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      Prem players, managers, staff and volunteers have worked wonders this season… but it’s been tarnished by ESL and VAR

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      IT has been a season we will all remember… and some may wish to forget.In pure football terms, the players, the managers, the staff and volunteers have performed wonders during the pandemic.
      West Ham have enjoyed a sensational season on the pitchCredit: Reuters
      Man Utd fans have been amongst the most vociferous protesters after the club owners joined the ill-fated plot for a European Super LeagueCredit: AP
      As freedom beckons, here is my brief summary of a unique season.
      At West Ham it has been thrilling and exceptional. Unhappily, our supporters have been forced to miss the consistent quality of live performance they have been waiting for.
      No doubt in plenty of East London living rooms the noise has been gargantuan, drowning out television commentaries and soundtracks that early on was hilariously off-target, operated by a DJ on speed, it seemed.
      The TV companies were doing what the authorities asked for. They provided your team’s every game in the Prem and many in the EFL — no complaint about high-quality production or the new rollover contracts.
      The truth, however, is while for the millions of football nuts watching televised matches was great, it is not a substitute for actually being there.
      Supporters have missed out on another thrilling season.
      To a man or woman, high-class footballers have discovered that football without a crowd is an emptiness in their lives.
      I must add that an emptiness in club bank accounts, too.
      We all have to overcome that, and some sadly might fail. The players have proved this — put down a ball on the centre spot no matter the restrictions in daily lives, working in bubbles, tests and vaccines and they will perform as professionals.

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      Dodgy decisions and delays involving VAR have plagued the Premier League seasonCredit: Rex
      Whether the billionaires of the breakaway six were encouraged by nil  stadium receipts or their greed for profits generally, the quickly aborted European Super League has created dark thoughts among the 14 clubs they  considered inferior.
      They must be shown that the price for disloyalty is steep although what  form sanctions should take is for Uefa and the Premier League to decide.
      I calculate Uefa’s initial fines amount to under £10million each. This is  pathetically small and something much greater is surely merited. It’s a  smack on the legs when it should be a painful spanking.
      New champions Manchester City and Chelsea, both of whom had grave doubts before joining the ESL, reached the Champions League final after two hypnotic semi-finals have emphasised how their absence would have undermined our exceptional club football.
      The season has been blotted by bad VAR incidents. It’s unlikely that any manager has escaped shocking verdicts on offsides, penalties or sendings off. VAR is a bigger offender than any player.
      Crowds in limited numbers will be allowed for home matches from next  Monday, unfortunately a few days late for the EFL which has been helped  along by grants from the PL, furloughing and the hard work of staff and volunteers.
      The leagues beyond are going to suffer greatly but our country is resourceful and the population helpful of their heroes.
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      Again the Prem has come to the rescue with money needed and as a result, I’m confident most clubs will survive.
      At the London Stadium and no doubt every other ground, we are waiting impatiently for the time when we can forget testing for the virus, avoiding bodily contact with friends and telling players not to hug and leap on the scorer  until he collapses to the turf.
      Over-the-top, yes, but soon to be utterly, joyfully permissible.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Porto to host Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea More

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      Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure burgled sparking fears club is being targeted by criminals

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      A THIRD Everton star has been burgled — sparking fears the Premier League club is being targeted by criminals.Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, 28, had his luxury mansion broken into last month while his team were playing away at Arsenal.
      Abdoulaye Doucoure’s luxury mansion was broken into last monthCredit: PA
      The gang forced their way inside his home and stole a safe containing several watches plus a set of car keys.
      They then returned to the rented property in Hale Barns, Gtr Manchester, and made off with a luxury motor.
      Frenchman Doucoure did not play in the Blues’ team at Arsenal but it is understood he was not at home when the break-ins occurred — some time between 2pm on April 23 and 8pm on April 25.
      The raid came just weeks after masked men broke into Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti’s home in Formby, Merseyside.
      In March, goalkeeper Robin Olsen was at home with his wife and two young children when a gang smashed their way in and demanded valuables, including cash, jewellery and designer watches.
      A source said: “The club have told players and staff to beef up security amid fears the players are being followed home from training.”
      Robin Olsen was at home with his wife and two young children when a gang smashed their way inCredit: Getty
      Masked men also broke into Carlo Ancelotti’s homeCredit: Getty
      Doucoure, who signed for Everton from Watford last September for £20million, played on Thursday against Aston Villa after returning from injury.
      Last year he had his £170,000 Lamborghini Urus seized by police in London for driving with no insurance.

