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      in Soccer

      Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOG

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      FRANK LAMPARD will probably split his time between London and digs in Coventry as the Championship club’s new manager.For most people, this is a minor issue, but for superstitious Lampard, it could have quite some bearing upon him in his new role.Frank Lampard has landed the manager role at Coventry CityCredit: PAHe has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Championship sideCredit: PAHe helped lay the foundations at Chelsea ahead of their Champions League conquest in 2021Credit: PAHe saved Everton from relegation in his last jobCredit: ReutersAs Chelsea boss way back in 2019, the club’s all-time greatest goalscorer and hugely decorated midfielder revealed just a few of the extraordinary habits he believes are vital to keep the positive results flowing.One of those is taking the exact same route while walking his dog around the same park.He explained that he would visit the same coffee shop first thing, then wait patiently for his beloved pooch to do her ‘business’.Then it would have to be following in his well-trodden footsteps for the same distance. In his mind it is pivotal to his team’s fortunes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is also the precise 50 minutes on an exercise bike – no more and no less – that forms part of his routine to protect a winning run.His great mate, co-coach and confident Jody Morris later Tweeted that these were just two minor examples of his friend’s OCD.Lampard is 46 and about to join his fourth different club as a manager.From cutting his teeth at Championship Derby, he seemed destined to manage his beloved Chelsea, although the experience turned sour quickly, as it tends to do at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLosing a play-off final, saving Everton from relegation, laying the groundwork for Chelsea’s second Champions League triumph in 2021 form part of his CV.There’s a great coach inside Lampard waiting to get out.Frank Lampard confirmed as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed He almost led Derby County back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorHis success at Coventry could depend on his pupCredit: GettyHe is often seen walking his dog with wife Christine BleakleyCredit: GettyHe has a superstitious theory about walking his dogCredit: https://www.instagram.com/franklampard/Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%All of his three previous clubs had their respective issues that went beyond the dugout.Whether it was Derby’s cash crisis, Everton’s ownership nightmare and Chelsea’s ruthless demand for glory that pushed sentiment to one side, some things are out of a manager’s control.The fear is that it might be the same for him at City. The brutal sacking of legendary boss Mark Robins gives Lampard big shoes to fill.On a bigger scale, Unai Emery and David Moyes found that out to their cost at Arsenal and Manchester United.Last season, Coventry were denied an FA Cup final by the cruelty of VAR and a ruthless offside decision.The comedown from that and the failure to reach the Championship Play-Offs has clearly played a part in Robins’ departure.Lampard was a Chelsea legend when he was given the manager’s job too soon in his career.Even then he admitted his popularity with the fans would last ‘two minutes’ if he didn’t deliver from the dugout.He finished fourth in the Premier League and took them to an FA Cup final against Arsenal in his first season.He was adored by the fans for promoting the academy players he had watched develop while studying for his coaching badges at his old club.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Chelsea were in crisis the season before last, he answered a call and went back as interim boss for 11 games – walking away lamenting the malaise that had set in in the dressing room.Coventry City is a big club in the doldrums. Lampard’s reputation as a player and his impressive worth ethic could quickly get them firing again but in reality it all depends on his dog.Lampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid coach crashes on UK motorway after Liverpool defeat in Champions League

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      REAL MADRID’S team coach has crashed on the M40 motorway.Several social media users have posted pictures and video footage of the new coach stuck on the side of the road.Real Madrid’s team coach has been seen stuck on the side of the M40Credit: XThe bus was seen stuck behind a lorryCredit: X @tc14sznReal Madrid’s bus is decorated by the club’s incredible list of honoursCredit: YouTube/Diario ASThe European champions took on Liverpool last night at Anfield.Prior to their 2-0 defeat, Real Madrid stars were seen arriving at Anfield in the same plush coach.In footage circulating on social media, the stationary coach appeared to be stuck behind a lorry.As per The Athletic’s Guillermo Rai, two drivers a security member and travel manager were onboard at the time of the crash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThankfully nobody was seriously injured in the incident.Teams typically fly back home immediately after a European match.But even if players and staff had already flown home, their coach would still have needed to be driven back to Madrid.The new-look luxury Real Madrid bus was unveiled in October 2024 to ferry the players to and from games.Most read in Champions LeagueThe hi-tech branding is meant to look like the revamped Bernabeu stadium, which has been rebuilt at a cost of £1.5billion.The bus is also decorated with the club’s most prestigious titles.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Inside, the players can relax luxury leather seats, with the club’s crest sewn into every headrest.In February this year, Real Madrid’s previous team bus was also caught up in a crash.The incident occurred in Germany as Carlo Ancelotti’s side travelled to a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.Real Madrid flew to Erfurt, rather than Leipzig, due to a strike at Leipzig Airport.This meant that they had to finish their journey with a 100-mile coach ride.German newspaper Bild reported at the time that Real Madrid were involved in a collision with a white Toyota.Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident, with the Real Madrid coach coming away with only minor scratches.Real Madrid were beaten 2-0 at Anfield last nightCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      Gib vs Slim net worth: How Misfits stars stack up ahead of Qatar Supercard clash

