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      Meet five sacked managers this season who have quickly returned to the game – but will they be a success?

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      I WAS watching that hilarious episode of hit TV comedy Alan Partridge this week where he had written his autobiography Bouncing Back.It charted a so-called comeback from his disastrous broadcasting career and break-up from his wife.
      Tony Mowbray is hoping to help Birmingham recover from their failed Wayne Rooney experiment
      That got me thinking about football managers who have been sacked but bounced back.
      And this season there have been five bosses who have been shown the door – but have quickly returned into management.
      Here I take a quick look at those managers who are bouncing back.
      MICHAEL BEALE (Sunderland)
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      Michael Beale was axed by Rangers and is now under pressure at Sunderland
      IF you’re managing Rangers, and Celtic are above you in the table, you’re always standing on quicksand and he was duly slung out of Ibrox.
      But the Londoner – who walked out on QPR last season just weeks after pledging his devoted loyalty to them – took over at the Black Cats in December.
      Like Alan Partridge, his story might be quickly pulped if he loses his job at the Stadium of Light.
      Mackems fans were not impressed with the three straight defeats which was halted by Saturday’s vital 3-1 win against Stoke.
      TONY MOWBRAY (Birmingham)
      Talking of Sunderland, what the hell were they playing at in the first place by sacking Tony Mowbray?
      This affable man was doing a superb job for the Black Cats, getting them into the play-offs last season against the odds and had them punching around those spots again this time around.
      But he has landed himself into the self-inflicted chaos at St Andrew’s after they decided the Wayne Rooney project was not a good idea after all. No s**t Sherlock, John Eustace had them flying.
      Mowbray has won one and drawn the other of his two league games so far with his priority simply to just keep Birmingham up.  Groundhog Day for Blues fans.
      DARREN MOORE (Huddersfield)
      Darren Moore was axed on the eve of the season by Wednesday
      MADCAP Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri decided to get rid of the manager who inspired his team to promotion on the eve of the season.
      Darren Moore had even helped his side come back from 4-0 down against Peterborough in the play-offs semi-finals en route!
      The ex-West Brom boss took over at Huddersfield but is hardly bouncing back and is on dodgy ground, managing three wins from 23 games so far.
      MATT TAYLOR (Bristol Rovers)
      HAVING done a decent job with Exeter, he got a big Championship break by being named Paul Warne’s replacement at Rotherham last season.
      Despite keeping the Millers in the second tier, they struggled this time around and he was booted out of the New York Stadium in November with the club third bottom. 
      But he swiftly replaced gobby Joey Barton following his sacking and had an instant impact with four wins and a draw from his first six games. However, it’s been tough since and their 3-1 win over Oxford on Saturday halted a five-game losing streak.
      GRAHAM ALEXANDER (Bradford)
      THE Bantams boss has had some bad luck when it comes to losing his jobs at previous clubs.
      Scunthorpe decided to get rid of him after he led them to the brink of the Championship, they’re now in the National League North.
      Numbnut Gary Neville crazily dismissed the Burnley legend when they were unbeaten after five games and fifth in League Two … all this after taking Salford into the EFL and guiding them to an EFL Trophy final.
      And this season MK Dons wielded the axe after just 16 games – showing little patience.
      Yet he has arrived at Valley Parade and despite a decent start they have gone off the boil, failing to win in their last seven League Two games. They need to let him have a summer to sort it all out and go again next season. 
      Newport ‘builders’ work on a Sunday?
      THERE must have been some timely structural repairs going on in Rodney Road, Newport, this week.
      Some houses along the street which runs parallel to County’s Rodney Parade suddenly needed scaffolding erected.
      It’s incredible that those ‘builders’ not only were prepared to do overtime by working on a Sunday – but also stayed on site until a good couple of hours after 4:30pm.
      That’s what you call dedication. They must have great ratings on Checkatrade.
      Alfie, 10, gives Walsall team talk
      WALSALL boss Mat Sadler let 10-year-old fan Alfie Donnelly do his team-mate before their League Two game with Sutton.
      Alfie has multiple, complex heart conditions that have left him needing four lots of open heart surgery.
      The Saddlers invited the youngster to the training ground to meet and interview his favourite player Joe Riley as well as go to the Bescot Stadium to rile up the players before kick-off as well as read out the teams over the PA system.
      Boss Sadler said: “We all love Alfie. He’s always smiling and is an inspiration to us all.”
      Little Alfie Donnelly, 10, gives his Walsall heroes a team talk
      Elokobi is just what the EFL needs 
      SURELY any EFL club looking for a new manager should be on the blower to Maidstone United’s George Elokobi. 
      I suggested, tongue in cheek, that maybe even Liverpool should look at him!
      But, seriously, what he did before the FA Cup game against Ipswich at the gates of Portman Road on Saturday was incredible – giving the Maidstone fans a passionate from-the-heart motivational speech alongside the players.
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      This is exactly the sort of thing football needs. There are too many dullards working at bigger clubs who would stop this sort of raw passion being allowed to happen or seen.
      We need less of them and more of George Elokobi.  More

