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      Ryan Giggs and girlfriend Zara Charles make rare public appearance watching Salford’s defeat to Leyton Orient

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      RYAN GIGGS made a rare public appearance alongside girlfriend Zara Charles. The Manchester United legend was pictured in attendance at Salford’s clash with Leyton Orient on Friday.
      Ryan Giggs was pictured in the stands watching SalfordCredit: PA
      He was seen alongside girlfriend Zara CharlesCredit: PA
      Giggs, 49, is one of several owners of the League Two club from the United’s iconic Class of 92.
      Fellow stars Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt bought ten per cent stakes in the club in 2014.
      Inter Miami owner David Beckham came later to the venture, purchasing his stake from Peter Lim in 2019.
      However, Salford would not prove to be a source of joy on Good Friday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat.
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      The appearance comes as Giggs prepares to go on trial later this year over allegations he attacked his former girlfriend, Kate Greville.
      Giggs was accused of attacking PR exec Kate and coercive and controlling behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
      He also denied an allegation of common assault against Kate’s sister Emma, 26.
      Jurors failed to reach a verdict following the three-week assault trial on August 31.
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      Giggs said: “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.
      “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.”
      A trial date has been set for July 31, 2023 – 143 weeks and one day after he was arrested.
      Over Christmas he was spotted having dinner in a Manchester restaurant with Zara and ex-wife Stacey.
      Giggs was married to Stacey for between 2007 and 2017 and have two children, Liberty and Zachary. More

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      3pm blackout set to STAY as EFL reveal preferred bidder for new TV rights deal

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      SKY SPORTS have seen off the challenge of streaming service DAZN and other broadcast rivals to retain the rights to show live EFL football.EFL bosses are looking to almost double their current £119m per season deal.
      The 3pm blackout looks set to remain in place in EnglandCredit: Getty
      Streaming giant DAZN said it planned to screen all 1656 EFL games each season and seek to end the Saturday 3pm blackout.
      Despite that bid, and other offers understood to have been made by Viaplay and TNT Sports – the new name for BT Sport – Sky is the first choice of the EFL.
      A final deal is yet to be confirmed although it is understood that Sky intends to screen more matches than the 138 games shown in the current five-year deal that runs out at the end of next season.
      In a statement, league chiefs said: “The EFL has now completed a full and comprehensive review of the multiple submissions received as part of its broadcast rights sales process from 2024 onwards.
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      “The League will now enter into an exclusive month-long negotiating period with the preferred bidder, Sky Sports.
      “No further comment will be made on this matter at the current time.”
      The news will be a blow for DAZN, part-owned by Anthony Joshua, which felt it had made a significantly competitive and ground-breaking offer.
      But assuming an agreement is found over the next month, the news will bring a sigh of relief to Sky bosses.
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      It was reported last week that EFL bosses are looking to increase the current package to £200m plus, a huge potential financial lifeline for struggling clubs.
      The blackout was introduced, at the instigation of then-Burnley chairman Bob Lord more than 50 years ago, in the belief that it would prevent TV football damaging attendances at other matches.
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters declared earlier this month that he “didn’t see” the league’s backing for the blackout ending any time soon. More

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      I played for Man Utd and was in academy with Defoe but another ‘crazy’ striker was better – no one could touch him

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Daniel Nardiello has opened up on what life was like training with some of the best prospects in England. Back in the 1990s, a then 15-year-old Nardiello was sent to Lilleshall in Shropshire, where many of the country’s best young footballers lived together and learnt their trade.
      Daniel Nardiello has revealed one player who was a ‘crazy’ talentCredit: Getty
      Nardiello was joined by the likes of Jermain Defoe and Neil Danns.
      However, he reckons none of them came close to the “untouchable” talent of Leon Knight.
      Speaking on the Undr the Cosh podcast, Nardiello said: I shared a room with Knighty for a year.
      “I was a 15-year-old lad, just left home, sharing a room with Knighty. Oh my word, he’s crazy. No other words for it.
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      “He’s the nicest lad as long as you keep on the right side of him. Get on the wrong side of him and he is absolutely ruthless.
      “Great player, but angry man. Get on the wrong side of him and he’ll never forgive you.”
      Knight was a Chelsea trainee at the time, and would go on to make one appearance for the senior team in the Uefa Cup.
      However, his career would ultimately lie elsewhere, going on to star for the likes of Brighton, Swansea and Huddersfield.
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      The 5ft 5″ striker scored over 100 goals across his career, including 80 in England’s football league.
      On Knight, Nardiello added: “I wouldn’t want to fight him. He’s a tough lad.
      “I remember we played at Barnsley together for a few months, he came on loan.
      “But what he put the young lads through – initiations and stuff like that – he was ruthless. A great lad, some good times with him.
      “He was the best player there [at Lilleshall].
      “There was Joe Cole who was the year above us, and obviously he was unbelievable, he was their main man – but we had Leon Knight.
      “At that age there was no one that could touch him.
      Leon Knight was ‘untouchable’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Jermain Defoe was there who obviously went on and had an unbelievable career but Knighty was untouchable.
      “You’d think he’d go on to be an absolute world beater because he was that good at 15, 16.
      “He had a good career, but at that age you couldn’t touch him. And he was small then, obviously.
      “But he just ran rings around teams. We beat everyone every week anyway, as you’d expect, but he was scoring like five, six goals a game. He was playing in the age group above, he was that good.”
      Knight, 40, retired in 2012.
      Speaking to WalesOnline in 2006, Tony Carroll, then-chairman of famed East London youth football club Senrab, drew comparisons to Knight with ex-England and Tottenham ace Defoe – with them pairing up at Senrab in their youth days.
      He said: “They were absolutely unbelievable as a partnership, just like a pair or whippets, so very, very quick.
      “If I had to say which one was better when they were 13 or 14 I would say it was Leon. It was a close-run thing and there wasn’t much in it, but he was just ahead on points.
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      “You could see he had that bit of class even at that age. Jermain was nearly as good and they just used to dish out the goals between them.
      “The team would win 6-0 and they would score three each. There was always a bit of friendly rivalry to see who could score the most.” More

