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      Non-league match descends into chaos as fan pins down and PUNCHES steward and referee is hit with smoke bomb

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      SATURDAY’s Non-League match between Barnet and Wealdstone descended into chaos as a fan attacked a steward and smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch.The hosts were on course to bag all three points courtesy of a 1-0 win before a 100th-minute equaliser from Corie Andrews.
      The Non-League match between Barnet and Wealdstone descended into a chaos after a 100th minute equaliserCredit: X
      A Wealdstone fan stormed the pitch and attacked a steward trying to stop pitch invadersCredit: X
      Wealdstone players quickly set about the lout as well as another fanCredit: X
      The joyous scenes in the away end, however, quickly turned sour as a minority of Wealdstone fans ran onto the pitch.
      And footage of the incident showed a steward being wrestled to the ground and PUNCHED by a fan after entering the field to stop pitch invaders.
      Wealdstone players, amid plumes of blue smoke, and another fan ran to the steward to break up the scuffle and remove the lout from the scene.
      The incident went viral on X and was widely condemned by footie fans, with one saying: “Disgusting.”
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      Another said: “Behaviour like this warrants a lifetime ban from football grounds and a prison sentence.”
      And another said: “Should not be allowed back in ANY football stadium ever again! Absolutely no time for this..”
      One remarked: “Absolutely disgraceful.”
      Another chimed in: “I hope that steward is paid a month’s money by the club.
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      Players from both sets of teams gave the thug a piece of their mind after his vile assaultCredit: X
      “He doesn’t get paid much money to be putting up with that.”
      The Barnet fan who originally shared the clip wrote: “Classy that from a Wealdstone fan.
      “Pinning down and punching the steward.”
      Another of the Barnet faithful said: “This is very bad. We don’t need this kind of attitude in our game.”
      Wealdstone issued a statement condemning the actions of the fans who stormed the pitch, whom they’ve vowed to punish.
      It read: “The Board of Directors at Wealdstone Football Club unequivocally condemn the actions of the individual who invaded the pitch during our National League fixture at Barnet FC yesterday, following our equalising goal and assaulted a match day steward.
      “Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and goes against the values that our club stands for.
      “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all participants, spectators and attendees at our games, which is why we will be working closely with Barnet Football Club and the Metropolitan Police to identify and take appropriate action against any supporters who entered the pitch and those directly involved in this incident.
      Referee Dale Staines was also hit with a smoke bomb which appeared to be thrown by Barnet fansCredit: X
      “All culprits identified will face the full consequences of their actions.
      “It is with deep regret that the reprehensible behaviour of a few has overshadowed what was a moment of celebration for our team and the vast majority of our supporters, who behaved impeccably and adhered to the ground regulations throughout the match.
      “We are very disappointed that the actions of these few individuals have cast a shadow over our club and our dedicated fans.
      “The club wishes to express its sincere apologies to the match day steward affected by this incident, and we will ensure they receive our full support.
      “We also want to thank the majority of our fans who continue to show their passionate support in a respectful and responsible manner.
      Wealdstone Football Club will not tolerate any form of misconduct that jeopardises the safety and enjoyment of football.
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      “We are dedicated to maintaining a family-friendly and safe environment for all fans and participants, reinforcing the positive and respectful image of our club and its supporters.
      The draw at the Hive was also marred by a flare – which appeared to be thrown from the home end – hitting ref Dale Staines and causing him to stumble. More

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      Meet five sacked managers this season who have quickly returned to the game – but will they be a success?