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      Shocking moment referee CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clash

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      A REFEREE was chased off the pitch by a pitch invader during Port Vale vs Portsmouth.A fan charged onto the pitch in added time of the second half of the League One clash.
      The referee for the Port Vale vs Portsmouth match had to run off the pitch to avoid a pitch invaderCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      After entering the pitch, the invader began chasing after the refereeCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      The ref was then forced to head towards the dugoutCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Staff from both teams stepped in to stop the fan from getting to the refereeCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Referee Craig Hicks was forced to run away from the pitch invader who appeared to be charging directly at him.
      Hicks was protected by members of staff from the sidelines after the pitch invader was stopped.
      Port Vale boss Andy Crosby and coach David Dunn were forced to restrain the rogue fan as he darted for Hicks.
      The incident occurred just moments after Portsmouth had bagged a controversial penalty in the 88th minute to win the game 1-0.
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      Colby Bishop despatched the spot kick which seems to have led to the unbelievable moment.
      Fans watching on couldn’t believe what they were witnessing with many taking to social media.
      One wrote: “Imagine trying to attack the referee for making the correct decision.”
      While another added: “It all went a bit Benny Hill for a minute there.”
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      A third joked: “To be fair he ran more then any of the Port Vale players today.”
      And a fourth chimed in writing: “Disgraceful that this has been able to happen and that whoever they are felt that it was acceptable.
      “A line seriously crossed there, pun intended. But seriously, gone too far is an understatement!”
      The game was able to get back underway shortly after the incident when the supporter was removed from the field of play.
      The result means Pompey remain top of the table while Port Vale continue to flirt with the relegation zone in League One.
      Port Vale later released a statement on social media condemning the actions of the fan and vowing to work with the authorities.
      It read: “Port Vale Football Club condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play during today’s match against Portsmouth.
      “We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter and the individual is dealt with a zero tolerance approach.
      “We remind all supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence.”
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      It’s not the first time Port Vale have seen fans enter the pitch in one of their games this season either.
      Their visit to Reading was abandoned earlier this month when Royals supporters protested the club’s ownership by carrying out a mass pitch invasion.
      The pitch invader was restrained by staff and stewards in the dugoutCredit: PA
      Craig Hicks waited on the sidelines while the issue was being resolvedCredit: PA More

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      Premier League cult hero SACKED by League One strugglers Shrewsbury after overseeing worst attack in entire EFL

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      FORMER Premier League star Matt Taylor has been sacked as Shrewsbury boss.The League One side were beaten 2-1 by Peterborough yesterday to leave them 19th in the table.
      Matt Taylor has been sacked as Shrewsbury managerCredit: Getty
      Matt Taylor played for four Prem clubs during his careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Shrewsbury have the worst attack in the EFL after scoring just 18 goals in 28 games.
      A club statement on Taylor’s sacking read: “Matt arrived at the Croud Meadow in June and has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity.
      “But following a run that has seen us lose seven of our last eight games, the club feels a change is needed to improve results and performances on the pitch.
      “Alongside Matt, assistant head coach Marcus Bignot has also left the club.
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      “Town would like to wish both Matt and Marcus the best of luck for the future.
      “We will now begin the search for a new head coach.”
      Taylor, 42, previously managed Walsall from 2021 to 2022 and Swindon as a caretaker gaffer six years ago.
      He also managed Tottenham’s Under-18s after hanging up his boots.
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      Taylor featured for Luton, Portsmouth, Bolton, West Ham, Burnley and Northampton during his playing days.
      He won promotion to the top-flight with both the Hammers and the Clarets. More

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      Son of outspoken TV pundit being blocked from playing for Reading and could be sold after just six months

