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      Wimbledon return to Plough Lane after 29 years away – having ‘lost their spirit’ following Selhurst Park ground-share

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      IT HAS been 29 long years — but tonight Wimbledon come home.
      The Dons left Plough Lane in 1991 to groundshare with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, before being franchised to Milton Keynes in 2002.

      Wimbledon return to their home at Plough Lane for the first time in 29 years tonightCredit: Twitter @TimMcKenna5

      Since then, there has been the formation of AFC Wimbledon and their remarkable rise through the non-league ranks to reach League One.
      Off the pitch, a series of red-tape struggles have slowed the return to their spiritual home, with supporters raising funds to get the building work finally completed on a stadium with an initial capacity of 9,300.
      The old ground has long since been bulldozed to make way for flats, but Plough Lane stands just 500 yards from the original site, albeit in a different postcode.
      Dons legend Dickie Guy, who made almost 600 appearances for the club, hailed the achievement in getting back to their Plough Lane roots.

      He told SunSport: “It will mean everything to see the club back at Plough Lane.
      “To have our club taken away from us like we did back in 2002 by the outrageous decision from the FA.
      “To do what our supporters have done — by putting their hands in their pockets to get the stadium done — and what the team has done on the pitch throughout the years to get back to League One.
      “It is just an amazing story which I don’t think will ever be repeated.”

      The Dons welcome Doncaster Rovers to the Lane having left in 1991Credit: Rex Features

      Ex-keeper Guy played for Wimbledon between 1967 and 1978. He is widely remembered for saving Peter Lorimer’s penalty in 1975, as the non-league side held Leeds to a draw in the FA Cup at Elland Road.
      Guy is now president of AFC Wimbledon and claims the club lost their identity when they moved out of SW19.
      And he cannot hide his delight at their return for tonight’s clash with Doncaster Rovers.

      Plough Lane timeline

      1912: SEP 7, Wimbledon play their first match at Plough Lane — having secured a freehold on the land.

      1984: Ground  sold to chairman Sam Hammam for £3million. 
      1991: May 4, Wimbledon play their final game at Plough Lane, a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace — who they would ground share with the following season.
      1998: Hammam sells Plough Lane to supermarket  Safeway.
      2002: The same season as AFC Wimbledon’s formation, Safeway fail to get planning permission but  Lane stands are demolished.
      2005: Site is sold to developers to build 570 flats — which are completed in 2008.
      2013: Dons submit plans to  Merton Council to redevelop the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium.
      2015: Merton Council  agree to the proposal for a 20,000-seater ground on the site of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium.
      2016: March 22, major blow as London Mayor Boris Johnson calls in  scheme for a review.
      2016: July 27, Johnson’s replacement Sadiq Khan moves plans back to council to press ahead.
      2016: Sep 27, final approval is granted for the Dons to build their dream home.
      2017: Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium is closed.
      2018: Work begins on building the new ground.

      He added: “Plough Lane was always a decent non-league ground.
      “But as the club moved closer to the Football League, it was small to the other clubs in the league.
      “It was our home and the club lost all its spirit once they moved to Selhurst Park.
      “I am absolutely over the moon we are back there.”

      Watch the hilarious moment Photographer falls of his stall during Wimbledon vs West Ham in EFL Cup More

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      Man Utd ‘frightened to death’ to attack at Old Trafford following 6-1 mauling by Tottenham, claims club legend Scholes

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      PAUL SCHOLES claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ‘frightened to death’ to attack at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United have picked up just one point from their opening four home games of the Premier League season.

      Man Utd are ‘scared to attack’ at home after their Spurs humiliationCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Scholes reckons the 6-1 loss at home to Spurs has affected Solskjaer’s mentalityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That run marks their worst run of form on their own ground since 1972.
      The 6-1 thrashing by Tottenham has been one of three defeats so far this term, the others against Crystal Palace and Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal.
      United legend Scholes said: “It’s as poor as I’ve seen Manchester United at Old Trafford.
      “You are not playing against Real Madrid, you are playing against – I wouldn’t say average – but it’s not an Arsenal team of past years.