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      Bizarre optical illusion confuses fans as Colchester star ‘punches rival hard in ribs’ but some claim there’s no contact

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      COLCHESTER and Tranmere fans witnessed what seems to be an unbelievable optical illusion on Saturday’s League Two match at the Colchester Community Stadium.The hosts earned a penalty in the 65th minute and Connor Hall celebrated passionately with a usual fist bump.
      Colchester earned a penalty against Tranmere in League TwoCredit: Sky Sports News
      Colchester’s Connor Hall appeared to have punched Tranmere’s Tom DaviesCredit: Sky Sports News
      But he did it right next to Tranmere’s Tom Davies, who momentarily reacted with shock but stayed on his feet.
      Many argue that Hall actually punched Davies in the ribs during his celebration.
      Some fans took to Twitter to complain as they insist the striker should have been sent off with a straight red.
      They also praised Davies’ toughness as the defender didn’t go down or dive to simulate a red card.
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      One fan said: “Surely that is a straight RED for the Colchester lad…that did not seem like punching the air from the Tranmere players [sic] face…”
      Another posted: “Absolute disgraceful so unprofessional and this is unsportsmanship.
      “The FA needs to take a good hard look at this and for me a charge for the player is fully deserved it’s wrong and unacceptable it’s assault tbh.”
      A third commented: “This is actually proper bad, hope it does get looked into EFL. Fair play to the lad for not making a big deal out of it.”
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      This fan said: “Definitely malicious this, fair play to the Tranmere player staying on his feet, think he was too shocked to react.”
      And that one tweeted: “Three match ban for violent conduct.”
      However, there are also many fans who insist this is nothing but an optical illusion.
      They claim Hall was actually celebrating and there is no chance he could have punched Davies or else the Tranmere ace would have collapsed under excruciating pain.
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      But many claim that bizarre incident was nothing but an optical illusionCredit: Sky Sports News
      One fan tweeted: “He pulls his hand away at the last instant. Davies reacts with shock but not pain. Colchester lucky that didn’t make contact.”
      Another wrote: “Calm down, calm down, Never touched him.”
      A third posted: “I don’t think he touched him…”
      This supporter said: “Doesn’t touch him. Wants to, but pulls it back.”
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      And that one tweeted: “Look closely, he does not hit him, he in fact scares [Davies]. Its [sic] like an optical illusion.
      Noah Chilvers then scored from the spot to cancel out Tranmere ace Harvey Read Saunders’ opener and earn Colchester an important point from their 1-1 draw. More

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      Justin Edinburgh’s family release statement after Colchester fans sing ‘vile and hurtful’ song about Leyton Orient icon

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      JUSTIN EDINBURGH’S family condemned Colchester fans for their “vile and hurtful” song about the late Leyton Orient manager.Edinburgh tragically died aged 49 in June 2019 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
      Justin Edinburgh passed away in 2019 after a cardiac arrestCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It came just weeks after the 1991 Tottenham FA Cup winner led the O’s to promotion from the National League.
      His passing sparked a huge outpouring of love and support from the football community.
      However, Saturday’s 2-2 draw was marred by the sickening chants by some of the away supporters at Brisbane Road.
      Edinburgh’s son Charlie took to social media in a classy message for the “small-minded individuals”.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “To the select individuals who sung my father’s name in a vile and hurtful song at yesterday’s game, I hope you will learn that hurtful and abusive words can have a lasting effect on people.
      “Luckily, myself and my family are stronger and better than to let acts of this nature affect us.
      “Football is a wonderful game enjoyed by many, but unfortunately there will always be a small minority who will take the time out to give the beautiful game and their respective club a bad name and reputation.
      “I want to personally thank everyone who has sent wonderful messages of support to me and my family, and just to remember that these small-minded individuals will never win at anything in life.
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      “My dad’s legacy and reputation will never be forgotten and that alone outweighs any negativity or abuse.”
      Colchester, who scored in the 89th and 92nd minutes to rescue a point against the runaway League Two leaders, also released a statement to blast their own fans.
      The U’s said: “Not for the first time this season a very small minority of those in the away section have acted in a shameful manner.
      “This time making vile chants that no decent person would make and are in no way shared by Colchester United or the vast majority of Colchester United fans.
      “We will co-operate with Leyton Orient should there be any further investigations.”
      A Colchester fan group made a donation to the Justin Edinburgh Foundation, which was set up in his honour to empower people to react and equip them to step in when someone has a cardiac arrest.
      Blue White Army said: “We hope this makes a small amends for the deplorable chants by a section of our fanbase.” More

