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    Paul Scholes named Salford City manager as Man Utd legend takes over at Class of 92’s League Two club

    PAUL SCHOLES has been named as Salford’s interim manager after the club’s Class of 92 owners sacked Graham Alexander.
    A statement released on Monday confirmed the former Manchester United midfielder’s appointment.

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    Paul Scholes (left) watched on with Gary Neville and Roy Keane as Salford drew on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

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    The Manchester United legend is among a consortium of former Old Trafford favourites who co-own the clubCredit: SALFORD CITY FC

    Scholes, 45, was part of the consortium to buy 50 per cent of the minnows back in 2014.
    The Class of 92 venture, including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville, even saw the ex-England star take caretaker charge of a game in 2015.
    Their funding quickly elevated City to League Two, where they sit fifth in the table.

    But Neville and Scholes watched as two late goals pegged their side back to a draw at home to Tranmere on Saturday, leading to Alexander’s dismissal.
    According to the Mail, Scholes was reluctant to take over and club development manager Warren Joyce is expected to step in and help when he completes a period of self-isolation.
    His only serious venture into management came last year in a seven-game stint at Oldham.
    Once thought to have sold his Salford stake when accepting the offer to coach the Latics, he won only once and fell out with owner Abdallah Lemsagam.

    Fans of ambitious Salford were surprised to see Alexander, 49, sacked after an unbeaten start to the league season.

    Paul Scholes will act as the interim head coach while the club looks to secure a new manager.
    Salford CityClub Statement

    The Scot led the club to promotion from the National League in his first campaign, their fourth rise in five years, before an 11th-placed finish in 2019-20.
    Salford supporter Broughton posted online: “Wow I didn’t see this coming. Gutted.”
    While Andrew commented: “It’s like he was trying to get sacked with those subs at the weekend.”
    Another Twitter user wrote: “If you lot actually had fans, I’m sure they’d be devastated. Baffling decision this.”

    A club statement read: “Salford City Football Club announces that manager Graham Alexander has left the club with immediate effect. The club met with Graham this morning and after discussion have agreed to part company.
    “The club would like to thank Graham for his contribution and all his hard work. In his first season he guided the team to Wembley, resulting in promotion to League Two and in his second season he reached the Leasing.com Trophy final.
    “The club would like to wish him all the best and success in the future. First team coach, Chris Lucketti, will also leave the club.
    “Paul Scholes will act as the interim head coach while the club looks to secure a new manager. Warren Joyce, currently in isolation, will join Paul once he is able to.”

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    Chelsea plot double transfer swoop for Grimsby Town youngsters Louis Boyd and Ben Grist but face fight with Liverpool

    CHELSEA are reportedly plotting a double transfer swoop for Grimsby Town youngsters Louis Boyd and Ben Grist – but face competition from Liverpool.
    The two Premier League clubs have had their interests piqued by the talented pair as they appear in League Two for Ian Holloway’s team.

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    Louis Boyd comes off the bench for his debut in the EFL Cup against Harrogate, where he became Grimsby’s youngest goal scorer and appearance makerCredit: Twitter@EFL_Trophy

    Boyd became the club’s youngest-ever debutant and goalscorer when he came off the bench against Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy last month.
    He was only 15 years and 324 days old when he found the net in that match.
    The teenager then got his league debut when he came off the bench in the final 20 minutes against Walsall four days after his cup heroics.
    Fellow midfielder Grist, also 15, was left on the bench for the Harrogate game, which Grimsby drew 2-2 but then won 7-6 on penalties.

    The Athletic report that Chelsea, Liverpool and other Premier League teams are monitoring the pair – who are also working towards their GCSEs.
    It is believed the financial pressures inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic could force Grimsby to sell two of their prized academy assets.
    The club estimates their losses this season will come to £700,000.
    The Mariners, bottom of the EFL, have only managed to play three league games this season following a positive coronavirus test within the squad which forced their training ground to be shut down.

    League Two fixtures versus Cheltenham Town and Bradford City, and an EFL Trophy fixture at Hull City, all had to be postponed.

    They returned to action on the weekend, drawing 0-0 at Bolton.
    The domestic window closes on Thursday, meaning that any interested Premier League club must buy Boyd and Grist by then – or will have to wait until next year.
    If the pair were to move to Chelsea, it is likely they will join the club’s many players out on loan.

