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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      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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      England U-21 5 Albania U-21s 0: Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala with debut goal after snubbing Germany for Lions

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      NOT only are we entrusting them to develop our super kids, but now we are nicking their top talents off them too.
      Bayern Munich wunderkind Jamal Musiala was born in Stuttgart and did not move to England until he was seven.

      Jamal Musiala celebrates bagging the third goal as he enjoyed a brilliant first start for the Three Lions U-21s, in a 5-0 win vs AlbaniaCredit: Reuters

      Bayern teenager Jamal Musiala capped a fine first-half display for England with this goal before Eddie Nketiah netted twice after the breakCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Yet the 17-year-old appears to have committed his international future to England, or so said Germany’s head of academy coaching last week.
      And based on the attacking midfielder’s thrilling first Under-21s start, it could be a heck of a coup for Gareth Southgate going forward.
      Musiala was excellent, as were all of Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions, in this demolition of Albania to round off an almost perfect Euro qualifying campaign.
      A flawless first-half performance saw Musiala hit a fine third after close pal Callum Hudson-Odoi and James Justin had struck.

      Record-scorer Eddie Nketiah completed the rout with his 15th and 16th Under-21s goals after the break, though he also missed a penalty.
      Hudson-Odoi is two-and-a-half years older than Musiala but they attended the same swanky private school in Croydon and played together in Chelsea’s youth system. 
      Musiala left the Blues for Munich last summer, with Hudson-Odoi’s brother Bradley his agent.
      He followed a similar path to Borussia Dortmund pair Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham – with whom he co-captained the England Under-17s – albeit with less fanfare.

      Chelsea attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi slots England in front vs AlbaniaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah rounds off a 5-0 win by completing his second-half braceCredit: Reuters
      And after impressing boss Hansi Flick during Bayern’s treble-winning season, he has broken into the first team, making eight appearances and scoring two goals this term.
      Derby’s Lee Buchanan and Doncaster keeper Josef Bursik also made their first starts here alongside Musiala.
      But defender Rhys Williams was ruled out through injury, adding to Liverpool’s crock woes.
      It was a relatively old head that got the ball rolling though as Hudson-Odoi ran at a retreating defence from wide and found the corner, thanks in part to some weak goalkeeping.
      From then on Hudson-Odoi tormented Alabina’s backline, and poor right-back Albion Marku in particular, with his pace and skill.
      The Chelsea wideman had fared well against Andorra but he was electric here, suggesting he may finally be back to his best after that horrible Achilles injury.
      Buchanan may not be a well-known name in Derby yet, let alone the rest of the country.

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      But the way the 19-year-old, who came to the professional game late, is rapidly progressing it may not be long until he has outgrown the struggling Rams.
      He caught the eye here as he set up the second in 27 minutes, racing down the left and firing in a cross which opposite wing-back Justin blasted home.
      Leicester ace Justin spoke in the build-up of how Ben Chilwell took him under his wing last season at the King Power.
      This finish had all the hallmarks of a crisp Chilwell strike – albeit with his right foot.
      Then came the time for Musiala to step up.
      The former Germany Under-16 international exchanged passes with Oliver Skipp before confidently lifting the ball over Molla.
      Albania’s confidence was shot and England piled on the misery after the break as captain Nketiah’s low strike made it four.
      He then saw a spotkick saved that he himself had won, but made up for it soon after when finding the corner for five.

      Boothroyd’s side can look back on a fine campaign where the only points they dropped came in last month’s shock 3-3 draw in Andorra.
      Yet, as the ex-Watford boss well knows, the real test begins in March when the Euros kick off.
      Musiala will hope to be involved. England fans should be delighted that he can be.

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      Ryan Shotton is among hundreds of free agents amid the Covid pandemic, but the pub landlord is not calling time yet

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      RYAN SHOTTON is just one of the hundreds of football players out of work amid the coronavirus pandemic – but the pub landlord is not ready to call time just yet.
      The experienced defender recently made headlines when he played for non-league Leek Town in the FA Trophy the day after turning 32.

      Pub landlord Ryan Shotton is not ready to call time on his career just yet

      The defender has played over 300 games in the top two tiers of English footballCredit: JOHN CLIFTON

      That marked a brief return to the pitch for the former Stoke City Premier League star, who has been a free agent since leaving Middlesbrough in July, until the latest lockdown suspended the Northern Premier League First Division South East side’s campaign.
      Shotton, who has over 300 appearances to his name in the top two tiers, has had plenty to keep him busy during his absence from the game.
      He and father-in-law Dave Goodwin teamed-up in 2017 to buy the Black Lion pub near his home in Cheddleton, a village in the Staffordshire Moorlands, which has recently featured in the Good Pub Guide.
      But it is not just his football career that Covid-19 is affecting – the doors of the local have now been forced to close along with thousands of others around the country.

