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      Barcelona’s financial woes deepen as BOLTON demand shock payment from cash-strapped club

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      BOLTON are claiming to be owed money by Barcelona, according to reports.Cash-strapped Barca shuffled their finances last summer in order to bolster boss Xavi’s squad.
      Barcelona have struggled with financial issues in recent seasonsCredit: Getty
      Marcos Alonso was one of their recruits, but the nature of the Spaniard’s transfer from Chelsea has now been questioned.
      Spanish paper AS claimed last month that the transfer had been reported to Fifa for alleged fraud by Alonso’s former youth team Union Aldarve.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Bolton feel they are due a payment too.
      Alonso, 32, played for the Trotters between 2010 and 2013 after signing from Barca’s fierce rivals Real Madrid.
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      He subsequently signed for Fiorentina, spending three years in Serie A before signing for Chelsea under Antonio Conte in 2016.
      His six years at Stamford Bridge came to an end last summer, when he left the Blues to return to LaLiga with Barcelona.
      After being heavily linked with the Catalan side through the transfer window, Alonso moved to Barca on September 2 after having his Chelsea contract ended by mutual consent.
      It was initially reported that Alonso had been due to be part of the deal that took Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona to Chelsea.
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      Alonso has made 27 appearances for Barca this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But after it emerged that Barca did not have time to register the left-back on deadline day he was released by Chelsea instead – allowing him to move clubs outside of the transfer window.
      Bolton, as well as Union Aldarve, have reportedly questioned the true nature of the transfer – although it is unclear what their exact grievance is.
      Sports lawyer Jorge Vaquero claimed to Mundo Deportivo that, should a club be found guilty of “concealing data regarding a transfer”, a ban from signing players could be enforced by Fifa.
      Alonso has made 27 appearances for Barca this season.
      Xavi’s men sit atop LaLiga – leading rivals Real Madrid by 12 points after beating them 2-1 before the international break.
      Alonso, 32, played for Bolton between 2010 and 2013Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      English football set for biggest shake up since 1960s with end to ‘medieval’ rules if DAZN win TV rights to matches

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      ALL 1,652 EFL matches will be screened if streaming giant DAZN wins the rights to matches from the 2024-25 season.The huge change would see the end of the “medieval” Saturday 3pm TV blackout that has been in operation since the mid-60s.
      DAZN will show all EFL matches if the company wins the rights to the gamesCredit: DAZN
      Only 20 League One matches are shown on TV each seasonCredit: PA
      Chief Executive of the Premier League Richard Masters does not see an end to the Saturday blackoutCredit: Getty
      DAZN are among the bidders for the next three-season package of EFL rights, with competitors including Sky, Viaplay and TNT Sports, the new name for what was BT Sport until the takeover by Discovery.
      EFL bosses are looking to increase the current package, worth £119m per season, to £200m plus, a huge potential financial lifeline for struggling clubs.
      But the DAZN option would see a huge increase in the number of games available including the traditional Saturday afternoon slot, currently protected from broadcasting by Article 48 of Uefa Statutes.
      DAZN argues that under the current system, with matches on Sky, lower division fans are being starved of the chance to watch their teams unless they go to the matches.
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      Only 20 games League One are shown each season, 10 in League Two and last season 26 of the 72 EFL clubs did not feature at all.
      Sources close to DAZN, which boasts 20 million “premium” customers but a footprint across most major nations, suggest the existence of the blackout is a “medieval” anachronism which should no longer be part of the football structure in this country.

      The blackout was introduced, at the instigation of then-Burnley chairman Bob Lord more than 50 years ago, in the belief that it would prevent TV football damaging attendances at other matches.
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters declared earlier this month that he “didn’t see” the league’s backing for the blackout ending any time soon.
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      But EFL chiefs will have the right to lobby the FA to end the restriction if they do a deal with DAZN.
      It is understood that DAZN feels a streaming deal covering all games across the three EFL divisions – the company would also be seeing a terrestrial partner – would widen access to fans, not just in this country but worldwide.
      The company is understood to be confident that there would be no detrimental impact on crowds and that by making the EFL games more widely available it would actually increase interest in match-day attendance. More

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      I played for Man Utd and spent 22 years as a goalkeeper – now I’m one of the top striker coaches in the country

