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    Matchroom prospect Johnny Fisher can be a modern day Gene Tunney thanks to brainy heavyweight’s degree

    IT is possible British boxing is about to welcome a modern-day Gene Tunney.
    Intellectual Tunney beat Jack Dempsey to win the world heavyweight title in 1926 and he retired undefeated.

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    Johnny Fisher can be a modern-day Gene TunneyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyfisher1/?hl=en
    But the American was not exactly a fan favourite because he preferred the company of scholars to the bent-nose brigade.
    A student of Shakespeare, he was close to writers Ernest Hemingway and George Bernard Shaw, who he used to correspond with regularly.
    Johnny Fisher is out of the same mould.
    Another 6ft 5in, 17stone giant, he is an Exeter University graduate who has just signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom outfit.

    Johnny’s only been with me a month but though he is a complete novice I’m already excited. I can see he has the potential and the dedication to get to the top
    Johnny Fisher’s trainer Mark Tibbs

    The Romford lad, 21, has decided on a boxing career despite getting a 2:1 history degree which has meant shelving his original ambition to be a barrister.
    Fisher, whose thesis was on the aerial bombing campaign on Germany in World War Two, reckons if he had not sacrificed his final term sparring with Joe Joyce in Las Vegas, he would have ended up with a First Class honours degree.
    With no amateur experience to speak of, Fisher admits when it comes to the Noble Art he is raw.
    A schoolboy and junior ABA champion, he has set out prematurely as a pro because the pandemic has decimated amateur boxing for the last six months.

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    Tunney preferred the company of scholars to the bent-nose brigadeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    With his academic background he fully understands the mammoth undertaking it will take to reach the heights.
    His trainer Mark Tibbs, who did such a brilliant job getting Dillian Whyte to be a top contender, told me: “Johnny’s only been with me a month but though he is a complete novice I’m already excited.
    “I can see he has the potential and the dedication to get to the top.
    “For one thing he is a tremendous puncher.
    “Every time I take him on the pads he’s ripping my arms out and my shoulders are killing me.
    “Because he is so intelligent he’s going to be a quick learner.

    If Daniel Dubois can become British and Commonwealth champion with such a limited amateur background there’s no reason why I can’t do the same
    Johnny Fisher

    “But he knows we have a tremendous amount to do before he hopefully makes his debut before the end of the year. Fisher said: “I’ve only been boxing seriously for 18 months and in every walk of life experience is vitally important.
    “But if Daniel Dubois can become British and Commonwealth champion with such a limited amateur background there’s no reason why I can’t do the same.”
    Hearn said: “When I got the call about a big, strong talented heavyweight from Romford I was already sold.
    “The domestic heavyweight scene is thriving with a host of prospects looking to break through.
    “And Johnny has the raw power to become a real problem.
    “I’m looking forward to mapping out his career. He’s going to be a fans’ favourite.” So just how much of a man of letters was Tunney.
    When he beat the legendary Dempsey, he was asked how it felt at winning the title.

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    This is what he said: “In human endeavour, the most important thing is not so much the realisation of the goal, the effort of the chase is worth more to the hunter than the actual capture.
    “I cherish the crown. But my greatest thrills came not in winning it but in my climb to the top.”
    It sure beats ‘I’m over the moon’.

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    Premier League chiefs accuse Mike Ashley of LYING about Newcastle’s failed Saudi takeover

    FURIOUS Prem chiefs went to war with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley — as they accused him of LYING about the failed Saudi takeover.
    Less than 48 hours before the season kicks off, League bosses issued an astonishing statement berating Ashley for deliberately misleading fans after the £300million deal foundered this summer.

