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      ‘I could learn as much from a League One boss as Jose Mourinho’ – Frank Lampard gives blunt assessment of Chelsea mentor

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      FRANK LAMPARD has claimed he could learn the same amount from a League One manager as two-time Champions League winner Jose Mourinho.The Everton boss has admitted football has moved on since Mourinho taught him the ways at Chelsea.
      Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho won the Premier League together twiceCredit: AFP – Getty
      Mourinho was one who inspired Lampard to take up managementCredit: Reuters
      Lampard, 44, narrowly kept the Toffees up last season but has overseen an impressive start to the new campaign at Goodison.
      And while the Blues legend was partly inspired to go into management by Mourinho, Lampard suggested some of the things he learnt under the Portuguese icon are now outdated.
      Toffees gaffer Lampard played for Mourinho between 2004 and 2007, as well as the 2013-14 season.
      Speaking to Mike Calvin’s BT Sport podcast, Lamps revealed: “People ask me who were the managers that inspired you?
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      “And as much as Jose Mourinho did, and I’ll always answer that, it was 20 years ago, nearly.
      “So for me to talk about an effect Jose Mourinho had on me 20 years ago is not necessarily relative to what’s now.”

      Mourinho found success with his hard to beat approach, whereas in recent years the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool have won trophies after shifting to a more attacking mentality.
      But the now Roma boss is still proving himself as one of the best in the business, leading the Serie A side to Europa Conference League glory last season.
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      While Lampard said Mourinho “changed” his career, he admitted listening to current League One managers would teach him as much as what Mourinho preached two decades ago.
      He continued: “I can learn as much as I can, and this is no disrespect, I’ll always say Jose because he changed my career.
      “But I could learn as much by listening to a podcast of a manager working in Division One now as I can from some of that from 20 years ago.
      “And it might be something that I agree with, I disagree with.
      “I think somewhere in the middle of that, it just helps me a little bit in my job, and I love things like that so as long as I can keep learning I think I’ve got that chance.”
      The Everton manager admitted he could learn the same amount from a League One manager as MourinhoCredit: Getty
      Lampard said Mourinho “changed” his careerCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      EFL considering AXING 3pm TV blackout with Facebook, Netflix, Google, Apple and Amazon keen on buying rights

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      THE EFL is considering AXING the 3pm TV blackout in order to broadcast every game.And it’s already setting up a bidding war, with parties like Netflix and Amazon keen on buying the rights to matches.
      The EFL is considering lifting the 3pm blackout so they can broadcast every gameCredit: Getty
      The EFL’s current TV rights deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.
      Just like the Premier League, there is a blanket ban on broadcasting all 3pm matches on Saturdays.
      But chiefs are now ready to lift the veil and make every single game in the Championship, League One and League Two available for live TV.
      The EFL currently pockets £119million each year through its contract with Sky.
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      But chiefs reckon that figure could soar to an annual figure of £200m by allowing other parties to join in the action.
      The Mail claims invitations will soon be sent to Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google regarding future rights.
      The mega-names will be asked to send proposals as the EFL explores its options.
      But there will be no fixed contract as the plan is to televise every single match from the 2024/25 campaign.
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      The EFL’s decision is set to be welcomed by most sides, with just two Championship games currently shown each weekend.
      But the move would first have to be approved by the FA.
      And they in turn will then have to go to Uefa before the idea gets the green light.
      Should the EFL succeed, it could open the door for some in the Premier League to push for a similar broadcasting deal. More

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      Watch as Plymouth and Accrington players are BOTH sent off for horror double challenge – but one team wins free-kick

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      THIS is the moment opposing players were both sent off for a horror challenge on each other.Plymouth Argyle defender Dan Scarr and Accrington Stanley captain Seamus Conneely both flew in as the ball spilled loose near the centre circle during this League 1 clash.
      Both players went in hardCredit: https://twitter.com/HarryL97/status/1578761554933469184
      Dan Scarr and Seamus Conneely were both sent offCredit: Rex
      Tempers flared at Home ParkCredit: Rex
      The referee judged that they both deserved a sending off – before giving Argyle a free-kick.
      Footage shows both players scrambling to win a loose ball that rolled along the ground.
      But Scarr and Conneely mistimed the tackle and ended up barrelling into one another while completely missing the ball.
      They can both be seen falling into a heap on the ground after the connection.
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      Ref Neil Hair took the unusual decision of sending both men off for the same challenge.
      Argyle’s Twitter account tweeted of the incident: “Scarr and Conneely are both sent off, in a decision which presumably satisfies nobody.”
      Centre-back Scarr was apologetic to fans later – but joked that the gaffer should take the blame for the dismissal.
      He tweeted: “Buzzing for the lads! Another great win at home! Clean sheet for the birthday boy and all the strikers on the score sheet.
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      “Apologies to you all for the sending off!
      “I blame the gaffer for not subbing me off before that for not being able to pass to a green shirt!”
      League leaders Argyle were already 1-0 up by the time of the first-half reds after Niall Ennis opened the scoring.
      Sam Cosgrove and Ryan Hardie put the game beyond doubt with their second-half goals as Argyle made it seven straight home wins.
      They remain top ahead of Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth.
      Pilgrims boss Steve Schumacher was happy with the result – but not the cards.
      He said: “Three goals by three strikers is just  brilliant and it is so good to have them all in form.
      They complement each other really well, and if one starts, the other two can come on and make an impact.
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      “The game was kind of spoilt by the red cards. Both lads went for the ball and collided with each other.
      “Common sense would be for the referee to book both but he said he followed the letter of the law.”
      Arguments continued as the pair made their way offCredit: Rex More