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      IPSWICH are flying high in League One and are eyeing automatic promotion this season.The free-scoring Tractor Boys have netted 72 goals in 37 games this campaign – more than any other team in the division.
      Lee Grant is a striker coach at IpswichCredit: www.itfc.co.uk
      Grant, a former goalkeeper, retired from playing last yearCredit: Getty
      He spent the last four years of his career at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      In fact, Ipswich are the joint-second highest scorers in the top four divisions of English football.
      Only Championship leaders Burnley (74) have scored more goals than Kieran McKenna’s side this season.
      And McKenna, who left his role as a first-team coach at Manchester United in November 2021, has been helped by a former Red Devil.
      Ex-Old Trafford goalkeeper Lee Grant is part of the Ipswich set up… but as a striker coach.
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      The former stopper announced his retirement last year with a brilliant post aged 39.
      But after spending 22 years between the sticks, Grant now 40, is helping Ipswich’s striker put the ball in the back of the net.
      Spending so much time in goal means he knows the best ways to score them.
      Grant told the The Telegraph: “Across 20 odd years of being in goal and conceding so many goals, I can remember so many so vividly. They are etched into my mind and psyche.
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      “I use that to help guide the forward players occasionally, for the sorts of outcomes that no goalkeeper would like.”
      Grant spent four years at United, and is the oldest player ever to make a European debut for United.
      When working with his players at Ipswich, he talks about situations he would least like to face as a goalie.
      He added: “We talk about foot patterns, how quickly we can get shots off, arriving onto the ball as quickly as possible, shortening steps.
      “I like it when our strikers are dictating to the goalkeepers. I enjoy it when we’re the ones leading the dance.
      “If I think back to myself between the sticks, that was probably where I felt most vulnerable, when a striker had that real clarity about what they were trying to achieve and were able to.” More

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      Exeter City star Jevani Brown ADMITS attacking woman in city centre but faces trial for alleged assault on another woman

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      A FOOTBALLER has admitted attacking a woman in a city centre attack but faces trial on an alleged second assault.Exeter City striker Jevani Brown today pleaded guilty to assaulting the female victim last month.
      Jevani Brown has admitted assaulting a womanCredit: Rex
      The 28-year-old is still facing trial after he denied attacking a second woman during the same incident.
      Brown entered the pleas during a hearing at Exeter Magistrates’ Court today.
      No details of the incident on February 2 were released.
      Brown – Exeter’s top goal scorer – was dropped by the League One side following his charge.
      He will now miss the rest of the season as the case against him continues.
      Brown began his career at MK Dons before joining Peterborough United.
      He also had stints at Cambridge United and Colchester United before he was signed by Exeter in 2021.
      England-born Brown, who represents Jamaica at an international level, was Exeter City’s top scorer this season with 14 goals and nine assists.
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      In a statement released today, the club said: “Jevani Brown appeared at Exeter Magistrates Court this morning in relation to an incident in February.
      “He pleaded guilty to one charge of assault and not guilty to a second charge of assault.
      “A trial date has now been set to hear the case at Exeter Crown Court on July 7.
      “As the legal proceedings remain active there will be no further comment from Exeter City Football Club.”
      Brown will stand trial in JulyCredit: Rex More

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      Ipswich planning summer transfer raid on Portsmouth for free-scoring forward Colby Bishop.. but on one condition

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      IPSWICH are keeping an eye on Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop and want him if they reach the Championship.Bishop, 26, is one of the most respected forwards in League One and would be keen on a step up.
      Ipswich are tracking Portsmouth striker Colby BishopCredit: Alamy
      Bishop has been in good form for Pompey this season.
      The striker has scored 18 goals in 37 League One appearances.
      Only Conor Chaplin has scored more than him for Ipswich this season.
      The Tractor Boys have been spending heavily already and would find more funds if they can return to the second tier.
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      The club currently sit third in the third division, three points off the top of the table.
      However, they have played two more games than league leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
      Ipswich are 15 points clear of dropping out of the playoff spots
      Meanwhile, former Ipswich owner Marcus Evans wants to buy another club — and a handful are available.
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      The English businessman purchased an 87.5 per cent controlling stake in Ipswich in December 2007 and took over as chairman from David Sheepshanks in May 2009.
      But he failed in his mission to get Town back to the Premier League. More

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      ‘How have you got Big Dunc doing this?’ – Duncan Ferguson advertises vegan croissants and fans are absolutely baffled