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      READING could be forced to sell 20-year-old midfielder Charlie Savage this month – just six months after signing him.Savage, son of ex-Premier League star Robbie Savage, joined Reading on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer.
      Charlie Savage could be forced to leave Reading as the club look to cut costsCredit: Getty
      And despite making 28 senior appearances across all competitions so far this season, he could now be forced to move on again.
      According to The Guardian, under-fire Reading chief Dayong Pang is set to sanction the sales of several players, including Savage, in a bid to cut costs.
      Savage is currently stuck on 14 League One starts because if he makes another he will trigger a £2,000-a-month pay rise.
      The Royals have already sold Tom Holmes to Luton, with a bid for Nelson Abbey also accepted.
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      However, Abbey has reportedly declined to leave the Madejski Stadium.
      Ex-Liverpool star Ovie Ejaria had his contract terminated before Christmas, saving the club around £200,000.
      Tyler Bindon is also understood to be on the chopping block.
      Reading staff have been told to alter training plans in recent weeks as club officials look to cut costs.
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      Players trained on the one pitch with undersoil heating on Thursday, but they have been told to minimise usage.
      Manager Ruben Selles has even been asked to adjust training schedules or use the gym to save on the cost of undersoil heating.
      A number of suppliers have also lost patience with the club, with data company StatsPerform catering firm Levy pulling out.
      Reading’s League One clash with Port Vale was abandoned last week following a mass pitch invasion at the Madejski Stadium.
      Fans poured onto the pitch in the 16th minute to protest the club’s ownership.
      Owner Dai Yongge is now attempting to sell the club. More

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      Soccer Saturday legend Jeff Stelling in sensational blast at Sky Sports after blunder over ‘biggest story of the day’

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      JEFF STELLING has sensationally blasted Sky Sports’ coverage of the pitch invasion which occurred at Reading.The Royals League One clash against Port Vale was stopped by officials after a mass pitch invasion took place inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
      Jeff Stelling sensationally blasted Sky Sports coverage of the protests at ReadingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Soccer Saturday host Simon Thomas described the protests as ‘tennis balls on the pitch’Credit: Sky Sport News via X formerly Twitter
      Fans poured onto the pitch in protest against the clubs ownership and refused to leave the field of play, forcing the game to be abandoned.
      However, fans were critical of Sky’s Soccer Saturday coverage at the ground after host Simon Thomas described the protests as “tennis balls on the pitch”.
      Soccer Saturday legend Stelling then took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and blasted his former employers Saturday afternoon coverage.
      Stelling said: “When a club which was in PL not long ago is in the position they are in this the biggest story of the day imo (in my opinion).
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      “Why [is there] no reporter there? Everyone knew there was going to be a protest!”
      One user called Stelling out for being a former employee “who left but still wants a say in how things are done”.
      However, Stelling replied: “I am not Andy. I am a member of the public with a right to express an opinion.”
      SunSport have approached Sky for comment.
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      Fan favourite Stelling left Sky after more than 25 years at the end of last season.
      The 68-year-old then joined talkSPORT as part of the radio stations morning coverage from December.
      Reading’s owner Dai Yongge has been the subject of heavy criticism during his time charge of the club.
      The Royals are staring down relegation to League Two due to their perilous standing in the League One table.
      They have been handed a number of penalties for financial mismanagement including a four point deduction for the late payment of wages.
      Reading have been docked 16 POINTS under Yongge’s ownership. More

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      EFL clash STOPPED after mass pitch invasion as furious fans run on field in protest

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      READING’S match with Port Vale has been suspended following a pitch invasion.The League One clash was stopped by officials after a mass pitch invasion took place inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
      Reading fans have stormed the pitch in their clash with Port Vale
      The invasion was a protest towards the Reading ownershipCredit: X @russell1871

      Reading fans poured onto the grass in a protest to the ownership at the club.
      Supporters entered the field of play and rushed to the centre circle to make their thoughts known.
      The official Reading X account posted a statement online to warn their fans of the dangers of their actions.
      It read: “We are fully aware of and understand our supporters’ frustrations, but we must reiterate to our supporters that entering or throwing items onto the pitch can put the fixture at risk of abandonment,
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      “And can result in personal consequences including banning orders. Thank you for your support today.”
      The club then followed up with a second statement urging fans to get off the pitch to avoid sanctions for the club.
      It read: “We appreciate supporters frustrations. Please leave the field of play.
      “The club will face serious sanctions if this does not take place.”
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      Frustrations have reached boiling point with Reading owner Dai YonggeCredit: Rex Features
      The match was scoreless when the incident occurred in the 17th minute.
      The Royals owner Dai Yongge has come under a lot of criticism during his time in charge of the historic club.
      Reading have been handed a number of penalties for their financial mismanagement including a four point deduction this season for a late payment of wages.
      Reading have been docked a total of 16 POINTS while under the ownership of Yongge.
      They currently face the very real possibility of relegation to League Two as they sit in 21st place in the League One table.
      It comes after they dropped down from the Championship at the end of last season.
      The club’s on-field struggles are made worse by the string of cost-cutting and redundancies that is going on off the pitch.
      Fans had already protested before today’s pitch invasion by throwing tennis balls on to the field of play during games this season.
      And they began today’s show of frustration with the same action on the 16th minute before then entering the pitch.
      Fans in attendance at today’s clash with Port Vale have reported that the PA system inside the stadium announced that the game would be abandoned is supporters didn’t leave the pitch.
      The disgruntled fans were said to be chanting “get out of out club” and “we want Dai Yongge out” during the on-field protest.
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      And in a show of support for Reading’s dire situation, Port Vale fans were also said to be joining in with the chanting.
      While video also emerged of both sets of fans shaking hands after discussions about the protests.