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      I WAS watching that hilarious episode of hit TV comedy Alan Partridge this week where he had written his autobiography Bouncing Back.It charted a so-called comeback from his disastrous broadcasting career and break-up from his wife.
      Tony Mowbray is hoping to help Birmingham recover from their failed Wayne Rooney experiment
      That got me thinking about football managers who have been sacked but bounced back.
      And this season there have been five bosses who have been shown the door – but have quickly returned into management.
      Here I take a quick look at those managers who are bouncing back.
      MICHAEL BEALE (Sunderland)
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      Michael Beale was axed by Rangers and is now under pressure at Sunderland
      IF you’re managing Rangers, and Celtic are above you in the table, you’re always standing on quicksand and he was duly slung out of Ibrox.
      But the Londoner – who walked out on QPR last season just weeks after pledging his devoted loyalty to them – took over at the Black Cats in December.
      Like Alan Partridge, his story might be quickly pulped if he loses his job at the Stadium of Light.
      Mackems fans were not impressed with the three straight defeats which was halted by Saturday’s vital 3-1 win against Stoke.
      TONY MOWBRAY (Birmingham)
      Talking of Sunderland, what the hell were they playing at in the first place by sacking Tony Mowbray?
      This affable man was doing a superb job for the Black Cats, getting them into the play-offs last season against the odds and had them punching around those spots again this time around.
      But he has landed himself into the self-inflicted chaos at St Andrew’s after they decided the Wayne Rooney project was not a good idea after all. No s**t Sherlock, John Eustace had them flying.
      Mowbray has won one and drawn the other of his two league games so far with his priority simply to just keep Birmingham up.  Groundhog Day for Blues fans.
      DARREN MOORE (Huddersfield)
      Darren Moore was axed on the eve of the season by Wednesday
      MADCAP Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri decided to get rid of the manager who inspired his team to promotion on the eve of the season.
      Darren Moore had even helped his side come back from 4-0 down against Peterborough in the play-offs semi-finals en route!
      The ex-West Brom boss took over at Huddersfield but is hardly bouncing back and is on dodgy ground, managing three wins from 23 games so far.
      MATT TAYLOR (Bristol Rovers)
      HAVING done a decent job with Exeter, he got a big Championship break by being named Paul Warne’s replacement at Rotherham last season.
      Despite keeping the Millers in the second tier, they struggled this time around and he was booted out of the New York Stadium in November with the club third bottom. 
      But he swiftly replaced gobby Joey Barton following his sacking and had an instant impact with four wins and a draw from his first six games. However, it’s been tough since and their 3-1 win over Oxford on Saturday halted a five-game losing streak.
      GRAHAM ALEXANDER (Bradford)
      THE Bantams boss has had some bad luck when it comes to losing his jobs at previous clubs.
      Scunthorpe decided to get rid of him after he led them to the brink of the Championship, they’re now in the National League North.
      Numbnut Gary Neville crazily dismissed the Burnley legend when they were unbeaten after five games and fifth in League Two … all this after taking Salford into the EFL and guiding them to an EFL Trophy final.
      And this season MK Dons wielded the axe after just 16 games – showing little patience.
      Yet he has arrived at Valley Parade and despite a decent start they have gone off the boil, failing to win in their last seven League Two games. They need to let him have a summer to sort it all out and go again next season. 
      Newport ‘builders’ work on a Sunday?
      THERE must have been some timely structural repairs going on in Rodney Road, Newport, this week.
      Some houses along the street which runs parallel to County’s Rodney Parade suddenly needed scaffolding erected.
      It’s incredible that those ‘builders’ not only were prepared to do overtime by working on a Sunday – but also stayed on site until a good couple of hours after 4:30pm.
      That’s what you call dedication. They must have great ratings on Checkatrade.
      Alfie, 10, gives Walsall team talk
      WALSALL boss Mat Sadler let 10-year-old fan Alfie Donnelly do his team-mate before their League Two game with Sutton.
      Alfie has multiple, complex heart conditions that have left him needing four lots of open heart surgery.
      The Saddlers invited the youngster to the training ground to meet and interview his favourite player Joe Riley as well as go to the Bescot Stadium to rile up the players before kick-off as well as read out the teams over the PA system.
      Boss Sadler said: “We all love Alfie. He’s always smiling and is an inspiration to us all.”
      Little Alfie Donnelly, 10, gives his Walsall heroes a team talk
      Elokobi is just what the EFL needs 
      SURELY any EFL club looking for a new manager should be on the blower to Maidstone United’s George Elokobi. 
      I suggested, tongue in cheek, that maybe even Liverpool should look at him!
      But, seriously, what he did before the FA Cup game against Ipswich at the gates of Portman Road on Saturday was incredible – giving the Maidstone fans a passionate from-the-heart motivational speech alongside the players.
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      This is exactly the sort of thing football needs. There are too many dullards working at bigger clubs who would stop this sort of raw passion being allowed to happen or seen.
      We need less of them and more of George Elokobi.  More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney face axing five Wrexham stars as EFL rules risk wreaking havoc