      He said: “I can’t take a lot of the credit for the Black Lion, it’s mostly down to the father and mother-in-law.
      “They have taken that pub to another level while I’ve been up in Middlesbrough for most of the three years we have had it.
      “I’ve been in Cheddleton since I met my wife 11 years ago and it’s a great little village. The pub came along as an option and we’ve never looked back.
      “I’ve been on the other side of the bar more recently to be honest because I don’t usually get this time at home, so I’ve tried to enjoy myself a little bit there.

      The best available free agents still on the market

      “We have great staff who know more than me so I’d just be getting in the way more than anything. But it’s a community hub, and people rely on it, and it is such a shame at the moment we can’t open.”
      For someone so experienced in the game, with appearances in the Europa League also under his belt, many would expect a step into the dug-out as a natural progression.
      But Shotton has other ideas, saying: “I sat down with my father-in-law last night to discuss the options when there’s no more football. I like to challenge myself in life, so coaching would be the easy option but I don’t see myself going into that.
      “I’ve got a young family that I want to enjoy weekends with, but I think possibly the pub would give me that option. But there’s still plenty of miles in the legs before I have to think about all that.”
      Shotton openly admits he has taken advantage of his first pre-season off in 14 years and capitalised on the extra time he has spent with his loved ones.
      But the itch to get out on the pitch could not be resisted for too long, leading to him pulling on the boots in the eighth tier just three months after his previous game in Boro’s Championship clash with Bristol City in July.
      He explained: “With a three and a five-year-old it was pretty easy to stay entertained as they keep me on my toes.
      “But it was a strange feeling but a nice one. Having left school at 16 and going straight into the academy within a week, it was nice to get a bit more time off than usual really.

      Shotton came through the ranks at Stoke City under Tony PulisCredit: Getty

      He and father-in-law Dave Goodwin teamed-up in 2017 to buy the Black Lion pub near his home in Cheddleton
      “There comes a point where you need a purpose and need to get back on the grass and get the football under my feet and tackle a few people and that’s what I’m looking to do now as it’s been long enough.
      “I’m not worrying, it’s just one of those situations. 
      “I live in Leek, and there have been offers here and there and spoken to a few clubs, but I started to train with them. 
      “The manager, Neil Baker, is a great lad and offered me the chance to train with them so I took it up and it was good to get a touch of a football again.
      “A couple of weeks later they had lost one of their centre-halfs and asked me if I fancied a game, so I said ‘why not’.
      “I’ve not signed for them for the rest of season or anything like that, it was just a registration form, it was just the matter of getting a few games in before I went off to try and get ready for a club that comes in for me.”
      He continued: “There were about 400 people there because we get good backing, and even Stoke fans from around the area come just because they want to be in a crowd with not being allowed to watch their team currently.
      “It was good to be back out there with a bit of an atmosphere to be honest. It was nice to be in front of fans again and celebrating with your team.

      Shotton has been a free agent since leaving Middlesbrough in JulyCredit: Rex Features
      “We played in Birmingham the first game and Derby the second, so I got a bit of abuse because I’ve played for both clubs, so it wasn’t all nice and cheery, but it was great to be back out there.”
      However, his time at Leek was quickly halted as their standing in the pyramid fell just short of the elite football bar that was allowed to continue during lockdown.
      Shotton said: “That was disappointing. There’s not many reasons why that league can’t continue but I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere and it was unfortunate because if the league had finished last season instead of being cancelled then Leek would be playing now as they were top.
      “It’s a real shame for them as they are a great bunch and the club deserve recognition, so it’s just as disappointing for them as it was me after dipping my toe back in. The quality in those leagues will surprise some people.”
      With a pub to run, two young daughters and house move on the horizon, most would think uprooting to play again would be the last thing Shotton would want to do.
      But the ex-Wigan ace insists he has no problem moving anywhere if the right club comes knocking.
      And he is even more adamant that there are still plenty of miles left in the tank.

      The former Derby and Birmingham defender insists the final bell has not rung on his pro career
      He added: “We are about to move into a new house which will be our forever home next week in Cheddleton, but I have no qualms about taking a young family to new destinations again.
      “We’ll be at this house for the rest of our lives, so what difference will another three, four or however many years away make?
      “I am not restricting myself as that would be a very silly thing to do.
      “I’ve not been short of offers, it’s just picking the right one that is right for me and my family and at the moment none of them have ticked enough boxes for me to commit anywhere.”

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