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    Top footballer punched woman, 60, and left her unable to speak in bloody queue row at nightclub

    A FORMER Premier League footballer is facing jail after he punched a 60-year-old woman and left her covered in blood following a nightclub row.Marcus Maddison insulted the victim’s daughter before launching the brutal assault which left the older woman unable to speak due to her facial injuries.
    Maddison started out at Newcastle but played most matches for PeterboroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Maddison attacked his victim after spending time at The Gate nightclub in DarlingtonCredit: The Gate/Facebook
    The attack happened after the ex-pro – who rose through the youth ranks at Newcastle United – left The Gate nightclub in Darlington in the early hours of September 25 last year.
    Teesside Crown Court has now heard how he got into a row with two women for apparently jumping the queue in a kebab shop close to the nightclub in County Durham.
    Prosecutor Robin Turton told how Maddison threatened: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you.”
    Mr Turton added: “As the defendant threw the chips he fell backwards and he punched the victim with his right clenched fist.
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    “There was a steady stream of blood coming from what appeared to be a broken nose. She was unable to speak due to her injuries.
    “The victim was taken to hospital and a CT scan revealed complex midfacial bone fractures.
    “She reported that she continues to suffer numbness to the teeth, diminished sense of taste and smell and is now reluctant to go out on her own.”
    Maddison was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
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    He now faces sentencing on August 8.
    The judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, extended his unconditional bail while an updated victim impact statement is prepared and a medical carried out on the victim.
    The 29-year-old midfielder scored 52 goals in more than 200 appearances during a six-year stint at League One side Peterborough United.
    He also played for former Premier League sides Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
    He also won two caps in 2014 for England C, the team representing the country for non-league level footballers.
    Maddison signed for National League North club Darlington in June last year but had his contract ripped up days after the assault.
    Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
    “After discussions with the player concerned, the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
    “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.
    “It would be inappropriate for Darlington FC to comment further at this time.”
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    Maddison took time off from football in March 2001 for mental health reasons, having played ten matches for Bolton on their way to promotion from League Two.
    Speaking a year later, he said: “Things didn’t go well at Bolton and, headspace, I just wasn’t in the right way to play football anymore.” More

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    Fans ‘pack their bags’ after discovering amazing city where streets are named after football teams – is yours included?

    FOOTBALL fans have unearthed an incredible place where the streets are named after English football teams.This amazing area can be found in the city of McKinney, located in Collin County, TX, USA – roughly 32 miles north of Texas capital Dallas.
    The city in America has an uncanny amount of names belonging to football clubs
    Mckinney in Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA.
    After the astonishing find, fans have been declaring their intention to cross the pond and live on a road named after their team.
    Exactly why the streets have been named after the English clubs is unclear – but more importantly – has your side been included?
    Kicking things off in the Premier League, Fulham are one team to get a mention with the street name Fulham Lane.
    Newly-promoted Sheffield United and local rivals Sheffield Wednesday get a feature with their own Sheffield Drive, while Burnley Drive can also be found right off Fulham.
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    Another set of local rivals, Bristol City and Rovers also have a place in the City with Bristol Drive.
    Championship sides Southampton, Millwall and Preston are named too, with Southampton Drive, Millwall Drive and Preston Lane respectively.
    Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are there too, though a misspelling of the road – Middlesborough Drive – being spelt like the location rather than the club left a couple of fans fuming.
    One fan wrote: “And OBVIOUSLY they spelled Middlesbrough incorrectly.”
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    The city has names from all across the English football pyramid
    As of 2020 it had a population just shy of 200,000
    While a second typed: “Aaaand they f***ed up and spelt Middlesbrough wrong 😬.”
    Relegated Championship sides Reading and Blackpool are in the City too with Reading Drive and Blackpool Parkway.
    From League One, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury can also be found.
    There is even a property currently for sale on Port Vale Drive, with houses in the area selling for around £400,000.
    League Two sides also have some resident street names, namely Crawley and Gillingham.
    In Non-League there is even a mention of Dagenham and Redbridge with Redbridge Lane.
    One fan added on Twitter: “All I want in life is to live on Port Vale Drive.”
    While another wrote: “Packing my bags.”
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    In 2017 McKinney was named the third fastest-growing city in the States, and as of 2020 has a population of 195,308.
    That number may swell even more with a flood of football fans now plotting a move over. More

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    Barnsley face points deduction and huge fine as EFL find them guilty of FIVE rule breaches after play-off heartbreak

