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    Gillingham vs Barrow DELAYED for 8 minutes after sickening tackle sees star subbed off ONE MINUTE after coming off bench

    GILLINGHAM star Josh Walker has been stretchered off after taking a sickening blow to the head..He was on the end of a horror tackle just a minute after coming on as a 21st minute substitute against Barrow.George Ray went in high on Josh WalkerCredit: iFollowWalker was left crumpled in a heapCredit: iFollowWalker, 26, had replaced George Lapslie only moments earlier before being hacked down by a late, high challenge by George Ray.Barrow defender Ray, 30, was immediately shown a straight red card by referee Dean Whitestone.Walker was eventually taken off on a stretcher following eight minutes of treatment and replaced by Oliver Hawkins.Gills fans were left disgusted by Ray’s tackle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on social media: “A definite red card!! That’s a horrendous tackle. We hope Josh Walker, who is currently receiving treatment, makes a speedy recovery.”While a second fumed: “Absolutely a red card all day. Glad the ref didn’t bottle it as so many have this season.”A third tweeted: “This is a stone wall red card with no subjectivity involved. Speed, distance, studs to the upper body.”And a fourth added: “Awful still on the ground players looked really concerned for him.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe incident occurred with the score level at 0-0.Both teams remain in League Two play-off contention, with Gills going into the game looking to narrow the gap on Barrow to four points.Gillingham took the lead on the stroke of half-time via Josh Andrews.I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier LeagueThree minutes into stoppage time, the forward brilliantly rounded Barrow keeper Paul Farman before providing a cool finish.The ten-man visitors came close to levelling a few minutes later, but no one could quite get on the end of Elliot Newby’s teasing cross.Former Fulham youngster Walker is on loan at Gills from Burton.Prior to today’s brief cameo he had appeared 13 times for his loan club, scoring once.Walker is on loan at Gillingham for BurtonCredit: Rex More

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    My dad is a former England coach and top-flight star – now I have fourth most English league appearances in history