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      Oxford vs Wycombe DELAYED by 40 minutes due to medical emergency in stands in worrying scenes

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      OXFORD’S League One clash with Wycombe was delayed by 40 minutes due to a medical emergency in the stands.Play stopped less than 20 minutes into the match so that an individual could receive urgent attention.
      Players from both teams leave the field of playCredit: Prime Media
      The two teams were level at 0-0 when the medical emergency occurredCredit: Rex
      Players were taken off the pitch while the supporter was treated.
      Oxford’s official Twitter account wrote: “The thoughts of everyone at Oxford United are with the individual involved.”
      They then added: “The game is due to restart at 4pm allowing both teams the opportunity to warm up again.
      “Thank you for your continued patience.”
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      Fans shared their concerns on social media, with one writing: “Sending lots of love, football doesn’t matter at times like these.”
      Another tweeted: “Hope the individual makes a swift recovery.”
      Wycombe echoed the sentiments, writing on their official Twitter account: “Our very best wishes to those involved.”
      One Wanderers fan replied: “Worrying news. Hope all ends well.”
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      And a second tweeted: “Thoughts with the fan who is unwell. Hope they make a full recovery.”
      The match was level at 0-0 when the medical emergency occurred.
      Oxford went into the match 18th on 11 points, with Wycombe one place behind on goal difference. More

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      EFL clubs could scrap plans to move games earlier to avoid using floodlights amid fears matchday revenue will take hit

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      EFL clubs are hurriedly working out if early kick-offs can save them money on using their floodlights.But cash counters seem to think it will cost even MORE to change games radically.
      EFL clubs are concerned about racking up huge bills with their flood lightsCredit: Rex Features
      The cost of living crisis has prompted the EFL to contemplate having more early kick-offsCredit: REX
      Some EFL clubs are dead against the idea while others who plan to try are unsure it will help.
      As revealed here months ago, clubs face energy bills which have doubled or trebled.
      There is leeway to change kick-off times and some are planned — but many think it will mean fewer fans and a big financial hit at bars and food stalls.
      One leading official said: “Moving kick-offs by two or three hours will impact crowds.
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      “It would only take 50 fewer people and that would be up to £1,000 gone for ONE game.
      “And that would be inevitable as home supporters would be lost and even more away fans could be disrupted by having to travel earlier.
      “Fans also take food and drink at games and they are less likely to booze before noon.
      “So the finances don’t add up. It might be better facing the pain of the fuel bills.”
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      One radical proposal that could see EFL clubs get a cash injection is the addition of a Premier League All-Star match, which new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reckons would have a trickle-down effect.
      The American said earlier this month: “Ultimately, I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson out of the American sports teams and really start to think about why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four teams.
      “People are talking about why don’t we have more money for the pyramid?
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      “MLB did their All-Star Game this year. They made $200 million from a Monday and a Tuesday.
      “You could do a North vs South All-Star game from the Premier League to fund the pyramid very easily.”
      But the idea has been met with much derision among rival Prem managers and owners.
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      EFL sides look at lunchtime kick-offs during the winter to save on energy bills with teams desperate to cut costs