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    Mike Ashley has been accused of lying by the Premier LeagueCredit: PA

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    The Newcastle owner tried to blame PL chief Richard Masters for the demise of the Saudi takeoverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And in a further sign of their anger, they insisted Ashley was fundamentally and factually wrong in trying to blame Prem chief executive Richard Masters for the collapse of the deal.
    Ashley had lit the black and white touchpaper for a legal battle as he threatened to sue the League and claimed Prem bosses had pulled the plug on the takeover led by the Saudi state’s Public Investment Fund.
    But in a brutal response — the most savage assault on a League member since West Ham were fined £5m over the Carlos Tevez affair in 2006 — Prem bosses insisted Newcastle had been deliberately spreading falsehoods about how the deal fell through.
    Ashley claimed the Prem had officially rejected the proposal by ruling the Saudi-led consortium had failed their Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

    But the Prem responded: “The Premier League was disappointed and surprised by the Newcastle statement regarding its potential takeover.
    “The club’s assertion that the Premier League has rejected the takeover is incorrect.”
    Ashley had pointed a finger directly at Masters, bringing a stinging retort: “It is also incorrect to suggest these decisions were taken by any individual.
    “They were agreed unanimously by all Premier League Board members.”

    The Saudi PIF, headed by ruler Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, was due to stump up 80 per cent of the deal price, with ten per cent each from the billionaire Reuben brothers and PCP Capital Partners, headed by Amanda Staveley.
    But the bid collapsed over the Saudi state’s involvement in ‘piracy’ of the broadcasts by the League’s official Middle East partners, Qatar-based beIN Sport.
    The Prem statement makes clear that the Saudis have not come back for a second attempt after announcing in July its bid was dead.
    It went on: “The Board has, on a number of occasions, given its opinion about which entities it believes would have control over the club should the consortium proceed with the acquisition. That opinion is based on legal advice.
    “This means the potential takeover could  go  to  the  next stage should the relevant entities provide all appropriate information.
    “They would then be subject to a suitability assessment by the Board. As an alternative, the Board has repeatedly offered independent arbitration as a way forward.”
    Toon fans have accused Masters of letting them and the club down over the proposed deal and also suggested that he has bent to the will of the Big Six, arguing those clubs fear the threat of a newly-enriched Newcastle.
    But the statement calls Newcastle’s bluff, with Ashley now under pressure to prove his claim that the League rejected the bid rather than the Saudis pulling out, as they had themselves announced.

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    The Saudis have NOT come back in for another attempt since the demise of the original deal in JulyCredit: AP:Associated Press

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    Mason Greenwood told to train alone at Man Utd after England dream became nightmare

    MASON GREENWOOD has been told to train on his own at Manchester United for the next few days.
    The forward, 18, returned to Carrington on Thursday for the first time since his England dream turned into a nightmare.

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    Mason Greenwood returned to Carrington on Thursday and has been told to train on his ownCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

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    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to hold talks with the 18-year-old following his England debacleCredit: AP:Associated Press
    But he was told he must only arrive after boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his first-team squad had gone home.
    Greenwood and Phil Foden were sent home from England duty after breaking the squad bubble in Iceland by inviting two girls to their hotel.
    United insisted Greenwood should be given a coronavirus test earlier this week before coming back into the fold.
    He will not be involved in a friendly against Aston Villa this weekend.

    And Solskjaer plans to hold talks with the youngster over his conduct, although he will not be disciplined.
    He could still feature when United open their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on September 19.
    Meanwhile Judd Trump has admitted it was “scary” to learn of Harry Maguire’s Greek nightmare.
    Snooker’s world No 1 celebrated his 31st birthday with the United man in Mykonos, just hours before the defender was arrested.

    Maguire, 27, was found guilty of verbal and physical assault, attempted bribery and resisting arrest, although his conviction was quashed and he is now awaiting a retrial.
    Trump said: “I was very shocked when I saw what happened. It is a bit scary to see what can happen on holiday.
    “The police can be strict and less  tolerant than in the UK in some places.
    “It’s very hard for me to believe what is reported to have happened.

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    “He was lovely to speak to and we chatted about snooker and football.
    “Sometimes people want a headline or to try and bring you down.
    “He said he doesn’t want personal security and stuff, but maybe these days that’s what you need to do. Sometimes you can be too famous.”

