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      My dad is a Premier League cult hero but I had to make my own way in lower leagues – now I’m top scorer for Wrexham

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      ELLIOT LEE has emerged as a top player and a regular goalscorer for Wrexham this season.The attacker has football in his blood with his dad, Rob, being a Premier League cult hero.
      Elliot Lee is Wrexham’s top scorer this seasonCredit: PA
      His dad Rob, centre, and brother Olly, right, were also footballersCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Rob Lee was a Premier League cult hero at Newcastle
      Olly Lee played throughout the EFLCredit: Getty
      Rob Lee, 57, starred for Newcastle, making 381 appearances for the club between 1992 and 2002.
      The midfielder endeared himself to the Magpies’ supporters with his 56 goals and 51 assists.
      Lee started his career at Charlton Athletic, racking up 298 league appearances for the Addicks between 1983 and 1992.
      In a playing career that spanned 24 years, he also featured for Derby County, West Ham, Oldham and Wycombe.
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      It was at West Ham where he found a new home as sons Elliot and Olly were entered into the club’s academy.
      Elliot, 28, did break through into the senior team and made seven appearances for the club in all competitions.
      He scored one goal, which came in an away Europa League qualifier against Andorran outfit Lusitanos in. .
      After multiple loan spells, Lee left the East London club in 2016 for Barnsley.
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      However, after only six appearances, he left them by mutual consent in 2017 and signed for Luton Town.
      This allowed him to spend a year playing alongside brother Olly.
      The forward enjoyed a fruitful spell with the Hatters as he netted 30 goals in 123 appearances in all competitions.
      After falling out of favour, he left the club on loan twice, first to Oxford United and then to Charlton.
      Elliot Lee’s only West Ham goal came in Andorra during a Europa League qualifierCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      He played alongside brother Olly, left, at Luton TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2022, he left Luton and signed a three-year contract with Wrexham while they were still in the National League.
      Lee has gone on to find success at the club and has excelled since promotion to League Two.
      He was part of the squad that was sent to Las Vegas by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
      So far this season, the attacker has bagged ten goals in 16 appearances, helping the club to third in the division.
      Lee has bagged ten goals in 16 appearances this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Brother Olly, 32, like Elliot, started his career at the Hammers but never made a senior appearance for the club.
      He spent the majority of his career battling in the EFL for the likes of Barnet, Birmingham City, Luton Town and Gillingham.
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      He did have one spell outside of England as he enjoyed a three-year spell at Hearts in Scotland.
      The midfielder retired in February of this year as he struggled with psoriatic arthritis. More

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      Vile Gillingham fan arrested and banned for LIFE after sick racial taunt at Newport star Omar Bogle

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      A GILLINGHAM fan has been arrested and handed a lifetime ban after directing a racial taunt at Newport star Omar Bogle.The disgusting incident happened after Bogle had put Newport 2-0 ahead at Priestfield in their League Two clash on Saturday.
      The fan appeared to make a monkey gesture towards Bogle as he celebrated a goal
      Newport striker Omar Bogle was the victim of disgusting racial abuse by a Gillingham fanCredit: 2023 Athena Pictures
      As Bogle celebrated the goal in front of the home end, the fan appeared to make a racist gesture imitating a monkey towards the Newport striker.
      Video footage showed Newport players who had gone over to celebrate with Bogle cutting their celebrations short to point at the fan following the gesture.
      Gills chief Joe Comper took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say the fan had been arrested and issued with a lifetime ban from the stadium.
      Comper said: “Disgusting from one individual in the Rainham End. Arrested, and a lifetime ban from Priestfield issued.
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      “Can’t thank the large number of fans from around the stadium who are clearly as enraged as us. We really appreciate your support.”
      A statement from Kent Police said: “A man has been arrested following a report of racist abuse at a Gillingham FC match.
      “Kent Police was notified of an incident during the League Two game against Newport County on the afternoon of Saturday 28 October 2023.
      “A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and taken into police custody.
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      “Officers are carrying out enquiries into any further offences which may have taken place at the match.”
      Referee Tom Reeves was seen discussing the incident with Bogle and Newport captain Ryan Delaney.
      He then headed to the touchline to speak to managers Keith Millen and Graham Coughlan, the fourth official and matchday steward.
      A statement from anti-racism organisation Kick It Out said: “We are aware of the disgusting abuse from a fan directed towards Newport forward Omar Bogle during Saturday’s League Two match at Gillingham.
      “There is absolutely no room for so-called supporters like this in football and offences such as this should be met with the strongest possible punishments.
      “We send our support to Omar and remind fans that discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated. If you see it or hear it, report it.”
      Today’s vile incident comes after Gillingham were slapped with a £12,500 fine from the FA in September following an investigation into racist and sexist chanting by supporters.
      The League Two side were charged with three counts of misconduct between December 2022 and February 2023. More

