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      Ex-Man Utd keeper Roy Carroll signs for his 13th club at the age of 43 as he joins Irish League side Dungannon

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      ROY CARROLL has signed for Irish League side Dungannon Swifts – at the age of 43.
      The former Manchester United goalkeeper has joined his 13th side more than 25 years after making his league debut.

      Carroll, 43, has joined Dungannon Swifts

      The Northern Irish club are the 13th of Carroll’s career

      Carroll has been without a professional club for 18 months, most recently playing for amateur side FC Mindwell in Northern Ireland.
      He told Dungannon’s website: “I’m coming back to play in the Irish League and no matter what team you sign for, it’s just great to get back out and play football.
      “A real pull for me to Dungannon is that the club has two young keepers and I feel it would be good for me to come in and help them as much as I can.”
      Carroll has made almost 700 professional appearances during his career.

      He joined United in 2001 after starring for Football League sides Hull City and Wigan Athletic.
      The goalie failed to hold down a place during his four years at Old Trafford but did win the Premier League and FA Cup.
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      Carroll has won 11 trophies during his 25-year careerCredit: Pacemaker Press

      He was on the bench when United defeated Millwall 3-0 in the 2004 FA Cup finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Carroll famously dropped the ball over the line only for the referee to disallow the goal

      During a match against Tottenham in 2005, he famously dropped a long-range shot from Pedro Mendes over the line – only for the referee not to give the goal.

      The Northern Ireland international moved to West Ham in 2005 but struggled with injuries and left for Scottish giants Rangers in 2007.
      He returned to England six months later, joining Paul Jewell’s doomed Derby County team that picked up just 11 points – the fewest in Premier League history.
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      Carroll later enjoyed success abroad, winning the Greek Super League with Olympiacos and two Irish League titles with Linfield.
      He also had spells with OB in Denmark, OFI Crete in Greece and Notts County.
      Carroll made 45 appearances for Northern Ireland between 1997 and 2017 and was part of their squad for Euro 2016.
      He was Barnet’s caretaker manager in 2011, winning the Herts Senior Cup in his only game in charge.

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      Scunthorpe 3 Grimsby 0: Eisa and Loft claim derby bragging rights as Iron move five points clear of rivals and drop zone

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      SCUNTHORPE eased the pressure on boss Neil Cox as they thumped Grimsby in the 60th North Lincolnshire derby.
      Abo Eisa and Ryan Loft lifted Iron five points above their rivals in the League Two drop zone and ensured a miserable return for former manager Paul Hurst in the Mariners dug-out.

      Abo Eisa helped himself to a double as Scunthorpe thumped GrimsbyCredit: Rex Features

      Cox, who was given the dreaded vote of confidence last week after five defeats in six, said: “I thought we were by far the best side and we were more hungry and had more desire for it.
      “We let them off the hook a little bit today and we could have had five or six. It was a brilliant performance.”
      Iron came flying out the traps but failed to get a shot on target until the 14th-minute.
      But Sudanese star Eisa made sure his free-kick was worth the wait as he unleashed a curling rocket from 20 yards into the top corner.

      They doubled their lead moments before the break as Grimsby failed to clear Alex Gilliead’s cross and Ryan Loft managed to nudge the ball agonisingly over the line from close-range.
      Things could have got worse for the visitors in the dying seconds but keeper James McKeown kept his team in it with a brilliant save to deny Devarn Green when clean through.
      Hurst made a triple change with Luke Spokes, Danny Rose and George Williams on for the second period.
      Spokes mustered a grass cutter straight at Mark Howard while James Hanson scuffed a chance as they attempted a comeback.

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      Eisa broke the deadlock with a brilliant free-kick from 20 yardsCredit: Rex Features

      Neil Cox’s Irons are now five points above their rivals and the drop zoneCredit: Rex Features

      Scunthorpe defender Manny Onariase, who was brilliant at the back throughout, headed narrowly over up the other end before Grimsby’s hopes were ended by Eisa with 25 minutes to go.
      The 25-year-old beat the offside trap to race clear to seal his double and his sixth of the season.
      He was denied a hat-trick late on as McKeown got down well to deny him, but that was not enough to stop him from taking the headlines.
      Hurst, who has yet to taste victory in his second stint in charge since replacing Ian Holloway last month, said: “We didn’t deserve anything and Scunthorpe deserved it.
      “That pains me to say with it being a derby and I told the players they were lucky the fans weren’t here. I’m embarrassed.”