      “There’s no way you should be fearing them, you should be going after them, it’s a big hangover from the Tottenham game.
      “It’s frightened Ole to death – and he doesn’t want anything like that to happen again.”
      Scholes also tore into Fred and Scott McTominay after defeat left United 15th in the table.
      The ex-England midfield star said: “You have to expect more from United and those two midfielders.

      Man Utd have lost three of their last four home games this season, drawing the otherCredit: AFP or Licensors

      “They were playing like centre-halves, not central midfield players.”
      Paul Pogba, who gave away Arsenal’s penalty winner and claimed he was ‘out of breath’, did not escape Roy Keane’s wrath.
      Keane said: “For all Pogba’s talent, he should be in this team, but does not do enough.
      “He doesn’t show enough fight.”

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says neither team deserved to win after Man Utd’s defeat by Arsenal More

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      Man Utd must prove they are serious about being elite with questions over Solskjaer just a smokescreen for real problems

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      IT is convenient for the Manchester United hierarchy that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s swingometer veers so wildly between triumph and disaster.
      Because debate over the manager’s future serves as a smokescreen when there are more fundamental questions to be answered.

      Questions being asked about Solskjaer a merely distracting from the real problemsCredit: Reuters

      Most recently Man Utd slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to ArsenalCredit: Reuters

      Are United even serious about wanting to be an elite football club any more?
      From the boardroom to the dressing room, are United actually willing to commit to the highest standards needed to challenge for the Premier League and the Champions League?
      Can they be bothered to strive for excellence?
      Do they have sufficient motivation to be relentlessly successful?

      Are the Glazer family merely content to take millions out of the club in dividends each year, or are these Donald Trump supporters genuinely driven to make United great again?
      Does managing director Richard Arnold care about major trophies when he is happy to claim the club’s social media reach makes them bigger than Jesus?
      Is executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward only now interested in self-preservation, given that his own future is bound so tightly with that of Solskjaer?
      Do any of them want a proper director of football, employed to recruit the footballers that United actually need, rather than those with the commercial clout and social-media reach?

      Does Edinson Cavani want to warm up properly for £174,000 per week?
      Is Paul Pogba’s heart really in it? Truly? Week in, week out? A world-class footballer who costs United as many matches as he wins them.
      Did Solskjaer even particularly want Cavani or Donny van de Beek, when the club should obviously have prioritised a top-class centre-half?
      Solskjaer is patently not the best man for the manager’s job.
      He got the gig on a caretaker basis because he was a terrace idol and he was very definitely not Jose Mourinho. Then he kept it after an extraordinary early burst of form.
      The Norwegian is not a disastrously poor manager but he certainly isn’t a great one.
      So the old swingometer swings – and this season more wildly than ever.
      A 6-1 home thrashing by Tottenham, then two outstanding results in Europe, then a grim home defeat by Arsenal leaving United without a win in six home Premier League matches.
      But sticking with Solskjaer suits the players, directors and owners – all very nicely off in their comfort zones – because he is not sufficiently demanding enough of any of them.

      Mauricio Pochettino wouldn’t have accepted anything less than the highest level of standards Credit: Reuters
      Would Solskjaer’s most obvious successor, Mauricio Pochettino – out of work for almost a year now – even want to commit to a club so accepting of mediocrity?
      Pochettino, who made a rare public appearance on Sky’s Monday Night Football last night, has the highest footballing standards. Alex Ferguson recognised it in him.
      The Argentinian wouldn’t accept the lack of focus on sporting excellence among United’s directors or their players.
      United might have moved for Pochettino on several occasions, both before and after he left Spurs.
      That they haven’t suggests they are prepared to drift along – sneaking into the top four being deemed a success, maybe a domestic knockout trophy thrown in if they can stop bottling semi-finals.
      It feels as if too many people at United think that is good enough.
      Despite those Champions League successes against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, United are not in a false position in the Premier League – unless you argue that they should actually be lower than 15th.

