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      Ian Holloway lands first manager job in football in four years as he is named boss of EFL club

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has been appointed manager of EFL side Swindon Town.The League Two strugglers parted company with Mark Kennedy following their underwhelming start to the season.Ian Holloway has been appointed Swindon managerCredit: PAThey have wasted little time in appointing his successor with Holloway confirmed just hours after his sacking.Holloway, 61, has signed a deal until the end of the season.He said on joining The Robins: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Holloway has not managed since he was sacked by Grimsby four years ago after winning just 11 out of 38 games in charge.He is just 11 games away from 1000 matches managed in a managerial career that has seen him win promotion three times.Holloway’s first taste of success came at QPR when he won promotion to the Championship in 2004.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then twice one promotion to the Premier League, first with Blackpool in 2010 and again three years later with Crystal Palace – both of which came via the play-offs.Swindon will hope Holloway can add a bit of inspiration immediately as they have just two wins from 13 games and sit three points above the relegation zone.Worthing FC owner George Dowell describes club’s ambition to reach EFL for first time More

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      Swindon SACK manager Mark Kennedy after less than five months as they release brief 90-word statement

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      SWINDON have sacked boss Mark Kennedy after just five months in charge.The League Two side have confirmed that first team coaches Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will remain in place to take charge of this weekend’s clash with Gillingham.Swindon have sacked manager Mark KennedyCredit: GettyKennedy, 48, signed a two-year deal with Swindon back in May.But following a poor start to the season, the Irishman has been relieved of his duties.In a 90-word statement, the fourth-tier side confirmed: “Swindon Town Football Club have parted company with head coach Mark Kennedy.”Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will continue in their current positions, with all three first-team coaches in place to oversee this weekend’s game against Gillingham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Everyone at Swindon Town Football Club would like to express their appreciation to Mark for his commitment and hard work during his time with the Club and wish him all the best in the future.”A further update on the club’s new head coach will be provided at the earliest opportunity.”The former Ireland international won three of his 16 games in charge of Swindon in all competitions.In his final game in charge they were beaten 2-1 by Salford on Tuesday night.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the match, Kennedy went on to blame his players’ decision making.He told the BBC: “Unfortunately we found a way to lose the game.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!”Our decision making leaves me scratching my head a little bit. The games we’ve lost, I don’t feel this season, with the exception of Walsall, anybody’s come and beat us.”Kennedy went on to add: “When I look at Darren [Moore] at Port Vale, Grant [McCann] on Saturday, Karl [Robinson] tonight (Tuesday), when I look back and reflect and visualise the following day having played my team and what they did to beat us, I keep coming up with the same answer: ‘We were really lucky there, they didn’t half help us’.”We’re handing teams wins – Carlisle, two set-pieces, Port Vale first goal, set-piece.’DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TAKE'”Second goal tonight, clear your lines. We bizarrely think we’re going to take somebody on in the box and go across the goal and put ourselves in difficult situations.”That’s really difficult for me to take as a head coach.”Swindon are 22nd in League Two – three points above the relegation zone and already 10 back from the play-off places.Kennedy previously worked as Macclesfield boss in 2020 amid the club’s financial turmoil.He was then appointed Lincoln manager in May 2022 before leaving in October last year.As a player Kennedy represented the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, before eventually hanging up his boots in 2012 following a spell with Ipswich.Swindon have moved quickly to appoint Ian Holloway as Kennedy’s replacement.The former Crystal Palace, QPR Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle boss will officially begin work on Monday, but will be in attendance as his new side take on Gillingham tomorrow.’SUCCESS AND POSITIVITY’Upon joining the Robins, Holloway said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Kennedy, 48, previously worked as Lincoln bossCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

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      EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      FA Cup first round draw LIVE: Latest updates as Wrexham to face Harrogate, Wimbledon travel to rivals MK Dons