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      FANS have been left baffled by football hardman Duncan Ferguson advertising VEGAN croissants.The Everton legend, 51, took part in the advert as part of his role as manager of Forest Green Rovers.
      Duncan Ferguson tried vegan croissantsCredit: Twitter / @FGRFC_Official
      Veganism is part of the diet at Forest Green RoversCredit: Twitter / @FGRFC_Official
      Ferguson liked the taste of the pastryCredit: Twitter / @FGRFC_Official
      And said he would have it for his teaCredit: Twitter / @FGRFC_Official
      The League One side are owned by a green energy tycoon and famously ditched meat, dairy and fish at their ground.
      And Ferguson has become the latest member to try the vegan diet.
      The club uploaded the video of the taste test on Twitter, with many fans confused as to how they got the Scot to have a try.
      Ferguson clearly enjoyed the snack as he said: “I am just going to try one of these lovely croissants.
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      “Make sure I don’t eat the packet.
      “Quite nice that. Think I will have them for my tea tonight.
      “La Boulangere is very tasty no matter how you say it, and believe me it is very difficult to say it, but it is very tasty.”
      And fans were baffled as to how the club managed to convince Ferguson to film the video.
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      One tweeted: “How’ve they got Big Dunc doing this?”
      A second commented: “Can’t believe Big Dunc has become a vegan.”
      A third wrote: “Release this man at once!”
      Another scoffed: “Who would have thought it…”
      One added: “Big Dunc obviously didn’t read this bit in his job spec when he applied.” More

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      Robbie Savage swells with pride in ‘beautiful moment’ live on TV after Man Utd star son Charlie scores first career goal

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE beamed with pride live on TV as his son Charlie scored his first career goal.The younger Savage, 19, is on the books at Manchester United.
      Robbie Savage fist pumps after Charlie’s goalCredit: BT Sport
      The former midfielder was visibly emotionalCredit: BT Sport
      Charlie has been in League One action for Forest GreenCredit: Rex
      He made one senior appearance for the Red Devils, prior to going out on loan in January.
      Savage joined up with League One side Forest Green Rovers, managed by former Prem hardman Duncan Ferguson.
      Charlie plays as a defensive midfielder, a chip off the old block in that regard.
      And in his fifth appearance for Rovers, he has managed to net his first goal.
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      Just 12 minutes into Forest Green’s clash with Bristol Rovers, Savage rifled a left-footed effort into the roof of the net.
      Dad Robbie learned of the goal while appearing on BT Sport Score.
      While viewers were being given an update from Leicester’s clash with Chelsea, Savage Sr yelped with excitement.
      Asked what had happened, Robbie beamed: “My boy scored!”
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      He threw his fists into the air in pure elation and repeated: “My boy!”
      The goal was Savage’s first senior strike in six appearances – five for Forest Green and one for Man United.
      It put his loan side 1-0 up on the day, but unfortunately the 12th minute lead didn’t last long.
      John Marquis equalised for Joey Barton’s side seven minutes later.
      And Scott Sinclair made it 2-1 to the Gas on 26 minutes.
      Savage made his Man United debut under Ralf Rangnick last season, coming on for the final minute of a 1-1 Champions League draw with Young Boys at Old Trafford.
      He was also an unused substitute in their final Prem game of last term.
      Prior to joining Forest Green he had been limited to United’s Under-21s side this season – playing 13 times in the PL2 and four games in the EFL Trophy.
      Savage, 19, has made one senior appearance for Man UnitedCredit: AFP More

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      EFL fans could face soaring TV bills in huge blow with split rights between Sky and Scandinavian group mooted

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      EFL chiefs want bids for TV rights delivered by March 23 with Sky and Scandinavian group Viaplay battling for the best packages.There is every chance of a split in coverage for the next telly deal, starting in 2024-25, which is sure to spark much debate before the contracts are sorted.
      There could soon be a new Tella-vision deal for the EFL but Nathan Tella and his Burnley team-mates seem set to return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
      Blackburn congratulate Harry Pickering after he opened up the Championship promotion race by sinking second-placed Sheffield United on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      Swedish streaming giant Viaplay is emerging as a frontrunner – capable financially of nabbing some of the many packages available.
      It puts Sky’s position as the leading provider for the EFL is under serious threat.
      They’ve held the live rights since 2002 but new competition means Sky might need to almost double its £119 million deal to keep exclusive coverage.
      Another twist is that lower-division clubs are happy to consider a separate deal, which would include more live games.
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      The EFL is looking for increased TV revenue for its clubs down the divisions.
      But it also wants to adjust to changing way viewing habits, which increases the chance of more streaming being brought in.
      Rights for the Championship, League One, League Two, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy and play-offs are available from 2024-25.
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      And the Viaplay group has been steadily picking up sports contracts.
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      It bought the UK-based Premier Sports for more than £30million last year and aims to launch in America soon.
      EFL Chief Commercial Officer Ben Wright said last week: “Our objective remains to find the right mix of maximising value, increasing volume and providing a great viewing experience through evolution and innovation.” More