      Man Utd have shown signs of life in the Champions League but struggled in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Solskjaer’s men have been comprehensively outplayed in four of their six fixtures – their 3-2 victory over Brighton was utterly freakish, the Seagulls hitting the woodwork five times and United scoring the winning penalty after the final whistle had blown.
      And in the goalless draw against Chelsea, United survived a shout for a stonewall penalty against Harry Maguire.
      So United might easily have lost five out of six and stood 17th.
      This is not to suggest that they will finish in the bottom four, even the bottom half.
      United have enough good players to win a fair proportion of matches.
      They may defeat a below-strength Everton next weekend and will probably end that horrible home run against West Brom, allowing the Solskjaer swingometer to move away from the disaster zone.
      However, those underlying issues won’t have changed. From top to bottom, United must now prove they are serious.

      Man Utd legend Roy Keane slams Edinson Cavani’s work ethic and questions whether he even warmed up vs Arsenal More

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      Mauricio Pochettino ready to return to management following Tottenham sacking amid Man Utd and Real Madrid links

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO says he is ready to return to management.
      The Argentine, 48, has been out of the game since being sacked by Tottenham almost a year ago.

      🗣 – ‘I’m always ready to be involved in the game!’Mauricio Pochettino insists he is ready to return to football and is ‘looking forward’…👊Watch #MNF live on Sky Sports Premier League now! pic.twitter.com/zzo1LoQD1S
      — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 2, 2020

      He has been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Zenit St Petersburg.
      And Pochettino revealed: “I always feel ready to get back involved in the game. I love football, it’s my job.
      “It’s not a stress when you are working, it’s not a stress to go into the training ground, it’s not a stress to prepare the game, it’s not a stress to compete.
      “My hair is long, look. I hope to cut it when we start working again to work.

      “I am looking forward again to being involved in the game.”
      Former Espanyol chief Pochettino joined Spurs from Southampton in May 2014.
      He spent five-and-a-half years in charge of the North Londoners, guiding them to four successive Premier League top-four finishes.
      Poch also led Spurs to their first ever Champions League final in 2019 when they lost 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid.

      Pochettino revealed he wants to return to football on Sky Sports on MondayCredit: Sky Sports

      Tottenham replaced him with Jose Mourinho last November following a poor start to the season.
      Pochettino was a pundit on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football – covering Leicester’s trip to Leeds.
      He said: “We are inside, we are working and we are doing other things.
      “But it’s not the same as being involved every single day and to share with your players and your staff.
      “Always of course you miss that. That is the reality.”
      Asked if he would ideally like his next job to be in the Premier League, he said: “I don’t know. I am not going to close any door.
      “I learnt when I really really young that football will dictate the way.
      “I am waiting to feel which is the right project for us to take.

      “I am not going to close any doors…” 🚪Speaking exclusively on Sky Sports’ #MNF, Mauricio Pochettino discusses his next move in management and insists he is in no rush to return! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/b7G2Pwq0nq
      — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 2, 2020

      “We are living in a very crazy life at the moment and all is completely different, not just in football.
      “My energy is full and I would love to be involved in the game.
      “But at the same time I need to understand it’s not a good moment and you need to wait for the right project.
      “For sure football will bring what football wants and I will be open to everything.”
      Pochettino also defended his decision to start Harry Kane in the Champions League final – even though the striker had been out for a while with injury.
      The decision backfired as Spurs lost and a lacklustre Kane looked a shadow of his old self. 
      Poch said: “The decision is the decision and you could not go back.
      “If you put in the same situation I would make the same decision again.
      “You cannot doubt Harry Kane. He is one of the best players and in the Premier League and maybe even Europe, and when he is fit you cannot have doubts about playing him.”

      Poch defended his decision to start Harry Kane in the Champions League final – and insisted he would do the same againCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Mauricio Pochettino ‘in shock talks to become new Zenit St Petersburg boss More

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      Premier League bosses under pressure to SCRAP pay-per-view games during second lockdown

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      PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are under increasing pressure to scrap pay-per-view football during the looming lockdown.
      The £14.95 fee will be reviewed by clubs at a meeting this week.

