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      Fans all say same thing as Forest Green Rovers concede two added-time goals to somehow lose Duncan Ferguson’s first game

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      DUNCAN FERGUSON was handed a sickening start to life as Forest Green Rovers manager after his side conceded TWO stoppage-time goals in a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Shrewsbury.The Everton legend, 51, left Goodison Park to take charge of the League One’s bottom club earlier this week.
      Duncan Ferguson began life as Forest Green boss with a dramatic lossCredit: Getty
      Ryan Bowman scored the winner for Shrewsbury in the 98th minuteCredit: Getty
      And his first game in charge came away at Shrewsbury on Saturday afternoon.
      It looked for most of the match as though Ferguson was steering Forest Green to a first win in eight games after Jordon D’Andre Garrick gave his men an 18th-minute lead.
      The visitors held onto that slender advantage for almost the entire match, before disaster struck in added time.
      Rekeil Pike levelled for the hosts in the 94th minute as Forest Green’s hopes of a victory were dashed.
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      And then four minutes later, in the dying seconds of the game, Ryan Bowman lashed home the winner for Shrewsbury in a quite remarkable turnaround.
      Ferguson looked crestfallen on the touchline, with fans pouring in to blame his connection with Everton for the shocking late collapse.
      Speaking on social media, one person said: “Duncan Ferguson, you can take the man out of Everton, but you can’t take Everton out of the man”.
      Another added: “Duncan Ferguson, bringing the Everton to Forest Green”.
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      A third reacted: “Forest Green doing an Everton there for Duncan Ferguson’s first game in charge”.
      And a fourth said: “Duncan Ferguson’s Forest Green conceding late in injury time, you say? Once Everton touches you…”.
      Ferguson left Everton just days after Frank Lampard was sacked following a torrid run of results which left the team 19th in the Premier League table.
      The Toffees are expected to appoint former Burnley manager Sean Dyche as their new head coach.
      Meanwhile, Ferguson faces a huge challenge to keep Forest Green in League One.
      They sit four points adrift of safety after just five wins from 29 league games. More

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      Man Utd starlet Charlie Savage – son of Robbie – joins Forest Green Rovers on loan transfer until end of season

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      CHARLIE SAVAGE has joined League One side Forest Green Rovers on loan for the rest of the season.The Manchester United teen star, 19, has opted to carry on his development with a temporary spell away with Old Trafford under The Green’s new manager Duncan Ferguson.
      Charlie Savage has joined Forest Green on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Savage, son of ex-Leicester and Blackburn midfielder Robbie, was announced as a Rovers player this afternoon after we had revealed the transfer was on the verge of being completed earlier this week..
      Speaking to FGR media, the midfielder – who will wear the number 48 shirt – said: “I’m buzzing to be here. As soon as I found out Forest Green were interested, I just wanted to get down and get started.
      “I loved the sound of the club and I actually came down here last season for work experience under Rob Edwards. I know the people and the place really well.”
      The Wales Under-21 international is in line to make his debut for the Gloucestershire outfit away to Shrewsbury tomorrow as he looks to help them fight their way off the foot of the table.
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      Savage has made one senior appearance for United as a substitute in the Champions League 1-1 draw against Young Boys in December 2021.
      After training with Ipswich in April last year, he was also on the bench under Ralf Rangnick for the Red Devils’ final game of last season in a 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace.
      Savage went on the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia and caught the eye of new manager Erik ten Hag.
      During the World Cup, midfielder Savage also played in United’s winter friendlies against LaLiga outfits Cadiz and Real Betis on their mid-season break to Spain.
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      Savage is a box-to-box midfielder who loves a tackle and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.
      However, he’s got a bit more to his game in terms of being a creative spark and is a good passer of the ball.
      Last May, Savage was handed a contract with the Red Devils until at least 2025.
      Last season, he made 23 starts for United’s Under-18s and 19 appearances for the Under-23 side. More

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      Bury back from the dead as Shakers formally apply to play in non-league next season and plot EFL return

