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      Joey Barton refuses to accept Bristol Rovers relegation on CV after dropping into League Two despite poor spell as boss

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      JOEY BARTON believes Bristol Rovers’ relegation shouldn’t be pinned on him after the club’s drop into League Two was confirmed over the weekend.The Pirates’ fate was sealed on Saturday following the 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
      Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers side have been relegated to League Two after losing to PortsmouthCredit: Rex
      Rovers – rooted to the bottom of the League One table after 44 games – are now ten points from safety with just two fixtures left to play.
      And former Fleetwood gaffer Barton has refused to accept that relegation will be on his CV after only taking charge at the Memorial Stadium in February.
      The 38-year-old – who took over when Bristol were two points outside of the bottom four – has lost 11 out of his 16 matches, winning on just three occasions.
      Speaking to the Bristol Post, the ex-Manchester City midfielder said: “For me as a coach, it’s a strange one because deep down I don’t think I will ever accept this is a relegation on my CV, albeit it will live there forever.
      “But I’m absolutely convinced that had we had our processes and things in place, this should never happen. It should never happen.
      “It can happen to you in the top divisions if you don’t have quality in the building, but in the lower leagues you just have to be fit and organised, that’s half the battle.
      “We’ve gone down having a scrap. Portsmouth have had one shot on goal and managed to win the game.
      “We could be out here all day, we ain’t going to score a goal with what we’ve got going on at this moment.
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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      Before adding: “The sooner this season’s done and dusted, if I could finish it tomorrow and get rid of them all and a report date for pre-season, I would do.
      “But we’ve got fixtures to fulfil and we’ve got to give our all.
      “I’m really, really sad that it’s one of my teams involved in that and hopefully this is the last time this ever happens to me as a coach.” More

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      West Ham take highly-rated Portsmouth youngster Charlie Bell, 18, on trial in bid to beat Prem rivals to signing

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      WEST HAM have taken highly-rated Portsmouth youngster Charlie Bell on trial in a bid to beat a string of clubs to his signature.Playmaker Bell, 18, will spend a week training with the Hammers as he considers his options with Pompey’s financial restrictions post-pandemic meaning he is available on a free transfer.
      West Ham have taken Portsmouth’s Charlie Bell, 18, on trialCredit: Getty
      The midfielder is also being tracked by Premier League rivals Brighton, with academy director David Wright a big fan having previously worked with him while he was in a similar role at Fratton Park.
      The teenager has made two first team appearances for Pompey in the Checkatrade Trophy this season, being named man of the match on his debut.
      But with Pompey still unsure of whether they can hand deals to current senior players because their finances are so tight, Bell has been cleared to continue his career with another club.
      Elsewhere, the Hammers are said to be in the driving seat to secure Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri this summer.
      Manchester United and Liverpool are also in the race for the 23-year-old but the Champions League chasing East Londoners are said to be front-runners.
      The Hammers tried to sign En-Nesyri to replace Sebastian Haller in January.
      But their £26.7million bid was knocked back.
      David Moyes’ side remain keen and are expected to up their offer at the end of the season.
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      There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing

      But, according to Estadio Deportivo, United and Liverpool see the striker as a potential alternative to the in-demand Erling Haaland.
      Sevilla are rumoured to be willing to let go of their leading goalscorer for around £40m, despite efforts to renew his contract – although his current deal does still have four years left to run.
      The Irons are in desperate need for a striker with injury prone Michail Antonio the only recognised front man on the books.
      West Ham are also one of the clubs – along with Aston Villa – who are said to be keeping tabs on ‘sad and angry’ Tammy Abraham at Chelsea.
      And the East Londoners are also said to be hopeful of landing Eddie Nketiah from Super League charlatans Arsenal.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Tottenham and Man City will be given 2,000 tickets each for Carabao Cup final as EFL plan for 10,000 fans at play-offs