      Premier League fans have been outraged at the £14.95 fee charged for certain matches – and PPV could be scrapped during lockdownCredit: Reuters

      Five matches are due to be screened on Sky Sports Box Office and BT Sport Box Office this weekend.
      A four-week lockdown starting on Thursday means pubs and bars will be shut, so fans would have to pay the controversial fee to watch at home.
      The Premier League resumes on November 21 after the international window, clubs must now decide whether to keep the fee, reduce the amount  — or scrap it altogether.
      Tottenham v Brighton was on PPV on Sunday night, with Harry Kane and Gareth Bale giving Spurs a 2-1 win.

      But many fan groups have come together to criticise the amount charged.
      When the Government allowed Project Restart to go ahead after the first lockdown, one condition was that the matches were to be shown without added fees — plus the BBC and Amazon screened extra games.
      Next weekend, the PPV matches start with Brighton against Burnley on Friday.
      Followed by Crystal Palace against Leeds on Saturday and West Ham at home to Fulham in the evening. West Brom at home to Spurs is on Sunday lunchtime — plus Aston Villa’s trip to Arsenal in the evening.

      Matches are set to go ahead without fans until 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

      There will also be further talks on Monday with the EFL, over whether they will have to resume Covid testing to allow games to take place.
      The FA are due for talks with the Government about whether ‘non-elite semi-professional’ clubs can continue.
      Leisure centres, gyms, swimming pools and golf courses will be closed from Thursday. But England Golf  plan to challenge the latest Government measures.
      Chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson signed a petition to make courses exempt.
      It has already surpassed the 100,000 signatures required to be considered for a debate in Parliament.
      Tomlinson wrote: “I would like to make clear England Golf’s intention to respectfully challenge the Government’s rationale for closing courses.”

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

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      Gary Lineker claims Bryan Robson once punched Peter Shilton unconscious

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      GARY Lineker says former England captain Bryan Robson once punched Peter Shilton unconscious in a row.
      The Match Of The Day presenter recalls the legendary goalkeeper “went down like a tree”.

      Gary Lineker recalls the time ex-England captain Bryan Robson knocked out Peter ShiltonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Match of the Day host, right, says legendary goalkeeper Shilton, left, ‘went down like a tree’Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Lineker, 59, revealed Shilts had been criticising his teammates following a disastrous European Championships in West Germany in 1988.
      He said: “I remember Bryan knocking Pete Shilton out in a bar.
      “He went down like a tree because he was having a pop at everyone, like he used to do.
      “No one ever knew about it.”

      Lineker, who hit 48 goals in 80 games for England, added: “Can you imagine if that happened now?
      “Everyone would have a picture.”

      Robson captained boss Bobby Robson’s side for the 1988 Euros Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Lineker said: ‘I remember Bryan knocking Pete Shilton out in a bar’Credit: Reuters

      He told Eddie Hearn’s podcast that today’s big names in sport are more aware of bad publicity.
      Robson captained boss Bobby Robson’s side for the 1988 Euros alongside Lineker and Shilton, who became England’s most capped player with 125.

      LINEKER — known for forthright views on social media — claims new BBC boss Tim Davie is “perfectly happy” with his online conduct.

      Gary Lineker reveals ‘brilliant’ refugee has already stayed at his Surrey mansion and vows: ‘I’ll do it again’
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Solskjaer backs Man Utd starlet Mason Greenwood landing second England call-up a month after raging at Southgate

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has given the thumbs-up to Mason Greenwood getting a second England call — a month after it left him raging.
      Greenwood is hoping to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming clashes with Ireland, Belgium and Iceland.

      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no problems if Mason Greenwood is called up by England

      Greenwood made his Three Lions debut against Iceland on September 5

      And this time Solskjaer will have no problem if the Three Lions chief picks his teenage striker, despite his earlier run-in with Southgate.

