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      I hope Wrexham won’t be the fall-guy in some Netflix reality show

      by

      I’VE been truly blessed to have been to some wonderful football matches.
      I’ve seen my team, West Brom, promoted more times than I’ve seen them relegated.

      I hope Wrexham won’t be the fall-guy in some Netflix reality show, says Adrian ChilesCredit: Reuters

      I have two international teams to follow, England and Croatia, and I’ve had some brilliant times watching them — well, Croatia more than England to be honest, but there you go.
      Having worked in football on TV I’ve also been to three Euros and three World Cups and covered the Champions League at all of this continent’s great stadia.
      But not much has come close to what I saw at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground in January 1992.
      Arsenal were reigning league champions, Wrexham had finished 91 ­places behind them, right at the bottom of the whole Football League.

      And here they were playing each other in the third round of the FA Cup.I was there because a close friend of mine from college, Bryn Law, was a massive Wrexham fan.
      Bryn will be familiar to fans of Leeds United, for whom he commentates.
      And he worked on Sky Sports for many years. In 2007, commentating on Wrexham’s last game of the season, he could be seen crying tears of joy when they dodged relegation out of the Football League. “This must never happen again,” he wept.
      It happened again — the following season they dropped down to the fifth tier of English football, which is where they have languished ever since.

      Because of Bryn, I have always kept an eye on Wrexham.

      Ryan Reynolds is set to takeover Wrexham alongside Rob McElhenneyCredit: PA:Press Association

      Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds racked up 98.6 per cent of the WST voteCredit: PA:Press Association
      If Hollywood stars Ryan ­Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who bought the club this week, want to make a documentary about the last 20 years of their club, they would have a ­tragi-comic horror film on their hands.
      One owner after another contrived to make a bigger life-threatening hash of it, until the fans took the club over.
      But they then basically fell out among themselves and everything carried on going to pot. All hope was ebbing away. If Covid had not brought last season to a premature end they could well have been relegated to the sixth division.
      And then, in the most ­peculiar football story since Michael Jackson turned up one day at Exeter City, Ryan ­and Rob buy Wrexham.
      Who knows what on earth they are up to? All we know for sure is that they have a couple of million quid to spend and, slightly unsettlingly, documentary producers already appear to be in place.
      Surely this once great club is not now going to be reduced to the role of ­fall-guy in some Netflix reality classic?
      ‘CHARM OFFENSIVE LIKE NO OTHER’
      To be fair, even if it is, what have Wrexham got to lose?
      The two movie heroes have come riding to the club’s rescue saying all the right things and charming the pants — so to speak — off any Wrexham fan listening.
      This is a charm offensive like no other.
      Reynolds even dug up and replied to an eight-year-old tweet from a young woman in Wrexham called Lois who wanted him to model in a life-drawing class.
      And yesterday it was reported that lifelong Wrexham fan Aiden Stott, who has cerebral palsy, had been given six grand to adapt his bathroom by McElhenney.
      Can this story get any more random? Oh yes it can: See McElhenney’s tweet of John Cleese in a Wrexham shirt.

      Wrexham players including Joey Jones and Gordon Davies celebrate a win against Arsenal in 1992Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Wrexham is one of the oldest professional football teams in the world
      Both Ryan and Rob told fans on a Zoom call — yes, really — that they are looking forward to “a drink in local pubs” with them.
      Do they know what they are promising here? After a 3-0 home defeat to, say, King’s Lynn, I’d be interested in ­seeing that pub scene in the documentary.
      “We want Wrexham to be a global force,” says Reynolds. “This is the third-oldest club on the planet and we don’t see why it can’t have global appeal.”
      There are many people well-versed in the ways of the football business who could probably share with them a good few reasons why ­Wrexham may struggle to become a global force.
      But hell, why not dream?
      Going back to the FA Cup third round of 1992, I doubt any of the Wrexham fans I walked to the Racecourse Ground with were dreaming of getting past Arsenal.
      The league champions duly took the lead just before half-time. The fans in the kop behind the goal all kind of sighed in an unsurprised way.
      Arsenal were still leading 1-0 in the 82nd minute, when Wrexham got a free kick, theoretically within shooting range.
      As Mickey Thomas stood over the ball, Bryn said to me: “We haven’t scored from a free kick in living memory.”
      ‘PANDEMONIUM’
      Back of the net. 1-1. Pandemonium.
      I daresay Wrexham’s then owners were rubbing their hands together at the prospect of a lucrative replay at Arsenal’s then ground of Highbury.
      But no, they only went and scored again a couple of minutes later. 2-1 Wrexham.
      And there was still time for a twist. Arsenal scored at our end of the ground, the entire kop buried its head in its hands. I swear I was the only person with their head up to see the linesman’s flag was up.
      “Offside!” I screamed.
      A ­terrible decision, but who cares? Pandemonium broke out for the third time in ten minutes, and then a fourth time when the final whistle blew.
      I had Bryn’s head buried in one shoulder and his mate’s in the other.
      When they finally came up for air, my sweatshirt was damp with tears.