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      EFL clash suspended due to medical emergency in crowd as players are taken off pitch

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      A MEDICAL emergency has suspended play in Bolton’s clash against Cheltenham.The League One game was stopped due to a crowd emergency in the East Stand.
      Medical staff attended to a fan following a medical emergency during Bolton’s League One clash with CheltenhamCredit: PA
      Paramedics treated the fan in the East StandCredit: PA
      Pictures from the Toughsheet Community Stadium showed a group of paramedics attending to the incident.
      Multiple bright yellow jackets rushed over to the stand with a stretcher and began performing CPR.
      At 15:47, stewards carried a stretcher down the stairs and a light blue sheet was put around it.
      Several stewards then ran off the pitch with the stretcher a minute later.
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      A public announcement asked supporters to remain where they were until a decision on what happens next is made.
      Players from both teams were taken off the pitch following the incident which occurred around 30 minutes into the game.
      A statement from Bolton on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “There’s been a stoppage in-play here due to an apparent medical incident in the crowd.
      “The players have been taken from the field for now.”
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      It was later announced that the fan was in a critical condition.
      As a result officials decided to abandon the game.
      A Bolton statement said: “Due to a medical emergency in the crowd, today’s game has been postponed.
      “Our thoughts are with the family concerned.”
      More to follow.
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      Free EFL football tips, 14/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday’s action

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      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood has gone through Saturday’s EFL card to bring you his best bets, top tips and a whopping 22/1 accumulator.With a lack of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon, the EFL takes centre stage and there’s a banker single and longshot – for those who love bigger odds – on top of the weekend acca.
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      This weekend’s five-fold starts in the Championship with WEST BROM (7/10) hosting out of sorts Blackburn.
      Rovers sit bottom of the form table with just one point from their last five games.
      The Baggies are looking to maintain their spot in the play off places after winning their last three games at home. Two of those came in the Championship against Norwich and Leeds.
      Speaking of LEEDS (8/13), they’ve won 3-0 in back-to-back games and need to go on a bit of a run to catch Ipswich who are seven points clear and in second spot.
      Cardiff have only won once in their last six home games and this represents a good chance for an away win.
      PETERBOROUGH (21/20) are away to Charlton this weekend and sit two points off Bolton in second, so dropped points can be costly.
      Charlton are nine games without a win, while Posh have three wins away from home on the bounce. They also won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
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      Staying in League One, NORTHAMPTON (11/8) host Wigan on Saturday looking to keep their winning run going.
      They’ve won their last two but have made home their fortress, winning five of the last six with leaders Portsmouth the only team to beat them in that run.
      Wigan were plucky in defeat to Man Utd earlier this week but have one win to their name in their last seven games and Northampton could have too much.
      The acca is finished off with CRAWLEY (10/11) who host Salford.
      The hosts have picked up three wins from their last four games while scoring seven goals in their last two games.
      The visitors haven’t won in twelve games, prompting a change of manager but it could be same old story.
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      The Banker
      We head to League One for this one and Reading’s home game with Port Vale.
      Reading’s three games before the EFL Trophy defeat to Brighton U21’s were 3-2, 2-2 and 2-2.
      In fact, the 1-0 loss was only the second time in 17 games that a game involving Reading didn’t finish with both teams scoring.
      Port Vale’s last four games have brought 17 goals. So that trend could and should continue here. Wouldn’t put you off BTTS & over 3.5 goals at 9/4 either….

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      The Longshot
      We’ve gone down the full time result with both teams to score for this one.
      Oxford United (3/1) are at Carlisle with their recent form a bit sticky, but they can bounce back at a Carlisle with just one win in their last nine – though they have only failed to score once in their last five home games.
      Wycombe (10/3) have hit a decent bit of form and could leapfrog opponents Leyton Orient with a home win.
      The Wanderers have won three of their last five home games, with both teams scoring in all three. The visitors have two draws and five defeats in their last seven games.
      And this bet finishes with Wrexham (5/2), still buoyed from beating Shrewsbury in the FA Cup last week.
      They’ve only lost one of their last 14 home games, with Wimbledon scoring on three successive away days.

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