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      Premier League cult hero, 42, handed shock EFL manager role as he looks to help club avoid relegation

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      FORMER Premier League star Matthew Etherington has been named interim boss of the second-worst club in the Football League.The ex-Tottenham and West Ham winger, 42, will take charge of Colchester United for their League Two clash at Grimsby Town tomorrow.
      Matthew Etherington starred for West Ham in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      He has now taken charge of League Two strugglers Colchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      The U’s sacked Ben Garner after they were beaten 2-1 at home by Harrogate Town on Saturday – their fourth-straight loss.
      That result left them 23rd in the fourth tier and just three points above Sutton United at the bottom.
      Etherington, who was appointed Under-21 lead coach at Colchester in June, will be assisted by assistant head coach Scott Marshall and first-team coach Dave Huzzey while the club decide on a permanent replacement for Garner.
      Etherington hit the headlines in December when he was sacked by Crawley Town after just three games in his first managerial job.
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      He named former Peterborough and Tottenham teammate Simon Davies as his assistant on November 27, 2022 and went on to beat Swindon Town 2-0 in his opening match.
      A 2-0 home defeat to Hartlepool followed on December 9 before another setback on home turf followed on Boxing Day as they were downed 2-1 by Sutton before he was axed.
      Etherington retired from playing in 2014 after an impressive playing career with Peterborough, Spurs, Bradford, West Ham and Stoke City.
      The ex-England U21 winger battled a gambling addiction while at the Hammers, with the club lending him £300,000, after he accumulated huge debts.
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      Etherington also spent time at Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance Clinic.
      He began his coaching career in charge of Peterborough’s U18s in 2018. Etherington was then promoted to assistant manager of the first-team in November 2021.
      He even had a one-game foray as interim boss before returning to his No.2 position under Grant McCann before then taking the leap and making his ill-fated switch to Crawley. More

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      Notts County keeper hit in head by ‘vape’ and left bleeding at Gillingham clash as police launch investigation

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      POLICE are investigating after Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was left with a cut head after being struck by an object thrown by a yob in the crowd.The Magpies impressed to claim the points — but the gripping contest was marred by the late drama which left their shot-stopper needing medical attention from the club’s physio.
      Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was struck by an object thrown from the crowd at PriestfieldCredit: AHPIX.com
      Slocombe, 35, carried on after a brief delay and Gillingham issued an appeal to find the moron.
      Gills’ director of operations Joe Comper admitted: “Once again, we find ourselves investigating an incident which reflects poorly on the football club and will likely land us in trouble with the authorities.
      “Quite clearly, any right-minded person can understand that this is not acceptable and it won’t be accepted at Priestfield.
      “We are working closely with Kent Police to identify the culprit or culprits, in order for us to impose any necessary bans, as well as pursuing criminal prosecutions.
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      “You are passionate, loyal and devoted to the team and those that represent your shirt.
      “It is a shame that the actions of a very small minority risk damaging your club in the form of heavy fines and potentially points deductions.”
      The incident spoilt an otherwise enjoyable League Two contest in which forward Macaulay Langstaff’s 38th-minute strike fired the visitors ahead.
      Scott Malone levelled on 57 minutes after Langstaff had been denied a second, before substitute Lewis Macari’s stunner — on his debut — won it for the visitors 12 minutes from time.
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      But Slocombe’s injury left Magpies boss Luke Williams wanting answers.
      Williams said: “It’s a shame because in general the atmosphere was brilliant. This is just one person making a really terrible decision.
      “Unfortunately something was thrown, I think it was a vape, and hit him on the back of the head and he has a cut.
      “It’s upsetting, anyone who has met him wouldn’t want to throw anything at him, he’s a great guy and I don’t think he’s done anything to wind anyone up or anything like that.”
      Langstaff notched his ninth goal of the campaign as he turned home Tobi Adebayo’s pin-point 38th-minute cross.
      Malone then found the bottom corner with a well-taken strike for caretaker boss Keith Millen, before Jake Turner produced a good save to keep out Jodi Jones’ drive.
      But there was nothing the keeper could do to stop Macari’s rocket.
      Gills defender Max Clark was “gutted” and admitted: “It’s a tough one to take because they weren’t causing us many problems.
      “We were a different team in the second half but they stood strong.”
      Lewis Macari scored a stunning winner on his EFL debutCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd legend’s grandson scores screamer on debut for EFL club to win match sparking wild scenes in stands