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      Newport keeper Tom King’s astonishing 105-yard goal confirmed as world record after he beats ex-team-mate’s effort

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      TOM KING admitted his new-found status as a world record holder is beyond his wildest dreams.
      The Newport goalkeeper scored straight from a goal kick in his side’s 1-1 League Two draw at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

      Newport keeper Tom King launches the goal kick which sent him into the record booksCredit: Sky Sports

      King celebrates the 105-yard strikeCredit: Alamy Live News

      Guinness World Record ™️Newport County goalkeeper Tom King’s 105-yard goal against Cheltenham has been confirmed as a @GWR for the longest goal scored in a competitive football matchpic.twitter.com/0WjiENqVvk
      — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 21, 2021

      King’s strike has been officially confirmed by Guinness World Records as the longest goal ever scored in a competitive match. It came from 96.01 metres (105 yards).
      The previous record was held by King’s former Portsmouth team-mate Asmir Begovic who scored from 91.9 m (100.50 yds) for Stoke against Southampton in 2013.
      King revealed he’d rub Begovic’s nose in it after making history.
      He said: “I’m obviously absolutely delighted because it’s not something I intentionally set out to do.

      “I’m sure it will be talked about for a long time to come.
      “I’m proud and I’m sure my family will be extremely proud too. I’ll have to drop Asmir a message to send my commiserations, but in all honesty it’s different territory for me because I never dreamt of being in the books you get for Christmas every year.
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      “Hopefully I might actually read it if I get one for Christmas this year. I’m delighted and hopefully no one beats it for a long time now so I can show my grandkids!” 

      Asmir Begovic congratulated after his 100-yard goal for Stoke against Southampton in 2013 – the previous record holderCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      King joked he’d need a goal bonus in his next contract after his strike.
      He said: “I’ve got a clean-sheet bonus but no goal bonus. My agent texted me after the game so I’ll have to ask him to get me one!
       “The goal wasn’t expected or something I was going for but it is something we practise.
      “We do go a bit longer sometimes and we noticed the wind early in the warm-up.

      “It took a lucky bounce and landed over the goalkeeper.
      “I didn’t celebrate too much — it’s the goalkeeper’s union.
      “I even apologised to him (Cheltenham keeper Josh Griffiths) after the game and said sorry. I’ve not meant it and if he’d done the same to me then I’d hope he would have apologised — the bounce was unbelievably lucky.”

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      Watch Newport goalkeeper Tom King score outrageous wind-assisted goal kick which lobs rival against Cheltenham

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      NEWPORT COUNTY goalkeeper Tom King scored an outrageous wind-assisted goal-kick against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
      King launched the ball forward from his own six-yard box and – thanks to a huge gust of wind and a wicked bounce – saw it nestle in his opposite number Joshua Griffith’s net.

      Newport County goalkeeper Tom King scored from a goal-kick on Tuesday nightCredit: Alamy Live News

      A huge gust of wind carried the ball miles up the pitch

      And the devastating bounce caught opposite number Joshua Griffiths off guard

      The freak moment came after just 12 minutes and put the Welsh side ahead at Whaddon Road.
      Cheltenham eventually equalised through Matty Blair deep into first-half stoppage time and the game finished 1-1.
      The draw saw Newport move up a place to second in League Two with Cheltenham staying sixth.
      But fan focus after the game was on the one-in-a-million strike from King.

      One called Alan said: “Didn’t even celebrate. Proper goalkeepers’ union respect.”
      Jordan tweeted: “That’s mad! Didn’t even look like he kicked it that hard.
      “Good tekkers, the bounce was mad as well.”
      Nick joked: “Couldn’t hear anyone shouting ‘watch the bounce!'”

