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      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid Josh McEachran signs for League One side MK Dons on free transfer after impressing during training

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      FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Josh McEachran has sealed a move to MK Dons on his 28th birthday.
      The midfielder had been training with the 14th-place League One club since leaving Birmingham in late January.

      Josh McEachran has joined MK Dons on a free transfer after leaving BirminghamCredit: Rex Features

      And McEachran has now secured a contract until the end of the season after impressing boss Russell Martin.
      The 13-time England Uunder-21s ace will wear the No5 shirt for Dons and will be hoping to feature against Gillingham tomorrow night.
      McEachran started his career at Stamford Bridge and was the original poster boy for Roman Abramovich’s budding Chelsea academy.
      However, he made just 22 appearances for the Blues, mainly as a sub.

      And McEachran eventually worked his way through five clubs on loan, taking in spells at Swansea, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan and Vitesse.
      McEachran finally found a permanent home with Brentford in 2015 and went on to play 101 times before moving to Birmingham in 2019.
      However, injuries limited McEachran to just ten games.
      And he is now hoping to rediscover his form at Stadium MK.

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      McEachran told the Dons’ official site: “I’m thankful for the opportunity that the gaffer has given me and I just can’t wait to get started.
      “I came here to keep fit but everyone has been fantastic with me. The way the gaffer wants to play is suited to me. I like to get on the ball as much as possible and dictate play so it felt like a perfect fit.
      “I have been out for a little while now but this is the fittest and strongest I’ve felt for a long time. Hopefully I can get back to playing regular football and help the team out.”

      Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea tried everything to win despite ultimate goalless draw with Man Utd More

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      Shrewsbury manager Steve Cotterill re-admitted to hospital with Covid-pneumonia just weeks after returning home

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      SHREWSBURY boss Steve Cotterill has been re-admitted to hospital due to suffering from Covid-pneumonia.
      The 56-year-old returned home from the hospital on February 16 after spending time in an ICU unit.

      Steve Cotterill has been re-admitted to hospital due to suffering from Covid-pneumoniaCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, he returned to hospital over the weekend as he is suffering from Covid-pneumonia. 
      His No2 at Shrewsbury, Aaron Wilbraham, said: “For somebody who has never missed a day’s work in his life, this will hit the manager really hard.
      “He’s one of the strongest and toughest people I know, and I know he’ll get through this Covid-pneumonia.”
      Wilbraham and David Longwell will continue taking charge of the League One club’s first-team until Cotterill’s return.

      It was reported last month that Cotterill was still recovering after a period in intensive care while fighting coronavirus.
      Cotterill was one of around 20 positive cases within the club and was later taken ill.
      He was then moved into an ICU but appeared to be on the mend and was released home.
      Cotterill joined Shrewsbury in November as he replaced Sam Ricketts.

      Aaron Wilbrahim was pictured on the phone to Cotterill before Saturday’s game at AccringtonCredit: Getty

      After an unbeaten run in December, he received the manager of the month award.
      Shrewsbury beat Oxford in the FA Cup second round, but their trip to Southampton was postponed after they were hit with a coronavirus outbreak.
      The FA and Premier League made room for the game to go ahead, after initial fears the Saints would get a by.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Paul Lambert leaves Ipswich with ex-Wigan chief Paul Cook set to take over Tractor Boys

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      IPSWICH boss Paul Lambert has parted company with the club by mutual consent.
      Former Portsmouth and Wigan boss Paul Cook, 54, who resigned from the Lactics in July last year, is set to take over.

      Paul Lambert and Ipswich Town have parted company by mutual consentCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ipswich Town has today parted company with manager Paul Lambert by mutual consent.The Club thanks Paul for his efforts while in charge at Portman Road, and wishes him well for the future.👇 #itfc
      — Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) February 28, 2021

      Lambert, 51, was appointed in October 2018 and of his 113 games in charge he only won 37.
      He took charge with the Tractor Boys bottom of the Championship and despite having 31 games to save them, they remained bottom through to the end of the season.
      Last season they looked a good bet to return to the second tier when they were top of the table but a dip in form saw them eventually finish 11th when the programme was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic .
      The current campaign has followed a similar path, with Lambert leading his side to the top of the table early on before results again deteriorated.