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    Tom Cleverley ready to step up and lead Watford back to Prem if Troy Deeney seals transfer exit

    TOM CLEVERLEY spent the summer in a bad mood.
    But he has now got itchy feet to turn back the years for Watford this season.

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    Tom Cleverley admits Watford’s relegation led to a miserable summerCredit: Getty

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    The midfielder insists he is ready to take over the armband if Troy Deeney departs the HornetsCredit: AFP
    The midfielder, 31, was one of the many Hornets stalwarts to  suffer as the club returned to the Championship for the first time in five years.
    Even Cleverley, who is enjoying his third stint at Watford over an 11-year period, admits he gave up on survival when Aston Villa beat Arsenal on the penultimate day.
    Ahead of tonight’s opener against Middlesbrough, he said: “The first couple of weeks were hard.

    “It was my first relegation so I had never felt anything like that before. I was pretty annoyed to say the least.
    “But the short break has helped me and the rest of the squad get over that hangover. We footballers like a good break but personally I’m really happy it was a shorter one.
    “We could have dwelt on last season’s disappointment for too long and then ‘bang’ you lose focus on what’s ahead.
    “I accepted we were down when Villa beat Arsenal. We had one game to play and we could have stayed up but that’s when I started getting my head around the prospect of relegation.

    “I wasn’t the happiest man in the world that’s for sure. That sort of season takes its toll on you.
    “We lost on the opening day and from there we were in a relegation battle.
    “I know we are paid a lot of money but that stress is more than anyone can imagine.”

    It was my first relegation so I had never felt anything like that before.
    Tom Cleverley

    That stress is now gone from Cleverley’s mind but there is still a bone to pick with himself regarding his shooting boots.
    Since returning in January 2017 and signing permanently that summer — after  an initial loan spell in 2009-10 — the former Manchester United midfielder has netted just three times.
    In that 2009-10 campaign, also in the Championship, Cleverley was named Watford player of the season with 11 goals to his name.
    The Old Trafford academy graduate is not one to look back but he admits that is the type of goal-scoring performance he needs.
    He added: “I am the first one to say I have been disappointed with my goal return since then.
    “You don’t want a small-club mentality but it will be a nice change dominating the ball in the Championship — as well as not having to play Manchester City twice a season.
    “This year I will be making more forward runs. I am a good finisher still.”
    Cleverley is part of an experienced core at Vicarage Road who give the club a real chance of jumping straight back up.

    However, some of those experienced faces could yet move on this summer under the new reign of Vladimir Ivic.
    Abdoulaye Doucoure has gone to one of Cleverley’s old clubs Everton while skipper Troy Deeney appears to be unsettled.
    While Cleverley would love his old mate to stay, he is prepared to stand up should the armband become vacant.
    He said: “I captained the side during our pre-season friendly against Tottenham and I really enjoyed that responsibility. I would be ready if asked.” More

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    Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock admits he has never suffered such a frustrating transfer window ahead of Watford clash

    NEIL WARNOCK is “bitterly disappointed” with Middlesbrough’s transfer window and admits he has never experienced one like it.
    The 71-year-old saved the Teessiders from relegation after taking over with eight games to go last season and is preparing for tonight’s Championship kick-off at Watford.

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    Neil Warnock admits Middlesbrough’s transfer window has left him frustratedCredit: PA:Press Association
    Yesterday he secured experienced goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a season-long loan deal from Fulham to add to the free transfer arrival of Grant Hall from QPR earlier in the summer.
    But Warnock says he expected to have at least four or five new faces on board before the trip to Vicarage Road but has so far failed to land the two strikers and midfielder he wants.
    However, despite the lack of new arrivals to bolster his depleted squad, the veteran remains upbeat about getting extra bodies in to boost Boro’s promotion hopes before the October deadline.