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      BURY could finally be back up and running next season after the expelled EFL club yesterday formally submitted an application to play non-league.The Shakers — who were formed in 1885 — have submitted a business plan to the FA setting a target of returning to the EFL by 2031 and are likely to be placed in the North West Counties League.
      SunSport can reveal Bury have applied to rejoin the football pyramidCredit: PA
      The club were booted out of the Football League in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      SunSport’s Justin Allen visited Gigg Lane and is pictured with the club’s applicationCredit: The Sun
      A friendly against a Premier League or EFL club has been pencilled in for July 1Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bury’s last season in football saw them clinch promotion to League One at Tranmere
      Club sources have revealed to SunSport that they already have experienced and successful non-league managers who have applied to build a team with a friendly at Gigg Lane against either a Premier League or EFL club pencilled in for July 1.
      Bury have not kicked a ball at their spiritual home since 2019 when the then League One team were controversially booted out after previous owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a subsequent takeover bid collapsed — ending their proud 125-year EFL membership.
      But in October 2021 the Bury Football Club Supporters Society successfully purchased the Bury FC name, intellectual property, history, memorabilia and, crucially, their Gigg Lane stadium from the club’s administrators.
      In that time since, the stadium, which suffered vandalism and decay while it sat dormant, has been slowly but surely spruced up, mostly thanks to the help of volunteers and local businesses offering their services, hardware and equipment for free. As well as benefactors donating funds to the project.
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      SunSport has seen the impressive 230-page application that has left virtually no stone unturned as the club detail how they plan to grow steadily from a non-league team to eventually restoring their EFL status.
      The North West Counties League are tiers nine and 10 of English football’s pyramid so the club would need to win a minimum of five promotions to return to the EFL.
      Already the club are renting space inside the stadium with plans in place to install more office space to hire out.
      The ground has been opened up for community use and already 39,000 people have passed through the doors — whether it be playing football, using the community hub, watching legends games, local league cup finals and women’s football. The ground has also hosted kids’ soccer camps in the summer.
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      Bury will be installing a new pitch in March and April before hoping to host local cup finals before final preparations are made for the new season.
      The club is making its application under the name Bury Community United Football Club but are hopeful the FA will ratify its bid to be called Bury FC from the onset.
      The club, however, will be able to rebrand itself to Bury FC in 18 months anyway.
      Bury Football Club Supporters Society were handed a £1million government grant from its levelling-up fund to purchase Gigg Lane and develop the stadium for community use.
      So far, despite no first-team fixtures, they have turned over £133,000 with £50,000 in the bank.The community club will use the German model of being 51 per cent fan owned with 49 per cent made up of investors. This is to safeguard it from being taken over by rogue owners. More

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      League One farce as ref sends off WRONG Bolton player for apparent punch vs Forest Green with fans and players bemused

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      THERE were farcical scenes in League One on Tuesday evening after a ref sent off the wrong player.Bolton vs Forest Green was marred by the referee showing red to the host’s Dion Charles.
      Bolton’s Dion Charles was wrongly shown a red card instead of Elias Kachunga against Forest GreenCredit: Getty

      Kachunga appeared to punch an opponent as Charles focused on the footballCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The two sides clashed on a freezing night at the University of Bolton Stadium.
      And the hosts got off to a flyer when Charles fired them ahead with just six minutes on the clock.
      However, the fan favourite soon became the victim of mistaken identity when he was shown a straight red card in the 28th minute.
      Charles was merely a bystander when an incident occurred between team-mate Elias Kachunga and Forest Green defender Brandon Cooper.
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      The pair tangled in the box as Charles waited for a ball to be played in.
      And video replay showed Kachunga appearing to punch his opponent in the midriff.
      But as play was paused by the linesman, referee Tom Nield got the wrong end of the stick.
      Instead of making a beeline for Kachunga, the official instead made his way over to Charles.
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      Charles’ night started well when he scored a sixth minute openerCredit: Getty
      Despite playing with 10 men for over an hour, Bolton held on for a 1-0 winCredit: Getty
      The prolific striker was having a drink of water on the sideline when Nield showed him a red card, prompting major confusion.
      Fans chanted “you’re not fit to referee” as Charles protested his innocence to no avail.
      And many others flooded Twitter to question the decision, including Bolton’s official account.
      The admin uploaded a post saying: “Dion Charles has been sent off. Some confusion around the ground, we’re not sure what’s happened there!?”
      Jokers Specsavers got in on the fun, replying: “We’re heading over immediately.”
      One fan declared: “EFL unfit for purpose. 100 per cent appeal that.”
      Another noted: “Unbelievable that Kachunga hasn’t owned up it’s him after seeing the red card.”
      One added: “Of all the mistakes to make, sends off our top scorer and leaves our worst player on.”
      Bolton boss Ian Evatt was stunned by the decision.
      He said afterwards: “We cannot deny that Elias has let everybody down, showing that lack of discipline is not acceptable and he’s apologised to the group.
      “For the linesman to spot it is a good spot but then to get a player involved and sent off who was 15 yards away from the incident is baffling.
      “There is enough finance in the game for us to be able to have VAR for every division in the English pyramid. This is equally important to us as it is to any Premier League team.”
      Despite being a man down for the rest of the game, Bolton managed to hold on to their slim advantage despite a second-half push from the visitors.
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      It saw Bolton end the game with just 37 per cent possession, but more crucially with all three points.
      Bolton remain fifth in the League One table as a result, with Forest Green still bottom. More

