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    Top footballer punched woman, 60, and left her unable to speak in bloody queue row at nightclub

    A FORMER Premier League footballer is facing jail after he punched a 60-year-old woman and left her covered in blood following a nightclub row.Marcus Maddison insulted the victim’s daughter before launching the brutal assault which left the older woman unable to speak due to her facial injuries.
    Maddison started out at Newcastle but played most matches for PeterboroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Maddison attacked his victim after spending time at The Gate nightclub in DarlingtonCredit: The Gate/Facebook
    The attack happened after the ex-pro – who rose through the youth ranks at Newcastle United – left The Gate nightclub in Darlington in the early hours of September 25 last year.
    Teesside Crown Court has now heard how he got into a row with two women for apparently jumping the queue in a kebab shop close to the nightclub in County Durham.
    Prosecutor Robin Turton told how Maddison threatened: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you.”
    Mr Turton added: “As the defendant threw the chips he fell backwards and he punched the victim with his right clenched fist.
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    “There was a steady stream of blood coming from what appeared to be a broken nose. She was unable to speak due to her injuries.
    “The victim was taken to hospital and a CT scan revealed complex midfacial bone fractures.
    “She reported that she continues to suffer numbness to the teeth, diminished sense of taste and smell and is now reluctant to go out on her own.”
    Maddison was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
    Most read in Football
    He now faces sentencing on August 8.
    The judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, extended his unconditional bail while an updated victim impact statement is prepared and a medical carried out on the victim.
    The 29-year-old midfielder scored 52 goals in more than 200 appearances during a six-year stint at League One side Peterborough United.
    He also played for former Premier League sides Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
    He also won two caps in 2014 for England C, the team representing the country for non-league level footballers.
    Maddison signed for National League North club Darlington in June last year but had his contract ripped up days after the assault.
    Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
    “After discussions with the player concerned, the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
    “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.
    “It would be inappropriate for Darlington FC to comment further at this time.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Maddison took time off from football in March 2001 for mental health reasons, having played ten matches for Bolton on their way to promotion from League Two.
    Speaking a year later, he said: “Things didn’t go well at Bolton and, headspace, I just wasn’t in the right way to play football anymore.” More

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    Fans ‘pack their bags’ after discovering amazing city where streets are named after football teams – is yours included?

    FOOTBALL fans have unearthed an incredible place where the streets are named after English football teams.This amazing area can be found in the city of McKinney, located in Collin County, TX, USA – roughly 32 miles north of Texas capital Dallas.
    The city in America has an uncanny amount of names belonging to football clubs
    Mckinney in Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA.
    After the astonishing find, fans have been declaring their intention to cross the pond and live on a road named after their team.
    Exactly why the streets have been named after the English clubs is unclear – but more importantly – has your side been included?
    Kicking things off in the Premier League, Fulham are one team to get a mention with the street name Fulham Lane.
    Newly-promoted Sheffield United and local rivals Sheffield Wednesday get a feature with their own Sheffield Drive, while Burnley Drive can also be found right off Fulham.
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    Another set of local rivals, Bristol City and Rovers also have a place in the City with Bristol Drive.
    Championship sides Southampton, Millwall and Preston are named too, with Southampton Drive, Millwall Drive and Preston Lane respectively.
    Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are there too, though a misspelling of the road – Middlesborough Drive – being spelt like the location rather than the club left a couple of fans fuming.
    One fan wrote: “And OBVIOUSLY they spelled Middlesbrough incorrectly.”
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    The city has names from all across the English football pyramid
    As of 2020 it had a population just shy of 200,000
    While a second typed: “Aaaand they f***ed up and spelt Middlesbrough wrong 😬.”
    Relegated Championship sides Reading and Blackpool are in the City too with Reading Drive and Blackpool Parkway.
    From League One, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury can also be found.
    There is even a property currently for sale on Port Vale Drive, with houses in the area selling for around £400,000.
    League Two sides also have some resident street names, namely Crawley and Gillingham.
    In Non-League there is even a mention of Dagenham and Redbridge with Redbridge Lane.
    One fan added on Twitter: “All I want in life is to live on Port Vale Drive.”
    While another wrote: “Packing my bags.”
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    In 2017 McKinney was named the third fastest-growing city in the States, and as of 2020 has a population of 195,308.
    That number may swell even more with a flood of football fans now plotting a move over. More

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    Barnsley face points deduction and huge fine as EFL find them guilty of FIVE rule breaches after play-off heartbreak

