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      John Terry set to be drafted in to save League Two club from relegation as plan revealed for Chelsea legend

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      JOHN TERRY is set to be brought in by Troy Deeney to help save Forest Green from relegation, according to reports.Watford legend Deeney, 35, joined the fourth-tier side in the summer but was appointed player-manager last month after the sacking of David Horseman.
      John Terry is set to be drafted in by Forest GreenCredit: Getty
      Troy Deeney has not won any of his six matches as a player-manager at the clubCredit: Getty
      But he is yet to win any of his six matches in charge – drawing three and losing three.
      The poor run leaves Forest Green bottom of League Two, seven points adrift of safety.
      According to The Telegraph, he has now told club chiefs his plan to bring Chelsea icon Terry, 43, in for a “defenders session”.
      The ex-England international, 43, returned to his former club in the summer to become a Blues academy coach.
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      And Deeney, Forest Green’s fifth manager in 18 months, looks set to call on his services after a nightmare start to life in charge of the Football League club.
      He is also said to have pitched the idea of former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe coming in to take a shooting clinic.
      Defoe, 41, a club ambassador and academy coach at Spurs, is currently in charge of the U18s in North London.
      Deeney also urged Green bosses to allow him to sign a defender in the January window.
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      He said: “If we get the centre-half we want then we will be foundationally very solid and can look for our game-changer.”
      But the plan to bring Terry in will raise eyebrows as the ex-England captain is yet to secure a managerial job.
      The legendary centre-back revealed back in October he was rejected by Newcastle and two League One clubs after leaving his coaching role at Aston Villa.
      He also confirmed he is in talks over a move to Saudi Arabia.
      Deeney is also set to call on ex-Tottenham and England striker Jermain DefoeCredit: Getty More

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      Free EFL football tips, 14/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday’s action

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      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood has gone through Saturday’s EFL card to bring you his best bets, top tips and a whopping 22/1 accumulator.With a lack of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon, the EFL takes centre stage and there’s a banker single and longshot – for those who love bigger odds – on top of the weekend acca.
      Free EFL football tips, 22/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday
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      This weekend’s five-fold starts in the Championship with WEST BROM (7/10) hosting out of sorts Blackburn.
      Rovers sit bottom of the form table with just one point from their last five games.
      The Baggies are looking to maintain their spot in the play off places after winning their last three games at home. Two of those came in the Championship against Norwich and Leeds.
      Speaking of LEEDS (8/13), they’ve won 3-0 in back-to-back games and need to go on a bit of a run to catch Ipswich who are seven points clear and in second spot.
      Cardiff have only won once in their last six home games and this represents a good chance for an away win.
      PETERBOROUGH (21/20) are away to Charlton this weekend and sit two points off Bolton in second, so dropped points can be costly.
      Charlton are nine games without a win, while Posh have three wins away from home on the bounce. They also won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
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      Staying in League One, NORTHAMPTON (11/8) host Wigan on Saturday looking to keep their winning run going.
      They’ve won their last two but have made home their fortress, winning five of the last six with leaders Portsmouth the only team to beat them in that run.
      Wigan were plucky in defeat to Man Utd earlier this week but have one win to their name in their last seven games and Northampton could have too much.
      The acca is finished off with CRAWLEY (10/11) who host Salford.
      The hosts have picked up three wins from their last four games while scoring seven goals in their last two games.
      The visitors haven’t won in twelve games, prompting a change of manager but it could be same old story.
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      The Banker
      We head to League One for this one and Reading’s home game with Port Vale.
      Reading’s three games before the EFL Trophy defeat to Brighton U21’s were 3-2, 2-2 and 2-2.
      In fact, the 1-0 loss was only the second time in 17 games that a game involving Reading didn’t finish with both teams scoring.
      Port Vale’s last four games have brought 17 goals. So that trend could and should continue here. Wouldn’t put you off BTTS & over 3.5 goals at 9/4 either….

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      The Longshot
      We’ve gone down the full time result with both teams to score for this one.
      Oxford United (3/1) are at Carlisle with their recent form a bit sticky, but they can bounce back at a Carlisle with just one win in their last nine – though they have only failed to score once in their last five home games.
      Wycombe (10/3) have hit a decent bit of form and could leapfrog opponents Leyton Orient with a home win.
      The Wanderers have won three of their last five home games, with both teams scoring in all three. The visitors have two draws and five defeats in their last seven games.
      And this bet finishes with Wrexham (5/2), still buoyed from beating Shrewsbury in the FA Cup last week.
      They’ve only lost one of their last 14 home games, with Wimbledon scoring on three successive away days.

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      **Min 5 legs. Opt-In required. Free bet is non-withdrawable. Free Bet Expires at 23.59 on 13/01/ Eligibility restrictions & further T&Cs apply More

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      Roy Keane shows Gary Neville no mercy as he scolds ex-Man Utd team-mate over Salford’s record with managers

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      ROY KEANE has probed Gary Neville over Salford City’s record with managers.Neville, 48, co-owns the League Two club alongside David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.
      Roy Keane is never afraid to take Gary Neville to taskCredit: PA
      Salford recently sacked Neil Wood as bossCredit: Getty
      The former Manchester United defender worked as the club’s CEO for eight years before stepping down in October 2022.
      Salford recently sacked former Man Utd youth coach Neil Wood, the fifth boss they have axed in five-and-a-half years.
      Appearing on Stick to Football, Keane took Neville to task.
      The Irishman, who has attended multiple games alongside Neville, asked: “Who brought the managers in at Salford?”
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      To which Neville replied: “The managers were me, Karen (Baird, former chairwoman] and Chris (Casper, sporting director).”
      Keane, 52, then quizzed: “So, if you’re on about managers getting players right or wrong, have you brought managers in and (later) thought, ‘What was I thinking?'”
      Neville considered his response before saying: “When I look at managers that we’ve brought in, I think that while some of them may not’ve been successful… Richie (Wellens) obviously we sacked but he went on to win a league (with Leyton Orient last season).”
      Unimpressed, Keane butted in: “It doesn’t matter if they win a league somewhere else. That’s no good to you, is it?”
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      Neville subsequently replied: “Yeah but my point is sometimes a manager doesn’t work at a club, that can happen.”
      Salford have endured a miserable campaign this time around and sit 21st in League Two.
      Their Class of 92 owners opted to replace Wood with former MK Dons and Oxford boss Karl Robinson.
      While chatting with Neville, as well as Ian Wright and Jill Scott, Keane also lifted the lid on his brutal Man Utd exit in November 2005.
      He said: “I generally have no problem when a club tells a player [to leave the club] – it’s the game we’re in.
      “For you [Ian Wright], they sat you down and had a chat – to me, at least, that’s kind of respectful.
      “I’m getting called into a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, and before I sat down, they’d already prepared a statement.
      “This is my issue – they already prepared a statement, and they had the years wrong!”
      Keane has been to watch Salford alongside his former Man Utd palsCredit: PA
      Salford have appointed Karl Robinson as their new bossCredit: Rex More

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      Watch ‘most unlikely embarrassing goal ever’ as League Two goalkeeper saves penalty before punching it over his own line

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      CRAWLEY goalkeeper Corey Addai scored the “most unlikely embarrassing goal ever” in his side’s win over Bradford.The League Two side looked on course for defeat after Addai’s own goal gave the Bantams the lead at Valley Parade.
      Corey Addai’s own goal was dubbed the ‘most unlikely embarrassing goal ever’Credit: Twitter @jack__taylor

      He had initially appeared to have pulled off a heroic stop after saving Andy Cook’s second half penalty.
      However, the ball squirmed under the goalkeeper and was rolling towards the goal as he reached back to collect it.
      Instead of stopping the ball, though, Addai could only punch it over the line.
      His mishap gave the hosts a 2-1 lead, completing a turnaround for Bradford.
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      Their fans were left shocked by the incident on social media, with one simply writing: “Own goal?!”
      Another added: “We have scored two of the most unlikely embarrassing goals I’ve ever seen.”
      Liam Ridehalgh had earlier cancelled out Danilo Orsi’s opening goal to level the scores.
      Fortunately for Addai, late drama spared his blushes as Adam Campbell equalised five minutes from time.
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      Orsi and Klaidi Lolos then both scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 4-2 victory for the visitors.
      The result lifts Scott Lindsey’s side up to ninth and leaves them outside the play-off places on goal difference alone.
      Meanwhile, Bradford are 14th after 26 matches, having been set to climb into the top half if they had held on to their lead. More

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      I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

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      JONNY WILLIAMS has gone to three major tournaments, deputised for Gareth Bale and played with and against some of the world’s greats.The midfield playmaker also can boast he has competed in all four of this country’s top divisions.
      Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale in training for Wales
      Williams is now plying his trade for League Two club Gillingham
      And today he hopes to add another chapter to his football story by helping League Two club Gillingham topple Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Priestfield.
      Williams, 30, hung up his boots for Wales only last March.
      And when he returned home last summer to Kent, the county of his birth and upbringing, it dawned on him what an incredible adventure he has been on.
      From playing in the top-flight after winning promotion at Wembley with Crystal Palace to helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-final, he had a whirlwind start to his career.
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      Then he helped Charlton climb into the Championship in 2018, played at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament before being selected to go to last winter’s World Cup in Qatar despite being a League Two player at Swindon!
      He told SunSport: “I pinch myself at times. I’m moving into a new home back in Tunbridge Wells, sorting through boxes and seeing memorabilia of things I did.
      “Going to the Euros and a World Cup were things I could’ve only dreamed of.
      “My only goal as a kid was to play one senior game for Crystal Palace so to go to those tournaments and score twice for my country, as well as win two Wembley play-off finals, were incredible life experiences.” 
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      Williams made his international debut by coming on as a half-time sub for the injured Bale against Scotland in 2013 before deputising for the Wales legend four days later.
      And the Gills midfielder played during what was a golden age in Welsh football.
      He said: “Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people too. 
      “They set the tone for the rest of the group and what followed. There were no egos because that wasn’t the way we were going as a nation.
      Williams in action against England at Euro 2016 in France
      Our man Justin Allen caught up with Jonny Williams at Gillingham
      “The two let their feet do the talking because they’re natural-gifted footballers blessed with unbelievable talent with and without the ball.
      “And the desire to improve and work hard in training set the tempo for the rest of us. 
      “When I was very young, Craig Bellamy was the same — he led by example. 
      “It makes you understand and learn quickly what needs to be done if you want to play for Wales. I was fortunate enough to have those boys to look up to.
      Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people tooJonny Williams
      “They always spoke to everyone, players and staff, with respect. I know it should be a given in life but sometimes in football it’s not and I’ve had team mates who struggle with that.
      “I learned massively from Gareth and Aaron — from when I was playing in the Premier League to when I was in League Two, they still treated me the same as they did Wayne Hennessey.
      “And the squad had some great professionals in it. The other ones that stood out for me were Joe Allen, who got into the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, and Ben Davies.
      “It’s Ben’s 12th season playing for Wales and to stay at that level for that length of time you’ve got to be a top footballer.
      Williams played during a golden era for Welsh football
      The midfielder prepares to warm up at the Qatar World Cup last winter
      “I’m sure once Aaron comes to the end of his time, Ben will be the natural leader to step in because he’s great in the dressing room as well.”
      Bale announced his retirement from all football following the World Cup in Qatar and a glittering career that took in Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.
      And Williams said: “I’m sure he’d have loved to have won the Premier League — but with five Champions League titles and all his Wales achievements I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.
      “I still keep in touch with those two. Aaron’s close to returning from injury with Cardiff. I’ve not spoken to Gareth for a couple of months but he’s probably busy playing golf with that spare time he’s now got!”
      Today’s opponents Sheffield United evoke some fond but also emotional memories for Williams.
      Former Blades player and manager Gary Speed was the man who first promoted him into the Wales squad — and nurtured the then rookie before tragically taking his own life in 2011.
      Williams said: “Gary was a phenomenal bloke in the short time I spent with him. 
      “He was a Premier League legend and I’d seen many of his games as a kid — and in the Wales team as well as I was making my way through the youth ages, watching him playing in the senior set up.
      Gary Speed gave Williams his first Wales senior squad call-up before losing his life in tragic circumstances
      “To this day, we don’t know why he took his life. We’ll be asking for years why? 
      “I remember walking out of church that Sunday morning learning he had passed away. It was tragic news. 
      “I’ll be forever grateful for him giving me that senior call up and showing that belief in me as a 17-year-old to work alongside the likes of him, Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and all the Wales superstars coming through at the time.
      “He took me out for a coffee or hot chocolate in St David’s in Cardiff — and told me straight away, ‘You’re good enough to be here, don’t just think this is a token call-up. You’re playing at a good level, you’ve been playing well and I want you in the senior team. Just enjoy the experience and playing with these players — and this is the start of your future.’
      “Not many managers would’ve done that. I was only a teen but he sat me down and took 15 to 20 minutes to get to know me as a person. I didn’t get much time with him in the end but those small moments I’ll remember forever.”
      Today he potentially faces his former Wales team-mate Rhys Norrington-Davies, who came on as a late sub at Man City for his first outing for FOURTEEN months after being sidelined with a career-threatening hamstring injury.
      And Williams said: “Rhys is so talented and deserves to be in the Premier League. I hope he can kick on.
      “I was gutted for him missing the World Cup because he’s so good around the dressing room too. 

      Williams with the Wales team after being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup
      “Football can be a cruel sport but I’m sure he would have had his friends and family around him to get him through that period and now he’s back fit and he’s got the opportunity to play in the top division.”
      And Williams himself still has plenty of ambitions going forward in his club career.
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      First he hopes to cause an upset today and then his next goal is clear: “To win promotion.
      “I’ve gone to the Premier League and Championship — and now I want to complete the hat-trick set and get Gillingham back into League One where they belong.” More

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      Six lower-league FA Cup stars to watch including England hero’s brother, goal ace and forgotten Premier League cult hero

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      THE FA CUP third-round is always one of the biggest weekends in the football calendar as Premier League, EFL and non-league sides mix it up.SunSport’s JUSTIN ALLEN takes a look at six players below the top-flight to look out for this weekend in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.
      Jobe Bellingham (left) will relish facing Premier League Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Paul Appiah (right) stars for Maidstone, the lowest-ranked team left in the CupCredit: Gary Stone
      Eastleigh’s 6ft 4in defender Ludwig Francillette is ready to face NewportCredit: Rex
      JOBE BELLINGHAM (Sunderland)
      REAL MADRID and England star Jude Bellingham’s younger brother is enjoying his breakthrough season with the Black Cats.
      And what a game for the 18-year-old midfielder to show his talents this weekend as the Black Cats face their bitter rivals Newcastle in Saturday’s big North East derby at the Stadium of Light.
      PAUL APPIAH (Maidstone United)
      ROOKIE defender will be turning out for the National League South club against Stevenage on Saturday on loan from Leicester.
      The 21-year-old is highly rated and already appeared four times in the EFL Trophy for the Foxes Under-21s side but been sent to the Kent team to get more week-to-week action against senior players. Was superb for the Stones in their second-round win over Barrow.

      LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE (Eastleigh)
      The 6ft 4in ace, 24, is from Guadeloupe and came through the youth system at Newcastle and has two seasons under his belt at League Two club Crawley. Will be hoping to snub out Newport and 17-goal Will Evans this weekend.