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      ‘A disgrace’ – Sheff Wed ace Bannan slams yobs who caused ‘six-figure damage’ after setting car on fire on pitch

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY star Barry Bannan has blasted the yobs that caused “six-figure damage” to a new football pitch belonging to the club’s Community Programme.The new facility opened on Claywheels Lane near their Hillsborough stadium just three weeks ago.
      Sheff Wed’ star Barry Bannan has slammed yobs who have caused damage to a new training pitchCredit: Rex
      Complete with floodlights, the full-size 3G pitch has now been ruined by arsonists.
      Sheffield Wednesday’s women’s team played on the surface on Sunday afternoon.
      However, just hours later a car was driven into the facility and set on fire on the pitch.
      Marcus Brameld, the Head of SWFC’s Community Programme, told the Star: “It’s awful.
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      “The facility has been so well received since it opened, and we’ve had Sheffield Wednesday Ladies playing on it, as well as loads of members of the community – kids and otherwise.”
      And after news broke, the League One club’s captain Bannan took to Twitter to lay into those responsible.
      The 33-year-old Scotland international tweeted: “This is a disgrace to do this to such a good place for the community. Hopefully we find out who it is and justice is served.
      “For somebody to break in, drive a car into the middle of the pitch and set it alight is abhorrent.
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      “We’ll now be out of action for weeks while it’s repaired, and the only people losing out are those that want to use it.
      “The police have been notified and we have CCTV, so that’s now being scrutinised.
      “It’s just really disappointing, and we’re all devastated at what’s happened.”
      Wednesday’s first team squad trained at the facility last week ahead of their victory over Fleetwood Town.
      The Owls are pushing for promotion back to the Championship.
      They are currently second in the table, seven points clear of third-placed Ipswich and three behind leaders Plymouth Argyle.  More

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      Man Utd star Shola Shoretire completes Bolton loan transfer as Erik ten Hag gives starlet valuable senior experience

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have loaned out prospect Shola Shoretire to Bolton.The 18-year-old has been granted a loan move to offer him senior experience for the rest of the season.
      Shola Shoretire has been sent on loan to BoltonCredit: Getty
      The teenage winger is highly-rated at Old Trafford, being named the club’s Young Player of the Year in 2020/21.
      He has starred for United’s Youth sides, netting 23 goals and adding 16 assists in 59 games for the Under 21’s, including five goals in nine games in Premier League 2 this season.