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      Didn’t even celebrate. Proper goalkeepers union respect 👏👏
      — Alan Leah (@alan_leah) January 19, 2021

      Elsewhere, Cheltenham host Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
      And City fans have delved into their pockets to help raise £20,000 for the Gloucestershire side.
      Cheltenham Town supporters’ group, 1887 Red Army, has set up a campaign on Crowdfunder in an effort to help the club.
      The group are aiming to rake in £20,000 in ‘virtual tickets’ for the FA Cup clash at the empty Jonny-Rocks Stadium – likely to be picked for TV coverage.
      And Man City fans have chipped in, as well as Cheltenham fans, to help the struggling side.
      Already, over £19,000 has been raised for the Robins’ cause.

      That’s mad! Didn’t even look like he kicked it that hard. Good tekkers, the bounce was mad as well
      — J Alex (@JordanAM1988) January 19, 2021

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      Despondent Marcelo Bielsa full of ‘sadness and disappointment’ after Leeds dumped out of FA Cup by League Two Crawley

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      MARCELO BIELSA was left dismayed after Leeds continued their miserable run in cup competitions under his management.
      While the Whites have excelled in the league during the Argentine’s tenure, Sunday saw their second cupset of the campaign.

      Marcelo Bielsa rued Leeds’ shock defeat to Crawley on SundayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The League Two side put their top-flight opponents to the sword in the second-halfCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Crawley scored three times in the second-half to shock the Premier League side.
      Nick Tsaroulla put the League Two side ahead on 50 minutes, wriggling his way through the Leeds defence in a fine individual effort.
      Moments later, Ashley Nadesan’s strike was allowed to creep in at the near-post by reserve goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
      And Jordan Tunnicliffe poked home a late rebound to seal a memorable day for Crawley.

      Speaking after the game, Bielsa accepted his side – who also lost on penalties to League 1 Hull in the Carabao Cup in September – were ‘sad’ and ‘disappointed’ by the defeat.
      He stated: “We couldn’t unbalance them when we attacked, we had the ball for a long period of time but we couldn’t do much with it.
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      The result generates a lot of sadness and disappointment for us.
      Marcelo Bielsa

      “We played better than the opponent in the first-half and the game was played how we wanted it to be played, even if we didn’t create much danger.

      “And in the second-half, the game was played how the opponents wanted it to be played and they did create danger to deserve the goals that they scored.
      “The result generates a lot of sadness and disappointment for us.”
      Bielsa’s Leeds have enjoyed a stellar return to the top-flight after the 65-year-old led his team to last season’s Championship title.
      Yet cup competitions continue to evade the Yorkshire side, who have fallen in the third round of the FA Cup and second round of the Carabao Cup in each of his three seasons in charge.
      Crawley boss John Yems looked ahead to Monday’s draw after the club’s first-ever FA Cup win over a Premier League team.

      He said: “You have to enjoy these games – you work hard enough for it.
      “It was a really good team performance and it’s clear that we’ve got 11 star men.
      “These players have got a lot to prove to the clubs who have released them and we’ve showed what we can do against a really good side.
      “Let’s see who we get in the next round and enjoy the moment.”

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      EFL confirm 112 coronavirus cases from 66 clubs as new Covid-19 strain rips through English football

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      THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE has confirmed 112 cases of coronavirus among 66 clubs competing in this weekend’s FA Cup third round.
      The positive tests came back from Championship, League One and League Two teams still in the competition, which has been marred by an increase in cases.

      This weekend’s FA Cup third round has been hit by a rise in coronavirus casesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Some 3,507 players and staff were tested and confirmed cases have been told to self-isolate for ten days.
      Coronavirus has ripped through the third round with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby reporting outbreaks within squads.
      All three teams are expected to play youth sides in their weekend games, although positive tests in the Shrewsbury camp has led to their match with Southampton being postponed.
      If games cannot be completed amid a congested fixture schedule, reports suggest teams suffering outbreaks could be kicked out of the competition.

      This round of EFL tests does not include Premier League teams, which reported 12 new cases from 984 tests between January 1 and 3.
      League bosses have stated their confidence in coronavirus protocols amid the rise of a new, highly-infectious variant of the disease across the UK.

      The EFL’s Medical Advisors Dr Richard Higgins and Dr Subhashis Basu said in a statement: “Today’s results reflect the current speed at which the virus is spreading amid the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19.
      “But the low reported numbers across the overwhelming majority of clubs means we remain confident that our protocols continue to mitigate against the spread of infection as intended.