      Look for the word “miracle” in a dictionary and you’ll find it somewhere between “minuscule” and “misadventure”.
      But look for it in football and you’ll find it in Wrexham on that day more than 20 years ago.
      You’d have to have a heart of stone not to be half-hoping that another miracle there may yet come to pass in this corner of North Wales.

      Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to take over Wrexham with almost 99 per cent of fans backing move
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      Jack Charlton’s widow refuses to blame football for his dementia diagnosis amid heading ban

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      ENGLAND’s victory in the 1966 World Cup is a moment so ingrained in the nation’s consciousness that it seems destined never to be forgotten.
      But for many of the heroes of that glorious day at Wembley Stadium it has now faded into a hazy mist, hard to recollect.

      Jack Charlton, pictured in 1970, died aged 85 earlier this yearCredit: Rex Features

      The towering defender was famous for his ability in the airCredit: Rex Features

      He was one of many players to be diagnosed with dementia, although his wife Pat believes the beautiful game isn’t to blame

      Nearly half of manager Sir Alf Ramsey’s illustrious 11 have succumbed to dementia, with Sir Bobby Charlton the latest to be diagnosed.
      This has reignited the long-running debate within the game about the link between heading the ball and brain disease, with England World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst calling for a ban on children using their heads to strike a football.
      He has even offered to donate his own brain for dementia research after a year that has been “unbelievably brutal” for his 1966 team-mates.
      In the last 12 months 78-year-old Geoff has not only seen Sir Bobby diagnosed with dementia but also the deaths of team-mates Nobby Stiles and Bobby’s brother Jack, who both had the disease.

      The cruel reality of what this meant for the men involved is revealed in an intimate new documentary about Jack, who died in July.
      When he was recently shown his gold World Cup winner’s medal from 1966, he showed only ­surprise, saying: “Good grief, it’s me.”
      Towering defender Jack, 6ft 1½in, was famous for his ability in the air, often scoring goals with his head. But his family refuse to blame the beautiful game for his demise.
      His widow Pat says: “It’s like ­boxers getting hit in the head, nobody can actually prove it.

      “He’s enjoyed his football, would you take that away from him? I don’t think so.”
      BAD MEMORY
      In the film, Finding Jack Charlton, the star’s son John predicted it would not be the dementia which killed the England legend — and he was right. It was cancer which ended Jack’s life at the age of 85.
      The family were keen to show that while brain disease had diminished the once gregarious man, he was still living an active life to the end.

      Sir Geoff Hurst has called for a ban on children using their heads to strike a footballCredit: Getty

      Nearly half of the World Cup winning squad have succumbed to dementia

      Nobby Stiles (right), who also had the disease, died aged 78 in OctoberCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Sir Bobby Charlton is the latest in the team to be diagnosedCredit: PA:Press Association
      In the documentary he is seen meeting fans at an event for his ­fishing charity, having fun with his grandchildren and going for a drink.
      The film, which will be released on DVD and streaming sites on ­Monday, was made by ITV football reporter Gabriel Clarke, who spent several days with Jack at his home on the outskirts of Newcastle in the year prior to his death.
      During that time medical experts recommended using music and archive footage as “trigger points” to help Jack to remember the past.
      If someone said the name Geoff Hurst he would go blank, but if he saw a picture of Sir Geoff he would recall his team-mate.

      He enjoyed his football, would you take that away from him? I don’t think so.
      Pat Charlton

      Pat did not tell Jack, her husband of six decades, that he had the ­condition because she didn’t want him to worry about it getting worse.
      She says: “I just wanted him to think he had a bad memory.”
      Gabriel believes brain damage may have been worse in the past, as the balls were heavier and players often played on, despite being concussed.
      And he tells The Sun: “My personal feeling is that there has to be more research, because five of the ten ­outfield players of the ’66 team have or had dementia.”
      As well as the Charlton brothers, holding midfielder Stiles, goal-scoring hero Martin Peters and left-back Ray Wilson also suffered from the disease.
      Yet in the population at large, only one in 14 people aged over 65 develops the condition.
      The other tragedy that Gabriel’s film highlights is the fall-out between the Charlton brothers.

      The link between heading a ball and brain disease is explored in new documentary Finding Jack Charlton

      Pat reveals she didn’t tell Jack that he had the ­condition because she didn’t want him to worry

      The pair had been married for six decadesCredit: PA:Press Association
      They might have been on the same side at Wembley against West Germany, but off the field the sibling rivalry was toxic.
      Jack admitted to resenting looking after his little brother, who was two years younger than him.
      And in one old interview Bobby told how his fiery sibling had punched him hard for questioning his decision-making.
      DIVIDED BROTHERS
      Bobby, 83, recalled: “I said, ‘You were stupid, giving that goal away’, and he punched me in the mouth straight off the couch.”
      The shy, softly spoken Bobby could not have been more different from the charismatic Jack, whose bellowing voice rang out along the corridors.
      In one interview Jack said of his brother: “I could have done more things without him than I could have done with him. I liked the sea, the countryside. Bobby didn’t.”
      Publicly those differences were glossed over. Jack chose Bobby as his best man at his wedding and presented him with the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Personality Of The Year ­ceremony in 2008.
      But in recent years the brothers stopped meeting altogether.

      I just wanted him to think he had a bad memory.
      Pat Charlton

      Jack’s son John reveals: “I haven’t seen uncle Bobby for a long, long time. It’s a shame.”
      Gabriel, 56, had asked if Bobby would be in the film but was told he couldn’t, due to his dementia.
      The documentary focuses on the brothers’ post-player managerial careers, in which Jack proved ­superior to Bobby, whose time as a soccer boss was over in three years.

      The documentary also looks at Jack’s relationship with brother BobbyCredit: Getty

      In recent years the brothers, pictured with Nobby Stiles, stopped meeting altogetherCredit: Getty

      While Jack was charismatic and loud, Bobby was softly spokenCredit: Getty
      Jack’s coaching prowess took him to Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and finally the Republic of Ireland.
      While some pundits initially ­questioned the decision to put an Englishman in charge of the Irish national team in 1986, they soon changed their minds when he started winning games.
      Not only did Big Jack take the Republic to their first European Championship and two World Cup finals, his side also beat England 1-0 at Euro ’88.
      He was venerated in Ireland, becoming only the eighth person to be awarded honorary citizenship.
      Previously unseen footage shows Jack singing Irish songs, meeting the Pope at Italia ’90 and visiting Northern Ireland to try to smooth relations during the Troubles.
      These memories, though on film, are lost to him.
      While Jack looked through letters from Irish fans in the film, Pat said: “They think a lot of you in Ireland, don’t they?” and he replied: “I’ve no idea.”
      MISCHIEVOUS TWINKLE
      The first signs of dementia stretched back to the World Cup in the United States in 1994.
      Jack struggled to remember some of the players’ names and went for a brain scan, although the disease was not detected at that time.
      After Jack resigned as Ireland manager in 1996, when his side failed to qualify for the Euros, he suffered more health problems.
      In 2009 he fell during a holiday in Spain and three years later had a hip replacement following a collapse at home.
      The documentary shows him struggling to walk ­during a day out with the Jack Charlton Disabled Anglers Association in the summer of 2019.
      Despite being unsteady on his feet, he says in a jolly voice: “I’m falling down.”

      Players’ risk rates soar

      By Dr Willie Stewart

      By Dr WILLIE STEWART
      WE have shown that professional footballers are at high risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases – a five times higher rate with Alzheimer’s, four times higher with motor neurone ­disease and double with Parkinson’s.
      Other research we have conducted on the brains of former footballers with dementia often reveals a pathology that we recognise from boxers, rugby players and American Footballers whose only common denominator is exposure to brain injury and brain impacts.
       Dr Stewart, of Glasgow University, is a researcher into the dementia/football link.

      The film comes after a new study in the journal Science And ­Medicine In Football revealed heading a football just 20 times could affect the brain’s working memory by as much as 20 per cent.
      As for Jack, dementia did not rob him of that mischievous twinkle that fans came to love. It is just that as he said: “I could not remember a lot of the memories.”
      But now those moments will be stored forever on film.
      Finding Jack Charlton is available on DVD and download from November 23.

      Finding Jack Charlton is available from November 23Credit: Getty

      Trailer for Finding Jack Charlton
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      Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi begs close pal Jamal Musiala to remain with England after Young Lions debut

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      CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI is trying to convince close pal Jamal Musiala to stick with England.
      Bayern Munich whizkid Musiala, 17, scored on his first England Under-21s start in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Albania at Molineux.

      Jamal Musiala topped off his superb England U-21s debut vs Albania with this goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bayern whizkid Jamial Musiala could still switch allegiance to Germany but England U-21s pal Callum Hudson-Odoi is urging him against itCredit: Reuters

      The Stuttgart-born winger is also eligible for Germany —  playing twice for their U16s — and  Nigeria.
      But Germany’s head of academy coaching, Meikel Schonweitz, says he has committed his future to the Three Lions — although U21s boss Aidy Boothroyd is not sure that is set in stone.
      England and Chelsea star Hudson-Odoi, 20, said: “I said he should be staying with England!
      “He knows a lot of the boys already and has been really welcomed into the team. I said to him, ‘I can’t choose for you but it would be nice if you stayed with England’.

      “Hopefully, he gets to the seniors as quickly as possible.”
      Hudson-Odoi knows Musiala well, having attended the same private school, Whitgift in Croydon and been in the Chelsea academy together.
      The Blues winger, whose brother Bradley is Musiala’s agent, was keen to help the “shy” teenager feel welcome when he linked up with  the U21s for the first time  this month.
      Hudson-Odoi added: “Jamal is a top, top player. I wanted to welcome him to the U21s as soon as possible.

      Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi bagged the third of the Lion cubs’ bunch of fiveCredit: Reuters
      “He is a good guy, very shy, and before the Albania game I wanted to see he was feeling himself and confident — and not scared or shy.
      “I said, ‘Play your own game and get a goal for yourself’, which he did. I was really happy for him. Wherever he is, I will be watching him.”
      Hudson-Odoi was the stand-out performer against  Albania and  sparked the rout with a goal inside five minutes.
      The Londoner was playing for Gareth Southgate’s senior Three Lions last November but saw his progress hindered by a bad Achilles injury.
      There was talk of him leaving to join Musiala at Bayern  — but  stayed at Blues.
      He said: “It has been a rollercoaster.

      “I want to make sure I am working my hardest, trying to get in the team and working my way back to the senior team in the England set-up.
      “I am feeling more confident day in, day out.
      “I want to improve on my goals and assists.”

      Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour lands harsh red card eight minutes after making injury comeback with Scotland Under-21s More

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      Frank Lampard’s wife Christine not allowed to arrange events after games as Chelsea boss a ‘nightmare’ if they lose

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      FRANK LAMPARD’S huge hunger to succeed as Chelsea boss has cost him dozens of dinner parties and nights out.
      His TV star wife Christine knows not to bother organising social events after games as hubby Frank will be such bad company if his side lose.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard admits he is a ‘nightmare’ after losing so wife Christine can’t organise eventsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Despite the pressure placed on family life by his high-profile job, Lampard admits he is a worry junkie hooked on the stress of running a big club.
      The Chelsea gaffer said: “We’re not allowed to arrange dinners or any kind of get-together after games in case the worst comes to the worst  — because if we lose I’m a  nightmare. I can’t help it, it’s just par for the course.
      “I had a year in the media, which was an absolute comedown from the pressures of playing and the pressures I get now. And as Christine will joke, I was a much better, easier, more relaxed Frank.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      “A manager gets 50 problems a day. It’s much more consuming but I love it and couldn’t live without it. What you need is a really understanding family.
      “With your children that’s a bit harder because they just want dad, they just want you to give them absolute attention and those are precious moments.
      “I get home from work and I see their smiles. I know it’s a bit cliched but it doesn’t half help you when you’ve had loads of problems throughout the day.”
      Lampard, 42, is nearly half way through a three-year contract at Chelsea and under pressure to turn a £217million spending spree this year into trophies and titles.

      But the Blues’ 211-goal all-time top scorer knows owner Roman Abramovich has already ploughed through ten full-time managers during 17 years in charge.

      Lampard is thankful for having an understanding wife and family at homeCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

      Lampard said: “I realise now it’s much harder than playing in terms of it being consuming.
      “I had to put my ego at the door a bit and say that I might ruin what I achieved in 13 years to a degree — because if it doesn’t go well, I will be judged harshly and quickly. 
      “I am so driven personally that my  biggest fear is myself. If I try to pull the wool over your eyes as Chelsea manager, it’s not going to work.
      “The life of a manager is 25 people in the squad, staff in the building, problems with different departments. It’s so far removed from football.”

      Chelsea are back in action this weekend after the international break with a trip to Newcastle.
      They have won four games on the spin but there will still be no Saturday night out planned by his long-suffering missus.
      Lampard played 648 games for Chelsea in his 13 years at  Stamford Bridge but says  playing is so much easier than management despite the obvious contrasting physical demands.
      He said: “The life of a football player is a bubble of selfishness to a degree
      “I can be really open that it helped me get the job — playing 13 years at the club helped me get this job.”

      Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour lands harsh red card eight minutes after making injury comeback with Scotland Under-21s More

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      Lionel Messi says he’s ‘tired of always being the problem’ at Barcelona in Man City transfer boost

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been boosted in their pursuit of Lionel Messi after he admitted he is “tired of always being the problem” at Barcelona.  
      The Argentine, 33, was met by tax inspectors as he flew into Spain after their 2-0 win over Peru.

      Lionel Messi said he is ‘tired of always being the problem’ at Barcelona as he returned from international duty

      Messi tried to force an exit from Barcelona over the summer but the club refused to sellCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Media also quizzed him over claims made by Barca team-mate Antoine Griezmann’s former agent Eric Olhats.
      He said “deplorable” Messi went out of his way to unsettle the Frenchman and oversaw a “regime of terror” at the club. At that point Messi snapped, saying: “I’m tired of always being the problem.”
      On the tax inspectors, he added: “I arrive and there they are some tax agents, asking questions, it’s madness.”
      Messi and his father Jorge were found guilty of tax fraud in July 2016 and handed suspended 21-month prison sentences. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was also fined £1.5million.

      At the time he admitted he wanted to leave Spain over the mess.
      City have not given up hope of reuniting Messi with boss Pep Guardiola — and young defender Eric Garcia could be used as a makeweight.
      City know the Catalan giants are desperate to bring the Spain international back to the Nou Camp, giving them a useful ace up their sleeve if a Messi deal is there to be done.
      Barca have been floored by the coronavirus crisis and are struggling to raise the cash to buy Garcia or Lyon’s Memphis Depay.

      Pep Guardiola wants a reunion with Messi at Man CityCredit: EPA

      That has led to reports in Spain that Real Madrid could try to nip in to steal Garcia.
      The 19-year-old’s Etihad contract is up in the summer. But City believe they could still demand a sizeable fee for him in January or use him as leverage in any bid for Messi.
      Guardiola has not given up hope of  persuading Garcia to sign a new contract.
      But he has fallen down the pecking order at City after the arrival of Ruben Dias.
      And he is worried a lack of football might impact his chances of playing at Euro 2020.

      Man City plot Lionel Messi transfer pursuit when window opens in January after failed summer swoop More

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      Charlton giving away £100k Range Rover to a lucky fan after repossessing £1m of luxury motors bought by old owners

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      CHARLTON owner Thomas Sandgaard has revealed the previous regime blew almost £1MILLION on luxury cars.
      The club bought six Range Rovers and a Merc for the likes of former execs Matt Southall, Chris Farnell and Paul Elliott.

      The £100,000 Range Rover on offer to one lucky Charlton fanCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

      Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard (left) revealed the previous regime spent fortunes on luxury motorsCredit: PA:Press Association

      And having now repossessed the cars, selling most of them for huge losses, Sandgaard has decided to give the Range Rover handed to ex-club lawyer Farnell away to one lucky fan.
      Each time a supporter buys a matchday pass to stream a Charlton match up to December 20, they will also be entered into a draw — with the winner being given the keys to the £100,000 motor on Boxing Day.
      Sandgaard, who rescued the club from going into administration in September, told SunSport: “I’ve been working hard since taking over to get these vehicles repossessed — with some of these gentlemen reluctant to hand back the keys.
      “It’s crazy that people previously involved with this club decided to spend almost £1m on cars for themselves at a time when it was on its knees. It tells you they only had one agenda: to strip the club of its assets.

      “I’ve sold six of them at a huge loss but decided that the fans should have the chance to get their hands on one of them.
      “It’s the least we can do after what happened at this club.”
      Sandgaard is so angry this was allowed to happen that he plans to lobby the EFL and Parliament to stop questionable owners taking over clubs.
      He said: “The amount of money spent on cars at Charlton was more than the amount Macclesfield were wound up for.

      “I’m so worked up about this. We have to do something about these types of owners and filter them.
      “I plan to speak to EFL chair Rick Parry about this to see if there is something we can do.
      “And if the EFL cannot do it, I am going to start a petition to start a parliamentary debate and perhaps the politicians can legislate.”

      Thomas Sandgaard announces to Jim White that he is the new owner of Charlton Athletic More

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      England World Cup hero Nobby Stiles’ family call on football chiefs to ‘address the scandal’ of dementia in the sport

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      THE FAMILY of 1966 legend Nobby Stiles have slammed football chiefs saying the sport needs to “address the scandal” of dementia in the beautiful game.
      Relatives criticised the Professional Footballers’ Association, saying there had been a lack of support for players.

      England hero Nobby Stiles playing for Man Utd in 1968Credit: Rex Features

      The ex-Manchester United and England midfielder died in October, aged 78. He had dementia and prostate cancer. 
      Stiles is the fifth member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to have been diagnosed with dementia.
      Stiles’ family said they were proud of “what he achieved, but more importantly, the man he was”. 
      But they added: “There is a need for urgent action.

      “These older players have largely been forgotten and many are in ill health, like dad.

      Nobby, who died in October, was the fifth of England’s 1966 team to be struck with dementiaCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
      “How can it be that these players are left needing help when their own union has tens of millions of pounds available today?
      “How can it be that these players are struggling when the Premier League receives £3billion a year?
      “The modern player will never need the help required by the older lads. How can it be right that some of the heroes of 1966 had to sell their medals to provide for the families?

      “These older players are dying like my dad – many don’t have medals to sell.
      “It is right, of course to seek to identify the cause of dementia in older players but in truth the cause is irrelevant to the older players – whatever the cause, they need help now.

      “I hope dad’s death is the catalyst for this scandal to be addressed.”
      Stiles won 28 caps for England and made 397 appearances for Manchester United between 1960 and 1971 and later played for Middlesbrough and Preston North End.
      He had a minor stroke in 2010, and was then diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer.

      Iconic moment late Nobby Stiles danced with trophy after England won 1966 World Cup
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      Jordan Pickford backed to defy critics by former coach Mark Prudhoe, who has known England ace since he was eight

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      JORDAN PICKFORD was blameless for Belgium’s two goals on Sunday — but Gareth Southgate’s faith in him continues to divide opinion.
      Even England’s goalkeeping coach, Martyn Margetson, is not convinced by Pickford’s abilities.