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      EFL CHIEFS are considering the possibility of increasing the amount of lunchtime kick-offs to help lower-league clubs amid the cost of living crisis.A new survey from football reform group Fair Game has found that midday kick-offs for weekend league and FA Cup games would be considered by the majority of clubs in the EFL and the wider football pyramid as a way of cutting costs.
      Many clubs are considering lunchtime kick-offs in a bid to aid with the cost of living crisisCredit: Arron Gent/News Images
      Many believe that staging earlier games would help to reduce energy bills as the use of floodlights would not be necessary.
      Although the government has pledged to support businesses with rising energy costs, it is currently unclear whether or not this will benefit football clubs for a sufficient period of time.
      Overall, 63 per-cent of 40 clubs – including 12 EFL teams – have revealed that they will consider utilising earlier kick-offs if given permission.
      Clubs rated their concern about the cost of living crisis at seven out of 10, with League Two clubs considering it an eight out of 10.
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      This has prompted many to re-evaluate budgets for ground improvements as well as non-playing staff.
      Amid the financial crisis, Premier League clubs are currently preparing to hold further talks over a new financial distribution model to support the rest of the football pyramid.
      The plan is expected to include changes to parachute payments and a new merit-based payment system to Championship clubs.
      Changes to the domestic calendar from 2024 are also expected to be considered with many clubs pushing to axe FA Cup third and fourth round replays despite the fact that many lower-league clubs have benefitted from them over the years.
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      Fair Game chief executive Niall Couper has now demanded that action be taken to financially aid clubs in need.
      He said: “The results paint a very bleak future for football outside the top echelons of the game.
      “Having survived the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could well be the death knell for the hard-working community clubs lower down the pyramid.
      “Lower-league football clubs are the heartbeat of their communities, but right now they are in intensive care.
      “The Premier League are at best going to offer a sticking plaster. They have had decades to address the problem and they should stand aside.
      “It is now up to the Government to intervene. The recent fan-led review set up by the Conservative Party revealed the financial flow within the game, and the governance that sits behind it, is broken.
      “Fair Game are calling for action now. We were promised levelling up, instead we could see the levelling of football stadia across the country with decades of history and tradition wiped off the map.
      “The Government needs to deliver on its promise of an independent regulator now. A regulator that can oversee football’s financial flow. Without it the pyramid of our national game will crumble.”
      Plans for an independent regulator for football have stalled following the appointment of new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
      But, clubs have been handed a boost as the government have proposed to cut energy bills for UK businesses by around half their expected level.
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      The new scheme will fix gas and electricity prices for firms for six months from October 1, protecting businesses from rapidly rising costs.
      This would shield many clubs – especially non-league – from entering a cost crisis. More

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      Sidemen charity football match SOLD OUT at The Valley as KSI and Logan Paul prove bigger draw than Charlton

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      CHARLTON are set for a record home attendance this season at the weekend… only it won’t be them playing.The Sidemen charity match returns after a four-year absence with the clash SOLD OUT at The Valley.
      KSI’s Sidemen group play in a charity match at Charlton’s stadium on SaturdayCredit: PA
      Tickets for the clash at The Valley are sold out, with around 27,000 fans to attendCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      With the Addicks playing away at Barnsley on Saturday at 3pm, the YouTube football clash will be held at the League One club’s ground at the same time.
      The game is between KSI’s Sidemen group taking on a selection of YouTube Allstars.
      And it is set to be played in front of a full capacity stadium, with The Valley able to hold 27,111 supporters.
      Should there be around 27,000 fans watching on from the stands, that would be 10,000 more supporters than Charlton’s highest home attendance this season.
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      Charlton’s current biggest attendance at The Valley this term is when 17,046 supporters watched the 1-0 win over Derby at the start of August.
      There were 12,644 fans watching the 1-1 draw with Cambridge two weeks later.
      Meanwhile 12,392 supporters rocked up to see Charlton in action against Plymouth last month.
      The last time the Sidemen charity game was played was in 2018, and money raised from the fixture went to the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Young Minds.
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      All seven Sidemen members will be in action at The Valley – Josh Bradley, Simon Minter, Tobi Brown, KSI, Ethan Payne, Vikram Barn and Harry Lewis.
      Meanwhile KSI’s former rival-turned-friend Logan Paul will also be playing in the game, as will AnEsonGib, fresh from his sensational KO win over Austin McBroom.
      In addition, TikTok star Noah Beck, who stunned in his performance at Soccer Aid, has been confirmed too as has Australian YouTuber LazarBeam.
      Fellow Soccer Aid star Chunkz plus Cal the Dragon are also set to play.
      Manchester United fan and United Stand founder and presenter Mark Goldbridge and F2 Freestyler Billy Wingrove are the managers.
      Logan Paul will be taking part in the game between the Sidemen and YouTube AllstarsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      EFL and National League clubs to be allowed to call off matches if they clash with England or Wales’ World Cup fixtures

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      EFL and National League clubs will be allowed to call off matches if they clash with England and Wales’ World Cup games.A full schedule of fixtures is planned over the weekend of December 3 — when the Home Nations could be playing in the last 16 in Qatar.
      EFL and National League clubs will be allowed to call off matches if they coincide with England or Wales games at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England to glory in QatarCredit: Reuters
      Rob Page has been handed a new contract after guiding Wales to the World CupCredit: Alamy
      EFL and National League bosses both said clubs can decide whether they rearrange, though it is possible a collective decision could be made.
      England and Wales are in Group B with Iran and the USA — and feasibly both teams could progress.
      The top two to qualify will face rivals from Group A.
      That World Cup group is made up of hosts Qatar, Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands, Sadio Mane’s Senegal and Ecuador.
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      Wrexham are due to visit York in the National League on the Saturday.
      But the Welsh side will likely postpone if Robert Page’s Dragons are in a first World Cup knockout game for 64 years.
      Then the next Saturday night could also see England or Wales play in the quarter-finals — hours after domestic games have finished.
      Argentina and France are both possible opponents for that one.
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      Although the leagues say they will expect teams to fulfil fixtures that day.
      England kick off their campaign against Iran on the opening day of the tournament, while Wales face the USA on the same day.
      The Three Lions take on the Dragons in their final group game. More