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      England World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst pays tribute to lifelong friend Sir Bobby Charlton after dementia diagnosis

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      ENGLAND World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst has paid tribute to lifelong friend Sir Bobby Charlton following his shock dementia diagnosis, as well as late teammate Nobby Stiles.
      The sporting icon opened up after 48 hours of tragedy for the triumphant 1966 squad following Nobby’s passing from prostate cancer and dementia on Friday, aged 78, and Sir Bobby’s brave revelation on Sunday.

      Sir Geoff Hurst, left, pictured with the late England goalkeeper Gordon BanksCredit: Paul Tonge – The Sun

      Sir Bobby Charlton with his wife Lady Norma, who revealed the England icon’s dementia diagnosis Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Speaking for the first time about Sir Bobby’s health battle, Sir Geoff, who works closely with the Alzheimer’s Society, told The Sun: “Dementia is a cause that is very close to my heart having seen it affect my 1966 World Cup-winning teammates.
      “I was deeply saddened by the recent passing of Nobby and the announcement that Sir Bobby, has been diagnosed with the condition. I played with Nobby for England under 17s and under 23s as well as the national team so we go back a long way.
      “I’m also sending my thoughts and best wishes to Sir Bobby and his wife Lady Norma and want to thank them for shining a spotlight on dementia, so that other families don’t feel alone during this difficult time.
      “The England team of 1966 had a special relationship that will always remain special because of what we achieved as a group of people. That was down to our camaraderie and I hope that people across the country will embrace that team spirit and come out in force to unite against dementia.”

      Nobby Stiles passed away after suffering from prostate cancer and dementia on Friday, aged 78Credit: Getty – Contributor
      In a sad twist of fate, Sir Geoff, 78, recalled that one of his final meetings with Nobby, who played every minute of England’s 1966 campaign and was made in MBE in 2000, was at the funeral of their teammate Martin Peters, who died in December 2019 aged 76 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
      He said: “I think the last time we were in touch was sadly at Martin’s funeral where his wife Kay was there and his son, so we spent a fair bit of time with them afterwards having a glass of wine. It’s tough losing these players. I know it’s been very difficult for his family.”
      In July, Sir Geoff, 78, told The Sun of his wish for Sir Bobby’s older brother Jack, who lost a battle with dementia and lymphoma in July, aged 85, to receive a posthumous knighthood.
      He said: “You couldn’t get a better character to be put forward with his warmth, character not to mention the success he achieved on the pitch.

      England captain Bobby Moore holds aloft the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy as he sits on the shoulders of his teammates, from left to right: Jack Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Gordon Banks (behind), Alan Ball, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore, Ray Wilson, George Cohen and Bobby CharltonCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
      “You could argue that all the team should be knighted.”
      A fifth member of the 1966 World Cup squad, Ray Wilson, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s prior to his death in May 2018.
      Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Society said: “We send our heartfelt thoughts and best wishes to Sir Bobby Charlton and his family following the announcement that Sir Bobby is living with dementia, which can be such a devastating condition for so many.

      “Their bravery in speaking out helps so much to shine further light on the condition, for which we are hugely thankful.
      “The team of ’66 will never be forgotten – sadly it’s now for another reason as well, but we hope that this can be put to good use in highlighting the help that is out there.”
      Sir Geoff is supporting Alzheimer’s Society’s Christmas appeal, which aims to raise funds for the UK’s 850,000 dementia patients who are suffering from the isolating effects of Covid, in tribute to his teammates. 
      Donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Christmas Appeal at alzheimers.org.uk. For information and support about dementia you can call Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line or visit their website.

      Sir Geoff Hurst makes surprise call to football superfan with dementia
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      Government and Premier League left EFL for dead but now Rick Parry has chance to show real leadership

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      THE darkest hour is just before the dawn.
      With winter nights, a national lockdown and the future of the oldest league in the world in doubt, the EFL are at crisis point.