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      THE FA Cup first round draw has been completed and there are some cracking ties. The pick of the bunch is AFC Wimbledon’s visit to MK Dons, while Wrexham will travel to Harrogate. While the Premier League and Championship giants join the iconic competition from the third round.Draw start time: 7pm BSTTV channel: BBC TwoFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the FA Cup first round draw with our live blog below…Pick of the tiesIn case you missed it, here are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFourth qualifying round replaysThere are still six clubs left to confirm their place in the first-round in Tuesday night’s fourth qualifying round replays.All 12 clubs involved were included in tonight’s draw.Here are tomorrow’s replays:Maidenhead vs TauntonBoston vs GainsboroughSolihull Moors vs AltrinchamBrackley vs HartlepoolPeterborough Sports vs RushallGateshead vs HednesfordCopy linkCopiedFirst-round datesThe FA Cup first ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.A select number of matches will also be chosen for live broadcast by BBC Sport and ITV.Copy linkCopiedPick of the tiesIn case you missed it, here are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFourth qualifying round replaysThere are still six clubs left to confirm their place in the first-round in Tuesday night’s fourth qualifying round replays.All 12 clubs involved were included in tonight’s draw.Here are tomorrow’s replays:Maidenhead vs TauntonBoston vs GainsboroughSolihull Moors vs AltrinchamBrackley vs HartlepoolPeterborough Sports vs RushallGateshead vs HednesfordCopy linkCopiedFirst-round datesThe FA Cup first ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.A select number of matches will also be chosen for live broadcast by BBC Sport and ITV.Copy linkCopiedPick of the tiesHere are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFirst-round draw in fullFA Cup first-round drawRotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs PeterboroughCopy linkCopiedNewport vs PeterboroughCopy linkCopiedSutton vs BirminghamCopy linkCopiedTonbridge vs HarboroughCopy linkCopiedGillingham vs BlackpoolCopy linkCopiedWoking vs CambridgeCopy linkCopiedHarrogate vs WrexhamCopy linkCopiedTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyCopy linkCopiedNotts County vs AlfretonCopy linkCopiedSouthend vs CharltonCopy linkCopiedChesterfield vs HorshamCopy linkCopiedChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedPort Vale vs BarnsleyCopy linkCopiedCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgeCopy linkCopiedSalford vs ShrewsburyCopy linkCopiedSwindon vs ColchesterCopy linkCopiedRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonCopy linkCopiedNorthampton vs KetteringCopy linkCopied More

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      Class of ’92 member set to LEAVE Salford for new role at higher club

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      FORMER Manchester United star Chris Casper is set to leave Salford City for a new role elsewhere.Casper, 49, has been Salford’s director of football development since 2017, having reunited with former ‘Class of 92’ team-mates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.Chris Casper is set to leave Salford for a new clubCredit: GettyCasper is a member of Man Utd’s iconic Class of 92Credit: AlamyHe was appointed to help deliver their huge ambitions – the main one of which was to eventually reach the Premier League.At the time, Salford were competing in the National League North.And, two promotions later, they are now members of the English Football League.The Ammies currently sit 16th in the League Two table.Read More in FootballBut things are set to change at the club in the near future, with key man Casper moving on to pastures new.The Daily Mail claims he is set to leave Salford for a new role at a club further up the football pyramid.His new club is yet to be named.Salford’s director of finance Jonathan Jackson is expected to take over at Moor Lane.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasper joined Man Utd’s academy in 1991 and made his senior debut three years later.However, he was limited to just seven appearances after signing his first professional deal.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsThe defender was loaned out to Bournemouth and Swindon Town before eventually joining Reading in 1998.But he was forced to retire aged just 26 in 2000 after suffering a career-ending injury.Casper sustained a double leg fracture following a challenge from Cardiff’s Richard Carpenter.He later received undisclosed compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Carpenter. More

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      When is FA Cup first-round draw? Date, time, ball numbers, TV channel and FREE live stream as 48 EFL sides enter the hat

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      THE draw for the FA Cup first-round proper will take place on Monday night.48 EFL clubs from League One and League Two begin their campaigns at this stage, alongside the 32 non-league teams who have progressed through qualifying.The FA Cup first-round proper gets underway in NovemberCredit: PAPremier League and Championship sides will join the iconic competition from the third round stage in the new year.But before that, teams from the lower end of the footballing pyramid will battle it out in the first-round proper.SunSport has all the information you need ahead of the huge draw.When is FA Cup first-round draw?The FA Cup first-round draw will take place on Monday, October 14.The draw will take place from 7pm BST.Bradford City’s Valley Parade will host proceedings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is the FA Cup first-round draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?The FA Cup first-round draw will be broadcast live on BBC Two.You can live stream the event for FREE on the BBC iPlayer website/app.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will provide full coverage of the draw.FA Cup first-round ball numbersThe ball numbers for the FA Cup first round are as follows:1. Accrington Stanley2. AFC Wimbledon3. Barnsley4. Barrow5. Birmingham City6. Blackpool7. Bolton Wanderers8. Bradford City9. Bristol Rovers10. Bromley11. Burton Albion12. Cambridge United13. Carlisle United14. Charlton Athletic15. Cheltenham Town16. Chesterfield17. Colchester United18. Crawley Town19. Crewe Alexandra20. Doncaster Rovers21. Exeter City22. Fleetwood Town23. Gillingham24. Grimsby Town25. Harrogate Town26. Huddersfield Town27. Leyton Orient28. Lincoln City29. Mansfield Town30. Milton Keynes Dons31. Morecambe32. Newport County33. Northampton Town34. Notts County35. Peterborough United36. Port Vale37. Reading38. Rotherham United39. Salford City40. Shrewsbury Town41. Stevenage42. Stockport County43. Swindon Town44. Tranmere Rovers45. Walsall46. Wigan Athletic47. Wrexham48. Wycombe Wanderers49. Rushall Olympic or Peterborough Sports50. Tamworth51. Oldham Athletic52. Hartlepool United or Brackley Town53. Kettering Town54. Altrincham or Solihull Moors55. Rochdale56. Scarborough Athletic57. York City58. Harborough Town59. Curzon Ashton60. Gainsborough Trinity or Boston United61. Hednesford Town or Gateshead62. Alfreton Town63. Guiseley64. Taunton Town or Maidenhead United65. Horsham66. Aldershot Town67. Southend United68. Sutton United69. Boreham Wood70. Weston Super Mare71. Wealdstone72. Dagenham & Redbridge73. Barnet74. Chesham United75. Tonbridge Angels76. Woking77. Forest Green Rovers78. Maidstone United79. Worthing80. Braintree TownWhen will FA Cup first-round ties take place?FA Cup first-round ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.Most read in FA Cup More

