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      EFL chiefs forced to AXE salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing legal battle with PFA

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      EFL chiefs have been forced to drop their salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing a legal case against the PFA.
      Clubs voted to approve the wages limits in August.

      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the salary caps were in ‘breach of obligations’ as the players’ union won their case against themCredit: PA:Press Association

      EFL chiefs will now hold meetings later this week with its member clubs to discuss what to do next after withdrawing League One and Two wage limits

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      But PFA chiefs launched their action after accusing EFL bosses of failing to consult properly with the union.
      Now an independent arbitration panel has found in favour of the PFA, forcing the Football League to drop the caps with immediate effect.
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      The PFA said it “welcomed” the decision, adding: “We hope to to open constructive dialogue to agree reasonable and proportionate cost control measures for the future.
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “We were disappointed that the EFL decided to introduce salary cap proposals, which were voted through without the proper consideration or consultation.
      “We argued the new rules were in breach of obligations and are pleased the panel uheld the PFA’s claim.”
      Union bosses insist they are aligned with the EFL in a wish to see sustainable clubs at all levels. 

      A PFA spokesman added: “We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      “The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together and agree on rules that promote financial stability.”
      The EFL said they “will now discuss the matter of financial controls and implications linked to this outcome at a series of meetings with its member clubs later this week”.
      Back when the plans had been approved in August, EFL chief executive David Baldwin admitted: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a restrictive measure.

      “But we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of these changes to EFL regulations.”
      He stressed the aim was to “help ensure clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial instability”.
      As a result of the panel’s verdict, the EFL have brought back last season’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations that link “player-related expenditure to turnover”.

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      Mark Wright seen for first time smiling in snow since being hauled off at half-time in horror Crawley debut

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      MARK WRIGHT refused to let his horror full debut ruin his week – as he posted a photo all smiles in the snow.
      The reality TV star, 34, has signed for League Two outfit Crawley and came on in the FA Cup win over Leeds.

      Mark Wright put the disappointment of his full EFL debut behind him by enjoying an espresso in the snowCredit: Instagram

      And after self-isolating with wife Michelle Keegan following a Covid outbreak at the club, he was handed his first EFL start on Saturday afternoon for the clash against Harrogate at home.
      But it went horribly wrong for the left-back as Crawley fell 3-0 behind by half-time – enough for manager John Yems to haul the ex-TOWIE man off.
      Wright, though, took to Instagram on Monday night to show how he had put the stinker behind him.
      He enjoyed the winter weather by heading out and grabbing an espresso.

      Wright wrote to his 1.8million followers: “Blitz out here…. Small coffee or big fella??”
      Harry Redknapp was among those to comment on the post, adding a couple of praising-hands emojis.
      Wright will be desperate to put in a better performance next weekend when the Red Devils travel north to Carlisle.
      However, he may have to settle for a place on the bench after his replacement against Harrogate, Tom Dallison, scored eight minutes after coming on to reduce the deficit.

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      Boss Yems refued to pin the blame on the ex-Tottenahm youngster, though, and said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.
      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”

      Wright endured a difficult time against Harrogate, conceding three before half-time and being hauled off at the breakCredit: Rex Features

      He made his Crawley debut off the bench as the Red Devils stunned Leeds in the FA Cup third roundCredit: Alamy Live News

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

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      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down after 45 mins

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      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down in 45 mins

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      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display as Crawley go 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a nightmare full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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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.”

      Mark Wright works out as he self-isolates at home after Crawley Covid-19 outbreak More