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      Non-league star fills in as BBC commentator after he’s left out of FA Cup squad… and it goes exactly as you’d expect

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      A NON-LEAGUE star filled in as a commentator for the BBC after being left out of the FA Cup matchday squad.And it went exactly as you would expect when his side scored a dramatic equaliser.Guiseley’s equaliser prompted superb commentary from player Lucas OdunstonCredit: BBC SportGuiseley of the seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division were handed a dream draw in the first round proper away at League One Stevenage.However, Lucas Odunston was not in the starting XI or among the substitutes for Mark Bower at the Lamex Stadium.So instead, the 24-year-old right-back headed up to the gantry and picked up the microphone for BBC Sport.And that prompted utterly wild scenes when the Lions found the net to make it 1-1 with just seven minutes to go on Saturday. READ MORE ON FA CUPFollowing a mix-up between the Stevenage defender and goalkeeper, the ball fell perfectly for Will Longbottom.And he made absolutely no mistake as he tapped into the empty net.That sparked chaos in the away end – and on the gantry.Because Odunston simply could not contain his excitement and joy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe could be heard over the main commentator shouting: “Oh my God,” as the ball fell kindly for Longbottom.Then after some brilliant inaudible commentary, Odunston added: “Yeahhhh!!” before some more crazy indiscernible screaming. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundOdunston then regained an ounce of composure to bellow: “Get in there!”Oh my God.”Ohhhh, ohhhhh. Can I go on the pitch, can I go on the pitch?”The commentator then replied: “If you want to go my friend, you go.”Look at the scenes here at the Lamex Stadium.”This competition is magic because it produces moments like this.”The clip got shared on X by BBC Sport and went viral – with dozens of fans loving the wonderful reactions from a jubilant Odunston. Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup.One said: “This is the kind of energy we need on commentary! Lucas is living his best life! “When life gives you lemons, you become a commentator! Lucas is bringing the vibes!”Another wrote: “Classic commentary gold!”A third added: “That’s a classic! Love seeing players getting involved even off the pitch! Lucas is bringing the energy!”And a final user replied: “Magic of the FA Cup.”However, despite the special scenes following the equaliser, the day did end in bittersweet fashion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is because Guiseley did manage a draw at Stevenage.But with replays scrapped, it went to extra-time and then penalties, where the third-tier Boro nicked it 5-4 in the shootout to book their spot in the second-round draw. The right-back wanted to get on the pitch to celebrate with his team-matesCredit: BBC SportWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Ian Holloway at centre of FA probe over possible breach of agent regulations just seven days after landing Swindon job

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      IAN HOLLOWAY and Swindon are facing an FA investigation over a  possible breach of agent regulations following his surprise appointment as manager last weekend.In an interview on Town’s YouTube channel on Sunday, Ollie revealed he took the job without signing a contract with the agent who brought him to the club.Ian Holloway – nicknamed Ollie – has taken charge of Swindon TownCredit: PAHe admitted: “It’s only late last night I decided to get an agent, arranged to meet him and before you know it I’m here.“It’s completely mental to me but I’m delighted.“I arranged to meet an agent I haven’t signed anything with yet because I wanted to get back on.“If it wasn’t for that fella I’d still be sat at home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis admission would appear to be a breach of rule 4.1 of the FA’s Football Agent Regulations.It states: “An FA Registered Football Agent may only perform Football Agent Services for a Player, Coach or Club after having entered into a Representation Agreement with that Player, Coach or Club.”Holloway’s first game as a manager in four years will be tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round home tie against Colchester.The 61-year-old watched last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Gillingham from the stands after succeeding the sacked Mark Kennedy.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ollie could not resist coming down to the touchline to shout instructions to his new players during the second half.Swindon had been reduced to 10 men in just the ninth minute when Grant Hall was sent off.Forgotten ex-Rangers star Nnamdi Ofoborth scores first goal since doctors said he was ‘lucky to still be here’Timothee Dieng subsequently gave Gills the lead, before Harry Smith’s 93rd minute equaliser earned a point for the home side.Holloway, Swindon and the agent could all face disciplinary action if the FA press charges.The FA declined to comment. More

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      Lucas Paqueta to MISS crunch Premier League game after being summoned to Brazilian parliament amid betting investigation