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Tottenham will each be allocated 2,000 tickets for this month’s Carabao Cup Final.EFL chiefs are also planning for crowds of up to 10,000 at the end of season play-offs.
      Manchester City and Tottenham will be allocated 2,000 tickets each for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PA
      And league bosses believe they can open up the turnstiles at all 72 EFL clubs from the start of next season.
      New chief executive Trevor Birch revealed the upbeat assessment even though the full details of what fans will need to do to be allowed in to games starting with the Wembley showpiece remain unclear.
      Birch said: “The Carabao Cup final will be 2,000 fans for either side.
      “There are a lot of discussions about other measures and fans will have to have either had a vaccination, pass a test or be immune to the virus.
      “Then for the play-off semi-finals and finals, we’re hopefully looking at 10,000 fans, although that’s not confirmed.
      “And our aspiration and goal is that, from August 6, we will be back in full stadia in line with the Government roadmap.”
      Birch added: “It’s vital for the clubs.
      “In rough numbers, clubs have lost about £250m of revenue over 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, so it’s significant in terms of gate receipts, commercial and sponsorship revenues.
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      “Getting back in front of full crowds is vital to the financial wellbeing of the clubs going forward.
      “It’s been offset by a few mitigating factors that have enabled clubs to survive, including the Championship loans and Premier League bail-out of Leagues One and Two.
      “So there were some mitigating aspects but another season behind closed doors would have been unpalatable for most of the clubs.
      “We’re trying to create certainty out of a very uncertain situation to enable the clubs to plan and give them confidence for next season and selling season tickets.”
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      Derby on verge of takeover as Erik Alonso agrees to buy club while Ipswich complete £40m sale to US investors

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      CHAMPIONSHIP side Derby are on the verge of a takeover after Erik Alonso agreed to buy the club, subject to EFL approval.Confirmed on Wednesday, the Rams were the second Football League club to change hands in just a few hours after Ipswich were sold to US investors.
      Derby will soon be under new ownership when the EFL approves Erik Alonso’s takeoverCredit: PA
      Mel Morris has been attempting to sell Derby for some time but a deal with Bin Zayed Group collapsed earlier this season.
      Talks with No Limits Sports lasted a number of weeks until a breakthrough with Spanish businessman Alonso, 29, who recently attempted to buy Sheffield Wednesday having worked at Hillsborough as an advisor.
      The East Midlands club have confirmed the purchase will be completed when Alonso passes the EFL’s Owners and Directors Test.
      A statement read: “Derby County Football Club wishes to confirm that a definitive agreement to purchase the club has been reached with No Limits Sports Limited.
      “The transaction, which is still subject to the EFL’s Owners and Directors Test approval, is expected to close in the near future.
      “As agreed with No Limits Sports there will be no further comment until the transaction is complete. This is to ensure that all of the club’s focus will be on the Championship run in.”
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      We are looking forward to working with Wayne Rooney and his team.Erik Alonso
      Alonso thanked Candy Crush millionaire Morris for a ‘quick and smooth transaction’.
      He said in a statement: “It has undoubtedly been a difficult period both on and off the pitch for the club over the last two seasons.
      “And we recognise that all of the staff have been dedicated and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the club’s first-team and academy football operations were fulfilled.
      “We are looking forward to working with Wayne Rooney and his team, and will do everything possible to support the club’s vision and ambition.”
      Derby currently sit 18th in the Championship table after a 3-1 defeat to Reading, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
      TRACTOR BOYS TAKEOVER
      League One club Ipswich also changed hands on Wednesday, ending Marcus Evans’ 13 years at the helm.
      The 57-year-old accepted a £40m bid from US investors Gamechanger 20 but will retain a five per cent share of the Suffolk side.
      Ipswich have not reached the Premier League since relegation in 2002Credit: Getty – Contributor
      US pension fund ORG will control 90 per cent of the Tractor Boys but day-to-day running is to be overseen by a group known as Three Lions Fund, which holds a five per cent stake.
      Made up of co-owners of the American team Phoenix Rising, the group has appointed former West Brom CEO Mike O’Leary as the new Ipswich chairman.
      O’Leary said: “We want our first remarks on completion of this takeover to be words of thanks to Marcus Evans.
      “We have been discussing this sale with him for more than a year, and throughout the negotiations his love for the Club has shone through. He is a true supporter and all of us at Gamechanger 20 are extremely grateful that he has chosen to put his trust in us.
      “Marcus has invested considerable money, time and energy in Ipswich Town. His decision to waive much of the Club’s outstanding debt is one that deserves the gratitude of every single Ipswich Town fan.”
      Three Lions member Brett Johnson added: “The Three Lions have considerable experience in commerce and marketing, and in the medium-term plan to increase revenue at the Club.
      “But the short-term priority has to be the playing side, and we are committed to improving that, all the way from the Academy to the first-team.”
      Evans confirmed the writing off of ‘a portion’ of Ipswich’s historic debt having put £100m into the club since buying it in 2007.
      Paul Cook’s side are three points outside the League One play-off placesCredit: Alamy

