saturday, May 27 – Kick off: 4:45pm BST
      The League One play-off final will be played on Monday, May 29th – Kick off: 3pm BST
      The League Two play-off final will be played on Sunday, May 28th – Kick off: 1:30pm BST

      What channel is the EFL play-offs on and can they be live streamed?

      Coverage of all EFL play-off games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
      Sky Sports subscribers can live stream all the action via the NOW app.
      The NOW app is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device. More

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      League One side suffer first relegation in their history, despite existing for over a CENTURY

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      AN EFL side has suffered relegation for the first time in its 103-year history.Morecambe needed a win over Exeter City and hope that MK Dons failed to win against Burton on the final day of the League One season to ensure their survival.
      Morecambe were relegated for the first time in the club’s historyCredit: Rex
      They were beaten on the final day of the season by Exeter CityCredit: Rex
      Jay Stansfield netted a hat-trick for ExeterCredit: Rex
      MK only managed a draw against Burton meaning a win would have saved the Shrimps League One status.
      However a stunning hat-trick performance from Fulham loanee Jay Stansfield saw Exeter run out as 3-2 winners.
      It was an emotional moment for the 20-year-old as he wore the retired shirt number of his father who is a club legend at Exeter.
      His father, Adam, sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 31.
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      The result confirmed the club’s first-ever relegation as it headed back down to League Two.
      Morecambe was founded in 1920 and played in the Lancashire Combination League until the Northern Premier League was founded in 1968.
      The Shrimps were then promoted from that division in 1995 to the Conference League, now known as the National League.
      After 12 years at that level the club sealed promotion to League Two after a playoff win against who else, but Exeter City the team that just relegated them.
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      Morecambe then 14 years in the fourth level of English football before another playoff success.
      In 2021, a Carlos Mendes Gomes penalty in the 107th minute against Newport County saw the club climb up to League One.
      The club survived its first season in the division finishing 19th but could not replicate the success this season.
      Following the drop, manager Derek Adams was pleased with the effort of the team and the fans.
      Derek Adams was happy with the effort from the playersCredit: Getty
      He told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I think we tried our best, 0-0 at half time, they score a quick goal in the second half and then got a second and we found it difficult after that because we were chasing the game.
      “The players gave their all, not only today, but over the season, and we took nearly 900 supporters with us today, which is fantastic.
      “Not too long ago we didn’t have 900 home supporters, so it’s fantastic that they’ve come with us today.
      “We’ve had tremendous backing throughout the season, but it’s not losing today, it’s over the season it happens and all I can say is the players have given their best.”
      Morecambe have been joined by MK Dons, Accrington Stanley, and Forest Green Rovers in relegation. More

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      Lincoln mulling over free transfer for Morecambe striker Cole Stockton as League One forward’s contract expires

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      LINCOLN are taking a sizeable interest in Morecambe striker Cole Stockton as his contract runs out.Stockton, 29, has scored an impressive 10 goals this season.
      Morecambe star Cole Stockton’s contract is expiring soonCredit: Getty
      Lincoln are keeping tabs on Stockton and are weighing a free transferCredit: Rex
      But he is set to move on after the League One side suffered relegation.
      Morecambe offered the striker a new deal in the summer but only on £2,000-a-week.
      The 29-year-old has been the Shrimps’ main man for the last three seasons.
      The versatile forward helped fire the club to promotion into League One during the 2020-21 season.
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      Rotherham were interested in Stockton but were reluctant to make a big bid.
      That is despite his strong form last season which helped Morecambe narrowly avoid relegation.
      This all comes after Stockton was nominated for the SkyBet League One Player of the Month award for April.
      However, the prize was claimed by Ipswich Town’s Conor Chaplin after an impressive goalscoring run.
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      Also nominated was Derby ace David McGoldrick, who continues to stand out for the Rams.
      Cambridge United ace Sam Smith completed the list of nominees for the award.
      Stockton counts a total of 68 goals and 16 assists in 210 appearances across all competitions ever since his arrival at Morecambe in 2019. More

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      Prem cult hero in horror show as he gives away pen and gets sent off after awful backpass, ending club’s playoff dream

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      CURTIS DAVIES put an end to Derby’s play-off hopes after being sent off against Sheffield Wednesday.The 38-year-old underhit a pass back to goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith and immediately came under pressure from Marvin Johnson.
      Davies’ pass back was underhitCredit: Twitter.com / @SkyFootball
      The defender then gave away a penalty and got sent offCredit: Twitter.com / @SkyFootball
      🚨 SCENES 🚨Curtis Davies is sent off for making slight contact with Marvin Johnson 🟥Michael Smith rolls the penalty into the bottom corner and gives Sheffield Wednesday the lead ⚽ pic.twitter.com/WSDH5L9StS— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 7, 2023

      As he attempted to win back the ball, he clipped the heels of the winger, who went to ground in the box.
      The referee immediately awarded a penalty to Sheffield Wednesday and sent Davies off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

      Michael Smith was then on hand to fire the Owls into the lead.
      Davies’ red card left many football fans divided, with some suggesting that it was far too harsh.
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      One person tweeted: “Never a red.”
      Another added: “Shocking decision.”
      While a third joked: “What a dive that was must have had swimming lessons before game.”
      However, others were adamant that it was the correct decision.
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      One person wrote: “100% red. Awful defending. No attempt to play the ball.”
      Another added: “100% a foul and 100% a red card. Stopped Johnson from stroking it into an empty net.”
      And a third tweeted: “No attempt to play the ball so it’s a red card.”
      Derby went on to lose the game 1-0, leaving them outside the play-off spots.
      This weekend, SunSport revealed that Davies, who enjoyed spells with West Brom and Aston Villa respectively earlier in his career, is eager to spend one more season at Derby. More

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      Curtis Davies, 38, wants another year on pitch as Derby mull contract extension despite star’s blossoming media career

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      CURTIS DAVIES wants to play on for one more year — despite turning 38 in March.The Derby centre-half is still fit and hungry to play.
      Derby ace Curtis Davies wants to play for one more year despite his advanced ageCredit: Rex
      Derby will decide about a contract extension for Davies at the end of the seasonCredit: Rex
      And despite a blossoming media career, he plans to stay on the pitch as long as possible.
      County will decide whether to offer him a contract extension following the final game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.
      But Davies is willing to move to keep his boots on.
      Nevertheless, the centre-back still wants to prepare himself for retirement.
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      The ex-England Under-21 international has a first-class honours degree from Staffordshire University in professional sports writing and broadcasting and a career in media appeals to him.
      However, the ex-West Brom star remains unsure about turning to management.
      Davies told The Guardian: “It’s not in me so much right now.
      “It’s in the back of my mind. A lot of managers have said to me I’ll be a manager.
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      “But it’s a stressful life. You have very little time to make your stamp on something.
      “Derby has opened my eyes to lots of things. It’s opened my eyes to the boardroom and the types of people who should be involved.
      “Would I ever want to go on the executive side? But when you’re in football you realise how much politics there is in general.” More