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      LUCAS PAQUETA is set to miss West Ham’s Premier League clash with Leicester in December after being summoned to appear in front of a betting investigation in the Brazilian parliament.The West Ham midfielder had been due to give evidence to Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) on the Manipulation of Games and Sports Betting in Sao Paolo this week, but his legal team succeeded in getting his appearance postponed.Lucas Paqueta will miss West Ham’s Premier League clash with Leicester in DecemberCredit: GettyWest Ham star Paqueta was summoned in front of a betting investigation in the Brazilian parliamentCredit: ReutersThe CPI ruled on Wednesday, however, that Paqueta must give evidence to Brazilian senators on December 3 as part of their investigation into illegal betting in Brazil.West Ham travel to Leicester in the Prem on the same evening with a source close to Paqueta telling SunSport he is resigned to missing the game.Paqueta is also under investigation in Brazil after being charged by the FA earlier this year with four counts of spot-fixing – deliberately getting himself booked in four Prem games to make money for bettors.The 27-year-old has protested his innocence throughout and earlier this month hit out at the FA’s handling of the process which he claims is no longer confidential.Read More on Football“I have instructed my lawyers to write to the FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain,” Paqueta wrote on X.Paqueta’s uncle Bruno Tolentino is also being investigated in Brazil after he admitted paying former Real Betis striker Luiz Henrique £5,000 days after he received two suspicious yellow cards which triggered an integrity probe in Spain.The two cases are linked because the suspicious betting patterns were both reported to the authorities by online gambling company Betway, West Ham’s shirt sponsor.Many of the suspicious bets on Paqueta that led to him being charged by the FA were also placed by members of his family.Most read in FootballTolentino made his appearance before the CPI as scheduled on Wednesday, but refused to answer questions other than confirming his name.His silence was criticised by the president of the CPI, senator Jorge Kajuru, who has applied to the courts for the commission to be given access to Tolentino’s bank and phone records.Lucas Paqueta takes private jet to city to visit Bruno Guimaraes for girlfriend’s birthday Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 and has since registered a total of 15 goals and 14 assists in 95 appearances. More

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      Football chiefs target second trophy triumph for Lionesses as part of new women’s game strategy

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      THE FA says a second major trophy win for the Lionesses is one of the top targets of its new women’s and girls’ game strategy. The four-year plan, announced today, comes just over two years on from England’s historic Euros triumph. The FA says helping England win a second major trophy as one of four strategic priorities in its new plans for the women’s gameCredit: ReutersFootball chiefs also hope help Lionesses youth teams succeed in international competition finalsCredit: GettyNext summer Sarina Wiegman’s players, who became the first England side to reach a Women’s World Cup final last year, will begin their quest to be crowned Euros champions once again. The Lionesses are one of nine sides who have automatically qualified for next year’s contest in Switzerland which starts on July 2. As part of its ‘Reaching Higher strategy’ the FA outlined achieving another major tournament triumph as one of four strategic priorities. Football chiefs also hope England can achieve World Cup glory in Brazil in 2027 after falling to a narrow 1-0 final loss to Spain in the last tournament in Australia last summer. Read More Football Stories And senior officials in the governing body insist meticulous preparations are being made to support the endeavours of Wiegman’s side. Kay Cossington, FA Women’s technical director said: “We talk about the top end of this. “We talk about how to look at the next four years for our senior team.”For 2025 with the Euros and for 2027 in preparation for the World Cup, our planning is absolutely meticulous.Most read in Football“It’s about understanding and recognising, for us in tournament football when we’re preparing for European Championships and World Cups, what’s really important. “What are the bits that we’re going to go after, and how do we effectively prepare putting 23 players in a squad in a tournament to perform.”That’s our job as a collective system. “How can we help players and staff to perform under the greatest amounts of pressure?”We have to be really, really clear and super explicit about what we do and what we don’t do, what’s going to make the boat go fast and what’s going to sink the boat, “Also the bits in between are what often cause the most amount of noise, the most amount of stress and sleepless nights.”The release of the FA’s new strategy comes hours ahead of the young Lionesses battling Spain for a place in semi-finals Women’s Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.The match is due to be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and Fifa+ from 10:45pm this evening. The winners of the clash, which commences at 11:00pm UK time, at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo, will face North Korea this Sunday. And Cossington says the FA’s aim is to continue developing its “playing, coaching and operating curriculum” to support young players rising through the ranks to be able to perform on the biggest internationals stages. She adds: “Our blueprint for success is what we call a playing, coaching and operating curriculum on how we want to do things across all of our age groups. The FA says it wants to help prepare Lionesses coming through the ranks to be able to perform under pressure in a senior gameCredit: Getty”This is so that systematically, we are developing players’ readiness to be able to cope under the greatest amount of pressure in a senior team game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Many of the senior Lionesses talk about the importance of tournament finals. “For the next four years for us, it’s important that we regularly get our teams to tournament finals.” More