    BARNSLEY have been charged with FIVE breaches of EFL regulations.The EFL have found the club guilty of breaches concerning its ownership.
    Barnsley have been charged with five breaches of EFL regulationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged by the EFLCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The EFL have said that the Tykes have failed to provide the league with “correct and/or complete information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares in the club” despite a request for the information by the League.
    Barnsley have also been charged with failing to provide “necessary notifications regarding the ownership position” and “failing to publish accurate information on the club’s website concerning the ultimate owners of the significant interest”.
    The other two charges include “allowing individuals to acquire a position of control without prior clearance from the EFL” and “failing to act towards the League with the utmost good faith”.
    Former club directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged with “causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations”.
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    Barnsley, Paul Conway and Chien Lee have 14 days to respond to the charges.
    The EFL could hand Barnsley a points deduction and a heavy fine.
    Reading are one club that have been the subject of similar punishments from the EFL in recent times.
    Barnsley have since released a statement addressing the charges in which it confirmed that they were the result of an investigation initiated by the club itself.
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    The club could face a fine and a points deductionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It read: “The charges announced by the EFL today are the result of an investigation initiated by the club following an internal review into the shareholdings of former directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee.
    “After bringing the issue to the attention of the EFL, the club has fully cooperated with the investigation at every stage and will continue to do so, as appropriate.
    “The steps taken by the club to instigate and then ensure a thorough investigation into the issue underline Barnsley FC’s commitment to compliance with the EFL’s regulations.
    “The club will await the EFL’s sanctioning decision and will comment further in due course.”
    Barnsley finished fourth in League One last season but missed out on promotion after losing to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final. More

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    Who is football manager Hannah Dingley?

    HANNAH Dingley has been appointed the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in English professional football.From her work experience at Swansea City to being named the interim manager by Forest Green Rovers – here’s everything you need to know.
    Hannah Dingley has been appointed interim manager by Forest Green RoversCredit: Getty
    Who is Hannah Dingley?
    Hannah Dingley, born July 19, 1983, is a Welsh football coach.
    She is currently the caretaker manager of the Gloucestershire club, Forest Green Rovers.
    Dingley grew up in the South Wales village of Llansteffan and started playing football with her older brother and other boys from the age of five — also playing in school teams.
    However, at the age of 11, Dingley had to give up playing because girls were prohibited from being in boys’ teams and there were no girls’ sides in her local area under the age of 16.
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    ”Girls played hockey and netball and boys football and rugby. That’s the way it was — but I still loved the game and went to watch the boys, although I wasn’t allowed to join in,” Dingley explained.
    The only way she was able to get back into the sport was by taking on work experience at Swansea City – and it was there she decided to pursue a career in football.
    Dingley resumed playing at the age of 16 for Carmarthen Town, before going on to do a BTEC in Football Studies – where she was the only girl on her college course in Llanelli.
    She then went on to earn a degree in PE and sports sciences at Loughborough University, as well obtaining a number of coaching badges.
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    Dingley, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, also coached both men’s, women’s and boys’ and girls’ teams. 
    When did Hannah become manager of Forest Green Rovers?
    Forest Green Rovers made history in July 2023 by appointing Hannah Dingley as the first woman to lead a men’s team in English professional football.
    Dingley has been placed in charge of the League Two club in an interim position following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.
    Duncan spent six months in charge of the Gloucestershire club, during which time he failed to keep them in League One.
    It is understood that Dingley will continue in the role during the search for Ferguson’s replacement.
    Speaking about her new role, Dingley said: ”I’m really excited for this next step of my career. Pre-season has just begun and the full season kicks off very soon. It’s an exciting time in football.
    ”I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and to lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.”
    Asked if she wants the job full-time, she said: “I haven’t even taken a training session yet so just want to focus on getting the players prepared for the new season before thinking about anything else.”
    What other clubs has Hannah Dingley managed?
    Prior to making history at Forrest Green Rovers, Dingley worked as a course leader at Loughborough College in Sport & Exercise Science, whilst also working as an academy coach at Notts County and Lincoln Ladies in 2011.
    She has also previously been a first-team coach at Hinckley, assistant-manager of Gresley and head of coaching at Burton.
    Then in 2019, Forest Green owner Dale Vince made her the first woman to run a professional club’s academy.
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    Is Hannah Dingley married and does she have children?
    At the time of writing it is not known whether Hannah Dingley is married or has children.
    It appears the Rovers caretaker-boss prefers to keep her private life out of the spotlight. More

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    Forest Green make history by appointing first woman EVER to lead men’s team in English professional football

    FOREST GREEN ROVERS have made history by appointing the first woman to lead a men’s team in English professional football.Hannah Dingley has been placed in interim charge of the League Two club following Duncan Ferguson’s departure.
    Hannah Dingley has been appointed interim manager by Forest Green RoversCredit: Rex Features
    Hannah Dingley has taken over following the departure of Duncan FergusonCredit: Getty
    Ferguson left the Gloucestershire club on Tuesday following six months in charge, during which time he failed to keep them in League One.
    Dingley took charge of first-team training on Tuesday and will continue to lead pre-season preparations.
    It is understood she will continue in the role during the search for Ferguson’s replacement.
    She is set to be in the dugout for Rovers’ first pre-season friendly away to non-league Melksham Town.
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    Dingley, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, was previously linked with the managerial role at The New Lawn back in 2021.
    The links came after she had excelled as the head of the club’s academy, having become the first woman to hold such a role in 2019.
    She has also previously served as a youth coach and head of academy coaching at Forest Green.
    Owner Dale Vince has turned the Greens into one of the world’s most socially forward-thinking clubs.
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    They were recognised as the first vegan football club in 2017 and have been dubbed the “greenest team in the world” thanks to measures including an electric team coach and a ground powered solely by renewable energy.
    Forest Green begin their League Two campaign at home to Salford City on August 5. More