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      WREXHAM could be forced to sell up to five players this month due to EFL registration rules.The Red Dragons have already signed goalkeeper Luke McNicholas this month.
      Wexham could be forced to sell several players this monthCredit: Alamy
      McNicholas initially joined the club on loan from Sligo Rovers in the summer, but his deal was made permanent earlier this week.
      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney also want to bring in a centre-back and a striker.
      However, they are limited due to strict EFL regulations.
      Rules state that teams can only register 22 players at one time, with exceptions for those under the age of 21 and goalkeepers.
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      According to The Athletic, several players could leave to make way for new signings.
      Callum McFadzean and Bryce Hosannah could all be sent out on loan having already missed the squad cut earlier in the season.
      Forward Billy Waters has already been loaned out to Doncaster Rovers.
      Liam McAlinden, Luke Young and Jake Bickerstaff could also move on.
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      Wrexham currently sit second in the League Two table, two points behind Stockport.
      They face Championship side Blackburn in the FA Cup on Monday. More

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      Gillingham star Remaeo Hutton vows to bring ‘gay business, racism and s***ging’ to club in leaked video

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      GILLINGHAM’S Remeao Hutton stunned fans after vowing to bring back “gay business” and “some racism” in a bizarre video message to his new team-mates – which has gone viral on social media.He also suggested he would get his team-mates to CHEAT on their other halves.
      Remeao Hutton joined Gillingham from Swindon Town earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@GFCOFFICIAL
      The 25-year-old defender has made one appearance for the GillsCredit: REX
      Hutton has gone viral for a bizarre video to team-mates saying he’ll bring ‘racism’ and ‘s****ing’ to the teamCredit: TIKTOK
      Hutton has only made one appearance for his new club following his move from League Two rivals Swindon Town but is already mired in controversy following a leaked video to his new team-mates, which has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram.
      In the bizarre clip, a topless Hutton says: “Breasts innit, some breasticles.”
      A few seconds later, the 25-year-old begins referencing “gay business”, “racism” and “s****ing*” as things he’ll bring to the dressing room at the Priestfield Stadium.
      He said: “What am I going to bring to the group, I am going to bring some gay business, some gay ting I can’t lie.
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      “I am going to bring some racism. Obviously, I will win everyone over eventually, not like at first, but it’s one of those ones, innit?
      “Then on nights out bring some things to the table, that’s it.
      “Try and get you to do a bit of sha**ing and that.”
      Hutton went on to say that he may try to get pals to stray by suggesting that ‘s***ging your missus doesn’t count’.
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      Remeao Hutton seemingly wants to get his new team-mates to cheat on their other halvesCredit: GETTY
      He continued: “For me, it doesn’t count it you are s***ging your missus, so don’t be coming in saying I got some action last night.
      “It don’t count. Who wants to s**g their missus anyway?
      “The main one is the racism ting, I love that. I am on it.”
      Gillingham have spoken to Hutton about the viral video, which has caused a stir.
      A club representative told SunSport: “We are aware of this private video and we are talking to the player directly.”
      Hutton was thrilled with his move to the Kent club, saying: “I can’t wait to get going.
      “I spoke to the owners and everyone seems really friendly. I chose Gillingham because of the potential the club has. I hope to see the club get to the Championship during my time here.
      “I know a few of the lads already, so that was also a factor coming here, and I had really positive conversations with the Gaffer as well. They have made my roles and responsibilities very clear, so I know what I have to do.
      “I like to play either right-back or right wing-back, and I’m very direct.
      “I want to make as many chances as possible, I like to pass the ball and I like to get assists. The fans can expect lots and lots of crosses.
      “I’m really looking forward to making my debut, it’s exciting.”
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      Gillingham have been involved in two racism scandals in the last 13 months, the most recent of which saw a sick yob make a monkey gesture at Newport County hitman Omar Bogle last October.And the club were hit with £12,500 in May after former Colchester United defender Junior Tchamadeu was subjected to vile abuse during their Boxing Day clash in December 2022.
      Gillingham will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to MK Dons. More

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      I’ve had to give up my part-time job as a BT engineer after landing my first role as an EFL manager