      Rick Parry is leading the EFL through a vital period in its historyCredit: Reuters

      This has been created by the Government’s refusal to allow crowds back into stadiums and the unwillingness to provide any state aid to replace the loss of club’s biggest revenue stream — the fans.
      It was then compounded by the Premier League’s reluctance to bail out clubs down the pyramid without big conditions attached.
      We’ve had players refusing pay cuts and the PFA calling salary caps in League One and Two unenforceable and unlawful.
      Meanwhile, broadcasters are ridiculously getting rebates of TV monies, when TV is the only place live football can be seen.

      Despite these incredibly bleak times, the opportunity remains for real leadership.
      Rick Parry the Football League chairman, has the potential to pull the proverbial phoenix from the flame.
      Project Big Picture has actually started a long overdue conversation. When he was in the Premier League, Parry proposed a 20 per cent distribution of money.
      Now, through skill and chance, he’s managed to be offered 25 per cent of revenues being distributed into the EFL, alongside governance on sustainability and salvation.

      Irony pervades that poacher-turned-gamekeeper Parry, who brought in parachute payments for relegated Prem teams, now describes them as “an evil” needing to be eradicated.
      The EFL bailout has taken too long, been badly handled and mismanaged.
      Not securing decent levels of short-term funding is unforgivable.
      The EFL have never valued themselves properly.
      They have allowed the Prem to disappear over the horizon, while dripping down the toxic mix of inflated salaries and over-zealous ambitions to join their ranks.
      Granted it is difficult but the framework of the league is ridiculous and their outlook often warped.

      In 2002 when ITV Digital collapsed and nearly destroyed the EFL, what was the solution suggested for the league’s own incompetence of not getting parent company guarantees for money? March on Parliament!
      In 2008 when the banking system collapsed, rules stated the only banking facilities available to EFL clubs were the High Street ‘big four’ banks. Due to the “banking crisis” they were closed for business.
      I had to convince the then chairman that 72 clubs should focus on changing the rules to allow third-party funders to help.
      The EFL were recently offered £290million for 20 per cent of their media rights by private equity firm TPG.
      That meant the whole thing was valued at £1.5BILLION. The 20 per cent revenue, if put into a floated business, would be worth at least a billion on its own.
      Now Parry has the chance to fix the problem of these leagues being undervalued. On paper, he has the credentials.

      Raising £400m and creating a framework for a better-funded and managed EFL is well within grasp.

      He must be saying we can do that on our own and achieve maximum value for the EFL, without handing that all away to private equity firms.
      Valuations were before new distributions of football money was mooted.
      Now they are three times greater, so raising £400m to bail out short-term problems and creating a framework for a better-funded and managed EFL is well within his grasp.
      So, cometh the hour cometh the man. In Rick we trust?
      Listen to Simon Jordan and Jim White on talkSPORT at 10am Monday to Thursday.

      Ally McCoist can’t believe that Premier League clubs won’t financially help EFL clubs More

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      Harry Maguire not thinking of Mykonos nightmare as he jets abroad for first time since with Man Utd to face Basaksehir

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      HARRY MAGUIRE flew out for his first overseas trip since his mid-summer brush with the law, insisting that unfortunate incident would not play on his mind.
      The Manchester United skipper was initially found guilty of aggravated assault and attempted bribery of a police officer following a nightclub bust-up in August, while he was on holiday in Mykonos.

      Harry Maguire has headed abroad for Man Utd’s Champions League game with Istanbul BasaksehirCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It marks the first time Maguire has left the country since his nightmare holiday in MykonosCredit: INTIME NEWS

      He was handed a 21 months suspended prison sentence, although his conviction was later “nullified” by the Greek courts, meaning he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty as he awaits a date for a full retrial.
      But it cost Maguire a place in the England team that played Iceland away at the beginning of September.
      And after missing the opening Champions League match against Paris St Germain through injury, he had not left the UK since that ill-fated holiday before flying to Istanbul for tonight’s clash with Basaksehir.