      In that time, Town have dropped from the Championship to League One, where they sit eighth.
      Evans stated: “The fund has deep pockets, but by the nature of a pension fund will be fiscally responsible in the use of those funds.
      “In order to meet its investment responsibilities, it will need to invest to secure Premier League status, and it has already committed to making substantial investment in both the Club’s playing squad and infrastructure.
      “I had always wanted to take the Club myself to the Premier League and sadly, for too short a window, at one time this had seemed possible.”
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      Sunderland 3 Oxford 1: Gooch, McGeady & Power stretch unbeaten run as fuming U’s boss Robinson is sent to the stands

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      SUNDERLAND continued their march to promotion as they came from behind to beat Oxford 3-1 ahead of the crunch trip to Peterborough.Lee Johnson’s men stretched their unbeaten run in League One to 11 as Lynden Gooch, AIden McGeady and Max Power struck after James Henry’s opener.
      Aiden McGready rifles Sunderland into a 2-1 lead against OxfordCredit: Getty
      James Henry is mobbed by his team-mates after firing Oxford aheadCredit: Getty
      Lynden Gooch celebrates after he drew Sunderland moments before the breakCredit: Getty
      That left them two points behind with a game in hand against second-placed Posh going into the Easter Monday showdown.
      Johnson said: “It’s a huge three points against a very good side. We got the goal at a great time.
      “Second half we took risks, particularly when they went down to ten men.
      “We managed the situation very well until the last few minutes. Then we got the break and got the third.
      And on Peterborough, he added: “It’s an opportunity for three points and there’s still much to play for.”
      Oxford took the lead on 21 minutes through Henry.
      The Black Cats clawed level seconds before the break thanks to trickery of Jordan Jones as he assisted for Gooch to get in front of his marker and prod home before a tunnel bust-up between both clubs staff and players at the break.
      The U’s had been the side during the first period, and they continued to cause the most threat until an end-to-end moment on 61 minutes proved key.
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      Oxford were still offering a threat as Elliott Moore came close with a header but the numerical advantage soon started to take its toll.
      Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke was just about to pull the trigger but was denied by Hanson’s excellent last-ditch tackle.
      Instantly the action was up the other end, but Mark Sykes’ lunging attempt to get it caught Luke O’Nien and resulted in a second yellow card.
      Jones’ thumping strike from 20-yards cannoned off the bar as Johnson’s men pushed forward for a late winner.
      Towering Moore in particular was proving to be on a one-man mission to stop the Black Cats, but eventually the pressure proved too much.
      Karl Robinson was sent off following Sunderland’s second goalCredit: Getty
      Max Power celebrates his goal by sliding in front of the visiting Oxford benchCredit: Getty
      Sunderland caught Oxford napping with a quick but hotly-disputed free-kick after a foul on Chris Maguire by Cameron Brannagan.
      Gooch dribbled down the right of the area and pulled the ball back for McGeady to slot home from the edge of the box.
      Oxford boss Karl Robinson was raging and received his marching orders for his furious protests and was forced to watch on frustratingly as his team conceded a third at the death as Power finished off a counter before inciting things further by celebrating in front of the visiting bench.
      Robinson said: “It was a good game of football, spoiled by you know who. I don’t want to say his name.
      “We had a player down for that second goal. There was a duty of care to see if the player was injured, the man in the middle wanted to make it about him.
      “I’m frustrated because the players were excellent, even down to ten men.”
      Sunderland head to promotion rivals Peterborough next on Easter MondayCredit: Getty
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      Joey Barton ‘facing legal fight against former Bristol Rovers bosses after blasting them as negligent in explosive rant’