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      LEWIS MACARI followed in the footsteps of his famous grandad to score a screamer on his EFL debut – winning the game and sparking wild scenes.The 21-year-old is on the books of Stoke, having come through the Potters’ academy.
      Lewis Macari scored a belter on his debut in the EFL for Notts CountyCredit: Rex
      Macari let fly from outside the areaCredit: Twitter / @SkyBetLeagueTwo

      But after loans at non-league Market Drayton Town and Dundalk, he has now joined Notts County in League Two.
      And he delivered the goods on his senior debut for the Magpies.
      After replacing Richard Brindley as an early sub away at Gillingham on Saturday, Macari decided the game with a superb strike 12 minutes from time.
      The right-back latched on to a pass just outside the area and thundered the ball into the top corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
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      That put County 2-1 up at Priestfield and prompted huge celebrations among the players and travelling fans as Luke Williams’ men clinched all three points.
      The result keeps Notts County’s promotion charge in full swing, with the newly-promoted side second after 14 games, two points adrift of leaders Stockport.
      Macari has no shortage of sporting pedigree.
      The youngster’s dad Paul was a professional footballer and uncle Mike was at Stoke.
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      But it is grandad Lou who enjoyed the most success in the game.
      The former midfielder starred for Celtic and Swindon either side of 11 years at Manchester United.
      The 24-cap Scotland international arrived at Old Trafford for £200,000 in 1973.
      He racked up 97 goals in 404 appearances for the Red Devils and won the FA Cup and Second Division.
      Macari Sr went on to have seven managerial jobs, including a spell at Celtic sandwiched by two stints with Stoke in the 1990s.
      Away from football, he also set up a homeless shelter after being inspired to help people sleeping rough in the winter.
      The ball flew into the top cornerCredit: Twitter / @SkyBetLeagueTwo
      The travelling Magpies fans celebrated the stunning winner wildlyCredit: Twitter / @SkyBetLeagueTwo
      The win keeps Notts County’s promotion tilt on the right pathCredit: Rex
      Lou Macari spent 11 years at Manchester United and won the FA CupCredit: PA More

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      Forgotten Newcastle star retires from playing aged 39 FOUR YEARS after starting management career having landed top job

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Mike Williamson has been appointed MK Dons boss.The former Newcastle star has now officially retired from playing to focus on his career as a manager.
      Mike Williamson has been unveiled as the new MK Dons bossCredit: Twitter @footballdaily
      He played for Newcastle from 2010 to 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Williamson has spent the last four seasons in charge of Gateshead.
      The 39-year-old was initially appointed as a player-manager but has only made a handful of appearances over recent campaigns.
      Williamson guided Gateshead to promotion from the National League North two seasons ago and leaves them sitting sixth in the fifth tier.
      He replaces the sacked Graham Alexander with the club 16th in League Two.
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      On his appointment, Williamson said: “It’s been a quick turnaround and it was a tough decision to leave Gateshead but when a club like this comes in, it’s a no brainer.
      “We have a talented squad, with strength in depth, and we’ll come in and start getting to know the group.
      “They’ve got to trust us and buy into what we stand for – we have a lot of ideas that we want to implement, but it will be one thing at a time. It is going to be an evolution.”
      Club chairman Pete Winkelman added: “We believe we have found someone who is clearly aligned with what we want to see from an MK Dons team and I am very excited to welcome him.
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      “Mike is a winner. He has achieved promotions throughout his playing career and already as a manager.”
      Gateshead coaches Ian Watson and Chris Bell follow him to Stadium MK.
      Williamson most notably played for Wycombe, Watford, Newcastle and Wolves during his career.
      He was a regular for the Toon from 2010 to 2015, making 169 appearances. More