    BARNSLEY have been charged with FIVE breaches of EFL regulations.The EFL have found the club guilty of breaches concerning its ownership.
    Barnsley have been charged with five breaches of EFL regulationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged by the EFLCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The EFL have said that the Tykes have failed to provide the league with “correct and/or complete information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares in the club” despite a request for the information by the League.
    Barnsley have also been charged with failing to provide “necessary notifications regarding the ownership position” and “failing to publish accurate information on the club’s website concerning the ultimate owners of the significant interest”.
    The other two charges include “allowing individuals to acquire a position of control without prior clearance from the EFL” and “failing to act towards the League with the utmost good faith”.
    Former club directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged with “causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations”.
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    Barnsley, Paul Conway and Chien Lee have 14 days to respond to the charges.
    The EFL could hand Barnsley a points deduction and a heavy fine.
    Reading are one club that have been the subject of similar punishments from the EFL in recent times.
    Barnsley have since released a statement addressing the charges in which it confirmed that they were the result of an investigation initiated by the club itself.
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    The club could face a fine and a points deductionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It read: “The charges announced by the EFL today are the result of an investigation initiated by the club following an internal review into the shareholdings of former directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee.
    “After bringing the issue to the attention of the EFL, the club has fully cooperated with the investigation at every stage and will continue to do so, as appropriate.
    “The steps taken by the club to instigate and then ensure a thorough investigation into the issue underline Barnsley FC’s commitment to compliance with the EFL’s regulations.
    “The club will await the EFL’s sanctioning decision and will comment further in due course.”
    Barnsley finished fourth in League One last season but missed out on promotion after losing to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final. More

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    Iconic former Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable as a building site with one stand demolished

    AN ICONIC former Premier League stadium currently looks unrecognisable with one stand demolished.Renovation work is currently ongoing at the 20,899-capacity venue to modernise the ground.
    The former Premier League stadium looks unrecognisableCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
    The stadium has been turned into a building siteCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
    Work is ongoing on one of the standsCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
    Although it hosted Premier League football for seven consecutive seasons, the stadium has not been a top-flight venue since 2010.
    However, Fratton Park is now unrecognisable as Portsmouth continue to redevelop their famous home.
    New footage of the work, which began in 2020, shows that the Milton End has been transformed into a building site.
    Following work on the North and South Stands in 2020, the Milton End is now having its capacity increased to 3,200.
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    Seats and the control room have been demolished in the stand to allow space to fill the corner to the neighbouring North Stand.
    A new control room will then be constructed behind the new seats, which will be covered by a roof.
    Entrances at both ends of the stand are also being built, along with freshly installed ladies’ toilets for supporters.
    As part of plans to transition to safe standing, concrete terraces are being installed in the Milton End.
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    The concourse is also being extended and new turnstiles have been added at both entrances to the stand.
    Pompey will be keeping their famous entrance at the corner of the Fratton End and South Stand despite the renovation of the stadium.
    The unique design of the League One ground has even allowed local residents to see the pitch from their gardens.
    Seats have been removed from the Milton End at Fratton ParkCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC
    Portsmouth are renovating their Fratton Park homeCredit: YouTube / Portsmouth FC More

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    Former Premier League boss Darren Moore makes shock EXIT from Sheffield Wednesday despite winning promotion

    DARREN MOORE has left Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent.The manager leaves the club having just won promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs last month.
    Darren Moore has left Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA
    Moore won promotion to the Championship with the club in MayCredit: Alamy
    He has been in charge since 2021Credit: Alamy
    Moore’s side beat Barnsley in the final at Wembley thanks to an extra-time goal from Josh Windass.
    They made it to the final after pulling off an historic comeback against Peterborough in the semi-finals.
    However, the former West Brom manager will not be in charge next season after leaving the club by mutual consent following two years in the role.
    Moore’s backroom staff will also depart the club following his exit.
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    Chairman Dejphon Chansiri revealed the decision was made as both the club and Moore agreed that it was the “right time” to part ways.
    He told club media: “Both parties believe that now is the right time we go our separate ways.
    “The journey of Sheffield Wednesday with Darren has been in many ways unique and always as a team. In the football industry, journeys come to an end and now is that time, which we both agree.
    “The mutual respect we have for each other is immense on a personal and professional basis and I offer my sincere thanks for the dedication and commitment Darren has given to our club.
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    “Darren will always be welcome at Hillsborough.”
    Speaking on his time at the Owls, Moore admitted that he is happy that he managed to achieve promotion to the Championship with the club.
    He said in a statement as his exit was revealed: “I would like to take this time to acknowledge the chairman, Mr Chansiri, for giving me the opportunity to manage this great football club in Sheffield Wednesday, it’s been a journey in every sense.
    “Both the chairman and myself have been determined to get this club back into the Championship. I’m delighted this has been achieved, and I hope the football club continues to develop and will soon fulfil the dream of mine, which was to take them back to the Premier League where they belong.
    “I would like to thank all the players, past and present, that I have had the joy of working with over my time here.
    “For the many hours spent on the training ground and in the classroom, I thank you all. The staff who have worked so hard day in, day out, I thank you for your commitment and help throughout my campaign.
    “Now to the loyal fantastic fans, all you Wednesdayites, I want to thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart. With all your support and passion we have created history this season and achieved our goal of promotion.”This was most apparent during the second leg of the play-offs at Hillsborough when so many people around the country thought it wasn’t possible, we rallied together to achieve the impossible.
    “Also the scenes I witnessed from the technical area at Wembley, especially for the winning goal, will be images I will never forget.
    “Onwards and upwards to you all at SWFC and please stay together as one. WAWAW.”