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      JOEY BARTON is reportedly facing a legal fight after blasting former Bristol Rovers bosses as negligent in an explosive rant. The former Manchester City midfielder, 38, only took over at the Memorial Stadium in late February.
      Joey Barton could be involved in a legal challenge after his criticism of previous Bristol Rovers bosses Paul Tisdale and Ben GarnerCredit: PA
      He replaced Paul Tisdale on a contract until 2023, with Tisdale himself only succeeding Ben Garner in November.
      And according to the Daily Mail, lawyers have been contacted after Barton accused the duo of negligence and described their training sessions as a ‘farce’.
      Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, Barton directed his anger at the two previous managers, Tisdale and Garner.
      He fumed: “They’ve set these boys up for failure and we’ve got to try to reverse that trend.
      “Whatever has gone before me has been negligent. If they were doctors, they should certainly be struck off for what’s gone on here before.
      “I could show you the footage of the training sessions. They’re a farce. It wasn’t done correctly.
      “How do I know that? Look at the league table. Look at the fact two managers have been removed from the job.”
      Barton – who had an acrimonious departure from Fleetwood in January – took over with the Gas just two points above the League One relegation zone.
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      In his ten games in charge, Rovers have won twice and now sit 23rd, two points adrift of safety.
      He continued his rant by detailing some of the specifics of what he believes Tisdale and Garner got wrong, with neither playing professionally consistently at the top level like Barton.
      The one-cap England international then appeared ready for a comeback from the pair and offered to talk through their so-called errors.
      Barton continued: “Two-and-a-half-hour sessions on a Friday — what chance have the lads got?
      “It’s like having a 15-round spar the night before you have a 12-round scrap. What chance have you got? You’re going to get your head punched in.
      “It’s because they don’t know what it’s like to go in the ring, the Colosseum. They’ve read it in a book and they’ve done it on a course and they don’t know. It’s criminal.
      “Those coaches will probably want to take me to task on that and I’ll have absolutely no issue in showing them exactly what they got wrong and where they got it wrong, and they’ll be better coaches for it.
      “If they want to get on the phone and have a conversation with me, no problem at all.”
      Garner was head coach at Bristol Rovers between December 2019 and November 2020Credit: Getty
      Tisdale replaced Garner at the Memorial Stadium but lasted just 19 matches, losing 11Credit: PA:Empics Sport
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      EFL announce first EVER clear round of coronavirus testing out of 5,524 with just two in Prem for seventh week running

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      EFL chiefs have recorded their first Covid-free testing round.A total of 5,524 players and staff from across all 72 EFL clubs gave samples last week.
      There were zero Covid-19 cases in the Football League this weekCredit: PA
      None of those tests came back positive, in a landmark week for the EFL.
      League chief executive Trevor Birch said: “These results are a testament to the hard work and efforts of all EFL clubs during what has been a particularly challenging period.
      “For 12 months we, like the rest of the society, have been dictated to by this virus.
      “However, the stringent protocols implemented across the board have ensured that we are now able to turn our attention to returning to a certain level of normality.
      “Our focus must be on maintaining this low transmission rate and then ensure supporters can return in full as quickly as is safe to do so.
      “Football remains one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management, with EFL clubs already demonstrating they can stage matches safely during a successful pilot programme earlier in the season.”
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      Premier League clubs have recorded two positive samples in each of the last seven weeks, with the last clear round of top-flight testing coming in the final week of last season.
      Leeds’ Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich has tested positive for the virus and will miss his country’s three World Cup qualifiers including next week’s match with England at Wembley.
      A solitary positive was recorded from the first round of 1,576 tests between Monday and Thursday last week, with a another positive result from the second round of 1,196 tests between Thursday and Sunday.
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      Sheffield United looking at Oxford boss Karl Robinson to replace Chris Wilder with Slavisa Jokanovic leading target

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      OXFORD manager Karl Robinson is one of the managers being considered to replace Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.The Blades are taking their time trying to settle on the right man to lead the club’s attempts to make an instant return to the top-flight once their almost certain relegation is confirmed.
      Oxford boss Karl Robinson is understood to be a potential replacement for Chris Wilder at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      Former Fulham and Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic is their leading target, as revealed by SunSport last week, but there are others also being considered.
      And it is understood one of those is 40-year-old Robinson, who has gained an impressive reputation operating on a shoestring budget at Oxford and still producing a competitive side playing good football.
      Jokanovic’s CV is strong having twice achieved promotion to the Premier League during his time in charge at Fulham and Watford.
      Robsinon has also caught the eye, not only for how he has nurtured promising young talent into his sides, but also a willingness to embrace and look at new ideas to help improve the overall competitiveness of his players.
      Swansea’s Steve Cooper, who led England to Under-17 World Cup success, is another who has been recommended.
      But he would only be available if he is unable to get the Welsh side into the Premier League this season.
      The Swans currently sit third in the Championship table following their 1-0 defeat against rivals Cardiff on Saturday.
      SunSport understands that ex-Blades gaffer Wilder is keen to return to management as soon as possible.
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      However should he find a job within the next six months, he will have his United pay-off cut.
      As part of his settlement, Wilder will continue to be paid by Bramall Lane chiefs for six months.
      But if he takes another job in that time, it means United will pay him less, although he would try hard to find a way around that.
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