      Keeper Jordan Pickford has come under fierce fire for Everton and England this seasonCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Prudhoe insists Jordan Pickford’s tough route to the top means he has lost none of his steely focus and ability despite a difficult season Credit: Rex Features

      He was on TV last week pulling apart the Everton keeper’s technique while highlighting the positives in Three Lions rivals Nick Pope and Dean Henderson.
      It is all a far cry from two years ago when Pickford was a national hero following his World Cup exploits.
      His form has been up and down since then — including being heavily criticised for a season-ending tackle on Virgil van Dijk in last month’s Merseyside derby.
      But according to one of the men who understands him best, the 26-year-old’s self-belief  never wavered.

      Goalkeeping coach Mark Prudhoe says Pickford phoned him minutes after his man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 win over Sweden that took England to the semi-finals in Russia.
      And again two hours after Everton  lost 2-1 at Newcastle earlier this month — a game for which he was axed.
      Prudhoe claims the voice he listened to had the same positive, upbeat tone he  heard from Samara during the 2018 summer of love.
      The Sunderland Under-23 coach said: “Jordan was probably more disappointed Everton lost to Newcastle than he was about his own situation.

      “It was the first time he’s ever been dropped and though he was back a week later, I’m sure the decision will have pressed one or two wrong buttons for him.

      Jordan Pickford had little chance with both goals as Belgium beat England 2-0 in the Nations League on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “But his attitude was fine. He’s determined to learn from recent situations and bounce back better than ever.”
      The pair — both born in Washington, Tyne and Wear — have known each other since Pickford was eight.
      Prudhoe, 57, revealed: “We’ve always kept in touch.  Jordan knows he’ll get a straight answer when he asks me how he’s playing.
      “I remember those World Cup calls.  He was really buzzing be- cause he loves representing Eng- land — but to be honest, he’s like that most of the time.
      “Yes, he’s had an up-and-down season and accepts some of the  criticism is  justified.
      “I tell him mistakes  can be his best friend because you learn from your mates.
      “He’s such a willing learner, never afraid to pick up the phone and ask for help — whether it’s  from me, Kevin Wolfe, who’s now at Manchester United, or another goal-keeping coach.

      He often leads with his feet, always has, though never maliciously. Jordan’s obsessed with keeping the ball out and will do whatever he has to.
      Mark Prudhoe

      “Jordan has a reputation for being really loud but he’s well grounded, never getting too high or too down in the dumps.“I’d say that strong mentality is one of his best qualities.”
      Prudhoe persuaded Sunderland to send his prodigy out on loan when he was still playing academy football — and it was during those spells at Alfreton Town and Darlington that he came of age.
      He said: “Those times really toughened him up.
      “Funnily enough, when I first knew him, his big rival, a lad called Dave Jones, had more potential.
      “While Jordan was thin and straggly, he had big broad shoulders and looked the better bet.
      “But Jordan was so focused and came on leaps and bounds, especially after he broke into the England set-up at 14.”

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      And Prudhoe — whose 18-club playing career included a short loan spell at Liverpool — revealed he was not shocked by Pickford’s two-footed challenge on Van Dijk which should have earned the keeper a red card.
      He added: “Jordan’s been doing that since he was a kid.
      “He often leads with his feet, always has done, though never maliciously.
      “Jordan’s obsessed with keeping the ball out of the net and will do whatever he has to.
      “He’s one of those keepers who loves getting hit with the ball, whether it’s smack on the face or in the midriff.
      “That’s why he is so different from his peers.
      “He’s not particularly pleasing on the eye at times but he has this insatiable energy and desire to protect his goal.”

      Prudhoe is adamant  Pickford’s inconsistent club form should not shape his international future.
      He added: “Of course, Everton is his bread and butter but to me he’s still England’s main man and has never let his country down.
      “Thankfully, Gareth Southgate is a big fan of his and knows he has the temperament and confidence to thrive at the highest level.”

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