    TONY BLAIR was Prime Minister, The West Wing was on TV and 18-year-old Dean Lewington made his senior debut for Wimbledon.And 21 YEARS later the defender is still going strong.Dean Lewington is still going strong after over 20 yearsCredit: GettyLewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegationCredit: PAHe is set to make his 939th appearance in a huge fourth-v-third clash when MK Dons host Mansfield today.Lewington sits fourth in the all-time English league outings with 814 — a feat bettered only by England legend Peter Shilton (1,005), Tony Ford (931) and Graham Alexander (833).Meeting for coffee in leafy Surrey, I asked what secret lay behind his astonishing career.He laughed: “I wish I knew because I’d sell it for a few quid! Probably being happy and lucky with injuries.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut for a man who turns 40 next month, there must be more to it?Lewington said: “I caught the back-end of old-school football when there was the drinking culture. “Yet I’ve been lucky to benefit from modern training methods and nutritionists.“The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlthough he technically stayed at one club, he made 32 appearances for Wimbledon before they controversially switched to Milton Keynes in 2004 — with pre-MK history officially relinquished to AFC.Lewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegation from the Premier League and was in the team that moved to MK.Super League star wakes up unemployed after nightmare spell of just EIGHT games in which he forced a rewriting of rulesAFC Wimbledon were created, gaining EFL status, building a new stadium at Plough Lane, not far from their old ground, and now in the same division as MK.Lewington, the only MK player left from the ‘old’ Wimbledon, said: “It was a baptism of fire — but lucky most of us playing then were youngsters who came through the youth side.“Because of our age, we saw it as a good opportunity and didn’t worry about the side-effects.“Hindsight is wonderful and no one would want to repeat what happened.“But AFC have gone on and done well. There’s no animosity from me. I’m glad they’re doing what they’re doing but my focus is on MK.”Lewington has played in all three EFL divisions — enjoying three promotions but suffering five relegations.Last season’s drop into League Two came only a year after almost winning promotion to the Championship — following a heartbreaking loss to Wycombe over two play-off legs.He said: “I’ve been relegated twice and promoted twice on the last day. It’s been a career in the lower leagues, so unglamorous — but a happy one.The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.Dean Lewington“I’ve changed position slightly but was always a tall full-back, quite aggressive, composed on the ball, good passer. “But I’m not overly athletic so that’s held me back.”His career highlight was winning promotion to the Championship in 2015 under Karl Robinson with Dele Alli leading the way — prompting Tottenham to sign him for £5million.And Lewington said: “After relegations from the Championship to League Two, we wanted to get back there.“It took more than ten years but the club got into a positive place.“We had Dele coming through, the youth team was producing and everything was on the up.“Dele trained with us since he was 15. It was a pleasure to play alongside and see him fulfil his potential.“Getting into the Championship felt like a chance for the club to establish itself. It didn’t work out but that brief moment was the best.”’I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere’The club were only in the second tier for a season, and two years after that they were back in League Two.Lewington’s stay with MK came close to ending twice.A swap deal involving Huddersfield’s Pawel Abbott in 2006 fell through when the Terriers man pulled out, and in 2017 Lewington was frozen out by ex-boss Robbie Neilson.The latter was Lewington’s lowest moment. He said: “Neilson banned me from the club for about six weeks. “I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere. That’s when I thought, ‘Perhaps my time at MK is over’. But he got sacked and things changed.”During that time, his dad Ray — ex-Fulham, Brentford and Watford boss and England No 2 — was invaluable.He said: “With dad being in the game, I’ve learnt to realise it’s not personal. Managers try to pick their best XI and sometimes it doesn’t include you.“You feel like they don’t know what they’re doing and the world is against you but they’re trying to do their best.”His standout manager was current Southampton boss and former team-mate Russell Martin.Roy Hodgson with with assistant Ray Lewington during their England daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe explained: “Russ believes in what he does 100 per cent. There’s no Plan B — it’s his way and you stick to it.“Some managers, when hitting a tough patch, change things but not him. That’s what makes him effective.“He took over when we were fighting relegation from League One.“He changed us to complete football, which is the opposite of what teams usually do in those situations.“It was a real risk but he believed in it. It’s like going back to your childhood, playing free-flowing football.”His only regret is MK having not fulfilled chairman Pete Winkelman’s ambition to reach the Prem — or stay in the Championship.But Lewington said: “The reality is it costs a lot of money to get in the Premier League now. “When the club was formed, the gap between the top flight and the EFL was smaller.“The stadium and infrastructure are there so if someone wants to take it on, it could definitely happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo with his 40th birthday approaching, what does the future hold?He said: “At some point I’ll go down the coaching route. But I’ll keep playing for as long as I can.” More

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    Wrexham on brink of breaking 159-year record if Ryan Reynolds-owned League Two side win this weekend

    WREXHAM are on the brink of promotion and could make club history this weekend.The Welsh side currently sit second in League Two, with three automatic promotion places up for grabs.Wrexham are aiming for back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s historyCredit: GettyWrexham face bottom of the table Forest Green on Saturday afternoon, knowing their place in the third tier will be sealed with a win and if other results go their way.Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are hoping fourth-placed MK Dons drop points to Mansfield in third.And they need sixth-placed Barrow to not beat Gillingham.Even if things do not go Phil Parkinson’s way this weekend, they still have matches against fellow promotion chasers Crewe and Stockport to secure what has already been a dream return to the Football League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham won the National League title last season and moving up another division this term will see them earn back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s 159-year history.Only ten sides have even made the jump from the fifth to third tier in two seasons.The last do achieve the feat was Tranmere in 2019.Wrexham haven’t been in League One since 2005 and are relishing the challenge.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERManager Parkinson said: “Our aim is to focus on the game and what we’ve got to do ourselves.”We can’t control anything outside and our destiny is ultimately in our own hands.Wrexham star Elliott Lee reveals moment ‘deeper than football’ that changed his life “We’re just preparing to play as well as we can at the weekend and see if that’s good enough to get the points against a Forest Green team who are obviously fighting for their lives.”We’re going to go out and win the game and see what happens at the end. Whatever happens elsewhere we’ve got to go out and get the three points.”The lads are in a good place. We’re building up to what will be a terrific atmosphere at the Racecourse.”Wrexham players were whisked off to Las Vegas by their mega-rich celebrity owners last season and will be hoping for a similar party this summer. More

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    Major broadcasting change with more than 1,000 EFL fixtures moved from streaming service iFollow