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      ANESONGIB makes his boxing comeback against Misfits rival Slim Albaher TONIGHT in Qatar – but there is a big gap in their two estimated net worths. Gib and Slim are coming into Supercard Middleweight clash in strong form, as the two battle in out for the Misfits Boxing belt.AnEsonGib fights Taylor Holder at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Photo by Michele Eve Sandberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Credit: GettyMisfits Boxing Middleweight champion Sulieman ‘Slim’ Albaher made his debut against American YouTuber FouseyTube in 2019.Fousey’s corner threw in the towel during the fourth round of the fight kicking off Slim’s undefeated run over seven bouts – claiming his most recent victory over Salt Papi on the undercard of KSI vs Tommy Fury. AnEsonGib challenges for the belt after winning his previous four fights and turning his boxing career around following a first-round knockout at the hands of Jake Paul.Here is the estimated net worth of the Misfits rivals coming into their headline clash.Read more on Misfits BoxingAnEsonGib’s estimated net worth – Around $1millionThe YouTuber-turned-boxer rose to fame by uploading FIFA gaming videos and collaborating with similar stars, such as KSI. His massive online following has helped propel his fighting career.Gib’s boxing journey began to unfold following the KSI vs Joe Weller fight in 2018.AnEsonGib posing in front of a Rolls Royce posted on Instagram @anesongib.MaxPlaysFIFA, a fellow YouTuber, stepped up as Gib’s first opponent in 2018 – Gib won by TKO. While the majority of his wealth came from his YouTube presence, AnEsonGib went on to fight Jake Paul in January 2020 – the American YouTuber recently beat boxing legend Mike Tyson – generating huge sales through sales, pay-per-view, and merchandise. Most read in BoxingWorth an estimated $1 million in 2023, Gib continues to sign deals for fights and produce YouTube content to a growing audience. With four wins against his last four opponents, the star will be confident in his challenge for the Misfits Boxing Middleweight belt. Suleiman ‘Slim’ Albaher’s estimated net worth – $500kSlim takes on Gib at Misfits Boxing’s Qatar event ‘The Supercard’, defending his Middleweight belt.Both are coming into the clash in strong form – Gib claiming victories in his last four bouts and Slim remaining undefeated in seven, boasting an impressive five KOs.Slim posing on a jet ski posted on Instagram @slimthehitman.The Hitman won his last fight against musician Tom Zanetti, claiming a decent pay cheque of $100,000, according to reports. While most of his net worth has come from boxing, Slim attracts a large audience with over a million followers across his social media accounts – making him a perfect fit for the influencer boxing model.When is Gib vs Slim?Gib vs Slim is headlining the Misfits Supercard in Qatar TONIGHT on Thursday, November 28. The main event is expected to take place around 10.45pm GMT.Lusail Sports Arena is hosting the headline clash.The Misfits Supercard is living up to its billingHow can I watch Gib vs Slim?Misfits 19 -The Supercard will be live on DAZN included in the subscription, the card will not be shown on PPV.Live coverage is expected to start from 4pm GMT. What is the full Misfits 19 card?HS TikkyTokky will look to build further momentum following his early KO last time out. Deji steps back into the ring against Dawood Savage.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Salt Papi steps up against King Kenny in what could be a second headliner for many fans.AnEsonGib vs Slim AlbaherSalt Papi vs King KennyHS TikkyTokky vs Masai WarriorDeji vs Dawood SavageJarvis vs Ben WilliamsNichLmao vs Warren SpencerLil CraCra vs YuddyGangTVChase DeMoor vs KelzLuis Alcaraz Pineda vs SwarmzAmir Anderson vs Neeraj More

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      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim plotting shock £50m transfer raid on Sporting’s biggest rivals as he lines up first Man Utd signing

