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      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      Inside non-league club funded by Bitcoin whose owners are worth 20 times Wrexham bosses – and targeting Premier League

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      A NON-LEAGUE club funded by Bitcoin owners is aiming to reach the Premier League.Real Bedford currently tops the Southern League Central Division One in the ninth tier of English football.Real Bedford are aiming to hit the big time from non-leagueCredit: Instagram @realbedfordThe club is funded by bitcoin millionairesCredit: Instagram @realbedfordDirector Peter McCormack wants the club to merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: BBCThe club is co-owned by Peter McCormack who is aiming to make the club bigger than local rivals.He is keen to see the club overtake Kettering Town, then Northampton Town, MK Dons and then Luton Town.His end goal is to lead the promised land of the Premier League.McCormack wants has made a proposal to merge Real Bedford with Bedford Town FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.”We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.”I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success.”By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”The club benefited from investment from Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in April 2024.Football stars’ weird phobiasThe club could merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: INSTAGRAM Bedford FCThe pair invested £3.6million into the club in Bitcoin and became co-owners with McCormack.McCormack believes that the investment can help propel the club up the football ladder.He claims that the pair are worth much more than Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.He said: “I think Wrexham’s goal is the Premier League and they are up to League One now and they are backed by Ryan Reynolds and his wealth, but Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are worth twenty times his net wealth and there are two of them.”He has revealed that the aim of the club is to reach the EFL in the next decade.He added: “The short-term goal was always football league for the men’s side in ten years.”If we go up this year, that will be three promotions in three years, leaving us with three left to do in seven years, and I think that is ambitious, but we think we can do that.”The clubs are still “waiting to hear back” from the FA and Southern League to approve the merger.It would then be decided where the club would be placed in the football pyramid.The legal agreement for the merger must be signed off by the end of March so it can be ready for the 2025/26 season.Bedford Town FC director Jon Taylor has released a statement on the potential merger of the two clubs.He has admitted that joining the clubs could “create something special”.He said: “As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community.”This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters.”However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe’s crisis hits new low as EFL not certain club will be funded to end of season

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      MORECAMBE’S board slammed the club’s ownership group as they confirmed that they cannot make any further January transfers.The cash-strapped Lancashire side are 23rd in League Two amid serious financial issues.Morecambe have endured a torrid few yearsCredit: RexBoss Derek Adams has had to work in difficult circumstancesCredit: RexMorecambe are owned by the Bond Group, whose director is Jason Whittingham.They have been up for sale since September 2022 and have since been relegated from League One.The Shrimps were placed under a transfer embargo last March due to the non-payment of a VAT bill.After the matter was settled with HMRC, boss Derek Adams was forced to cobble together a squad – signing 15 players on July 12 after the embargo was lifted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was later claimed that Kuljeet Singh Momi had agreed a deal with Whittingham to buy the club.But the credibility of Singh Momi’s bid is yet to be ratified by the EFL.Earlier this month, Morecambe co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse were asked about the status of the club’s takeover during a fans’ forum.During the evening, Howse said: “The share capital which came in at the end of November is ring-fenced for the January budget.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”We have allocated that figure in the last couple of days and Derek (Adams) has been informed of that.”We believe he has a decent sum of money to do well in the market. We are looking at loan (players) predominantly.”Tyson Fury spotted filming series 2 of At Home With The Furys in Morecambe as Gypsy King takes break from Usyk training Morecambe have so far recruited Ryan Schofield and Callum Cooke this month to help bolster their survival bid.But in a fresh twist, a statement from directors have confirmed that they are “currently prevented from making further signings in the January transfer window, despite recent cup successes and capital injections”.They add that this due to the fact that “written assurances from Bond Group that the club will be funded to the end of the season have not been supported by sufficient proof of source and sufficiency of funding”.The statement goes on to claim: “Bond Group had assured the Club that it would meet these requirements and support additional player recruitment in January, but when proof of funding was requested, it failed to provide it.”Bond Group has informed the Club today that it is working on sourcing additional funds, but there is no guarantee that these will land in time to impact the rest of the transfer window.”Morecambe’s board of directors then took an incredible swipe at the Bond Group.’THE CLUB HAS BEEN LET DOWN BY ITS OWNER’Their statement added: “The board wishes to place on record that once again the club has been let down by its owner, undermining the efforts and hard work of the manager, staff, and directors at this critical time.”The EFL declined to comment on the matter when contacted, but SunSport understands that they remain in dialogue with Morecambe regarding adhering to league regulations.Shrimps were slapped with a suspended two-point deduction last month – having been deducted three last term.Morecambe are five points from safety with 21 games remaining.The Shrimps are former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s local club.The Gypsy King has sponsored the club’s shorts in the past, and even claimed in 2022 that he was considering buying them.He told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows?”You might be looking at a football club owner.”Tyson Fury has worked with his local club beforeCredit: Morecambe FC More