      They recently staged a mini revival and Lambert departs with his team suffering just one defeat in their last seven league games.
      But his relationship with supporters deteriorated rapidly in recent months and he leaves with the club at its lowest point in 67 years.
      Lambert, who has recovered after contracting coronavirus, admitted on Saturday after the home defeat of Doncaster that he was 99 per cent certain he would not keep his job if a rumoured £30million takeover went through.
      Lambert also joked about Cook being sat in his office when he arrived at Portman Road on Saturday morning.

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      Paul Cook is set to take charge at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ipswich owner Marcus Evans thanked Lambert for his service in a statement on Sunday night.
      He said via the club’s official website: “I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to Paul and Stuart for their services to Ipswich Town over the last two and half years.
      “I have enjoyed a healthy working relationship with Paul in our time together and he has brought a lot of positive aspects to the Club.
      “I know he has his thoughts on what is needed to take Ipswich Town forward and I respect his opinions but this year has – with the pandemic and no real income for the Club –  been the biggest financial challenge we have faced in my time as owner.
      “It has, however, become clear after holding discussions over the last few days that there are significant differences of opinion as to the order of immediate priorities and we agreed it was best for us to part company. 
      “I would like to wish both Paul and Stuart the best in the future.”

      Ipswich vs Northampton ref Darren Drysdale squares up to Town ace Alan Judge in heated clash More

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      Wigan’s Funso Ojo believes US Capitol ‘riot’ may be GOOD for Black Lives Matter

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      FUNSO Ojo admits he was thankful when people ‘rioted’ at the US Capitol building as it could be good for his career – by bringing the fight against racism in stark focus.
      However, he can understand why Wilfried Zaha describes taking a knee before matches as ‘degrading.’

      Wigan’s Funso Ojo is a passionate supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement

      The Wigan midfielder has been the victim of monkey chants during his time in Holland and is a passionate believer in the Black Lives Matter movement.
      And when former President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol building, and the way it was dealt with, he was thankful as it showed why the cause exists in clear vision.
      Ojo, on loan from Aberdeen, said: “What happened in the Capitol was probably the best thing that could’ve happened for us of different nationalities and colours.
      “Now people understand what we were talking and complaining about as there was a massive difference in how that situation got handled.

      “The day after it happened, the physio at Aberdeen said, ‘Now that’s happened, I understand the Black Lives Matter movement. I see what you mean.’

      Ojo believes the Capitol riot may prove a good thing for the Black Lives Matter movementCredit: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
      “He was like, ‘It can’t be that bad,’ but that was a pure riot and nothing happened. That’s when he said, ‘Now I understand.’
      “I’ll still take a knee as racism is still there – if anything it’s not getting better.
      “Tendayi Darikwa here says he won’t do it any more, he’s on the same page as Zaha but it’s a personal matter, I can see where Wilfried is coming from.

      “But I look at where it started with Colin Kaepernick in the NFL and what it stood for at the start. I understand what Wilfried’s saying but it’s a symbol and a message.

      Ojo admits he thinks about Colin Kaepernick taking the knee when people say Black Lives Matter is losing its relevanceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “Those type of players in the public eye still get a lot of messages, maybe more now as it’s in the public eye. So maybe they think, ‘It’s not doing anything.’”
      Belgian Ojo, 29, swapped life in Aberdeen for crisis club Wigan but the way things operate, he would not know the club is in administration.
      And he is adamant they can still stay in League One, even though they face leaders Peterborough today.
      But while he believes the competition in England’s third tier is stronger and deeper than the Scottish Premiership, the air is worse in Greater Manchester.

      Ojo admits he felt like he was on Peaky Blinders when he mistook a strong Scouse accent at Wigan for a Birmingham oneCredit: BBC
      Some of the accents around the place also take some getting used to.
      Ojo, who himself has a slight Scottish twang, added: “There are too many Scousers here, all I hear is, ‘All right, all right, all right.’
      “I thought our assistant coach had a Birmingham accent at first but apparently it’s a string scouse accent.
      “When he spoke, I felt like I was in Peaky Blinders!” More

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      Joey Barton confirmed as Bristol Rovers manager as he makes swift return to dugout a month after ugly Fleetwood sacking

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      JOEY BARTON is the new Bristol Rovers manager.
      The former midfielder, 38, replaces Paul Tisdale at the Memorial Stadium on a contract until 2023.

      Joey Barton is back in management after taking the Bristol Rovers jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barton spent two-and-a-half years as Fleetwood boss between June 2018 and his ugly departure last month.
      He won 51 of his 128 games in charge with the Cod Army.
      Now the one-cap England international is tasked with keeping Rovers in League One.
      The Gas are currently 18th in the table, one of three teams on 27 points and just two clear of the relegation zone.