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      RUBEN AMORIM is already working on bolstering his Manchester United defence.The new United boss wants Benfica’s rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50million deal for the central defender when the transfer window opens in January.Man Utd are lining up a £50m January swoop for Benfica defender Tomas AraujoCredit: RexRuben Amorim managed Benfica’s rivals Sporting Lisbon before joining UnitedCredit: PAAmorim has a meeting with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday and will discuss a move for Araujo.Araujo has been a pillar of the Portuguese giant’s team this season, partnering with former Manchester City stopper Nicolas Otamendi in the backline.The Red Devils have been dealing with substantial injury issues at the back this season, and Amorim has instantly set his sights on his compatriot, who won his first international cap only last week.A product of the Benfica academy, Araujo was targeted by Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain last summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStill, Benfica’s bosses rejected the moves, although some of Europe’s top clubs are closely monitoring the situation.He’s started eight games in the Portuguese league this season, with one assist, helping Bruno Lage’s team bounce back after Roger Schmidt’s firing in October.Benfica have only lost one game since Araujo began getting a regular run of games – he has also started in the last four games in the Champions League.SunSport understands that new Old Trafford chief Amorim has placed Araujo on his wanted list as he begins his United rebuilding job.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAraujo has all the attributes Amorim is after — he is 6 ft 2, a good passer of the ball, and physically strong, with plenty of room for improvement.He can play centrally or on the right side of the defence and is considered the best prospect to come out of Portugal’s most productive academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias.Ruben Amorim takes brutal swipe at Ed Sheeran as Man Utd boss admits Sky Sports pundit ‘is the real star’ Super agent Jorge Mendes is looking to establish a working relationship with AmorimCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese rising star has a release clause of 100million euros, as Benfica consider him one of their most significant assets.SunSport understands super agent Jorge Mendes, who has guided Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Jose Mourinho’s careers, is trying to establish a close working relationship with Amorim.The Old Trafford boss, however, is doing things his way.A source close to Amorim told SunSport: “Ruben wants everyone to be on the same page. He won’t change the way he works.”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

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      in Motorsport

      FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues sacking spree with shock dismissal of F1 lead steward Tim Mayer

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      MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM has sacked F1’s leading steward Tim Mayer in another bombshell dismissal. The FIA president’s move comes just three-weeks after former F1 race director Niels Wittich’s shock axing with just three races to go.Leading F1 steward Tim Mayer has been sacked by FIA president Mohammed Ben SulayemCredit: AlamyMercedes driver George Russell recently said the drivers are “a bit fed up” with Ben Sulayem’s leadership of the FIACredit: GettyMayer is the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer and one of the most respected figures in the sport.He has not been called up to officiate as chairman of the stewards since his last outing at Mexico City Grand Prix last month.The 58-year-old also worked for the organisers of the US Grand Prix in Austin, who were summoned after fans invaded the track after the race. Comments made by the US promoters reportedly upset Emirati executive Ben Sulayem.Read more on F1Mayer and Wittich are the latest in a series of senior people to leave the FIA in the past year, with Luke Skipper, former director of communications, leaving in October 2024.This coincided with the departure of Jacob Bangsgaard, the former secretary general of mobility. Steve Nielsen also left his role as sporting director at the FIA in December 2023, just before single-seater technical director Tim Goss followed suit. Rui Marques, the F2 and F3 race director, was named as the Wittich’s replacement from last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEarlier this month furious drivers released an open letter demanding they are treated like ‘adults’ by the FIA when it comes to swearing, jewellery and clothing.Since then Mercedes driver George Russell recently said the drivers are “a bit fed up” with the leadership of the sport’s governing body. Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinHe made it clear he was referring specifically to the leadership of Ben Sulayem.Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), also said that the drivers “weren’t aware” of the decision to remove Wittich. The sport’s governing body suggested in a statement that the German had chosen to leave his post to “pursue new opportunities.”But Wittich hit back, claiming he did “not resign” just hours after the FIA had announced his departure from the role. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who was crowned champion last weekend in Las Vegas, said: “It’s a bit weird with three races to go to do that and to have to now deal with a different race director.”Leclerc added: “That came out a bit of nowhere. I think we were all surprised. “It could have probably been managed in a better way.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Mary McGee dead at 87: Racing legend and star of Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Motorcycle Mary’ film passes away