      Mykonos is one of the Greek islands closest to Turkey. So Maguire could have been forgiven for letting his thoughts wander back to those unsavoury events

      But he insisted: “My mind is fully focused on football. I had a difficult period in the summer but now I am fully focused.
      “I come into training each day, work as hard as I can and focus on each game as it comes. I can only say that I’m still fully focused in improving and taking this club forward.”
      Maguire was savagely trolled on social media over the incident, but said that had not affected him either.
      The £85million defender replied: “Don’t go on it. Don’t read it.”

      Victory tonight would be United’s third Champions League win in a row after their impressive 2-0 win in Paris was followed by a 5-0 demolition job on a highly-rated Leipzig outfit at Old Trafford.
      Another three points would virtually secure a place in the last 16.
      But United’s Premier League form has been so erratic that another win is far from certain, even though Basaksehir have struggled to find the form that made them Turkish champions last season, and lost 2-0 to both Leipzig and PSG.
      There is also the fact that United have lost on their last two visits to Turkey, and Maguire admitted the search for consistency is their biggest concern.
      He added:  “The reason for the inconsistency is not something we can put our finger on. We don’t look at Champions League and Premier League matches differently.

      “We just go into every game trying to win. That’s our motive, but obviously our Premier League results haven’t been what we wanted overall, but we give those the same amount of preparation.
      “The main thing is working hard, coming into training each day, trying to improve, because obviously we want to be consistent.
      “At the start of last season we were also a bit inconsistent in our performances and the results showed that. And then we found some consistency after the lockdown period and we managed to achieve Champions League football.
      “We have to find it within ourselves and within the group again. And  it’s got to come from working hard and training hard and be willing to listen and improve.
      “But now we are focused on tonight’s game, and hopefully we can put in the sort of performance that we have shown we are capable of so far in this competition.”

      Maguire’s own up and down form has been a sort of mirror image of his club’s struggles, although he feels they have turned a corner defensively.
      He said: “As the captain I focus more on the team than individually, and we started the season defensively not in the best shape. 
      “Against Crystal Palace we were too open and Tottenham we let ourselves go, especially when we went down to ten men. But we can’t concede six in any game. It isn’t good enough. 
      “We have worked hard on that since we came back from the international break. And since then I feel like defensively, we have been really good.
      “We haven’t conceded many chances at all. I think Arsenal only had a couple. Recently we’ve conceded two own goals and a soft penalty really.
      “Defensively, we feel like we’re on the right track. But we also need to get it right with our attacking shape, and the balance of defending and attacking.”

      Tearful Harry Maguire’s kidnap fears as Greek cops ‘cuffed him and hit leg with baton’ More

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      Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani prepared for Marcelo Bielsa exit in summer after boss turned them into ‘proper club’

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      LEEDS owner Andrea Radrizzani will NOT worry if Marcelo Bielsa leaves next summer.
      The Argentine’s contract is up at the end of the season, with the Elland Road boss only signing for a year at a time.

      Marcelo Bielsa’s contract expires at the end of the season – and Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is prepared if he leavesCredit: PA:Press Association

      But while confident he is not going anywhere, Radrizzani insists Leeds can thrive without Bielsa because of the club’s transformation under him.
      The Italian said: “I hope he can stay with us for a long time. But we like to decide year by year because, obviously, he’s not a young manager, he’s 65 and his family, his wife is often in Argentina.
      “Hopefully, he can stay longer — 60 is the new 40 these days!
      “If not, I think what he’s building is the foundation for a proper club.

      “He has put in the foundations for the future without him.
      “I say that really convinced of his job, because it’s not only what you can see every game but what he has done in terms of changing the facilities, the work ethic — they really reflect what I wanted to do in the club.”
      Bielsa is idolised in Leeds having led them back to the top flight for the first time in 16 years at the second time  of asking.
      Director of football Victor Orta recommended ‘El Loco’ in 2018 after the Yorkshiremen finished 13th in the Championship under Paul Heckingbottom.