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      Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher slapped with FA charge after furious tunnel rant during Brentford clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED coach Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct by the FA.The incident happened last weekend following Brentford’s controversial opener at Old Trafford.Darren Fletcher has been charged by the FACredit: PAMan Utd furiously protested Brentford’s goalCredit: GettyFletcher and his colleagues protested the decision to allow Ethan Pinnock’s goal to stand.United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch because blood leaked from a gash in his head – meaning the team was down a man when Pinnock headed in from a corner.But only Fletcher has been charged by the FA over allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.Fletcher, 40, is also accused of using abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official.An FA statement read: “Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct following Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday, October 20, in the Premier League.”It’s alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees.”Darren Fletcher has until Tuesday, October 29, to respond.”United assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy also reacted angrily to the decision, while Erik ten Hag was shown a yellow card for his protests.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Ligt furiously kicked a ball away too, clearly frustrated at having to go off as physios attempted to patch him up for a third time.United produced a second-half comeback as goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund gave them a 2-1 win.Erik ten Hag focuses on positives after Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce More

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      ‘That’s a cracking football.. lovely memories’, say fans as retro Mitre ball for FA Cup released

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      THIS season’s official FA Cup ball has taken fans on a trip down memory lane.The FA revealed a nostalgic Mitre football to be used throughout the 2024/25 edition of the world’s oldest football competition. Mitre have unveiled the new Ultimax Pro to be used in FA Cup games this seasonCredit: https://x.com/MitreSportsThe new balls have transported nostalgic fans of a certain age back to their childhoodsCredit: https://x.com/MitreSportsMitre unveiled the Ultimax Pro 3 on Thursday ahead of the FA Cup first round proper next month. The company have supplied official match balls for the tournament since 2018, taking over from Nike. And the latest, featuring an iconic V-shape and dashes of silver, has fans of a certain age remembering the classic Mitre Delta and Mouldmaster. Both of the balls were used throughout English football in the 1990s and early 200s, with the Mouldmaster a staple in playgrounds across the country. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Mitre official X account wrote: “Introducing the @emiratesfacup Official 24/25 Match Ball. “Inspired by the magic of the cup, and what it means to the fans. “Flashes of silver, etched and scratched to reflect tin foil trophies. Power, precision, perfection.”One nostalgic fan wrote on X: “That is a cracking football. Came along way since the mouldmaster. Lovely memories of that skelping my leg in a gale force wind.”#Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Great to mitre balls being used in top games again.”While a third added: “Absolutely love these!Non-league club labelled ‘absolute class’ as they rock up to FA Cup tie in bizarre pina colada kitBut a baffled non-league fan commented: “Why now? We’ve already had 6 rounds!”The first round of this season’s FA Cup will be held between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.The original Mitre Ultimax was used over 20 years ago in the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup.Tamworth’s clash against League One outfit Huddersfield Town will begin a bumper weekend of TV coverage.Other ties set for broadcast include Northampton’s match-up against Kettering Town and Birmingham City’s clash with Sutton United. More

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      Gary O’Neil at centre of FA probe after Wolves boss claimed refs have ‘subconscious’ bias towards big clubs

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      THE FA have launched a probe into Gary O’Neil’s claims that refs have a “subconscious” bias to the Prem’s big clubs.Wolves boss O’Neil has been contacted by football chiefs after his  post-match comments following John Stones’ controversial 95th-minute winner for Manchester City on Sunday.Gary O’Neil is facing a probe after his commentsCredit: ReutersBernardo Silva was judged to have not impeded Jose SaCredit: Sky SportsReferee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Stones’ header for offside against  Bernardo Silva — but changed his mind in a pitchside review after VAR intervened to hand City a 2-1 win.Now O’Neil will have to explain his remarks before the FA decide on any further action.O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?“If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”City’s winner hinged on whether Silva, who was standing in an offside position, had unsighted Sa as he attempted to keep out Stones’ bullet header.Silva appeared to step away from the keeper just before Stones’ effort, with Kavanagh judging Sa was not prevented from being able to see the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Premier League explained the decision in a statement that read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves More