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      RACING legend Mary McGee has passed away at the age of 87.The American was a pioneer in motorsport, breaking new ground as a woman in a male-dominated field.Motorcycle racing pioneer Mary McGee has passed away aged 83Credit: GettyShe was the subject of a Lewis Hamilton-produced short filmCredit: GettyMcGee competed from 1960 to 1976, becoming the first woman to race the Baja 1000, and the only woman to finish the Baja 500 solo.She initially raced sports cars before making the switch to motorcycles in 1964, and raced the Baja 500 on recommendation from Steve McQueen.Her family announced her death, saying: “Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism.”She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. READ MORE IN F1″While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members that made Mary’s transition peaceful. “She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary.”McGee was also the subject of the short film, Motorcycle Mary, which was produced by Sir Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportThe F1 star invited McGee to the Canadian Grand Prix as a special guest this year and they spoke before the race.Sky Sports commentator also spoke to McGee, and he has paid tribute to the legend following her death.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPHe said: “This is very sad, spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was due to make a feature with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t well. “Truly remarkable lady, there is a documentary being released anytime about her life.” More

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      in Boxing

      Former world champion reveals he was pulled over by police and drug tested after eating HULA HOOPS at the wheel

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      BRITISH boxing legend Nigel Benn has revealed he was drug tested by police after eating HULA HOOPS as he drove his car.Benn, the father of welterweight contender Conor, decided to eat the beloved crisps as he drove his motor last weekend.British boxing legend Nigel Benn was recently stopped by police as he drove his carCredit: REXBenn – the dad of Brit star Conor – was stopped as he began swerving in the road as he ate Hula HoopsCredit: PAThe former WBC super-middleweight champion ended up being drug tested by coppersCredit: INSTAGRAM@NIGELBENNOFFICIALBut his wheelside scoffing caused him to start swerving in the road, so much so that the police decided to pull him over.And the coppers quickly gave the former WBC super-middleweight champion a roadside drug test.Nigel, 60, wasn’t under the influence of drink or drugs and passed the tests with flying colours.’The Dark Destroyer’ saw the funny side of the situation, so much so that he posted a photo of him being drug tested to his Instagram.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHis accompanying caption, which included several laughing emojis, read: “Got a drugs test on the weekend because I was swerving while eating Hula Hoops”[The] moral of the story ‘DON’T EAT HULA HOOPS WHILE DRIVING.'”Hundreds of Nigel’s fans flooded the post’s comment section, with one writing: “No way!?”Another said: “Hula Hoops are made for Walkers.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS10 Sep 1993: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank trade blows during a bout. Mandatory Credit: Holly Stein /AllsportCredit: GettyAnd another said: “Tested positive for being cool as AF.”One remarked: “What flavour?”Four Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991Another chimed in: “Flavour?”Nigel has been an ever-present in son Conor’s boxing career, which was derailed two years ago after he failed two drug tests ahead of his family grudge match bout with Chris Eubank Jr.And Conor, who this month had his suspension lifted by the UK National Anti-Doping Panel, has claimed negotiations for his domestic dust-up with Eubank Jr – the son of his dad’s former rival Chris Eubank Sr – are underway.He told Sky Sports: “I believe negotiations have started.”It’s been very turbulent in terms of me going through what I was going through, in terms of the legal case.Conor Benn is in negotiations to fight rival Chris Eubank Jr – the son of dad Nigel’s bitter rival Chris Eubank SrCredit: GETTY”But now that that’s cleared, negotiations are on the way.”In my opinion, it’s one of the biggest British domestic fights in history.”I don’t think two fathers and two sons have ever fought [like this]. It’s about history. It’s about legacy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the fight the public want. “It’s been two years and I don’t think I’ve slipped from people’s minds for good or bad over the past two years.” More

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      in Soccer

      Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor forced to step away indefinitely due to ongoing family emergency

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      BRISTOL ROVERS manager Matt Taylor has been forced to step away due to a family emergency.The League One boss will step down indefinitely due to an ongoing emergency.Matt Taylor has stepped away from managing Bristol Rovers indefinitely following a family emergencyCredit: GettyA statement from the club read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team manager Matt Taylor is to take a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.”David Horseman and Wayne Carlisle will take interim responsibility for all footballing duties.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.”The Club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family is respected during this time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAssistant manager Wayne Carlisle and first team coach David Horseman will step in as interim bosses in Taylor’s absence.Taylor was in the dugout for Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on Tuesday night.The Pirates currently sit 14th in League One, having won six, drawn three and lost eight of their games.They face Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, their first clash without Taylor at the helm.Most read in FootballFans have sent their well-wished to Taylor amid the news and are right behind their gaffer during his difficult time.One wrote: “Thoughts are with Matt & his family at this difficult time”.While another added: “Family come first despite our love for the club. Thoughts & prayers to MT and his family. Stronger united”.And a third commented: “Such sad news, thoughts with him and his family.”Fellow Football League clubs such as Rotherham, Exeter City and Bristol City also posted messages of support. More