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      Sidemen star Tobi Brown and brothers in line for professional football debuts after impressing Crawley Town

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      SIDEMEN star Tobi Brown could have a future in professional football after he impressed Crawley Town.Tobi and his two brothers, Jed and Manny, did not feature in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Accrington Stanley despite training with the League Two club this week.
      Sidemen star Tobi Brown and brothers Jed and Manny have been on trial with CrawleyCredit: BackGrid
      Tobi impressed on the Internet with his football skills and is part of the Sidemen group
      Jed has impressed the most on trial but could not play as he is already contracted to Non-League side Fisher FC.
      The game ended in disappointment for caretaker manager Lewis Young, but when quizzed after the game, he could only speak glowingly of Sidemen star Tobi and his siblings.
      And he hinted that they could have a future with the club.
      Young told SunSport: “It was over my head as to why they couldn’t play.
      “It is something that the owners are big on, but unfortunately they couldn’t be involved today.
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      “But I do believe that they are going to be signed for the foreseeable, so as long as they are training well they will be up for selection.”
      He added: “We are just trying to get results and obviously if they are good enough then they will be involved in the match day squad.
      “I’ve just had a look on everyone as a whole, and I base my team selection on that, everyone has trained really, really well.”
      I do believe that they are going to be signed for the foreseeable, so as long as they are training well they will be up for selection.”Lewis YoungCrawley Town Caretaker Manager
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      With Tobi’s commitments to The Sidemen, his clothing brand Illvzn and his own YouTube channel, it seems to be youngest brother Jed who looks destined for greatness as a professional footballer.
      Crawley perhaps could have done with Jed in their ranks today, as they were beaten 4-1 at home by League One side Accrington Stanley.
      Tobi has previously claimed that Jed has the potential to play at a higher level after one of their training sessions in midweek.
      He said to SussexExpress: “One of the main reasons I agreed to do this with Crawley and WAGMI United was because I wanted to Jed a chance to get trained at a higher level.
      “Everything he knows is self-taught and I want to see how far he can go with the opportunity I never had.” More

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      Watch Hartlepool boss Keith Curle’s incredible X-rated post-match interview leaving fans in hysterics

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      KEITH CURLE left his interviewer speechless with a wild post-match interview that fans found hilarious.The Hartlepool boss oversaw just his second win in charge in nine games after coming from behind to beat Grimsby 2-1 on Saturday, and he was in a buoyant mood.

      Keith Curle had fans in giggles with his post-match interviewCredit: Alamy
      Curle was asked for his thoughts on the match and he gave an answer that nobody was expecting.
      Curle said to the Hartlepool media team: “How do I feel? I woke up this morning and had three requests. For us to win, Manchester City to win and for my missus to be in a sexy mood.
      “I’ve got two out of three so far so now I’ve got a two hour drive home that I will be grafting to make sure I get a hat-trick.
      “You don’t know what to say now do you?”
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      The interviewer was lost for words and could not help but break out in laughter, with several fans on social media also finding Curle hilarious.
      One wrote: “Probably in the doghouse now 🤣.”
      Another added: “Got to love Keith Curle 🤣.”
      And a third said: “Haaaaahaaaaa brilliant.”
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      Other supporters asked for an update but they may have to wait until the next time Curle speaks to the media – if they are lucky.
      Hartlepool fans will hope Curle is kept happy in anyway possible as they have struggled this season and find themselves in the relegation zone after picking up two wins in 17 games. More

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      Ryan Giggs takes new girlfriend to watch Salford vs Bradford along with fellow Man Utd legends Keane, Bruce and Scholes

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      RYAN GIGGS was spotted today at Salford’s League Two clash with Bradford alongside his model girlfriend.The Manchester United legend, 48, was joined in the stands by Zara Charles, as well as Old Trafford heroes Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Steve Bruce.
      Ryan Giggs watched Salford host Bradford alongside girlfriend Zara CharlesCredit: AGBPhoto
      Giggs was joined in the stands by a host of Manchester United legendsCredit: AGBPhoto
      Giggs is facing a retrial for allegedly attacking ex-girlfriend Kate GrevilleCredit: EPA
      Zara has been dating Giggs since last yearCredit: Splash
      On Friday, Giggs was pictured for the first time since being told he was facing a retrial for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend.
      He was seen enjoying a stroll with Zara near his Manchester home.
      And today Giggs and Zara headed to watch Salford, who are owned by the Class of 92, in action.
      Giggs owns the club with fellow United icons David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Scholes, plus businessman Peter Lim.
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      Ex-winger Giggs sat next to another Old Trafford legend in Bruce, who had a spare afternoon on his hands after being sacked by West Brom in the week.
      Bruce’s son and former pro Alex sat two seats away from Giggs in the executives box, while Scholes and Keane were spotted in the row behind Giggs and Zara.
      They watched Salford stutter to a 1-0 home defeat to League Two promotion rivals Bradford.
      Giggs and Zara both wrapped up in black jackets to ward off the cold.
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      The couple have been dating since at least last year.
      It comes days after Giggs revealed his “disappointment” at facing a retrial for allegedly headbutting his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, 38.
      Jurors failed to reach a verdict following the three-week assault trial in August.
      Ex-Wales boss Giggs was accused of attacking PR exec Kate and coercive and controlling behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
      Giggs’ retrial will begin on July 31, 2023.
      He also denied an allegation of common assault by beating against Kate’s sister Emma, 26.
      Giggs said following news of the retrial: “After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered.
      “My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.
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      “I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.
      “I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case but I would like to ask that my and my family’s privacy is respected in the weeks and months ahead.”
      Giggs is accused of attacking PR exec GrevilleCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun
      Giggs will stand trial again next yearCredit: Getty More