      “The protocols, supported by the clubs and government, are allowing us to continue playing fixtures as scheduled but we cannot be complacent.
      “Which is why recently enhanced matchday and non-matchday Covid protocols have been issued to underpin the re-introduction of a League wide testing programme which commences next week.
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      “Medical advice continues to support that following these protocols is the most successful route to mitigating against the spread of infection.”
      The remaining six EFL clubs not involved in the FA Cup third round will be tested ahead of their next fixtures.
      From next Monday, all 72 Football League clubs will be tested twice a week.

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane cracks rare smile as he watches Salford’s game against Walsall with Ryan Giggs

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      ROY KEANE has been snapped in a festive mood as he cracked a rare smile during Salford City’s 2-0 win against Walsall at Moor Lane.
      The 49-year-old was joined by his former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs in the stands during the League Two side’s victory.

      Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs were in attendance to watch Salford beat Walsall at Moor LaneCredit: PA:Press Association

      Giggs – a co-owner of the club alongside David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes – looked stony-faced during the encounter.
      But it proved to be smooth sailing for Salford as they found the back of the net in either half to extend their unbeaten run to five games.
      And it was former Red Devils striker James Wilson – who was handed his United debut under the tutelage of Giggs – who opened the scoring.
      The 25-year-old has been in fine form this term having scored six goals including two in his last two outings.

      Luke Burgess secured the three points for Salford in the 87th minute to lift his side up to sixth in the table.
      Keane has been spotted at Moor Lane on a number of occasions this season, though he was left with a face of anger during the 1-1 draw against Crawley.
      And he was left equally as unimpressed when Salford threw away a two-goal lead against Tranmere.
      The ex-Sunderland gaffer recently tipped United to challenge for the Premier League title this campaign.

      Speaking after United’s 6-2 win against Leeds, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t believe McTominay there when he said they don’t look at league tables.
      “Everybody looks at league tables. Players and staff. That’s what you’re playing the game for.
      “You want to know where you are obviously and where you’re heading to.
      “It’s been a nice few days for United. They had to beat Sheffield United and Leeds just to put another marker down.
      “I still think Liverpool are the strongest but United I think could be the best of the rest.”
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      Bradford sack manager Stuart McCall after six straight losses left side just above League Two drop zone

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      BRADFORD CITY have sacked manager Stuart McCall after six consecutive defeats.
      The Bantams lost 3-1 at Oldham on Saturday and are just one place above the League Two relegation zone having not won a league game since November 3.

      Bradford City have sacked Stuart McCall with the club in the League Two relegation zoneCredit: Rex Features

      It was McCall’s fourth spell in charge of the Yorkshire side having come through their academy and played more than 300 games for the first team.
      Bradford CEO Ryan Sparks, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart and Kenny for their efforts over the past 10 months.
      “This decision was not taken lightly, and we have done everything in our power to support them during their time at the club.
      “Unfortunately, we have taken only four points from our last 10 games, and find ourselves in a battle at the wrong end of the table.

      “And, with a host of important fixtures – and the January transfer window – on the horizon, we felt now was the right time to move in a different direction.”
      McCall, 56, said: “I am obviously disappointed it has ended like this for everyone concerned, but am thankful for the opportunity we were given – and the support we have received throughout.
      “Kenny and I were excited to return to the club and were desperate to bring success, though results have not been good enough.
      “I would like to wish everyone at Bradford City nothing but the very best for the future.”

      Academy coaches Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars will take temporary charge of the first-team squad, ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to Crawley Town.
      Former Scotland international McCall joined City’s youth academy in 1980 before breaking into the first team two years later.
      The midfielder left for Everton in 1988 but returned ten years later after a seven year stint at Rangers.
      During his second spell as a player, McCall took caretaker charge of the Bantams for a brief period in 2000.
      And after retiring from playing in 2005, he returned as gaffer between 2007-10.
      Having spent time in charge of Motherwell and Rangers, he returned to Valley Parade in 2016 for another two year stint.
      And he was back again this year – appointed full-time manager for the third time in Feburary replacing Gary Bowyer.

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