      On another occasion, he was caught speeding at 102mph while at the wheel of an Audi.
      A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said of the raid: “No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”
      His club and agent did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
      Everton agree £22m Abdoulaye Doucoure transfer with Watford after beating Wolves and Fulham to midfielder More

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      Goalkeeper scored three times in a semi-final but still ended up on the losing team

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      GOALKEEPER Jordan Holt scored an incredible three times in a cup semi-final — and still ended up on the losing team.His football side was 2-0 down in stoppage time at the end of the game when he went for up a corner and headed the ball into the net.
      Goalkeeper Jordan Holt, 27, ended up on the losing team during a cup semi-final despite scoring an incredible three times
      Jordan was playing for York-based Wigginton Grasshoppers against Teesside’s Yarm and Eaglescliffe FC
      Moments later, he repeated the feat to send the tie into extra time and then penalties.
      Builder Jordan, 27, scored a spot kick and saved one for his team in the shootout.
      But their opponents won after it went to sudden death — and a teammate’s penalty was saved.
      Jordan said: “It was one of those games where I thought ‘today is my day’.
      “I was gutted to end up on the losing side.”
      He was playing for York-based Wigginton Grasshoppers in last weekend’s North Riding County Cup semi against Teesside’s Yarm and Eaglescliffe FC.
      The 6ft stopper soared above the opposition defence to score in the 91st and 93rd minutes.
      Jordan, of York, said: “I’ve never scored before as a goalie.
      His team was 2-0 down with just minutes left when he went for up a corner and headed the ball into the net
      Jordan, who had previously never scored as a goalie, repeated the feat to send the tie into extra time and then penalties
      The goalie said ‘I was gutted to end up on the losing side’

      “To get two in injury time was unbelievable. I saved their fourth pen then took our fifth and put that away.”
      Jordan, a former centre half, added: “I just hope the lads aren’t expecting that from me every week.”
      A Yarm and Eaglescliffe spokesman said: “Their keeper made it one of the most exciting and stressful games we’ve had.”
      A Yarm and Eaglescliffe spokesman said ‘Their keeper made it one of the most exciting and stressful games we’ve had’
      Boy rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by lightning while playing football in Blackpool More

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      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to be given massive £150MILLION transfer warchest as Blues eye Haaland and Lukaku

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will be handed a £150million transfer warchest by Chelsea.The Blues board are delighted with the job the German has done since he arrived in January.
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will be handed £150MILLION this summerCredit: AFP
      Tuchel, 47, has guided the club to the FA Cup and Champions League finals and is set to be rewarded with a new deal.
      Chelsea have serious money to spend this summer as they continue their bid to get back to the top of the Prem.
      A proven goalscorer is seen as a huge priority, with Olivier Giroud, 34, and 23-year-old Tammy Abraham likely to be surplus to requirements.
      The Stamford Bridge outfit have been monitoring Erling Haaland’s situation at Borussia Dortmund and also keeping a close eye on their former striker Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan.
      Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has opened up about his Covid nightmare.
      Havertz is finally getting back to his best after testing positive in November and suffering the effects for two months.
      The Blues’ German forward, 21, said: “It was very hard for me and it took three or four weeks to get well.
      “After that I didn’t feel 100 per cent either.
      Inter striker Romelu Lukaku is being watched by the BluesCredit: Reuters
      Erling Haaland – who lifted the German Cup on Thursday – is also on the Chelsea shortlistCredit: Reuters
      “To be 100 per cent I think took me two months.
      “It was a big sickness. I smelt nothing, I tasted nothing and I just lay the whole day in bed and had back pain. Hopefully, I will not get it again.”
      Havertz signed for Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, in a deal that could hit £70m.
      On Saturday he will face Leicester in the FA Cup final.

      He added: “I always dreamed to play in the FA Cup final and it’s very nice that they will have some fans back in the stadium.
      “So it will be a very good atmosphere and I’m looking forward to it.
      “We will give our all to win the trophy, that’s our aim.”
      Chelsea release 1960s inspired home kit for 2021-22 season More

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      England football coach who worked with Harry Kane axed by FA after boozy car smash

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      AN England footie coach has been axed by the FA after being involved in a boozy car smash.Goals guru Allan Russell, 40, who worked with Harry Kane in the 2018 World Cup, was a passenger in his Audi RS6 when it rammed a Vauxhall injuring its driver.
      Allan Russell was a passenger in his Audi RS6 when it rammed a Vauxhall injuring its driver
      He was fined £2,000 after admitting letting his brother Simon drive who was twice the limit and had no insurance.
      Vauxhall Corsa motorist Danny Moss, 43 — an off-duty ambulance driver — suffered life-changing injuries in the smash in Shirburn, Oxon, last year, county magistrates heard.
      A friend said: “He was a happy-go-lucky guy. He’ll never be the same.”
      Allan, a coach at Aberdeen, masterminded England’s successful set-piece goals in 2018.
      Allan worked with Harry Kane in the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty

      The FA said last night: “We’ve agreed with Allan it’s in the best interests of all for him to leave his consultancy position.”
      Allan’s spokesman said: “He doesn’t want to be a distraction to England going into the Euros.”
      Simon, 39, admits causing serious injury by dangerous driving and will be sentenced in July.
      Harry Kane will be stuck at Tottenham unless Pep Guardiola demands him over Erling Haaland in £150m Man City transfer More