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      Gary Neville and Man Utd Class of 92 set to hire former Liverpool star as coach at Salford City

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      MARTIN KELLY is ready to cut his coaching teeth with Salford.The ex-Liverpool, Crystal Palace and England defender works with the League Two Ammies after playing for them in pre-season.Manchester United legend Gary Neville is set to add Martin Kelly to Salford City’s coaching staffCredit: GettyMan Utd great Neville owns Salford along with fellow Class of 92 legendsCredit: GettyHis playing career ended at Wigan and the 34-year-old hopes to carry on but may focus on climbing the ladder off the field.Salford, currently under manager Karl Robinson, are 16th in League Two.The Class of 92-owned outfit have only won three out of their first 10 matches.And the Ammies suffered their fourth defeat on Saturday after a 2-1 loss to Grimsby Town at the Peninsula Stadium.Read More on Man UtdRobinson’s side have now lost three of their last five matches in League Two.The poor start to the campaign may force Neville and fellow Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt as well as his brother Phil Neville to shake things up in the dugout.Robinson addressed Salford’s latest loss and declared he was “absolutely fuming” with the referees.The 44-year-old tactician said: “I would love to know how it could be that bad of a performance, it’s impossible.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The penalty is an absolute disgrace. I can say our defending and finishing was a disgrace at times today as well, but that was only part of the story today.“Some of the tackles as well, I’m surprised that some of my players aren’t in a worse place. Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man Utd”I’d say the better team lost. At the end of the day they won, but I am absolutely fuming on external influences on the result.“It sounds worse when you lose, but at the end of the day that was not an acceptable performance from the officials today.“Our defending for the two goals was appalling, though, and I’ve gone absolutely crazy at the players. “We were the better team today and I don’t think anybody could argue that with the chances we created.” More

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      I’m an ex-EFL boss… club owner kicked me up the backside for goading fans before running off to do same thing

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      EFL legend Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on the craziest moments of his career.Hessenthaler, 59, starred for Watford, Hull and Gillingham during his playing career. Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on some of his stunning experiences from the EFLCredit: GettyAfter hanging up his boots in 2007 he then moved into coaching, and has managed Gillingham, Dover, Leyton Orient and Eastleigh.His experience across the football pyramid has churned up some remarkable stories, ranging from furious managers to wild owner antics.The icon lifted the lid on some of his experiences as part of SunSport’s “What the EFL series?”Best ever player?Kevin Phillips would be the standout player for me in the EFL because the amount of goals he scored and he had a fantastic career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost annoying EFL fans?Got to be Millwall. (Laughing) Has to be.Maddest dressing room tale?Lindsay Parsons, bless him he’s passed away now. We was losing a game – I can’t remember who it was against – and he lost his head. He kicked the door and as he’s kicked the door his foot got stuck in the door. Everyone was trying to keep a straight face but he actually couldn’t get his foot out of the door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCraziest transfer story?I signed Paulo Gazzaniga from Valencia and we ended up, within a year once he got in to the team, we were selling him to Southampton.But the craziest thing for me was I got to Southampton with him and another agent turned up out of the blue. Ex-owner of Rangers Craig Whyte reveals HMRC top brass told him they should have struck a deal before club’s administration in 2012There were two agents saying they represented the lad so we couldn’t do the medical. Fortunately for the lad it went through and he signed for Southampton.Wildest owner antics?Old Leyton Orient chairman [Francesco Becchetti]. We were playing on boxing day against Portsmouth. We were losing the game, and the manager was getting a little bit of stick from the fans but at half-time the owner had come down and sat behind our dugout. I kept looking around, the subs were looking. I was like ‘what’s up with this guy? Has he been drinking? What’s happening?’ All he kept shouting was ‘Andy, Andy’. We won the game and the guys who were giving Ian [Hendon] the manager a little bit of abuse, I sort of cupped my ear a little bit, to say you’re not going to give him any stick now. And as I did that and we come out of the dugout and stood up somebody kicked me up the backside.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’ve turned round and it’s the owner, the next minute the owner just ran off down the side of the pitch, took his coat off, ran past the Orient fans clapping them, went over to the Portsmouth fans and started goading the Portsmouth fans. I couldn’t believe it, I’ve just been attacked by the owner.Leyton Orient chairman Francesco Becchetti and Andy Hessenthaler had a bizarre exchange on boxing day 2015Credit: Sky SportsBecchetti kicked Hassenthaler after a comeback win before goading rival fansCredit: Sky Sports More