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      Thomas Tuchel getting the England job was no betrayal by the FA – he gives us the best chance of winning World Cup 2026

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      ON the day Thomas Tuchel was unveiled as England manager, I was on an LMA course with 20 people who all aspire to be elite football bosses.Some were currently in charge of league clubs, some out of work, some who recently retired as footballers and others who are coming towards the end of their playing careers.Thomas Tuchel is the new England manager after signing an 18-month dealCredit: GettyThe German has been tasked with guiding England to World Cup glory in 2026Credit: GettyMost of us were English and all of us were in a classroom at St. George’s Park, the national football centre, on the ‘pathway’ which might ultimately lead to the job Tuchel has just accepted.You might imagine that there’d be plenty in that room on Wednesday who were upset or angry that the FA had decided to give their top job to a foreigner.But that was not the case. The majority, including me, believed the FA have made a good decision in appointing the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain manager to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball is a very cosmopolitan world and so those involved in the modern game don’t think too much about nationality.To rail against a German getting the England job is outdated thinking.While there were some differences of opinion among those of us on the LMA course, I don’t think any of us felt that the English coaching community had been snubbed or betrayed by Tuchel’s appointment.Many of us felt it was encouraging that Tuchel had got the England job having failed to win a trophy at Bayern Munich last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe idea that football managers can suffer a downturn in fortunes in one job, then rise again, is a positive.Of course, in an ideal world, the England manager would be English.But we are not living in an ideal world.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe FA were right to be pragmatic and not obsessed by the idea of an English boss.Gareth Southgate did a fine job as England manager. He did everything but win a trophy.Now, with an excellent squad of players, who have a genuine chance of success at the World Cup in America, what the FA need is a proven trophy-winning manager.And at the moment there simply aren’t any English managers who have won a major trophy.Eddie Howe is a very good Premier League boss and I suspect the FA would have gone for him if they could have easily afforded to pay compensation to lure him away from Newcastle.But even Howe has never won a major trophy.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.So to give England the best chance of winning the World Cup, they had to go for an available, world-class manager ­— and so Tuchel looks like the best realistic candidate.One English coach I met at St George’s Park this week said that while he didn’t believe the FA were wrong, he hoped that Tuchel failed, so that the FA didn’t go for a foreign boss again.I’d never want England to fail but I understand his point.For me, the fact that Tuchel has been given just an 18-month contract is good thinking too.This contract is just for the World Cup and if England win it, or if the working relationship is an obvious success but the team comes up just short at the tournament, then Tuchel might sign a new deal.If not, he goes and the next England boss will probably be English.I’m not a massive fan of the FA but I think they have got this right.Tuchel is the first foreign manager to lead the Three Lions since Fabio CapelloCredit: GettyEddie Howe was amongst the potential English candidates for the roleCredit: GettyNow Tuchel, who officially starts work in January, has five months before his first match in charge and he must use that time to observe and to speak to all the major figures in the English game – the club managers and the players themselves – and formulate a firm plan.One crucial thing is that Tuchel does not pick on reputation. That he picks the best team, rather than trying to fit in all of the best individuals.He can be a hardline boss who knows his own mind and so he mustn’t be afraid to drop the biggest names if he decides that is the best thing for the team.I’m a massive fan of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane but that includes them too.I wrote about my personal admiration of Lee Carsley after his first couple of games as the national team’s interim boss — and I still believe that he is an  excellent coach.But I don’t think the FA have treated him well — especially during this last international break when Tuchel had already signed a contract but Carsley was having to keep schtum about his own future.Gareth Southgate took England to back-to-back Euros finals during his tenureCredit: GettyInterim manager Lee Carsley is set to return to his role as under-21s managerCredit: PACarsley is too honest a bloke to deal with those sorts of questions. He isn’t comfortable being vague or telling lies.His experience as interim boss shows you there is so much more to elite management than merely being a good coach.Personally, I’ve completed my Uefa A licence and will be doing my Pro Licence next year.But the LMA course I mentioned is about the rest of a manager’s job,  essentially it’s about ‘managing up’.It’s about dealing with directors of football and club owners — which, given my own brief experience as manager of Forest Green Rovers last season — is proving invaluable.READ MORE SUN STORIESI may or may not end up getting anywhere close to the job Tuchel has taken on.But please don’t think that those of us who might ultimately aspire to the England job are frothing at the mouth and raging about the appointment of a German.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More