      And Radrizzani told beIN SPORTS: “It was a discussion in the car with Victor.
      “It was a difficult season so I wanted to have a leader, a charismatic coach who could change the culture.
      “Victor said ‘I think  Marcelo Bielsa would be amazing, but it’s impossible’ . . . when someone says something is impossible I want it more.
      “So I said ‘Call him now’. And then he didn’t pick up but Victor left him a message.
      “By the time he spoke to him the next day, Marcelo had already watched ten games, already knew the players.
      “Then we flew to Buenos Aires and we spent ten hours in a room learning from him, while he was already clear in his mind what to do and change.”
      On his relationship with Bielsa, Radrizzani, 46, joked the key is not spending too much time together.

      Andrea Radrizzani reckons Leeds can thrive without Bielsa but hopes the tactician remainsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He said: “It’s good. I think maybe because we don’t meet every day! He is fully immersed, so I need to give him comfort.
      “We’re happy and working very well. I learn a lot from him and at the same time, I try to give him support.”
      Leeds’ flying start was checked by Monday’s 4-1  hammering at Elland Road by Leicester.
      And Radrizzani, who took full ownership from Massimo Cellino in May 2017, told fans  that survival is the name of the game.
      He added: “We need to focus for the next couple of years to stay in the Premier League.
      “We all know this club is massive, this brand is well known everywhere, so if we stay in the league we can aim to stay just next to the top six.
      “Leeds have potential to grow over the next three to five years.”

      Leeds United fans in rowdy celebrations More

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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ future as Wales manager in doubt following arrest on suspicion of ‘assaulting girlfriend’

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      RYAN GIGGS’ future as Wales boss has been thrown into doubt after his arrest.
      The Manchester United legend, 46, was on Monday questioned and then bailed, pending inquiries by police, on suspicion of actual bodily harm and assault following an alleged bust-up with his girlfriend.

      Giggs’ future as Wales boss is in doubt following his arrest on suspicion of ‘assaulting girlfriend Kate Greville’Credit: BackGrid

      The shock news came as Wales last night cancelled Giggs’ squad announcement for a trio of November games which was due to be via Zoom on Tuesday morning.
      Welsh FA chiefs were locked in talks on Monday night over how to deal with Giggs’ alleged conduct.
      A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 10.05pm on Sunday to reports of a disturbance.
      “A woman in her 30s sustained minor injuries but did not require any treatment.

      “A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault and section 39 common assault.”
      The Welsh FA added: “The squad announcement scheduled for tomorrow will no longer take place and has been postponed.”
      Giggs emerged from Pendleton police station on Monday afternoon after hours of questioning.
      And now the Wales boss will have to answer to chief executive Jonathan Ford over the alleged incident.

      It is not clear at this stage if Giggs will continue in his duties as boss for the friendly with USACredit: AFP or licensors

      It is not clear at this stage if Giggs will continue in his duties as boss for the friendly with USA in Swansea on November 12.
      After that, there’s the Nations League double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in Cardiff later this month.
      Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice in a glittering playing career, became Wales manager in January 2018 after signing a four-year contract.
      He guided his country to their second successive European Championship finals with qualification last November, following a 2-0 win over Hungary. More

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      Marcus Rashford looks like a superhero as he joins forces with Burberry to end child food poverty

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      MARCUS Rashford looks like a true superhero as he joins forces with Burberry.
      The England striker modelled the fashion brand’s cape as it signed up to give cash to youth groups supplying meals in London.

      Marcus Rashford looks every inch the superhero in a Burberry capeCredit: Courtesy of Burberry / Rafael Pavarotti

      The footballer has joined forces with the fashion brand as it signed up to give cash to youth groups supplying meals in LondonCredit: Courtesy of Burberry / Rafael Pavarotti

      The high end fashion house is providing grants for Norbrook Youth Club and Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, two youth centres Rashford, 22, attended as a child.
      Burberry will also be providing support for 15 youth centres across London selected by Burberry and the organisation London Youth – which supports over 600 community youth organisations in the capital.
      London Youth will use the money for meals and support with school work, while Norbrook will be improving their outdoor space.
      The announcement of the England striker’s partnership with Burberry was accompanied by the publication of a moving letter the footballer wrote to his 10-year-old self.