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      STUART MAYNARD spent the best part of two decades as a telecommunications engineer – now he’s engineering Notts County’s promotion push.The Magpies’ new gaffer spent 19 years as a BT engineer, a role he fulfilled at the same time as being a non-league manager.
      Stuart Maynard was appointed as Notts County’s new manager this monthCredit: REX
      Maynard had to give his part time job as a BT engineer – which he had for 19 years – to take the gigCredit: PA
      But the former Wealdstone manager has finally ditched the day job after County came calling for his services, something he’s delighted about.
      He told The BBC: “I’m excited to solely focus everything I’ve got on football.”
      Maynard is thrilled to finally be in the big time that is the Football League, an experience he thought may never come when he was toiling away in the fifth division of English football.
      The 43-year-old – who was officially appointed as County’s new manager this week – admitted: “It’s very tough.
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      “With football, you have to give your whole commitment and be all in – it was a lot of nights out watching games to understand players and trying to improve. It’s 24/7.
      “And that’s what’s got us excited – what we achieved at Wealdstone, basically training three hours a week, to now have everything at our disposal.
      “There is no excuses for anything.
      “It was always the ambition to get into full-time management.
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      “We knew it wasn’t an easy step, but also knew that when we did step into full-time we wanted to be coming to the right club and the right project.
      “We are really looking forward to working in this environment.”
      Maynard has been joined at Valley Parade by his former Wealdstone assistants Matt Saunders and Craig Saunders, who got a first-hand glimpse at their future players when they thrashed The Stones 6-1 last season.
      He said: “That’s what excites us – to work with this level of players. Once we get our level of detail into them, how they can transform it and make it even better, our philosophy and structure.
      “I’m hugely proud to be given the opportunity and the trust that Chris and Alex [owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz] have put in me and Matt to take this role.”
      Maynard’s first outing as Magpies boss was supposed to take place this afternoon, with his troops welcoming Stockport County to Meadow Lane.
      But the match was CALLED OFF this morning due to an unplayable pitch, the result of the big freeze which has gripped the UK.
      Notts County’s clash with Stockport County was called off on Saturday morningCredit: NOTTS COUNTY More

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      Two more football fixtures axed due to freezing weather as icy blast pulverises sporting events this weekend

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      TWO more EFL matches have been called off due to the Big Freeze gripping the UK.Freezing temperatures have wreaked havoc throughout the nation over the last few days, with sporting events galore being called off.
      The Big Freeze has wreaked havoc with this weekend’s EFL fixturesCredit: GETTY
      Notts County’s League Two clash with Stockport County has been called off due to a frozen pitch.Credit: NOTTS COUNTY
      Walsall’s clash with Accrington Stanley has also been postponedCredit: Getty
      And two League Two matches have been postponed just hours before kick-off due to frozen pitches.
      Notts County and Walsall’s respective clashes with Stockport County and Accrington Stanley have been axed due to unplayable pitches at Meadow Lane and the Bescot Stadium.
      The Magpies confirmed the postponement of their clash with Stockport via a statement on their official website and on Twitter.
      It read: “This afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Stockport County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
      “Following persistently cold temperatures, which have fallen as low as -7 in Nottingham this week, the Meadow Lane playing surface is heavily frozen despite frost covers and heat lamps being used, as well as groundstaff working through the night.
      “Following a preliminary inspection by an EFL-appointed official yesterday, it was determined that the match referee should assess the surface at 8.30am this morning.
      “As the frost is well established and the sun cannot reach all areas of the playing surface, the referee had little confidence that today’s temperatures would improve conditions sufficiently for the match to safely go ahead.
      “And it was agreed that an early decision was sensible in the interests of both sets of supporters and their clubs.
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      “All match tickets and hospitality packages will remain valid for the rearranged fixture, with refunds being offered once a new date is confirmed.”
      Walsall wrote on Twitter: “GAME OFF.
      “Following a pitch inspection this morning and despite the best efforts of our grounds staff, today’s game against
      “Accrington Stanley has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.
      “A new date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
      The cancellation of Stockport and Accrington’s trips to Nottingham and Walsall means that NINE EFL matches have now been cancelled due to frozen or waterlogged pitches.
      Cheltenham Town and Port Vale’s respective League One clashes with Carlisle United and Wycombe Wanderers have both been postponed due to unplayable pitches at Completely-Suzuki Stadium and Vale Park.
      Seven matches have been called off in League Two, with Salford City and AFC Wimbledon’s respective home clashes with Colchester United and Crawley Town both being off.
      As are Doncaster Rovers, Sutton United and Tranmere Rovers’ trips to Bradford, Mansfield and Swindon.
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      Oxford United’s League One clash with Northampton Town is also at risk of being called off.
      A pitch inspection is expected to take place at the Kassam Stadium at 11am.
      Seven League Two matches have been called offCredit: GETTY
      More matches could be cancelled in a few hours’ timeCredit: GETTY More