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      Why are League One and League Two still playing during the World Cup?

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      THE EFL announced that League One and League Two are continuing their fixture schedules as normal while the World Cup takes place in Qatar.The European top leagues will be suspended as footballing stars travel to the Middle East to compete for the trophy.
      Qatar has been hit with World Cup feverCredit: Reuters
      England will be hoping to return home as champions despite falling to defeat in Euro 2020’s final and the semi-final of 2018’s World Cup.
      The break will see the Premier League and Championship pause their action, but League One and League Two will continue the season.
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      Why are League One and League Two still playing during the World Cup?
      The EFL released a statement, confirming that the Championship will be paused during the World Cup group stages, but revealed that League One and League Two fixtures will be unchanged for now.
      Plymouth have been impressive in League One this seasonCredit: Rex
      The statement wrote: “Match round 16 in the Championship, set to take place on Saturday, November 12, will be the final round of fixtures played ahead of the call-up period for the tournament, which begins on Monday, November 14.
      “The Championship will resume on December 10 2022 following the culmination of the World Cup group stages, whilst League One and League Two fixtures will continue as normal.”
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      This is due to the fact that teams in League One and League Two are less likely to be affected by the international tournament, with Championship and Premier League teams more likely to have players playing in Qatar, called up for international duty and absent for their clubs.
      However, it was also revealed that individual fixtures in League One and League Two could still be postponed, subject to international call-up criteria being met. More

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      EFL considering AXING 3pm TV blackout with Facebook, Netflix, Google, Apple and Amazon keen on buying rights

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      THE EFL is considering AXING the 3pm TV blackout in order to broadcast every game.And it’s already setting up a bidding war, with parties like Netflix and Amazon keen on buying the rights to matches.
      The EFL is considering lifting the 3pm blackout so they can broadcast every gameCredit: Getty
      The EFL’s current TV rights deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.
      Just like the Premier League, there is a blanket ban on broadcasting all 3pm matches on Saturdays.
      But chiefs are now ready to lift the veil and make every single game in the Championship, League One and League Two available for live TV.
      The EFL currently pockets £119million each year through its contract with Sky.
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      But chiefs reckon that figure could soar to an annual figure of £200m by allowing other parties to join in the action.
      The Mail claims invitations will soon be sent to Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google regarding future rights.
      The mega-names will be asked to send proposals as the EFL explores its options.
      But there will be no fixed contract as the plan is to televise every single match from the 2024/25 campaign.
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      The EFL’s decision is set to be welcomed by most sides, with just two Championship games currently shown each weekend.
      But the move would first have to be approved by the FA.
      And they in turn will then have to go to Uefa before the idea gets the green light.
      Should the EFL succeed, it could open the door for some in the Premier League to push for a similar broadcasting deal. More

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      Grimsby fans fume as League Two match against Crewe postponed due to clash with Man City U21s

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      GRIMSBY fans have been left raging after their League Two clash with Crewe Alexander was postponed due to Manchester City’s U21s being away on international duty.Man City’s youth side had their EFL Trophy clash with Derby – scheduled for September 20 – postponed.
      Grimsby fans have been left furious after the postponement of their league matchCredit: Rex
      They made this request due to 18 of their squad being called up for international duty.
      This had a knock-on effect as the fixture was re-arranged for October 18.
      And with three of the four remaining Tuesdays in October being taken up by the UEFA Youth League, it means Man City’s game with Grimsby will be pushed into November.
      And that has led to the EFL postponing Grimsby’s home league game with Crewe.
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      The Football Supporters’ Association tweeted: “Grimsby’s upcoming League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra has been postponed because, in a bizarre set of events, Man City’s U21 side has too many internationals in it – the first time we know of a senior men’s game in the EFL being called off because of an U21 side.”
      This is the first time ever that a senior men’s league game in the EFL has been postponed due to a Premier League’s U21s side.
      And the Mariners Trust – a supporters group for Grimsby – slammed the decision, insisting the game should instead be re-arranged for Tuesday, November 15.
      They said: “Grimsby Town fans are rightly angry that a fixture has been allowed to be rescheduled and then postponed a matter of weeks later when it could all have been avoided if, as it seems, rules of the competition were adhered to.
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      “What consultation was taken with either Club and was more weight given to Manchester City in this scenario, as fans seem to feel is the case?”
      They then went on to add: “The integrity of this competition further declines.
      “It seems apparent to fans, unless you can state otherwise, that the wishes of an invited team have been held in higher regard than an EFL league game and indeed the actual rules of the competition.
      “Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra fans have been impacted by other teams’ unavailability and that doesn’t seem right.”
      Both the FSA and Mariners Trust say they have approached the EFL for an explanation regarding the fixture rearrangement. More