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      Former Premier League ace, 46, married to ex-soap star sacked by EFL club as 160-word statement released

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      BARROW have sacked former Premier League ace Stephen Clemence as manager after eight months into the job.Clemence, 46, played for Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester, where he hung up his boots in 2010 and crossed over to management nine years later.Barrow have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just eight monthsCredit: RexClemence has been married to former Brookside soap star Suzanne Collins since 2017Credit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over Barrow in League Two back in May but a run of six defeats in his last 10 matches, of which he won only one, led to his dismissal.The ex-England youth international, who has been married to former Brookside soap star Suzanne Collins since 2017, oversaw a total of 10 wins and 15 losses in 32 games with the Bluebirds.The club issued a brief statement thanking Clemence for his contribution and explained that the recent poor form forced their hand.Barrow issued the following statement: “Barrow AFC can confirm that they have parted company with their First Team head coach, Stephen Clemence.”Read More on FootballChairman Paul Hornby said: ‘Stephen came in over the summer and we had high hopes to build on his considerable coaching ability and reputation.”‘We’ve built a strong squad of players together and enjoyed some memorable early success including our Carabao Cup exploits.”‘Stephen has always conducted himself with great dignity and professionalism but unfortunately our recent extended run of poor results has led us to the decision that it was time to make a change.”‘We would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and dedication to the club and wish him well for the future.’Most read in EFLBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”The club can also confirm that Assistant Manager Robbie Stockdale will also leave his role, we would also like to thank Robbie for his contribution during his time with us.”We will provide updates on the search for a new Head Coach in due course.”Ruben Amorim warns Man Utd stars he’ll learn more about them vs Southampton than against Arsenal and LiverpoolClemence, whose dad was the late England, Liverpool and Spurs legend Ray, started out as caretaker boss at Sheffield Wednesday in 2019 before taking over Gillingham in 2023 for just five months. More

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      EFL clash delayed after medical emergency in crowd during match aired live on Sky Sports

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      AN EFL clash aired on Sky Sports was delayed after an emergency in the crowd.Blackpool’s League One match against Huddersfield Town was halted in the 16th minute after a signal from the stands.Blackpool’s clash with Huddersfield was halted due to a crowd emergencyCredit: GettyBlackpool’s official social media account released a statement following the stoppage.It read: “Stoppage in play as a fan in the stadium is being treated for a medical emergency.”We send them our best wishes.”Play was resumed after seven minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlackpool’s social media account added: “Play has restarted and we wish everyone involved the very best.”Fans reacted to the news on social media with many sending well wishes.One posted: “I hope the fan is ok.”A second wrote: “I hope they are alright.”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Thoughts are with those affected.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starA fourth said: “Hoping it is nothing serious!”Another added: “Praying everyone is fine.”At the time of the stoppage Blackpool were leading the match 1-0 thanks to a goal from Rob Apter.The Tangerines doubled their advantage deep into added time in the first half through Albie Morgan.However, the Terriers fought back with goals from Joe Taylor and Brodie Spencer to level the match and earn a point. More

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      ‘This isn’t restarting is it…’ moan fans as EFL clash SUSPENDED for an hour as heavy fogs smothers pitch

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      DENSE fog has caused havoc during the EFL clash between Swindon Town and Crewe Alexandra. The League Two game was suspended after just four minutes due to poor visibility at the County Ground.Ian Holloway’s Swindon had to leave the field during Saturday’s clash with CreweCredit: RexDense mist accumulated at the County Ground, resulting in a lengthy stoppageCredit: RexPlay was halted for almost an hourCredit: RexPlayers from both sides were taken to the dressing rooms as thick fog rolled in.The game had initially been under threat of postponement after temperatures plunged to -8 degrees Celsius overnight. Despite several FA Cup and EFL games falling victim to the weather, referee Lee Swabey declared the pitch playable in a midday inspection.But just minutes into the contest, Swabey was forced to remove both teams as the fog worsened. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan gasped on X: “The fog is intense—safety comes first. Hopefully, conditions improve soon for a restart!”Another joked: “The best way to view Swindon Town v Crewe is through a blanket of thick fog. Why else would you bother?”While a third added: “Can someone playing in the Swindon v Crewe match tweet and let people know you’re still out there?”And a fourth predicted: “This isn’t restarting is it..”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe players remained in the dressing rooms for almost an hour, but conditions began to ease.Referee Swabey gave the green light to carry on following a 3.30pm inspection. Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clashPlay restarted at 4pm, with the scores level at 0-0. Holloway joined the Robins in October, his first managerial role in four years.The ex-Blackpool boss said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game.”I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town.”They are a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSince taking over, Holloway has helped Swindon climb out of the League Two relegation zone. They currently sit 20th, five points clear of second-bottom Morecambe. More

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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More