      Barton has been joined by assistant manager Clint Hill and first-team coach Andy Mangan.
      They will take charge of their first game when Wigan travel to the Mem tomorrow night.
      Speaking about Barton’s appointment, Bristol Rovers president Wael Al Qadi said, “We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward.
      “Joey’s experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.

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      “He’s got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.
      “We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.
      “I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future.”
      Barton was axed by Fleetwood on January 4 following a fall-out with striker Ched Evans.
      SunSport revealed Barton let the forward join Preston after alleged disciplinary breaches despite chairman Andy Pilley remaining a fan.

      The former Newcastle man also revealed the ‘disconnect’ with the League One side’s owner that led to him leaving Highbury.
      Speaking on Robbie Fowler’s podcast, Barton felt Pilley wanted to dictate transfers and admitted the pair didn’t speak for ten days before his sacking.
      In the same interview, he lifted the lid on the training ground fight with Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City – and offered the Frenchman a shot at ‘revenge’ in a charity match.
      Barton, who has served time in prison and also landed himself in hot water for stubbing a cigar out in a youth team player’s eye, was hit with a six-match ban by the Football Association in 2008 for assaulting his then Etihad team-mate on May 1, 2007.
      He was also given a four-month suspended sentence after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Dabo was left with cuts and bruises as well as a detached retina.

      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman More

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      Peterborough teenager Bobby Copping opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ decision to retire aged 19 over head injury

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      BOBBY COPPING has spoken of his heartbreak at retiring from football at the age of 19 following a serious head injury.
      The defender had only made one appearance for the club when he was hospitalised for four days after suffering the injury in July of last year.

      Bobby Copping has been forced to retire from football due to a head injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Having made a full recovery, he returned to the Peterborough bench for a game with Cambridge in November as he looked to return to action.
      However, only a week later, Copping was ruled out again with the same head injury.
      Still suffering from issues on a daily basis as a result of the injury, the teenager made the tough decision to retire to preserve his long-term health.
      On Thursday, Copping confirmed his move ahead of taking up a backroom role in the Posh academy.

      He said: “Over the last few months, I have been doing all I can to recover whilst having conversations with a specialist who had suggested I try a medication to see if that would stop the injury from reoccurring.
      “Unfortunately, this didn’t work, so that left few options open to me.
      “I have had various conversations with the club and the specialist and we all came to the same conclusion that for my long-term health and to prevent further damage, retirement from football completely was the obvious decision to make and that has been backed up by the fact I still have problems on a day to day basis because of the injury.
      “This decision was extremely heartbreaking to make and not just for me, but also for my family who have invested so much into my football journey.

      Thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      Bobby Copping

      “Words cannot describe how truly gutted that I am.
      “Firstly, I would just like to thank everyone at the club, especially the staff and my teammates for all their support in such a difficult time for myself.
      “They have been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to come through this without their support. I would also like to thank my family.
      “They have been my rock throughout this tough time. From the very start of my footballing career they have been there and it hurts a lot knowing we can’t continue my career any further.
      “Finally, thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      “Although this is a very difficult time for myself, moving forward I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to stay a part of the club.
      “I will be taking up a new role at the club as I now progress my career down the business side of things.
      “Thank you again to everyone that has been involved with my football career from the start, I am extremely gutted but anyone that knows me knows that I will bounce back from this.”

      Copping joined League One Peterborough after Bury collapsed in 2019, having previously been part of Norwich’s academy.
      Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony paid tribute to the youngster’s response to the ‘horrendous setback’ ahead of his move behind the scenes.
      He said: “Myself and everybody at the club were bitterly disappointed for Bobby and what he has been through physically and mentally.
      “He is such a lovely young man who in my mind will bounce back from this horrendous setback to have a great career in the game.
      “We are delighted that he is staying with the club and excited for the next chapter in his journey which in mind will be the making of him.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Watch referee Darren Drysdale SQUARE UP to Ipswich’s Alan Judge in heated clash at Portman Road

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      REFEREE Darren Drysdale SQUARED UP to Ipswich star Alan Judge as tempers flared in a bizarre incident against Northampton.
      The game descended into farce at Portman Road after Judge was booked for diving inside the area on 90 minutes.