    EFL teams have received a big boost after Sky Sports agreed a new blockbuster TV deal.The broadcaster has shown EFL fixtures live on air since 1996.Sky Sports will show 1,059 EFL fixtures from next seasonCredit: GettyBut their coverage is set for a massive expansion over the next five years, beginning from next season.A total of 1,059 EFL matches are set to be broadcast by Sky Sports each year, with some to be shown via a Sky Sports streaming destination available on TV and mobile devices.That is a record number of games in any football TV deal.And it guarantees EFL clubs a package worth £895million, with £40m more in marketing benefits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat represents a 50 per cent increase in value on the current package, while guaranteeing viewers much more action.It is particularly good news for fans in the Championship, with 328 fixtures to be shown from the division across the season.League One and League Two will each have 248 matches broadcast live, while midweek fixtures in every division will be shown on Sky Sports.Each league weekend fixture round will see 10 live EFL fixtures shown, – five being Championship games.Most read in FootballSky Sports broadcast breakdown

    1,052 EFL matches shown live on air includes:
    328 Sky Bet Championship matches
    248 Sky Bet League One matches
    248 Sky Bet League Two matches
    All 15 Play-Off matches
    All 93 Carabao Cup matches
    All 127 EFL Trophy matches

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREvery Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy clash will also be broadcast.The change means domestic fans will no longer be able to watch their teams on streaming platform iFollow, which came into use during the pandemic-affected season 2020-21.Eight bizarre football rules you may not know More

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    Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe slapped with points deduction just three games before end of League Two season

    MORECAMBE have been hit with a three-point deduction with just three games remaining of the season.The League Two club, loved by heavyweight boxing hero Tyson Fury, has been punished by the FA for “failing to adhere to the terms of an agreed decision”.Morecambe have been deducted three pointsCredit: GettyMorecambe had previously received a suspended three-point deduction last season following failure to pay its player wages in March 2023.And that suspended punishment has now been activated after the club failed to keep an account with 125 per cent of the forecast monthly wage bill for its players at a required pre-agreed level.The FA released a statement detailing the punishment which has also seen the club’s owner Jason Whittingham handed a £10,000 fine.The statement read: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Morecambe Football Club are to be deducted three points from the 2023/24 League Two table for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Club had previously received a three-point deduction, to be suspended until 30 June 2024, after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023. “The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner was also required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account.”Following the failure to keep the account at the required levels, the suspended three-point deduction has now been activated.”Owner Mr Jason Whittingham has also been fined £10,000, payable immediately, whilst a suspended fine of £20,000 has also been imposed, to be activated on 31 May 2024.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClub owner Jason Whittingham (left) has been fined £10,000Credit: WORCESTER WARRIORS”Unless he complies in full with his obligation to replenish the Deposit Account under the terms of the Agreed Decision dated 17 August 2023.”Morecambe reiterated the disciplinary action on their own website and added a short one-line statement that read: “The Club’s Board express their significant disappointment at the outcome of the hearing.”Tyson Fury reveals TEN-FIGHT plan including Usyk and Joshua – but looks scared at thought of facing ‘British Mike Tyson’The Shrimps’ deduction sees them drop from 12th place on 60 points down to 14th on 57 points.It means they slip eight points away from the play-off places putting a late surge for an immediate return to League One virtually out of the question.However relegation isn’t a concern with Morecambe already mathematically safe from the drop.The financial mismanagement of the club may peak the interest of Tyson Fury, who has previously expressed an interest in buying the historic outfit.The Gypsy King, who lives by Morecambe Bay, is known to love the club and once revealed his desire to purchase The Shrimps when speaking to TalkSPORT.Back in 2023, before the club’s relegation to League Two, he said: “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.”For now Fury will have his attention locked on his undisputed heavyweight bout with Oleksandr Usyk next month.Tyson Fury has previously expressed interest in buying MorecambeCredit: GettyTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

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    Man Utd star Harry Maguire snubs Arsenal and Man City’s epic Champions League clashes to go to League Two match