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    Wrexham’s stadium EVACUATED after rain pours in from ceiling as diners enjoyed £25 Father’s Day lunch

    WREXHAM’S Racecourse Ground was evacuated after rain began pouring in from the ceiling during Father’s Day lunch service.The Welsh city was subjected to heavy downpours and thunder on Sunday as many areas were left flooded.
    Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground suffered damage as a result of the bad conditionsCredit: Getty
    Ryan Reynolds, left, and Rob McElhenney, right, are the Hollywood owners of WrexhamCredit: Getty
    And the newly-promoted League Two side felt the brunt of the severe weather at their 10,800-seater stadium.
    As customers enjoyed their £24.95 per head meals at the Racecourse Ground, the Macron Stand began leaking.
    It became apparent that the wet, blustery conditions had caused structural damage to the venue.
    And everyone was swiftly forced to evacuate the premises.
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    A club statement read: “Wrexham AFC can confirm the 1864 Suite was evacuated during the third sitting of today’s Father’s Day meals at the Racecourse Ground.
    “In the wake of the torrential rain that hit the region late this afternoon, some structural damage has resulted in a large leak inside the Macron Stand reception area.
    “All diners were evacuated from the Suite on safety grounds, with the Fire & Rescue Services contacted. Everyone inside the stand at the time was successfully evacuated.
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    “All guests who were part of the third sitting will be contacted by the club, and we share their disappointment that – after two successful sittings – circumstances beyond our control have disrupted plans for the evening.
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    “We will assess the situation in the Macron Stand, to ensure we can get everything back up and running as soon as possible.”
    North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were 13 reports of flash-flooding in the Wrexham area on Sunday.
    Meanwhile, the fourth-tier side, owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are preparing to return to The Football League for the first time in 15 years.
    They won the National League with an incredible 111 points.
    And their A-List celebrity backing means they are already the favourites to win League Two next season. More

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    You’re a genius if you can spot the hidden nickname in Gillingham’s badge and fans can’t believe they’ve just noticed it

    FANS can’t believe that they’ve only just spotted the hidden nickname on Gillingham’s badge.The Gills came 17th in League Two last season, climbing away from the relegation zone after a flurry of January signings.
    Fans have noticed that the word ‘Gills’ features on Gillingham’s badge
    Neil Harris’ side have been out of action since the fourth tier’s conclusion in early May.
    But fans have still been chatting about the Gills online, after noticing the nickname on their badge.
    The Kent side’s crest features their full name written across the top, with black stripes on the left and a white prancing horse on the right.
    Previously unbeknownst to many casual fans, the horse’s mane features the word “Gills”.
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    Noticing this fact, EFL fanatic and podcaster Edward Walker tweeted: “I was today years old when I realised that the mane of the horse in the Gillingham badge spells the club’s nickname…”
    He then added: “Cannot fathom how it’s taken me this long to realise. Shameful.”
    Walker wasn’t the only one, with another fan writing: “Wow – I’ve never noticed either!”
    While a second tweeted: “Wow, that’s quite incredible. Never noticed that before.”
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    A third joked: “How do I unsee this?”
    And a further Twitter user wrote: “I’ve been lied to…”
    Another added: “I can’t not see it now it’s mad how did we miss it.”
    Fans ‘can’t unsee’ the nickname on Gillingham’s badgeCredit: Gary Stone More

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    Gary Neville is ‘bored’ of the Glazers and wishes they were more like Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville praised Wrexham’s Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he aimed a fresh dig at the Glazers.Neville hasn’t held back on his criticism against the Glazer family during a seven-month takeover saga that could see the unpopular owners leaving Old Trafford after 18 years in charge.
    Manchester United legend Gary Neville slammed the GlazersCredit: PA
    Gary Neville wishes the Glazers were more like Wrexham’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: Getty
    The Sky Sports pundit believes the Americans have handled the bidding war so poorly he is now feeling “bored”.
    The former right-back hinted he wished they were more like Reynolds and McElhenney, who always “turn up” for League Two newbies Wrexham.
    That is despite the fact the Welsh outfit still has a long way to go to make it to the big leagues after returning to the EFL only a month ago.
    Neville said: “Everyone’s bored now. Honestly, I think everyone has got the point whereby what the Glazers do, they erode every little last bit of energy out of everything that they do.
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    The United hero added: “They turn up there [Reynolds and McElhenney].
    “They’ve done it well at Wrexham and they’ve got obviously a long way to go to get to probably where they want to be, Championship, Premier League, and probably that might take three years, eight years, 12 years, who knows.”
    However, Neville’s frustrations may soon come to an end as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani appears to have won the takeover race.
    Sheikh Jassim has been vying with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos to buy United from the Glazers.
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    Ratcliffe had been the front-runner to purchase a 60 per cent stake, which would have seen the Americans stay on in a reduced role at Old Trafford.
    But according to newspaper Al-Watan, which is owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, the Qatari bid for the Red Devils has been successful and an official announcement is imminent.
    The Qatari banker’s latest offer for a 100 per cent stake in the club is thought to be worth around £5billion. More