      When the Manchester United rookie was called up in September, his club boss was fuming as he insisted Greenwood, 19, needed a break.
      But he has a different view now.
      Solskjaer said: “It’s Gareth’s decision who he wants in his team and I had a very good conversation with him before the last get-together.

      “I don’t want to interfere. It’s his choice who he picks and if he wants to pick any of my  players, they are available, of course.”
      Greenwood came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Iceland but then he and Manchester City’s Phil Foden were sent home for breaking lockdown rules.
      It meant they were snubbed for England’s last squad — yet Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho were recalled for the Wales clash despite their own Covid-rule breaches.
      United insiders say Solskjaer was unhappy at what he saw as harsher treatment for his own player but, publicly at least, he was not about to start another spat with Southgate.

      The Red Devils manager added: “You’re not getting me into this  discussion!
      “I’m full of admiration for the way Gareth is managing the England squad and think he has done a fantastic job.
      “I’ll leave him to focus on his job — and me on mine.”

      Solskjaer slams ex-Man Utd stars for attacking Mason Greenwood More

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      Gareth Bale using experience gained at Real Madrid to mentor Tottenham stars, reveals Tanguy Ndombele

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      TANGUY NDOMBELE has revealed the impact Gareth Bale is having as Tottenham tap into his Champions League-winning mentality.
      Bale has returned on loan to the club where he made his name before the £86million world transfer record move to Real Madrid in 2013.

      Tanguy Ndombele reckons Gareth Bale’s return has had a positive impact on Tottenham Credit: EPA

      On the pitch, Bale’s performances have not replicated the captivating form that saw him win several European honours, mainly because he is building up fitness after a knee injury.
      Yet it is behind-the-scenes where he is having the most effect.
      Ndombele said: “You can see he’s a really great guy and he’s certainly trying to speak with everybody.

      Ndombele (left) believes Bale’s Real Madrid ‘experience’ is benefitting his new team-matesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “It has really helped for the team to have someone with his experience having played at Real Madrid and won four Champions Leagues like he has.”

      Ndombele skipped the Europa League defeat to Royal Antwerp on Thursday as he was struggling with fatigue.
      The Frenchman’s absence was keenly felt by boss Jose Mourinho who said the ex-Lyon midfielder “gives speed to the team” and can move the ball “quick and fast”.
      No doubt he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for today’s clash at home to Brighton.
      It completes a remarkable turnaround in fortune for the 23-year-old, whose future looked bleak after a difficult season following a record £55m transfer.

      Bale, 31, has become a popular figure in Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham squadCredit: Reuters

      Ndombele said: “I’ve got a good relationship with the coach.
      “And the more difficult moments last season we’ve left behind us. We’re now both trying our hardest to help the team.
      “I’m working a bit differently now. I find myself working harder in training and in the matches.
      “But above all I think I’ve just settled in better.

      Tanguy Ndombele’s recent performances have led to an improvement in his relationship with boss Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP or licensors
      “It’s true that the last season was difficult for me — to change championships like that, it isn’t easy.”
      The incredible double act of hotshot Harry Kane and Son Heung-min combined to score the winner at Burnley on Monday — the South Korean headed home the partnership’s 29th Prem goal.

      We’re Tottenham so we want to be in the top four. We want to be playing Champions League football.
      Tanguy Ndombele

      Ndombele said: “That understanding comes naturally. And  as long as it’s good for the team, then that’s great for us.”
      Last month’s 6-1 battering of Manchester United was such an emphatic result that many have started quietly backing Tottenham for a Premier League title charge.
      Of course, it is too early to say for sure — Spurs have a history of underachievement — but Ndombele has spelt out his lofty ambitions.

      How Lingard and Bale have compared in the past two seasons
      He said: “We’re Tottenham so we want to be in the top four. We want to be playing Champions League football.
      “We seem to be on the right track and so everybody’s happy. Right now, things are going fine.”
        TOTTENHAM (likely): Lloris, Doherty, Dier, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Hojbjerg, Moura, Kane, Son.

      Spurs boss Jose Mourinho admits Gareth Bale isn’t the star he once was but says neither are Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi More