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      Manager bans his football team from CELEBRATING and tells them to give handshake or pat on the head instead

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      NIGEL CLOUGH has banned his Mansfield Town players from CELEBRATING goals.The son of Nottingham Forest legend Brian laid down the law to stars following their unbeaten start to the League Two season.
      Nigel Clough has put his foot down on Mansfield Town players celebrating goalCredit: Alamy
      Clough wants his stars to remain focused and ‘save energy’ with a handshake or pat on backCredit: PA
      Mansfield have won eight of their 16 games so far and sit third in the table.
      Fans are starting to dream of promotion to League One, especially with their side boasting the meanest defence so far.
      But Clough, 57, reckons his players can do even more to help their chances.
      He believes too much energy is wasted on celebrations after a goal is scored.
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      The ex-Derby County and Burton Albion boss believes stars should instead settle for a handshake or pat on the back if there’s still all to play for.
      However, Clough concedes he won’t deny his team a jubilant celebration should they score a decisive goal in the last minute.
      He told BBC Radio Nottingham: “I don’t really see the point of celebrating goals when the game is still in the balance.
      “If you score a last-minute winner and you know it’s almost the last kick of the game, then by all means. But do your celebrating at the end of the game, which is why we [Mansfield] always go over to the supporters.”
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      Explaining that the only appropriate time to celebrate is after an achievement, he continued: “Yes, you have that individual moment when you do score, but I think it goes a bit over the top.
      “Be a bit more reserved about it, save your energy certainly – because when they kick off, you have to go get the ball back.
      “At the end of the game, if you have been lucky enough to have won, then that’s the time to celebrate.
      “Even the end of the season, because yes you celebrate each win, each unbeaten game, but then if you don’t achieve anything it’s a little bit wasted.
      “But the individual games are important to recognise when we have this great record. We have just won for the first time at Salford when we haven’t been brilliant – we dug in and won, scored two good goals and that in itself is worth a little celebration, but nothing over the top.”
      Clough has drawn up his new rules after his own experience as a player at Forest and Abion.
      He added: “You got a little pat on the back, a pat on the head or someone shook your hand – people like Ian Bowyer or Garry Birtles, who have won European Cups.
      “And even when you see them scoring in semi-finals of the European Cup, or even the final, there was no everyone running into the corner flag and everything because they knew then that once they kicked off, you need all the energy you have got to get the ball back to try to preserve your lead, or increase it or whatever.” More

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      I played with James Maddison at Coventry and have never lost at Wembley… now I’m hoping to down England with Malta

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      A BORN-AND-BRED Englishman who was a former team-mate of James Maddison and playing non-league last season is now hoping to inflict misery on the Three Lions.Notts County winger Jodi Jones, 26, previously played for Dagenham & Redbridge, Coventry City and Oxford United in the Football League before dropping into the National League in 2022 permanently after a loan spell at Meadow Lane.
      Malta’s Jodi Jones was born on these shores but is looking to down EnglandCredit: PA
      He came up against his ex-Coventry team-mate James Maddison back in JuneCredit: Getty
      Jones and the Magpies sealed their return to the EFL after beating Chesterfield on penalties in the play-off final last season.
      And after enjoying a fine start to life in League Two, where they currently sit fifth, he is now looking to condemn Gareth Southgate’s men to one of their most embarrassing moments.
      The Malta international, who had only previously visited the country once before receiving his first international call-up, has already had a taste of facing England.
      He started in June when the Three Lions romped to a 4-0 win in the first of their two European qualifiers with the minnows.
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      But now he is preparing to line-up at Wembley – a place he has NEVER LOST – tonight and help Malta beat England.
      He won the EFL Trophy while at Coventry, where he played alongside Maddison, as well as the play-off triumph with Notts County last summer.
      Jones, a Cockney who qualifies for Malta through his father, told The Mirror: “Most footballers don’t get the chance to play at Wembley in their whole careers, but this will be the third time I’ve played there and I’ve got a 100 per cent record – so no pressure on the boys.
      ‌”It was a pinch-yourself moment when we played England in Malta last summer, but to take on some of the best players in the world at Wembley will be even bigger. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
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      England’s place at next summer’s showpiece is already assured while Malta’s hopes are over as they sit bottom of the group on zero points.
      But after managing to get Declan Rice’s shirt during their previous meeting, he admits he will be souvenir hunting again later.
      And he also insisted that he always knew Maddison, who misses the game due to an ankle injury, would reach the big time.
      Jones added: “His talent is ridiculous – and it was always there.
      “The thing I like about him is the way he always backs himself, how good he knew he could be, how good he knows he is now.
      “I always knew how good he was and as an Arsenal fan, I wasn’t too happy when he signed for Tottenham and I told him so. But you have to be happy for him that he’s been creating goals, scoring goals in the Premier League.
      “I hear people saying he’s been the signing of the season, and I would probably agree.”
      Jodi Jones has never lost at Wembley on his previous two visitsCredit: Alamy More

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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney praised after donating thousands to burgled shop

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      WREXHAM’S celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been hailed for saving a burgled shop from going out of business.Stephen Tapp’s local sportswear store Wrexham Trainer Revival was broken in on October 28, only a month after he celebrated his new location.
      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been praised once moreCredit: Getty
      Reynolds and McElhenney saved a burgled shop with a generous donationCredit: Getty
      That terrible incident left Tapp facing financial trouble and thus a donations page was set up online.
      Just as the owner was ready to close shop, Reynolds and McElhenney stepped in with a £3,500 donation.
      That took the grand total to £7,000, a sum that will keep the local business going.
      Tapp told the BBC: “It was overwhelming – I literally had to be picked up off the floor.
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      “One of the biggest actors in Hollywood donating money to my little shop, it’s ridiculous.
      “We were about to wrap up the online donations page, then they doubled the amount I’d already received – taking it to £7,000.
      “After spending so much time talking to the police my head wasn’t in a very good place.
      “I was very close to packing up and selling it all on eBay – the support I’ve had from everyone has been amazing.
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      “The donations page was set up by an American couple I’ve only met once – that money has covered all of my costs and kept the business going.
      “By Sunday tea-time, with the amount of messages I received on social media, there was no way I could give up.
      “They’re welcome to the shop anytime. There’ll be a couple of free T-shirts there for them, that’s for sure.” More

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      Wycombe release update on Leahy and Hanlan after pair rushed to hospital with horror injuries

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      WYCOMBE have shared an update on pair Luke Leahy and Brandon Hanlan after their horror injuries against Stevenage.Both players were stretchered off during the League One clash, with Hanlan receiving oxygen and Leahy suffering a clash of heads.
      Luke Leahy suffered a whack to his head against StevenageCredit: Prime Media
      The Wycombe star is confirmed to be okayCredit: Rex
      Brandon Hanlan is also recovering after he was stretchered off against StevenageCredit: Rex
      Hanlan, 26, suffered his injury in the first half of the match as he landed heavily after challenging for a ball with Stevenage’s Carl Piergianni.
      Leahy, 30, went down in the second half after taking a whack to the head during an ariel duel for the ball.
      As a result, the game was stopped for long periods as they received attention from medical staff.
      The Wycombe stars were both taken to hospital following their injuries for further checks.
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      The club has now confirmed that both Leahy and Hanlan have been discharged.
      A club statement read: “Both Brandon Hanlan and Luke Leahy have been discharged from hospital and are resting at home.
      “The club treats head injuries, in particular, with the utmost caution and we thank those who handled the situation with dignity and respect, and those who have sent well wishes.”
      Fans were relieved to hear the news on social media.
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      One commented: “Great news, wish them both a speedy recovery.”
      A second wrote: “Glad to hear they are both home. Worrying scenes yesterday! Hope they both make a speedy recovery.”
      A third posted: “Really good news after some scary scenes yesterday. Hope to see both back as soon as they can!”
      A fourth said: “Well done to all the medics and emergency staff. First class.”
      Another added: “Well done to those who supported both players on the pitch yesterday, excellent reactions and a swift response.”
      Stevenage won the game 1-0 after Jamie Reid scored in the first half.
      His goal came in at 45+14′ as there was also a long stoppage for Hanlan’s injury.
      There were claims that Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield wanted the game to be abandoned due to the injury to Leahy.
      However, he “categorically” denied those claims.
      He said: “I’ve been told I’ve been accused of trying to get the game called off but I can categorically deny, 100% at no point was I trying to get the game called off.
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      “We were preparing our players to restart the game – the referee came across to speak because he realised the severity of the situation more than what I did.
      “I was asked how I was, how my players were – and I replied to the questions I was being asked so at no point did I try to put pressure on the referee to call it off.” More

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      Crewe vs Notts County HALTED after linesmen ‘refuse to stand on side of fuming fans’ after 98th-minute penalty awarded

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      NOTTS COUNTY’s clash at Crewe Alexandra was halted due to the linesman refusing to stand near the travelling fans.Notts’ supporters were raging with the officials after a 96th-minute penalty was awarded against their side.
      Notts County’s clash with Crewe was haltedCredit: PA
      Fans were enraged by the linesman’s decision to give a penalty to CreweCredit: PA
      The penalty was given by Richard Wigglesworth who had replaced the original refereeCredit: PA
      The game was stoppedCredit: PA
      Players tried to calm down the supportersCredit: Dan Westwell
      Jody Jones was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box as the referee pointed to the spot.
      However, the call angered County’s fans who let their displeasure be known at the awarding linesman.
      The decision came after the match’s original referee, Simon Mather, was forced to be replaced by fourth official Richard Wigglesworth after pulling his hamstring.
      Reports claimed that Notts’ fans then erupted as projectiles were thrown at the officials.
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      It was also suggested that the words “cheat” and “w****r” were chanted at them from the away support.
      Due to the intensity, the linesman was said to refuse to run the line because of the proximity to the fans.
      To make matters worse and add to the chaos the other linesman reportedly refused to switch with him, causing the match to be delayed.
      County’s players could be seen trying to calm down their incensed supporters.
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      The game eventually was restarted 13 minutes later in the 109th minute with the spot kick.
      Crewe star Courtney Baker-Richardson stood up and fired the penalty home to hand the hosts the victory.
      After the game Crewe manager Lee Bell insisted that the decision was correct.
      He said: “Yeah I thought it was a penalty.
      “I think with the new rule change when you are so close to it but in this day and age it is a penalty.
      “I think he [the referee] got it spot on, it takes a lot of courage to do that after coming on because he took his time.”
      Elsewhere in the Football League, Wycombe suffered two serious injuries as two players were taken to hospital after their defeat to Stevenage in League One.
      Courtney Baker-Richardson converted the penaltyCredit: PA More

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      ‘You need to appease clubs’ – Scots Fifa referee who moved to England stunned whistlers turn ‘blind eye’ to simulation

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      BOBBY MADDEN has lifted the lid on the power English clubs hold over referees.The former Fifa whistler retired in the summer after a season taking charge of games down south.
      Bobby Madden quit the game in Scotland to go and further his career in EnglandCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Madden had achieved all he’d set out to as an official in Scotland and wanted a fresh challenge in EFL League One.
      But he hung up his whistle for several reasons, including being stunned at how the observer marking system is weighted in the clubs’ favour.
      Madden, 45, said: “There were challenges and a different mentality in how they manage situations from an FA and PGMOL point of view.
      “The clubs pay them, so they have control over officials.

      “One of the frustrations which didn’t affect me directly is the clubs have 40 per cent of the mark that’s given to a referee.
      “Essentially you need to appease the clubs to get on, so anyone going into that system needs to referee with that in mind.
      “It’s difficult when you’ve refereed to a level with an observer system then you have a club system like that. It’s difficult for the referees.
      “There were good referees in League One and Two, but would they turn a blind eye to obvious simulation or clear dissent or foul or abusive language? I saw it happen.
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      “I think that’s one of the challenges they have.
      “Each club has 20 per cent of their mark.
      “In Scotland it’s one observer and you receive one mark and it’s the same with Uefa.
      “In England the assessor only has 20 per cent. They also go to a panel and review it, so it was a new system.
      “The clubs and players and managers know they are marking you.
      “I’ve heard comments like, ‘Just remember who’s marking you’. The clubs know they have that power.
      “It’s a challenging environment for referees coming through.
      “I didn’t change my tactics, though. I just managed games the way I always have.
      “I was probably known for not showing that many yellow cards and I tried to follow that, but it’s probably a more difficult arena to do that in.”
      Madden was also disappointed by the quality of the game down south, despite its bold claims, and the lack of respect shown by players towards officials compared to Scotland.
      He said: “In England the football and the teams are very well organised. The surfaces and facilities are good.
      “But I was disappointed with the football.
      “League One there compares to the bottom three or four in our Premiership and League Two compares to the Championship.
      “But England are very good at marketing their leagues, so people believe it’s high level.
      “Of course it’s very well organised, but the level of football probably wasn’t what I expected.
      “I was still fortunate to referee some decent games in League One.
      “In Scotland teams play against each other four times a season or whatever, so there’s a lot of repetition and it’s the same with referees.
      “You’ll referee each team five or six times a year. Take that over ten years and you are in a lot of contact with the same people so you build up a relationship.
      “They might not agree with your decisions and players will use foul language and I’ll use the same type back.
      “In England that level of respect isn’t there because of their approach, but it was maybe because I was a new face that they didn’t know.
      “They’re also in that arena where they’re very well paid, they have a fantastic environment and there’s maybe a degree of entitlement.
      “I did find a lot of players difficult to deal with and they didn’t like to be challenged.
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      “In Scotland I liked the banter and to give a bit back and have that relationship.”
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      Supercomputer predicts final League Two table with Wrexham missing out on promotion and ex-Prem boss rock bottom

