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      First look inside AFC Wimbledon’s new £32million stadium as Dons prepare for emotional return to Plough Lane roots

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      HERE are the first photos of AFC Wimbledon’s new stadium almost in shape just 24 days before it officially opens.
      And the League One club are giving supporters the chance to guarantee their spot for the next ten years as they make an emotional return to their spiritual Plough Lane roots.

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      SunSport’s Justin Allen and AFC Wimbledon CEO Joe Palmer sit inside the club’s new stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Doncaster are the first team to play away at Plough Lane on November 3Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      SunSport was given exclusive access to the £32million ground that will open on November 3 for the League One visit of Doncaster.
      And, unlike arenas such as Twickenham where fans pay as much as £30,000 to guarantee their spots, the Dons’ debenture scheme is affordable.
      In fact, prices have been set as low as £500 and £600, with hospitality spots just £1,000.
      It has been 29 years since Wimbledon last kicked a ball in anger at Plough Lane when they took on Crystal Palace in the top-flight.

      Since then it has been a long road back.
      There was the controversial move to Milton Keynes and the rebranding to MK Dons, the formation of the fans-owned AFC Wimbledon 18 years ago and six promotions.
      But now they have built a new stadium a few hundred yards from the original ground.
      That was ripped down for apartment blocks, which you can see from the upper tiers.

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      The £32million ground boasts an initial capacity of 9,300Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      You can even peer across to Wembley 11 miles away, where the Dons famously beat Liverpool 1-0 in the 1988 FA Cup final.
      The West Stand seating is in place, with the East Stand set to be finished in days along with the North Stand away end.
      A bit like Brentford’s new home seven miles away, they have gone for speckled coloured seating in the Dons’ famous blue and yellow.
      The home South Stand is for standing only to help generate that old-school atmosphere.
      But while the old Plough Lane ground was notoriously unwelcoming, the 2020 version has been designed to be more accommodating.
      Gone are the days of a bobbly quagmire pitch.
      The new one is a carpet, combining real grass with synthetic material to produce a perfect playing surface.

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      AFC Wimbledon currently sit 13th in the League One table after four games playedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Plough Lane is located just a few hundred yards away from the original stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The changing rooms are spacious and, unlike in the Crazy Gang era, the away team will not have cold showers!
      A museum inside the ground will be opened, where items such as Vinnie Jones’ 1988 FA Cup-winners medal and other memorabilia will be on display.
      The club will even house the original Plough Lane gates.
      One of the most impressive features is the stadium’s pub, which will be open seven days a week and has stairs leading down from the concourses, allowing fans to mingle regardless of where they are.
      Supporters are being asked to vote on a name for it, with the choice of two  famous boozers that were near to the old ground, The Sportsman and The Batsford Arms.
      Hospitality has increased greatly from the Kingsmeadow ground that Wimbledon had used since their formation.
      There are eight corporate boxes, two lounges and a huge events space. The hall is one of the crown jewels and includes a mezzanine level.

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      There will be around wheelchair spaces located inside the groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      For a conference it can host 700 people and can easily seat 500 for a dinner event.
      CEO Joe Palmer, who walked us around the stadium, said it will be the biggest conferencing facility in the Merton borough.
      He said: “This really will be a great venue for weddings, concerts, conferences, so many things.
      “We’re installing a huge HD screen in there too and will cater for E-gaming, which is massive with youngsters now.”
      The club plan guided tours for fans to allow them to take a proper look around while matches continue to be played behind closed doors.
      For the Doncaster game, it is hoped they will be able to do a televised build-up, either through Sky Sports or using their own media channels.
      But they are also planning a proper grand opening when fans are eventually allowed in.
      The stadium has an initial 9,300 capacity, but planning permission has been granted for that to increase to 20,000. There will be around 100 wheelchair spaces too.

      And the plan is for it to be alive with activity seven days a week.
      The coronavirus pandemic has not adversely delayed the stadium’s  construction.
      In fact, the biggest problem during the 22 months of work was a fox ruining the new playing surface.
      Palmer added: “It kept coming in at night and ripping up the pitch. The groundsman was pulling his hair out. It can no longer get access.”
      So foxes are not welcome — unless it is of the Leicester City variety!

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      Crewe facing police and EFL investigations over alleged coronavirus breaches before postponed Oxford clash

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      CREWE are facing a dual police and EFL probe for acting like Covidiots at Oxford.
      Furious U’s boss Karl Robinson accused the Alex of breaking coronavirus rules after one of their players tested positive and another showed symptoms.

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      Oxford boss Karl Robinson fumed at Crewe’s behaviourCredit: Alamy Live News

      Saturday’s League One game between the sides was only called off 32 minutes before kick-off.
      BBC Radio Stoke claimed Railwaymen midfielder Ryan Wintle had tested positive for Covid-19, with team-mate Omar Beckles reporting being unwell.
      Crewe said in a statement a player had been “notified this morning that he is Covid-19 positive” — yet Oxford claim he still travelled with the team to the ground instead of self-isolating.
      And Robinson insisted Crewe still wanted to play the match.

      The U’s chief stormed: “All the players have been in our dressing room but I’ll refrain from commenting on that.
      “One of their players got tested because of a young child and that player still ate with the team that night and travelled on the team coach.
      “Crewe turned up about twenty-five to two and told us about what was going on — and that’s the first we heard of it.
      “They didn’t want the game called off but I did not think that was right.”

      Police are investigating MP Margaret Ferrier, who travelled from Glasgow to London with Covid symptoms then returned home after testing positive.
      She has been suspended by the SNP and the Met are looking at possible offences related to Health Protection Regulations.
      Crewe now face a similar probe, while an EFL spokesman confirmed last night they will be talking to the club about the incident.
      Crewe directors refused to comment before leaving the Kassam Stadium.
      But injured Oxford captain John Mousinho fumed: “A few players were uncomfortable about the notion of playing but, thankfully, the decision was  taken out of our hands.
      “They have been in our dressing room and it was a sensible decision to call the game off.
      “There are rumours Crewe knew about the positive test this morning and we are not happy about that. I’m glad it did come to light.

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      Oxford boss Karl Robinson pleads his caseCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Oxford’s squad hear their game is called offCredit: Alamy Live News
      “The worst thing would have been to play because there is contact out there on the pitch.
      “The lads were just not comfortable about playing and I was surprised when the Crewe players came out on to the pitch.
      “I don’t know why they were out there — we were baffled by that.”
      The match is expected to be rescheduled for Tuesday week.
      An EFL statement read: “Crewe has advised the EFL it is unable to fulfil the fixture as players and first-team staff are now required to self-isolate  in line with EFL and Government guidance.
      “A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

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      Wigan put club’s chippy up for sale for £500,000 in desperate bid to pay wages as crisis club run out of money

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      WIGAN ATHLETIC’S administrators have put the club’s ‘chippy’ up for sale in a bid to pay the wages.
      Latics are looking for around £500,000 for the property as the admins admit that failing to find a buyer will leave their funds running out.

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      Wigan Athletic’s administrators are looking for £500,000 for the club’s ‘chippy’ after putting the property up for saleCredit: Rex Features

      Begbies Traynor have kept the deal in house by bringing in Eddisons chartered surveyors to raise cash while they struggle to get a bid for the rest of the club.
      Admin Gerald Krasner confessed that the money would run out ‘before Christmas’ and said: “We wouldn’t finish the season if no buyer came in.”
      League One Wigan were relegated last season after a 12-point deduction for going into administration sent them spiralling down the table.
      Their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially and they had to call in the administrators on July 1.

      As revealed by SunSport, Middle East-based business group MBuzz plotted a £3million bid for the crisis club.
      That comes after American businessmen Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt made a final £2m offer.
      As the search for new ownership and an escape from administration continues, a Supporters’ Club Crowdfunder page has been set up to raise cash and save Wigan from going under.
      Former Lactics favourites including Roberto Martinez, Reece James and James McClean have all stepped forward with donations.

      And Victor Moses has given £20,000 to the fundraiser in a touching gesture.
      On the pitch, the Latics lost their opening three matches of the season – in the Carabao Cup to Fleetwood and then in League One against Ipswich and Gillingham.
      They did, however, beat Liverpool’s Under-21s 6-1 on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.

      Wigan administrator Paul Stanley says there are a dozen investors showing interest in the football club More

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      Arsenal ace Mark McGuinness joins Ipswich on season-long loan deal with Arteta wanting defender to get first-team action

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      ARSENAL youngster Mark McGuiness has joined Ipswich on loan for the season.
      The defender, 19, put pen to paper on a temporary switch on Tuesday.

      Mikel Arteta has high hopes for the Ireland Under-19 international and featured him in pre-season this year, scoring against MK Dons.
      He was captain and man of the match for the U21s in the EFL Trophy victory over Ipswich earlier in September.
      But Arsenal are keen for the 6ft 4ins centre-back, back fit after a lengthy spell out last season, to get first-team football under his belt so allowed him to join the Tractor Boys for the 2020-21 League One campaign.
      McGuiness, who will wear the No2 at Portman Road, said: “The lads have started really well, so I know I’ll have to impress and I won’t just walk into the team, but I’m up for the challenge.
      “I hope that Ipswich get promoted – I think that’s the main goal for everyone.
      “The experience here could be invaluable to me. I want to make the most of it and help the club achieve what it wants.
      “I feel like I’ve been ready to go out on loan for a while, but I picked up a few injuries last season unfortunately. This year I’m ready to push on.

      “I love to head the ball! Being my size I should be a threat in both boxes really.

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      Mark McGuinness scored for Arsenal in the pre-season friendly against MK Dons in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I like to be the leader and take control. That’s always been a part of my game that I’ve excelled at.
      “My main priority is defending, I like to keep the ball out of the net.
      “But I know this is a ball playing team and being at Arsenal for nine years that’s something in my game as well.”

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      Wigan a target for Middle East-based business group MBuzz as talks over £3m rescue deal continue with stricken club

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      CRISIS club Wigan Athletic are a target for a rescue bid from the Middle East-based business group MBuzz.
      Representatives of the company have met the administrators and are set to offer around £3million for the whole package this week.

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      Wigan are in desperate need of a saviourCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      MBuzz Sport will be the team trying to close the deal. They are a branch of a global telecom firm, based in Saudi Arabia but with offices in Dublin, Dubai and around Europe.
      Their past experience in football includes a one-off shirt sponsorship deal for Wigan when they played Manchester United in the FA Cup.
      The company also took a stake in Spanish side Leganes and have been involved with Sheffield United on their commercial side.
      The administrators will be glad of a rival bid as American pair Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt are only willing to pay around £2m which would leave them scrambling for their fees.

      Wigan were relegated last season after a 12 point deduction for going into administration sent them spiralling down the table.

      Their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially and they had to call in the administrators on July 1.
      Manager Paul Cook then quit the club last month.
      Wigan only announced his replacement, John Sheridan, two days before their opening match in League 1.

      They lost their opening fixture 2-0 to Ipswich. More

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      Wigan takeover hope as American businessmen launch final £2m bid to buy cash-strapped Latics

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      AMERICAN businessmen Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt are making a final £2million bid for Wigan Athletic.
      The pair and adviser Gauthier Ganaye have told the club administrators that they will buy the whole club for the sum to end the saga.

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      A final £2m bid for cash-strapped Wigan is set to come in from a pair of American businessmenCredit: EPA

      However the warning is that the group will walk away if it is not accepted as they are worried the squad has been badly damaged since they first bid three weeks ago.
      Wigan have sold four top players and a training ground since the Americans first offered more than £5m.
      Antonee Robinson was among the stars to leave, joining Premier League side Fulham on a £50,000-a-week, four-year deal after snubbing Everton.
      And Frenchman Gauthier is also concerned that they will be unable to bring in new faces because of EFL salary cap restrictions.

      The rescue job would become almost impossible this season if the deal was delayed until the transfer window shuts.
      This offer falls short of the £4m demanded by the administrators who need money to pay creditors and cover their own fees and legal costs.
      The American group looked into renting the ground off a rival bidder and also considered a move to Leigh’s rugby league stadium.
      The change of address from Wigan’s old DW Stadium ground would need approval by the EFL.

      But it is already used by Manchester United in the WSL as well as Leigh in the rugby world.
      However their final move is for the whole operation.
      As the search for new ownership and an escape from administration continues, a Supporters’ Club Crowdfunder page has been set up to raise cash and save Wigan from going under.
      Former Lactics favourites including Roberto Martinez, Reece James and James McClean have all stepped forward with donations.
      And Victor Moses has given £20,000 to the fundraiser in a touching gesture.