    Wednesday have also confirmed that the club is already on the hunt for the next manager.
    More to follow…
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Forgotten former Chelsea wonderkid who’s now unemployed closing in on transfer to tenth club

    FORMER Chelsea prospect Josh McEachran is reportedly set to join League One side Oxford United.The English midfielder, 30, came through the Blues’ academy set-up at Stamford Bridge.
    Josh McEachran came through Chelsea’s academy and left the club in 2015Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    He has featured for a host of Football League clubs since departing Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    He made 22 first-team appearances for the Premier League giants – including 17 during their 2010/11 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti.
    Loan spells with Swansea, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan and Dutch club Vitesse followed over the next four years.
    He eventually left Stamford Bridge permanently in 2015, penning a deal with Brentford who were in the Championship at the time.
    After four seasons and more than 100 games for the Bees, McEachran joined Birmingham for one season in 2019.
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    A stint at League One outfit MK Dons followed, before he left on a free in the summer.
    But he looks set to be snapped up quickly by another third-tier side, Oxford United.
    According to BBC Radio Oxford, they are “close” to signing him on a free transfer.
    McEachran was born in Oxford and played for the Oxford Mail Boys team as a youngster before being scouted by Chelsea.
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    He has played 13 games for England’s U21 side – the last of which came in 2021.
    But he has never received a call-up to the senior team.
    Oxford finished 19th in League One last season, narrowly avoiding relegation by two points. More

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    Sunderland star Jack Diamond appears in court charged with rape and sexual assault

    SUNDERLAND star Jack Diamond has today appeared in court charged with rape and sexual assault.The 23-year-old is accused of attacking a woman on two separate occasions at a home in Tyne and Wear.
    Jack Diamond, pictured in court previously, denied sexual assaultCredit: NCJMedia
    Diamond has been suspended from SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Diamond appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today where he denied one count of sexual assault.
    The winger did not enter a plea to the one count of rape he is also charged with.
    A provisional trial date was set for January 2, 2024, with Diamond released on bail.
    The alleged offences are said to have taken place between May 6 and May 9 last year.
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    Diamond was on loan at League One club Lincoln City, who have since terminated his contract, when he was charged.
    The forward has also been suspended from Sunderland while the criminal case continues.
    A spokesperson said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    “The player has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the judicial process, and his loan agreement at Lincoln City Football Club has also been terminated.
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    “As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time.”
    Diamond made 45 appearances for Sunderland including when they won the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley in 2021.
    He scored eight times in 36 matches for League One club Lincoln last season.
    His rep previously released a statement, saying: “Jack Diamond strenuously denies the allegations which have been made against him.
    “Jack is looking forward to clearing his name in court.”
    Diamond his contract terminated at Lincoln where he was on loanCredit: Getty More

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    Sheffield Wednesday 1 Barnsley 0 – League One play-off final LIVE RESULT: Windass wins promotion for Owls at Wembley

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have been promoted back to the Championship after Josh Windass’ winner at the death.The tie required extra time at Wembley and the Owls forward hit the back of the net with an excellent header in the 123rd minute.
    Barnsley were down to ten men for a large majority of the game after Adam Phillips was dismissed for a challenge on Lee Gregory.

    RESULT: Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Barnsley (AET)
    Sheffield Wednesday XI: Dawson, Ihiekwe, James, Palmer, Paterson, Bannan, Johnson, Windass, Gregory, Smith.
    Barnsley XI: Isted, Williams, Kitching, Andersen, Cadden, Kane, B Thomas, Phillips, Tedic, Cole, Connell.