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      WREXHAM are set to miss out on automatic promotion from League Two according to a supercomputer.The predicted final table for this season sees the Red Dragons drop out of the top three.
      Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham are predicted to taste promotion heartache this seasonCredit: Getty
      A supercomputer has tipped Wrexham to finish fifth in League Two this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, former Premier League manager Nigel Adkins has been tipped to finish the campaign rock bottom.
      Best Gambling Sites’ supercomputer has simulated the rest of the season 1,000 times to predict the final standings.
      Using previous results and the current form of each side, the outcomes of the promotion, play-off and survival races have all been predicted.
      According to the supercomputer, Stockport will return to League One for the first time since 2010 as champions.
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      The Hatters will be joined by Morecambe and Mansfield in the automatic promotion places based on the simulations.
      However, Wrexham, who currently sit third, are set to drop into the play-offs and finish fifth.
      Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will see their side navigate the play-offs alongside Bradford, Accrington and MK Dons.
      Fellow newly-promoted side Notts County are also set for heartache come the end of the season.
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      Despite being above Wrexham in second at the time of writing, the Magpies are predicted to fall away and end the campaign in ninth.
      At the opposite end of the table, it is bad news for Adkins and Tranmere, who are tipped to finish bottom of the table and 14 points from safety.
      Relegation would end the club’s six-year stay in the Football League, with Sutton expected to join them in dropping into non-league.
      Adkins was appointed earlier this month, replacing Ian Dawes as he combines his managerial duties with his role as the club’s technical director.
      He previously had two spells as a Premier League boss with Southampton and Reading.
      Stockport are predicted to finish top and return to League One after a 14-year absenceCredit: PA
      Nigel Adkins and Tranmere are set to finish rock bottom, according to the supercomputerCredit: PA More

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      Forgotten Premier League star signs for League Two side on free transfer after 4 months unemployed following Watford axe

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Dan Gosling has signed for a new club after being unemployed for four months.The 33-year-old was released by Watford in the summer despite recovering from a serious Achilles injury.
      Dan Gosling has joined Notts CountyCredit: Getty
      He has now penned a two-month deal at League Two side Notts County.
      A club statement read: “We’re delighted to add a player of Dan’s pedigree to the squad at such an important time.
      “We believe his obvious quality and experience will enable him to help the team in the short-term.
      “Throughout his career Dan has proven himself to be a hard-working, tenacious and highly accomplished midfielder at the top levels of the game.”
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      Fans were buzzing over the signing, one said: “Hell of a signing for League Two. Top pro. Good luck Gozza.”
      Gosling came through the ranks at Plymouth before moves to Premier League sides Everton and Newcastle.

      The former England Under-21 star then spent six years at Bournemouth, playing 193 times for the club as the Cherries earned promoted and then established themselves in the top-flight.
      A move to Watford followed in 2021, but injuries plagued his time at Vicarage Road as he made just 36 appearances.
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      He slammed his former team-mates, claiming “disgraceful attitudes” resulted in relegation a year after he joined.
      Gosling arrives at Notts County to replace Matt Palmer, who will miss the remainder of the season with a knee problem.
      The club are eyeing back-to-back promotions with them currently second in the League Two table. More