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      Tranmere sack manager Mellon after losing 3-1 to Newport with club 14th in League Two as boss leaves for second time

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      TRANMERE Rovers have sacked boss Micky Mellon following a dismal run of results.Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat against Newport County was the final nail in the coffin for Mellon, with the Super White Army sitting 14th in the league.
      Tranmere Rovers have sacked manager Micky Mellon after a dismal set of resultsCredit: Getty
      Mellon returned to the club he achieved back-to-back promotions with in 2018 and 2019 in 2021, following a spell at Dundee.
      Last season, they narrowly missed out on a playoff place – and it was hoped they would be challenging one again.
      However, that hasn’t transpired to be the case – with Mellon’s perceived negative playing style irking the Rovers fanbase.
      Last month, it had appeared Rovers had turned the corner – recording wins over Stevenage and Crawley.
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      But, a draw at home to Hartlepool and defeats to Gillingham and Newport sealed Mellon’s fate.
      “From both a personal and a club perspective this hasn’t been an easy decision,” a club statement read.
      “Micky has a special place in the hearts of Tranmere fans thanks to the back to back promotions in 2018 and 2019.
      “Since he returned to the club in 2021 after a year in Scotland, we haven’t managed to achieve the success we both wanted and I reluctantly came to the conclusion that a change was needed as we start recruitment preparations for next season.
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      “I would like to thank Micky for his contribution and efforts in both managerial stints at the club.”
      Ian Dawes will take over as caretaker manager, with Andy Parkinson as his assistant. More

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      Blackpool shortlist Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens for new manager after stunning League Two season

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      LEYTON ORIENT boss Richie Wellens is on the hit list of Blackpool as they look for their next manager.Former Seasiders player Wellens is having an outstanding season with the O’s in League Two and is settled.
      Richie Wellens is a managerial target for BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
      Current Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy’s deal expires at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Wellens played 191 league games for the Seasiders
      But Championship side Blackpool could be tempting, especially if the doubts about owner Simon Sadler’s long-term plans are removed.
      Former boss Michael Appleton was replaced by Mick McCarthy on a deal running until the end of the season.
      Since the appointment of the former Republic of Ireland and Wolves manager, the side has only won once out of their 12 games.
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      This has seen the club struggling at the bottom of the Championship table.
      Blackpool are currently 23rd in the league, four points away from safety.
      Orient, on the other hand, under the guidance of Wellens are at the top of League Two.
      Despite three draws in their last three games, the East London side are six points clear of second-placed Stevenage.
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      Tangerines legend Charlie Adam also has supporters at the club but is currently working at Burnley.
      Adam played 98 times for Blackpool, scoring 35 goals and providing 22 assists.
      He starred during their season in the Premier League before leaving the club for Liverpool. More

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      Bradford keeper catches ball ‘miles’ outside his own box and only gets yellow card… but fans think they know why

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      BRADFORD goalkeeper Harry Lewis caught the ball miles outside his own box this afternoon… but was NOT sent off.The stopper was in action for his side as they travelled to Newport County in League Two.
      Harry Lewis caught the ball with no one around himCredit: Sky Bet League Two via Twitter
      Lewis, 25, caught a high ball several metres outside his box in a moment of madness on 21 minutes.
      Much to Newport’s fury, the keeper was only shown a yellow card, despite his deliberate handball.
      Their official Twitter account posted: “Absolutely unbelievable.
      “Bradford keeper Harry Lewis catches a long ball miles out of his goal and only gets a yellow for it.”
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      Newport share their Rodney Parade home ground with rugby teams Dragons and Newport RFC.
      During today’s match, rugby lines were clearly visible on the pitch, and may have put Lewis off.
      Fans believe that the reason he wasn’t sent off was that he didn’t directly prevent a goalscoring opportunity with his catch.
      One wrote: “It was a yellow card as no one around him so not a goal scoring opportunity but agreed the lines aren’t acceptable at this standard.”
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      A second tweeted: “Did it stop a goal scoring opportunity? No. Move on stop crying.”
      Another disagreed: “That’s literally the worst decision I’ve ever seen a ref give in a game live.”
      But a Bradford fan responded: “You know the rules don’t you? There’s no reason for a red, it wasn’t goal scoring.”
      Newport were left even more furious 15 minutes later, when Andy Cook fired Bradford into the lead.
      They levelled on the hour mark, however, via Liam Ridehalgh’s own goal. More