      JONNY WILLIAMS (Gillingham)
      VASTLY-experienced midfield playmaker who until last year was a Wales international.
      The 30-year-old former Crystal Palace, Charlton, Cardiff and Swindon ace has featured at two Euros (2016 and 2020) plus was selected for the World Cup squad in Qatar last winter despite being a League Two player!
      DION CHARLES (Bolton)
      STRIKER is on fire as the Trotters aim to win promotion this season from League One.
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      The 28-year-old has an impressive 17 goals already and will be hoping to add to that this weekend and take the scalp of Premier League strugglers Luton.
      JOSH COBURN (Middlesbrough)
      THE lively striker has just turned 21 and highly rated at the Riverside.
      Coburn, back from a season on loan at Bristol Rovers, has scored twice in his last two games and should get a chance against Premier League Aston Villa — although both teams do have bigger fish to fry in their respective divisions.
      Jonny Williams will use all his experience for Gillingham against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      Dion Charles will be Bolton’s main goal threat at Premier League LutonCredit: Rex
      Josh Coburn has scored two in his last two for MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult hero Matty Etherington sacked by League Two strugglers in brutal 50-word statement

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      COLCHESTER have sacked manager Matty Etherington following their 1-0 defeat to Gillingham this afternoon.The result leaves the U’s languishing 22nd in League Two.
      Matty Etherington has been sacked by ColchesterCredit: Getty
      Etherington, 42, was appointed in October to succeed Ben Garner, having previously been coaching Colchester’s Under-21 side.
      He oversaw 16 games as boss, initially on an interim basis and then full-time, winning five, drawing one and losing 10.
      A brief statement confirming their boss’ exit read: “Following this afternoon’s defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as Head Coach.
      “The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team.
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      “No further comment will be made at this time.”
      Colchester were consigned to today’s home defeat to Gillingham by Scott Malone’s 54th minute effort.
      It was their third loss in a row, having fallen 5-3 at AFC Wimbledon and 1-0 at MK Dons.
      After today’s defeat, but prior to being sacked, Etherington said: “I’m fully aware of the situation we’re in and the run of results that we’re on.
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      “I won’t shirk away from anyone and I’ll keep doing the job to the best of my ability.
      “The results haven’t been good enough and I get that.
      “I believe in working a certain way and I believe in my principles as a person and I’ll keep being me.”
      Etherington previously managed Peterborough for one game as caretaker boss in February 2022.
      He then landed the Crawley job in November of that year, only to be bizarrely sacked after just THREE games.
      Etherington played in the Premier League for Tottenham, West Ham and Stoke before hanging up his boots in 2014.
      Etherington, now 42, played for Tottenham in the Premier LeagueCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Wrexham clash with Barrow STOPPED and midfielder David Worrall carried off on stretcher after horror head injury

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      WREXHAM’S clash with Barrow was delayed for ten minutes as medical staff dealt with a head injury suffered by David Worrall.The Barrow ace, 33, was involved in a clash of heads in the 11th minute after winning the ball in the air.
      David Worrall had to be stretchered off during the first halfCredit: Rex
      Barrow boss Pete Wild lost a player to a nasty-looking head knockCredit: Rex
      Doctors quickly raced on to treat the stricken star.
      After ten minutes of on-field treatment Worrall was stretchered off and replaced by Luca Stephenson.
      Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds quickly took to social media, writing: “Hoping David Worrall is okay.”
      The Canadian, 47, followed up with two prayer emojis.
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      Barrow went into today’s match in fourth, trailing Wrexham by just one point.
      They got off to a great start at the Racecourse Ground, with Kian Spence prodding them in front just 33 seconds into the contest.
      Pete Wild’s side then suffered the devastating blow of losing Worrall to his nasty-looking head knock.
      The match eventually resumed in the 21st minute.
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      At the end of the initial 45 the referee added on a further 14, taking into account the delay for Worrall’s treatment.
      Experienced forward Steven Fletcher equalised for the home side nine minutes into time added on.
      And in a cruel twist for Barrow, Paul Mullin then gave Wrexham the lead from a free-kick in the 11th minute of first-half added time.
      Fletcher somehow found time to grab a third in the 14th minute added on to complete a remarkable goal glut.
      Worrall is among Barrow’s most versatile players, having played at right-back, left and right midfield and even up top this season.
      He has played 21 times so far this term, and had laid on three assists in his last two appearances prior to today.
      Kian Spence had given Barrow the lead after just 33 secondsCredit: Alamy More