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      EFL clash CANCELLED a day before kick-off as extreme weather takes its toll on footie schedule

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      AN EFL clash has been cancelled the day before kick-off due to the extreme weather.Salford City were due to host Colchester in League Two under the lights tomorrow night.
      Salford City were due to host Colchester at the Peninsula Stadium tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      But the freezing temperatures and snow mean the pitch is unplayable.
      And with the cold snap here to stay giving no chance of the pitch clearing and defrosting, the hosts have made the early decision to postpone the match.
      Salford shared the news on Twitter at 11.15am on Thursday, a full 32-and-a-half hours ahead of Friday’s 7.45pm start.
      And they accompanied the post with a photo of their Peninsula Stadium pitch completely covered in snow.
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      Salford, owned by a host of Manchester United Class of ’92 legends, said: “Friday night’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Salford City and Colchester United has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.
      “A pitch inspection was held on Thursday morning by a match official, and with temperatures not due to increase significantly before the game they recommended a postponement.
      “Both clubs will now liaise with the EFL and arrange a new date for the fixture.
      “Supporters who had purchased match tickets should keep hold of these because they will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.
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      “Once a new date has been decided, if you can no longer make it to the game then you will be able to claim a refund from your point of purchase.”
      Colchester supporters would have been getting ready for tomorrow’s 500-mile, ten-hour round trip to and from Salford.
      So despite the disappointment at the cancellation, fans appreciated getting the news in plenty of time.
      One said: “Oh well, at least away fans got a day’s notice.”

      Another wrote: “Well done Salford for saving fans and players the trip. Others in the league should take note.”
      A third added: “Sensible to make an early decision for travelling fans, both sets of staff, players, catering etc.”
      And a final user replied: “Shame but sensible decision given what the forecast looks like!!”
      The fixture that will be rearranged is an important one at the bottom for the EFL.
      Salford – now managed by new boss Karl Robinson – currently sit 21st in League Two, one place and two points above Colchester.
      Salford currently sit 21st in League TwoCredit: Getty More

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      Grimsby star Callum Ainley, 26, undergoes surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer

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      GRIMSBY TOWN have announced that star Callum Ainley is recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.The League Two club revealed the shock news this afternoon and stated that the midfielder will be out of action until at least the end of next month.
      Grimsby Town star Callum Ainley has undergone surgery for thyroid cancerCredit: Rex
      The League Two side say they hope to have the midfielder back in training at the end of FebruaryCredit: Getty
      A statement from the Mariners said: “Grimsby Town Football Club is saddened to announce that midfielder Callum Ainley was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
      “The 26 year-old, who joined the Mariners from Crewe Alexandra in the summer, has undergone surgery and will now take some time at home to recover with a view to returning to training mid-late February.”
      Grimsby’s statement then added: “Callum has shown great strength of character since he received the news and he is currently being supported by the club to ensure he has everything he needs.
      “We would like to ask supporters and the media to respect his privacy at this time.
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      “We wish Callum a speedy recovery. We hope to see him back in a black and white shirt very soon.”
      Ainley last appeared for Grimsby on December 16 in their 1-1 draw at Newport County in League Two.
      He made his debut for the Mariners on September 16 in a 3-0 loss against the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owned Wrexham.
      He has made seven appearances so far before David Artell’s side, who currently sit 19th in the fourth tier.
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      Ainley came through the academy ranks at Crewe after joining them in 2011.
      The ace made his professional debut at the age of 17 in September 2015 and went on to make nearly 250 EFL appearances for them.
      He was also part of the promotion-winning squad in 2020 that finished second in League One.
      Thyroid cancer is quite rare in the UK with around 3,400 diagnoses made each year, with it more common in women than in men.
      The thyroid gland is found at the base of your neck at the front and is just behind the hollow where your collarbones meet.
      The gland, which is made up of two lobes connected by a bridge of tissue, is butterfly-shaped and makes and releases hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
      The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped hormone producing glandCredit: Getty
      Thyroid cancer mainly affects women as is not that common in the UKCredit: Getty More