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    Watch hilariously blunt Crawley boss give grumpy short answers in post-match interview after defeat to Millwall

    CRAWLEY TOWN manager John Yems gave a hilariously blunt post-match interview after losing to Milwall.
    The League Two side were beaten 3-1 in the EFL Cup.

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    Crawley Town manager John Yems gave a hilariously blunt post-match interview after losing to Milwall
    And Crawley spoke to their boss afterwards, but were given rather short and grumpy responses.
    Questioned on what the thinking was behind switching his squad set-up, Yems responds: “Hopefully to win the game.”
    The manager was then asked what he could take away from the defeat.
    He said: “I don’t know.”

    The brief exchange was mocked by fans online.
    One said: “What is the point of interviewing Yems if he has nothing to say?
    “He is either fuming or totally disinterested.”

    Another said: “Great interview.”

    One added: “This guy must be so frustrating to be around.”
    Another added: “Please put Yems on a media course. He could at least try to be engaging.” More

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    Macclesfield relegated after EFL win points deduction appeal as Stevenage stay up despite winning THREE games

    MACCLESFIELD were left shocked after being booted back into non-league football as the EFL won their appeal against the Silkmen’s suspended points deduction.
    In a stunning move, an independent arbitration panel backed the EFL who argued the four-point penalty imposed and suspended in June should apply immediately.

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    Macclesfield Town have been relegated from League Two after a points deductionCredit: PA:Press Association
    With the decision “final and binding”, the Cheshire club were plunged to the foot of the League Two table and sent through the trapdoor back into the National League for the second time in their history.
    And it meant a dramatic reprieve for Stevenage, after the Hertfordshire side finished bottom of the pile after picking up just 22 points from their 36 games before the shutdown.
    Instead, Macclesfield paid the ultimate price for a series of financial problems which left players unpaid, fixtures postponed and the deduction of a total of 17 points over the campaign.
    Macclesfield had seven points deducted – with a further three point loss suspended – for failing to fulfil their local derby at Crewe in December.

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    It’s great news for Stevenage who are now staying upCredit: Reuters
    In May, they lost those three points, plus four more – with an extra two suspended – when their home game with Plymouth was postponed because of no safety certificate.
    And in June they appeared to have survived when the independent commission docked them just two points for failing to pay March wages and not acting in good faith, with another four point loss again suspended into next season.
    With League Two positions determined on a points per game basis, Macclesfield remained above Stevenage but the EFL announced last month it was appealing.
    That appeal verdict, meaning the Silkmen’s 19 points from 37 games takes them below Stevenage, was announced last night.

    Macclesfield’s official website merely reported the EFL’s statement, ending briefly: “The club will be providing further comment in due course.”

    But fans accused the EFL of orchestrating a “farce”, accusing League chiefs of “corruption at its finest” although one added: “Fans have a right to be angry – let down by their club and poor ownership and management.”
    Stevenage, who had been incandescent at the initial punishment, offered a muted official response.
    The club’s Twitter feed reported: “The outcome of today’s EFL hearing means that StevenageFC will remain in SkyBet League Two next season.”

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    League Two clubs agree to end season with Crewe, Swindon and Plymouth promoted and Stevenage or Macclesfield relegated

    LEAGUE TWO clubs have voted by an “overwhelming majority” to curtail their season. Sides voted to end the campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic with promotion and relegation settled via points per game and play-offs to be held. ⚠️ Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news & updates Crewe Alexandra are celebrating […] More

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    You’d turn around and see a team-mate in tears.. Wright on ‘nightmare’ 12 months since Justin Edinburgh’s death

    LEYTON ORIENT will not top many people’s lists for ‘Team of the Year’ — but they should. The O’s have managed to consolidate their place back in the Football League after one of the most tragic and traumatic seasons in their history. Justin Edinburgh was just 49 when he passed away after suffering cardiac arrest […] More

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    Sunderland boss wants League One promotion and relegation sorted by mini-tournament

    PHIL PARKINSON reckons League One promotion and relegation places should be decided by a mini-tournament. Third-tier clubs are divided on whether to complete the season or to follow League Two and draw a line under it. Sunderland boss Parkinson wants a mini-tournament to work out what should happenCredit: Getty Images – Getty But the Sunderland […] More