      Shoretire has also made a smattering of first team appearances since 2017.
      He made his Premier League debut in a 3-1 win over Newcastle in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was handed his European debut by the Norwegian coach in the Europa League in February that year.
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      Ralf Rangnick then kept that faith by rewarding Shoretire with his debut in the Champions League.
      However, the youngster has yet to appear under Erik ten Hag this season.
      A statement from League One side Bolton read: “Wanderers have swooped to further strengthen their attacking options with the loan signing of top Manchester United prospect Shola Shoretire.
      “Shoretire joins Wanderers for the remainder of the season as the Whites’ third new arrival of the January transfer window following the loan signing of Southampton striker Dan Nlundulu and a permanent deal for wideman Randell Williams.
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      “Shoretire’s ability to play in a number of advanced positions will increase manager Ian Evatt’s forward options for the final few months of the season as his side looks to maintain their impressive run of form which has seen them lose just once in their last 13 games.”
      The England Youth international has also appeared in the Papa Johns EFL Trophy this season, scoring as United fell to a penalty defeat against Fleetwood in the tournament’s group stage.
      The Red Devils own statement on the loan said: “The England Under-19 international has been involved in a couple of first-team squads under Erik ten Hag.
      “He was on the bench for the Premier League loss at Aston Villa in November and the Carabao Cup triumph against the same opponents soon afterwards.
      “Everybody at United will be closely monitoring Shola’s progress with Bolton and wish him the very best of luck for his time there.”
      Shoretire joins the likes of Amad Diallo, Dean Henderson, Alex Telles and Eric Bailly on loan from United this season.
      From the club’s academy, the likes of Hannibal Mejbri, Ethan Laird, Alvaro Fernandez and Ethan Galbraith have also been sent on loan to earn first team football. More

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      Arsenal fined £40k for player conduct during FA Cup tie at Oxford… days after identical fine for Newcastle clash

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      ARSENAL have been fined for their players’ conduct during the FA Cup clash at Oxford.This comes shortly after the Premier League leaders were handed a similar punishment against Newcastle this month.
      Arsenal have been fined for their players’ conduct in the FA Cup against OxfordCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
      The Gunners have been slapped with a £40,000 penalty by the FA after their 3-0 win in their third-round tie at the Kassam Stadium.
      The North Londoners were charged last week for failing to ensure their players acted in an orderly manner during the first half against the League One outfit.
      Mikel Arteta’s players surrounded the referee as they appealed for a penalty after Albert Sambi Lokonga’s shot appeared to be blocked by an Oxford hand.
      A statement from the FA claims Arsenal denied the allegation and requested a hearing.
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      It read: “Arsenal FC has been fined £40,000 after its players surrounded a match official during the FA Cup tie against Oxford United FC on Monday 9 January 2023.
      “Arsenal FC denied an allegation from The FA that the club had failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 34th minute, and the club also requested a hearing.
      “An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently upheld the allegation and imposed the club’s fine. Its written reasons for these decisions will be published in due course.”
      Arsenal were also fined £40,000 after a goalless draw with Newcastle at the beginning of the month.
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      On that occasion, the Gunners accepted the charge for failing to ensure their players acted in an orderly manner in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the Emirates.
      The North Londoners are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table with Manchester City second.
      They are set to face Manchester United in a crucial clash on Sunday. More

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      Football fans get excited that Jose Mourinho was set to become new Portsmouth boss… only for hopes to be dashed

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      FOOTBALL fans were hilariously left confused after believing Jose Mourinho was set to become the new Portsmouth manager.The south-coast side are still searching for a head coach after sacking Danny Cowley earlier this month.
      Fans thought Jose Mourinho was being linked with the Portsmouth jobCredit: Getty
      John Mousinho is leading the race to succeed Danny Cowley at PompeyCredit: Getty
      According to Sky Sports, the League One outfit have made Oxford first-team coach John Mousinho their No1 target.
      But the interest in the 36-year-old, who is also still a player at Oxford AND chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association, has left some football supporters in a muddle.
      At first glance, several fans thought it was former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager Mourinho that was being lined up to take over at third-tier Portsmouth.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Jose: I see what your parents did there 🧐”.
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      While another added: “Had to read that twice!”
      Specsavers’ official Twitter account then got involved, replying: “Definitely didn’t read this as Jose Mourinho”.
      To which someone else responded: “I did, can I please have a free eye test? 🙃”
      Portsmouth have dropped to 15th place in League One following a run of 10 games without a win.
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      Meanwhile, Mourinho’s Roma currently sit sixth in the Serie A table, three points adrift of the top four.
      And the self-professed Special One recently revealed he rejected the Portugal job following Fernando Santos’ exit – a role Roberto Martinez eventually landed.
      The ex-Real Madrid boss said: “The fact the president of the FPF said that I was not his first choice, but his only choice, makes me proud.
      “But I decided not to go. I’m here and that’s what matters.”
      Mourinho is under contract with Roma until the end of the 2023-24 season. More