    HARRY MAGUIRE swerved a brilliant night of Champions League action last night to watch a game in League Two.The Manchester United star dropped into Hollywood-owned Wrexham to watch their clash against Crawley Town.Harry Maguire watched Crawley Town’s trip to Wrexham yesterdayCredit: RexThe defender posted that he was at the match on his InstagramCredit: Instagram / @harrymaguire93The defender was there to support his brother Laurence, 27, who plays for Crawley.Like Harry, Laurence is also a centre-back.Laurence moved to Crawley last summer on a six month loan and has proved to be a crucial player at the heart of their defence.His loan was extended until the summer in January and he has gone on to play 30 times for the Reds, scoring three times as a defender.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis parent club is Chesterfield, where he is a product of the National League side’s academy.Unfortunately Laurence was unable to stop the Welsh side from taking a 4-1 win yesterday.A brace from talisman Paul Mullin and goals from Ryan Barnett and Andy Cannon helped the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owned side on their way to victory.Reynolds was able to watch his side’s victory on a giant screen from one of his Hollywood sets.Most read in FootballLaurence is a key part of the Crawley defenceCredit: RexRyan Reynolds watched the game from a Hollywood setCredit: Instagram / @sophiatravaglia via vancityreynoldsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was pictured watching Mullin’s brace and declared it the “coolest way to watch football”.Maguire’s Crawley are currently seventh in League Two, two points off Barrow in a play-off place.Luke Littler takes on Harry Maguire in incredible darts challenge as fans say Man Utd star should ‘switch careers’United’s Harry will be hoping his side can build on their 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend when they face Bournemouth.Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Maguire could make a £15million move to West Ham this summer as he enters the last year of his United contract. More

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    I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier League

    LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is playing an unexpectedly pivotal part in the Reds’ title charge this season.The keeper, 25, has been called upon to deputise for injured Liverpool No1 Alisson.Fiacre Kelleher spent one year at WrexhamCredit: RexFiacre is the older brother of Caoiminh KelleherCredit: ReutersThe Irishman has started Liverpool’s last 13 games with a return date not initially put on Alisson’s injury.Alisson is expected to return to first-team training next week but will be eased in cautiously.That will see the keeper play a vital role in The Reds’ run-in with just seven Premier League games remaining.But Caoimhin’s brother is involved in an altogether different challenge as the end of the season draws closer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFiacre Kelleher, 28, is a centre-back that currently plays for Colchester United.The Essex club are second bottom of League Two and struggling for survival.They are five points off 21st placed Grimsby Town – albeit with three games in hand.Fiacre came through the academy at Celtic before moving to Oxford United in 2017.Most read in FootballFiacre Kelleher was released by Wrexham’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNotably, he joined Hollywood-owned Wrexham in 2020, making 42 appearances for the club.But Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney opted not to renew his one year contract at the end of their first season at the helm, leaving him to join Bradford as a free agent.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAn injury hit campaign has seen Fiacre make just 10 appearances this season, but he has recently returned from a torn thigh muscle.The defender has been slowly eased back into first-team football since the end of March.Fiacre Kelleher came through the academy at CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

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    EFL clash postponed AGAIN as Storm Kathleen batters Britain with strong winds and rain

    BARROW have announced their clash with Bradford has been called off AGAIN due to a waterlogged pitch.The League Two game was originally scheduled to take place on February 24 but was axed just one hour before kick-off due to the state of the pitch.Barrow have confirmed the fixture has been postponed for a second timeCredit: GettyStorm Kathleen has caused dangerously strong winds and flooding in BritainCredit: The SunIt was rescheduled for 7.45pm on Tuesday evening, but has succumbed to the weather again as Storm Kathleen wreaks havoc. The postponement was confirmed following an 11am pitch inspection.A statement from Barrow read: “Unfortunately following a pitch inspection at the SO Legal Stadium, tonight’s match against Bradford City has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.”We will update fans as soon as possible about the rearrangement of this fixture.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBradford also revealed referee Ross Joyce had deemed the pitch “unplayable”.Reacting to the latest postponement, one social media user said: “If only the previous fixture hadn’t been abandoned unexpectedly and completely unnecessarily.”Still can’t believe that official is allowed a decision!”While another added: “If only it was played the first time when the pitch was playable…”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarrow, who sit fifth in League Two, are seven points adrift of third-place MK Dons but with two games in hand as they chase an automatic promotion place.Stockport sit top of the table, four points clear of Wrexham having played one game fewer.I’m a storms reporter for the BBC – fans are terrified for my life but there are secret rules that keep me safeMeanwhile, Bradford are languishing down in 14th and look set to finish mid-table. More