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      Britain’s oldest footballer, 85, vows back injury will not stop him playing

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      BRITAIN’S oldest footballer is vowing a back injury will not stop him playing — aged 85Sunday league player Dickie Borthwick hopes his 77-year career is not over.
      Dickie Borthwick playing for Portland Town FC in Dorset, in 2016Credit: BNPS
      Dickie is Britain’s oldest footballer and he is vowing a back injury will not stop him playing — aged 85Credit: BNPS
      But he has been sidelined for months and has given himself until August to recover.
      He said: “I have thought it could be over but I am hoping it will clear up. I still love the game and I want to play again.”If it wasn’t for my injury I know I could still strike a ball and get up for a header.”
      Dickie, of Weymouth, Dorset, last played for local veterans team AFC Wyke Smugglers when he was 83.
      The retired engineer has not put his boots on since 2019 due to the pandemic and a trapped nerve.
      Dickie has been sidelined for months and has given himself until August to recoverCredit: BNPS
      The grandad of seven said: “I am slowing down but I can probably play 90 minutes when fitCredit: BNPS

      The grandad of seven said: “I am slowing down but I can probably play 90 minutes when fit. I know there are a few of us old boys around still playing the game.”
      Dickie’s first club side was Invergordon Academy in Scotland. After moving to the south coast he played for a host of non-league sides including Sherborne Town.
      He gave up smoking 30-a-day and now eats porridge before every game.
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      Harry Kane will be stuck at Tottenham unless Pep Guardiola demands him over Erling Haaland in £150m Man City transfer

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      HARRY KANE will be stuck at Tottenham unless Pep Guardiola demands Manchester City sign him over Erling Haaland.Even then, it would require a transfer record-busting bid of more than £150million to even get Spurs talking.
      Harry Kane’s Tottenham exit depends on Pep GuardiolaCredit: AP
      Erling Haaland has been linked for months with a move to Man CityCredit: Getty
      City is fast becoming Kane’s last hope, with Real Madrid and Barcelona not interested.
      Manchester United will not go any higher than £90m.
      And Edinson Cavani’s new contract has bought them some time.
      With Sergio Aguero leaving, City want a striker and Kane, 27, and Borussia Dortmund’s Haaland are the top targets.
      Paris Saint-Germain are managed by Kane’s former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      But they have just persuaded Neymar to sign a new deal and also have Kylian Mbappe.
      And Kane’s price is out of reach for Italy’s top clubs.
      Guardiola may feel the younger Haaland, 20, coupled with Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, are better value.
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      Pep Guardiola is desperate to bring in a new striker to replace Sergio AgueroCredit: PA

      He also knows Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is keen not to sell to a rival.
      Kane is seriously considering leaving, knowing time is running out to win major trophies.
      Dortmund, meanwhile, insist prized asset Haaland will not be leaving this summer.
      Sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “I understand that Erling Haaland will play for Borussia Dortmund in the new season.
      “Erling totally agrees. I see him every day and I can say that he completely identifies with the club.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer congratulates ‘very worthy champions’ Man City More

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      Jurgen Klopp defends Man Utd boss Solskjaer’s Leicester team selection as rivals’ gruelling fixture list is a ‘crime’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has called Manchester United’s fixture pile-up CRIMINAL and backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for resting his stars.The United boss made ten changes as they lost 2-1 against Leicester, making it tougher for Liverpool to finish in the top four.
      Jurgen Klopp has defended Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for making ten changes against LeicesterCredit: Getty
      The Norwegian saw a much-changed Manchester United side lose against the FoxesCredit: Getty
      And the Red Devils’ defeat on Tuesday night was the second of three fixtures in a crazy five-day schedule following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
      Ahead of tomorrow’s clash at United, Reds boss Klopp said: “Playing Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday is a crime.”
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      Liverpool are seven points off fourth-placed Chelsea and must win their last four to have any shot at Champions League qualification.
      Klopp said: “If we do not make it into the Champions League, it will not be the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or his players.
      “It will be our fault because even in this season, in which we have had so many injuries, we really should have been five or six points better than we are.
      “I know Ole made ten changes but I would have done the same thing — I expected him to do that.
      If we do not make it into the Champions League, it will not be the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or his playersJurgen Klopp
      “This is the end of a long season already and then you get Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and it’s just not right.
      “So it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, even if it means we now need to get a few favours if we are going to make the top four.”
      Meanwhile, Klopp paid tribute to managerial rival Pep Guardiola and Manchester City for taking his fallen champions’ title.
      The German revealed: “I texted Pep and also Ilkay Gundogan.

      “For City to win five titles in the last ten years is exceptional. This is a great achievement.
      “When you can bring together financial resources and good knowledge, with the best manager in the world, you can see what can be achieved.
      “And it is always a joy to play against them and while you can beat them, you have to be at your highest to do so.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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