      He said: “When you fall, which you will, there will always be neighbours and friends to catch you.

      Burberry is providing grants for two youth centres Rashford attended as a childCredit: Rex Features

      “There is no need to feel ashamed because they will catch you without judgment and comment. No questions asked.
      “Feel the warmth of those around you and know that one day, you are going to have the platform to repay them.
      “For a young boy who says so little, one day you will have a voice that speaks for many.”

      Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford helps out at food charity after MPs reject bid to extend school meals
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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ future as Wales boss in doubt following arrest on suspicion of ‘assaulting girlfriend’

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      RYAN GIGGS’ future as Wales boss was last night thrown into doubt after his arrest.
      The Manchester United legend, 46, was yesterday questioned and then bailed, pending inquiries by police, on suspicion of actual bodily harm and assault following an alleged bust-up with his girlfriend.

      Giggs’ future as Wales boss is in doubt following his arrest on suspicion of ‘assaulting girlfriend Kate Greville’Credit: BackGrid

      The shock news came as Wales last night cancelled Giggs’ squad announcement for a trio of November games which was due to be via Zoom on Tuesday morning.
      Welsh FA chiefs were locked in talks on Monday night over how to deal with Giggs’ alleged conduct.
      A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 10.05pm on Sunday to reports of a disturbance.
      “A woman in her 30s sustained minor injuries but did not require any treatment.

      “A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault and section 39 common assault.”
      The Welsh FA added: “The squad announcement scheduled for tomorrow will no longer take place and has been postponed.”
      Giggs emerged from Pendleton police station on Monday afternoon after hours of questioning.
      And now the Wales boss will have to answer to chief executive Jonathan Ford over the alleged incident.

      It is not clear at this stage if Giggs will continue in his duties as boss for the friendly with USACredit: AFP or licensors

      It is not clear at this stage if Giggs will continue in his duties as boss for the friendly with USA in Swansea on November 12.
      After that, there’s the Nations League double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in Cardiff later this month.
      Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice in a glittering playing career, became Wales manager in January 2018 after signing a four-year contract.
      He guided his country to their second successive European Championship finals with qualification last November, following a 2-0 win over Hungary. More

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      Premier League chiefs tell cash-strapped lower league clubs ‘we’ll help you survive with or without EFL blessing’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have told cash-strapped lower-league clubs: ‘We will help you survive – whether the EFL gives its blessing or not.’
      The top-flight insists the initial £50million bailout offer for League One and Two, which was rejected last month, remains on the table.

      Premier League chiefs have told lower league clubs they are ready to help with or without EFL supportCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lower-tier clubs have been told they can come to the PL for survival cash, even if the EFL does not give its approval.
      One Premier League source explained: “We would prefer to do this with the EFL’s blessing.
      “But we have made it clear that any club in League One or Two can come to us and ask for funding, as long as they can show they need it because of Covid.”
      And  in a new letter to the EFL, the top flight  promised Championship clubs who face Covid- enforced oblivion they can come to them for  help.

      Premier League bosses confirmed their initial offer to the lower tiers remains in place despite its rejection.
      It added: “We will also support any Championship club suffering from  Covid-19 distress, on a case-by-case basis.”
      The letter comes ahead of the next  EFL board meeting on Thursday — in which chairman Rick Parry will urge his 72 teams to hold the line over the cash issue.
      Parry, who says the EFL needs £250m by the end of the season, last week warned Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden he would “never be forgiven” if clubs went under as a result of the failure of Government to offer cash while grounds are shut.

      Parry also appeared to be backing away from a  conflict with the Premier League but admitted at the weekend that  EFL sides would be “struggling” to pay wages “around Christmas”.
      One club chief said:  “We have made it clear that any team that needs help because of Covid only has to come to us.
      “That applies to the Championship as well.”

      Premier League WILL continue despite second lockdown but fans now unlikely to set foot in grounds until 2021 More