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    Stay up to date with all the latest from Wembley…
    That’s all from Wembley
    Sheffield Wednesday made it to the Championship after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Barnsley at extra-time in the League One play off final at Wembley.
    The Tykes put together a defiant performance after controversially losing Adam Phillips in the 49th minute following a two-lrgged tackle on Lee Gregory.
    Wednesday thought they sealed the win during extra-time when Will Vaulks scored a wonderful long-range shot in the 16th minute of extra-time.
    But the linesman deemed there was an offisde in the build-up and devastated the Owls’ hopes.
    But just when it looked like the game was heading to penalties, Josh Windass caught a stunning cross from Gregory down the left and finally beat Harry Isted with a diving header in the third minute of stoppage time.
    That’s all from us at SunSport, have a lovely evening!
    Credit: PA
    Sheffield Wednesday have done it
    It took two hours of football, but Sheffield Wednesday have done it.
    Just when it looked like the game was heading to a penalty shoot-out, Wednesday won it at the death to deny a defiant Barnsley.
    Josh Windass’ winner has officially sent them back to the Championship.
    Celebrations are in full gear at Wembley!
    Credit: Rex
    Credit: Rex
    Dramatic Wembley Finale
    The League One play off final between Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley was riddled in drama.
    A red card in the second half, a winner that was chalked off for offside and a late goal just before penalties.
    There weren’t many goals, but this goes down as a Wembley classic.
    Here are some key moments:
    Credit: Reuters
    Credit: Rex
    Credit: Rex
    Credit: Rex
    Sheffield Wednesday vs Barnsley stats
    Sheffield Wednesday dominated 54 per cent of possession in their dramatic League One play off final.
    Wednesday produced 22 shots, eight of which were on target.
    Barnsley, on the other hand, registered nine shots, two of which were on target.
    More below:

    FT: Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Barnsley
    Sheffield Wednesday have made it to the Championship after a dramatic victory over Barnsley at extra-time in the League One play off final at Wembley.
    The Tykes put together a defiant performance after losing Adam Phillips in the 49th minute following a two-lrgged tackle on Lee Gregory.
    Wednesday thought they sealed the win during extra-time when Will Vaulks scored a wonderful long-range shot in the 16th minute of extra-time, but the linesman deemed there was an offisde in the build-up.
    Just when it looked like the game was heading to penalties, Josh Windass caught a stunning cross from Gregory down the left and finally beat Harry Isted in the third minute of stoppage time.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Getty
    FT: Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Barnsley
    Peep!
    All over at Wembley!!!
    123 Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Barnsley
    They’ve done it!
    Just when it looked we’re going to penalties, Gregory delivered a stunning cross from the left and found Windass completely unmarked.
    The forward then produced a marvellous diving header to beat the incredible Isted!
    Absolute scenes on the Wednesday end, Barnsley are absolutely heartbroken…
    123 Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Barnsley
    Goal!
    Windass has done it for Sheffield Wednesday!!!

    120 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Barsnley ace Norwood appears to have picked up an injury.
    He almost comes off to be replaced by Cundy, but he will stay and take on a penalty!
    Three more minutes of stoppage time to go!
    117 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Chance!
    Barnsley captain Andersen produces a captain’s block as he denies Gregory’s shot from a very close and promising position!
    116 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Substitution
    Bannan’s evening is over, as he is replaced by Dele-Bashiru.
    A standing ovation for the Sheffield Wednesday captain as he exits the pitch.
    115 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Sheffield Wednesday Bannan is back on the pitch, but he is really struggling.
    And he ultimately goes back down to the ground and concedes he can’t continue…
    113 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Sheffield Wednesday ace Palmer is lucky to avoid a yellow card after pushing Norwood to the ground.
    Meanwhile, captain Bannan is receiving treatment, he would be so gutted if he couldn’t continue…
    110 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    The game has paused as the referee is readjusting the linesman’s communication equipment.
    Sheffield Wednesday are looking to fight back after the earlier heartbreak.
    106 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    No goal!
    Sheffield Wednesday ace Vaulks scores with a stunning shot a few yards off the area.
    He then celebrates by doing a cartwheel but the linesman deemed there was an offside in the build-up.
    106 Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Barnsley
    Goal!
    But the flag is up!!!
    106 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Substitution
    Barnsley boss Duff brings on Watters who replaces Cadden.
    Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Peep!
    Off we go again at Wembley!!!
    HT: Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Peep!
    That’s half-time at extra-time!!!
    105 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Chance
    Sheffield Wednesday ace Smith tries a backward header but sends it over the bar.
    One more minute of stoppage time to go.
    105 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Substitution
    Sheffield Wednesday boss Moore introduces Hunt, who replaces James.
    103 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    What a chance!
    Barnsley break perfectly and Thomas sets Connell up perfectly with the goal wide open.
    But he delivers a terrible shot that leads to a free-kick! How did he miss that…?!
    102 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    What a chance!
    Sheffield Wednesday captain Bannan tries a stunning shot from the edge of the box but catches a deflection and just misses Isted’s bottom right corner.
    100 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    Barsnley have been remarkable at Wembley as they play with a man down.
    But they still have a lot to thank Isted for, stunning performance!
    99 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
    What a chance!
    Sheffield Wednesday come a whisker away from breaking the deadlock as Smith gets a foot in front of Isted who shows incredible reflexes and palms it away.
    Isted has been sensational today!
    Load more entries… More