      Referee Darren Drysdale appeared to put his head towards Ipswich ace Alan Judge in a moment of madness at Portman RoadCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the referee backCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at Drysdale – prompting him to push his HEAD into Judge’s face.
      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the 49-year-old referee back.
      Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport that the men in the middle “should NEVER put themselves in that position.”
      He added: “I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL”

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at DrysdaleCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Ipswich manager Paul Lambert waved his finger at the refCredit: Steve Waller
      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incident.
      The first was for a midfield tangle and then for dissent in the aftermath.
      It could have been more embarrassing for the hosts if the Cobblers, who were on top throughout, had taken one of their chances.

      Thomas Holy’s heroics came in a one-sided first half as he denied both Jack Sowerby and Peter Kioso.

      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incidentCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Halsey’s view

      DARREN DRYSDALE showed a lack of self-control when he squared up to Ipswich’s Alan Judge.

      Irrespective of what has gone before in the match, referees should never put themselves in that position.
      Discipline is vital for an official and the footage and pictures from Portman Road did not look good as players from both teams ushered the experienced Drysdale away. 
      I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL.

      The incident happened in the final stages of the contestCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Marshall also dragged an effort wide for the visitors and it took the home side almost 80 minutes to muster an effort on target.
      Alan Judge put fellow sub James Norwood clear but keeper Jonathan Mitchell used his left leg to block the shot.
      The clash finished goalless which will do little to appease the disgruntled Ipswich supporters.
      Furious fans set a fire outside the training ground during a protest calling for manager Paul Lambert to be sacked.
      Ipswich are currently 11th in League One, four points off the play-offs.

      Ipswich fans START FIRE in protest to get Paul Lambert sacked More

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      Referee Darren Drysdale facing ban after he’s charged by FA over angry clash with Ipswich’s Alan Judge

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      REF Darren Drysdale faces an FA commission and likely ban – despite making a public apology to Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge.
      Lincolnshire whistler Drysdale, 49, was charged with improper conduct by Wembley disciplinary chiefs less than 24 hours after his angry clash with the Irishman.

      Darren Drysdale is facing a likely FA ban after being charged for clashing with Ipswich Town’s Alan JudgeCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Drysdale locked heads with Judge and then seemed to square up to him in the latter stages of the Portman Road clash against Northampton.
      The astonishing scenes saw Ipswich boss Paul Lambert demanding an investigation by the EFL and FA.
      SunSport understands that Drysdale’s performance was criticised by players on both sides throughout the game.
      But the referee is said to have flipped and used foul and abusive language when Judge insisted he had been brought down and not dived in a bid to win a spot kick.

      The Ipswich midfielder responded to the episode on Wednesday night and told his club’s website that Drysdale’s reaction did not upset him.
      Judge said: “Referees have a tough job to do and it was heat of the moment stuff that happens in football.
      “The photo makes it look worse than it was and to be honest, the matter was finished with from my end as soon as I walked off the pitch.
      “I wasn’t looking for the referee to apologise; I wasn’t looking for him to be charged. There was never going to be a complaint from me and I made that clear.

      As I said in this 👇. There was no need for an apology. I wasn’t looking for one or looking for any action to be taken. In football as everybody knows stuff happens in the heat of the moment in a game. We all make mistakes and for me that is the end of this https://t.co/ujQsF9lQ4N
      — alan judge (@10judgey) February 17, 2021

      “Like I said, for me – it was finished with straight away.”
      In a statement issued through the ref’s governing body PGMOL, Drysdale said: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
      “I’m sorry that I did not do that and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
      Aston Villa’s England internationals Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish suggested the FA should let the issue blow over. 
      Mings Tweeted: “Everyone makes mistakes…..nothing to see here.”
      Grealish added: “Ah come on?! No need to apologise at all! I think it’s brilliant.”
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      But FA beaks had already opened a probe into the incident and Drysdale was charged with a breach of rule E3.
      However, in a twist, the case is being treated as neither “standard” – which would have seen a fixed sanction – nor “non-standard” because of circumstances.
      Instead, a commission will determine the next step if Judge accepts his guilt, as now seems likely, with a short ban of up to three games the anticipated punishment.

      FA rules do not allow a suspension before any hearing but it is expected PGMOL will take him off their officials’ list for this weekend pending the resolution of the case.
      The incident comes with the FA looking to scrap the current “maximum” 10-year ban for violence towards referees and allow life suspensions.
      The FA insists grassroots officials have not been put off by incidents of violence and abuse but is keen to ensure younger referees remain convinced they can progress through to the highest levels of the game.

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