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      Fans joke ‘he went for the ball’ as ‘unprofessional’ Gillingham manager sent off for moment of madness

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      FOOTBALL fans were left in hysterics after Gillingham manager Keith Millen was sent off for TRIPPING Walsall winger Tom Knowles.Walsall beat Gillingham 4-1 in their League Two clash on Saturday afternoon.
      Gillingham boss Keith Millen was sent off for tripping Walsall winger Tom KnowlesCredit: X @skyfootball
      Gillingham interim manager Keith Millen sees red for bizarrely tripping Walsall winger Tom Knowles as he attempted to take a throw-in 😲 pic.twitter.com/kqb6mrr6vb— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 14, 2023

      The referee had no choice but to send Millen off for his ridiculous actCredit: X @SkyFootball
      But the most eye-catching moment of the game came in the 28th minute when the score was still goalless.
      After Gillingham put the ball out of play, Knowles looked to take a quick throw-in.
      But he was prevented from doing so by Gillingham boss Millen as he walked out of his technical area and stuck his foot out to send Knowles tumbling to the ground.
      Referee Charles Breakspear had no choice but to send Millen off for his bizarre actions.
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      And social media was left in stitches at the remarkable episode.
      One person said: “The spirit of Pardew lives on.”
      This is in reference to Alan Pardew headbutting Hull’s David Meyler while he was Newcastle manager back in 2014.
      Another added: “Nothing wrong with this 🤣.”
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      While a third joked: “Not a denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Yellow at best.”
      A fourth brilliant added: “He went for the ball.”
      And a fifth said: “This is unprofessional.”
      Walsall’s Isaac Hutchinson went on to give the hosts the lead just six minutes after the incident.
      And Hutchinson bagged a hat-trick with two more in the second half as Walsall climb to 13th, with Gillingham dropping to seventh. More

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      League Two club sack manager with stunned fans left saying ‘didn’t see that happening’ after mixed start to season

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      GILLINGHAM have sacked manager Neil Harris.The League Two side fell to eighth in the table following their 2-0 defeat at Crewe on Tuesday night.
      Gillingham have sacked manager Neil HarrisCredit: PA
      Harris, 46, joined Gillingham in January 2022 having previously managed Millwall and Cardiff.
      The former striker couldn’t prevent the Gills from League One relegation during his first half-season in charge.
      He subsequently guided them to a 17th finish in League Two amid a takeover last term.
      In a club statement, the Gills confirmed: “Gillingham Football Club has today decided to part company with Manager Neil Harris, who has been in charge at Priestfield for just over 20 months.
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      “Having joined the Club in February of 2022, Neil nearly kept the team in League One, getting relegated on the last day of the season on goal difference, making up a 10-point deficit in the process.
      “The Club has decided it now wishes to go in a different direction and will begin the process of identifying a Head Coach to take the team forward.”
      Harris’ assistant David Livermore has also departed Priestfield.
      Gillingham have confirmed that Keith Millen will step in as interim boss while they conduct their new manager search.
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      Millen, 57, has previously managed Bristol City and Carlisle United, as well as Swedish side Orgryte IS.
      He also had three spells as Crystal Palace’s caretaker boss.

      Fans have had a mixed reaction to Harris’ dismissal.
      One tweeted: “Never saw that coming.”
      While a second wrote: “Bit of a dip in form and sacked? Seems a strange one.”
      Another fan replied, however: “Bit of a dip of form? We’ve not played well even when winning.”
      A further social media user commented: “Do feel for Neil but was never going to be anything but a mid table side watching a defensive minded team I do feel he has created a brilliant team that can really achieve in this league but hasn’t been able to execute it I wish him all the best thank you for everything!”
      And a fourth added: “That’s come out of the blue! Not too sad about it though, hopefully a new manager will get the best out of what is a very talented squad.”
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      Harris won 31 of his 90 games in charge of Gillingham, drawing 25 and losing 34.
      The Gills are set to host MK Dons on Saturday.
      Keith Millen has stepped in as caretaker bossCredit: Rex More