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      EFL clubs could scrap plans to move games earlier to avoid using floodlights amid fears matchday revenue will take hit

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      EFL clubs are hurriedly working out if early kick-offs can save them money on using their floodlights.But cash counters seem to think it will cost even MORE to change games radically.
      EFL clubs are concerned about racking up huge bills with their flood lightsCredit: Rex Features
      The cost of living crisis has prompted the EFL to contemplate having more early kick-offsCredit: REX
      Some EFL clubs are dead against the idea while others who plan to try are unsure it will help.
      As revealed here months ago, clubs face energy bills which have doubled or trebled.
      There is leeway to change kick-off times and some are planned — but many think it will mean fewer fans and a big financial hit at bars and food stalls.
      One leading official said: “Moving kick-offs by two or three hours will impact crowds.
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      “It would only take 50 fewer people and that would be up to £1,000 gone for ONE game.
      “And that would be inevitable as home supporters would be lost and even more away fans could be disrupted by having to travel earlier.
      “Fans also take food and drink at games and they are less likely to booze before noon.
      “So the finances don’t add up. It might be better facing the pain of the fuel bills.”
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      One radical proposal that could see EFL clubs get a cash injection is the addition of a Premier League All-Star match, which new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reckons would have a trickle-down effect.
      The American said earlier this month: “Ultimately, I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson out of the American sports teams and really start to think about why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four teams.
      “People are talking about why don’t we have more money for the pyramid?
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      “MLB did their All-Star Game this year. They made $200 million from a Monday and a Tuesday.
      “You could do a North vs South All-Star game from the Premier League to fund the pyramid very easily.”
      But the idea has been met with much derision among rival Prem managers and owners.
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      EFL sides look at lunchtime kick-offs during the winter to save on energy bills with teams desperate to cut costs

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      EFL CHIEFS are considering the possibility of increasing the amount of lunchtime kick-offs to help lower-league clubs amid the cost of living crisis.A new survey from football reform group Fair Game has found that midday kick-offs for weekend league and FA Cup games would be considered by the majority of clubs in the EFL and the wider football pyramid as a way of cutting costs.
      Many clubs are considering lunchtime kick-offs in a bid to aid with the cost of living crisisCredit: Arron Gent/News Images
      Many believe that staging earlier games would help to reduce energy bills as the use of floodlights would not be necessary.
      Although the government has pledged to support businesses with rising energy costs, it is currently unclear whether or not this will benefit football clubs for a sufficient period of time.
      Overall, 63 per-cent of 40 clubs – including 12 EFL teams – have revealed that they will consider utilising earlier kick-offs if given permission.
      Clubs rated their concern about the cost of living crisis at seven out of 10, with League Two clubs considering it an eight out of 10.
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      This has prompted many to re-evaluate budgets for ground improvements as well as non-playing staff.
      Amid the financial crisis, Premier League clubs are currently preparing to hold further talks over a new financial distribution model to support the rest of the football pyramid.
      The plan is expected to include changes to parachute payments and a new merit-based payment system to Championship clubs.
      Changes to the domestic calendar from 2024 are also expected to be considered with many clubs pushing to axe FA Cup third and fourth round replays despite the fact that many lower-league clubs have benefitted from them over the years.
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      Fair Game chief executive Niall Couper has now demanded that action be taken to financially aid clubs in need.
      He said: “The results paint a very bleak future for football outside the top echelons of the game.
      “Having survived the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could well be the death knell for the hard-working community clubs lower down the pyramid.
      “Lower-league football clubs are the heartbeat of their communities, but right now they are in intensive care.
      “The Premier League are at best going to offer a sticking plaster. They have had decades to address the problem and they should stand aside.
      “It is now up to the Government to intervene. The recent fan-led review set up by the Conservative Party revealed the financial flow within the game, and the governance that sits behind it, is broken.
      “Fair Game are calling for action now. We were promised levelling up, instead we could see the levelling of football stadia across the country with decades of history and tradition wiped off the map.
      “The Government needs to deliver on its promise of an independent regulator now. A regulator that can oversee football’s financial flow. Without it the pyramid of our national game will crumble.”
      Plans for an independent regulator for football have stalled following the appointment of new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
      But, clubs have been handed a boost as the government have proposed to cut energy bills for UK businesses by around half their expected level.
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      The new scheme will fix gas and electricity prices for firms for six months from October 1, protecting businesses from rapidly rising costs.
      This would shield many clubs – especially non-league – from entering a cost crisis. More