      Simon Jordan outlines his plan for a fairer future for the Premier League and EFL More

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      Fleetwood Town vs Burton Albion delayed for 60 seconds after APPLES launched onto pitch from outside stadium

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      FLEETWOOD TOWN versus Burton Albion was delayed for over a minute today after APPLES were thrown onto the pitch.
      The League One match was held up in the 73rd minute while the projectiles were removed from the field.

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      Apples were thrown onto the pitch in the second half of Fleetwood’s win over Burton today

      73. Slight pause in play as some apples that have been thrown onto the pitch from…somewhere?…are picked up by a core member of staff.After a brief peel away from the action, we’re back underway. #BAFC
      — Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) September 12, 2020

      Despite the game being played behind closed doors, home fans were able to reach the pitch with the contents of their grocery shop from outside the Highbury Stadium.
      Sky Sports reporter Chris Cooper said: “They looked like Golden Delicious.”
      The match finished 2-1 to Fleetwood after Paddy Madden’s 79th minute winner helped Joey Barton’s side pip Burton to the points.
      Callum Camps opened the scoring for the Fisherman on 17 minutes but Fleetwood were pegged back after the hour mark by John Brayford’s goal.

      John-Joe O’Toole saw red for Burton in injury time as Fleetwood held on for the win.
      Despite the game including a red card and an overturned goal decision, apples being hurled onto the pitch will likely steal the headlines.
      The EFL has seen its fair share of weird incidents in recent years but this could be the pick of the bunch.

      “Apples on the pitch!” 🍏There was a very odd reason for the pause in play in Fleetwood vs Burton…📺 Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News NOW! pic.twitter.com/6W1Slyc6H1
      — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 12, 2020

      Burton Albion’s Twitter account also joined in on the fun with some apple-related puns.

      They tweeted: “Apples thrown onto the pitch from…somewhere?… are picked up by a core member of staff.
      “After a brief peel away from the action, we’re back underway.”

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      Joey Barton’s side won 2-1 thanks to a 79th minute winner from Paddy Madden

      Simon Jordan outlines his plan for a fairer future for the Premier League and EFL More

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      Wigan in talks with Waterford over making John Sheridan new boss – even with financially-crippled club in administration

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      WIGAN are in talks with John Sheridan about quitting Irish side Waterford and becoming their new boss. 
      Sheridan could return to England to take charge of the League One team despite the fact they are in administration. 

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      Wigan are in talks with John Sheridan about quitting Irish side Waterford and becoming their new boss
      Caretaker Leam Richardson wanted Simon Grayson to join but he has yet to admit and the chase has now turned to Sheridan. 
      Sheridan is nearing the end of his contract in Ireland and could take the chance of getting back into the English game – even for a short spell. 
      Wigan go to Ipswich for the opening game in League One with just ONE player left from the starting eleven against Fulham in their last match. 
      The cash-strapped club are in dire straits after administrators were summoned in July.

      It resulted in a 12-point penalty and relegation from the Championship to League One.
      They are desperately looking for new owners to reverse their fortunes.
      But in the meantime, a Supporters’ Club Crowdfunder page has been set up to raise cash and save Wigan from going under.
      Former Lactics favourites including Roberto Martinez, Reece James and James McClean have all stepped forward with donations.

      And it emerged Victor Moses contributed £20,000 to the fundraiser in a touching gesture.
      Wigan tweeted: “Thank you Victor Moses. Victor has pledged a significant donation to Save Our Club!”
      The Chelsea wing-back, 29, starred for Wigan between 2010 and 2012.
      And after making an anonymous donation on Tuesday, the Wigan Athletic Supporters’ Club wanted to make sure he received recognition.

      Wigan Athletic will always have a special place in my heart.I have so many incredible memories from my time there and the people of Wigan&everyone associated with the club have always been so good to me and my family.We must do all we can to protect the future of this great club. pic.twitter.com/MgWALX35Nh
      — Victor Moses (@VictorMoses) September 9, 2020

      Chairperson Caroline Molyneux said: “Wow – what can we say?
      “When Victor got in touch to say he wanted to help by donating such a substantial amount, I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing – it’s such an incredible gesture.
      “Victor wanted to make the donation and remain anonymous but we simply had to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves.
      “Victor’s contribution has taken us past £650,000 and to within £100,000 of our next target of £750,000.”

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