    Warnock said: “I did expect us to have four or five players by now if I’m honest when I took over at the start of the season, but for one reason or another, it’s not been possible.
    “I am bitterly disappointed at that, but we’ve just got to get on with it.
    “I’m happy with the lads we do have, but it’s clear we need to get players in.
    “You look at our bench and it’s very fragile at the minute. There’s no point kidding ourselves about that.

    “But we know what we have to do and just for one reason or another we’ve not been able to get them in.
    “I’ve spoken to quite a number of players over the past few weeks and we’ve just not been able to get them over the line.
    “We’ve just got to keep positive, and also try and get the best out of what I’ve got. They’re a good group and this will be a great challenge for us.”

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    Marcus Bettinelli will make his debut at Watford after joining Boro on loanCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Due to the unique landscape created by the financial impact of the Covid outbreak, Warnock concedes that clubs, including Boro, must be sensible in the market.
    Although he admitted he has found it the most difficult one of his long career.
    Warnock, who has named Britt Assombalonga as new club captain, said: “I think there’s a mixture of quite a few things not helping us.
    “We’ve lost ten players since Covid. The reality is, we escaped relegation on the last day of the season and the squad is very, very thin and we’ve got to get players in.
    “We are all aware of that. I’ve never seen a market so difficult, if I’m honest. We just have to remain positive and do the best we can.
    “We’ve been close to three of four over the summer and for one reason or another we’ve just not got them over the line.
    “To go for four or five players and not get any of them over the line, that’s something that’s never happened before for me.

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    Britt Assombalonga has been named new Boro captainCredit: Getty Images
    “I think a lot of players are maybe still expecting what was on the table 12 months ago. It’s a different ball game now because of this pandemic.
    “But we haven’t been able to get deals over the line for various reasons.
    “We’re all disappointed – everybody at the club – that we’ve not got more bodies in. But that’s life at the moment. You’ve just got to carry on.
    “I always believed we needed four or five new players if we were to get into the top areas of the league, and I’m still optimistic we can bring some in.”
    Former Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo, now a free agent, is believed to be heading to the North East to finalise a move over the coming days.

    And Wigan midfielder Sam Morsy is another of Warnock’s top targets.
    Warnock added: “I’ve been asked about 15 players since the start of the summer who we’ve supposedly been close to getting over the line.
    “So until I actually see someone sign on the dotted line I can only be optimistic.”

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    Footie fan who missed 1966 World Cup final through illness set to make thousands by selling ticket

    A MASSIVE football fan who missed the 1966 World Cup final due to a sudden illness is now flogging the ticket he never got to use. 
    Dave Courtney was 13 when he missed the biggest game in English sporting history when he fell ill through being tired from going to most of the tournament’s games. 

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    Dave Courtney missed the 1966 World Cup final due to illness
    The 67-year-old footy fanatic was so ill he cannot even remember celebrating the historic win.
    Now the retired crane driver is selling the ticket which was returned to him after being given to a stranger to attend instead. 
    It will go up for auction alongside other 19 tickets from the tournament and the back of a Wembley seat taken on the day of the final. 
    It is expected to fetch thousands when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire.

    Dave, of Stafford, Staffs, said: “I got up to go to the game but just felt too ill.
    “I think I was just tired out because, until that point, I’d been to all the World Cup Group B games which included West Germany, Switzerland, Argentinaand Spain.
    “I was at a quarter final match, both semi-finals, the third and fourth place play-offs – and I had a ticket for the final. But I never got to use it – someone else did.”
    Football fatigue kicked in after Dave, one of the youngest amateur football managers in the UK in the 1960s, went to four World Cup games in the space of a week just before the final. 

    TICKET COLLECTION
    The busy schedule included two trips to London and another to Everton’s ground, Goodison Park in Liverpool.
    He added: ““I got up on the day of the final and just felt totally lifeless. 
    “I had been travelling to the World Cup games with a Stafford company called Greatrex Coaches and they sent someone round for my ticket when my dad told them I was too ill to make the game.
    “Afterwards they returned the ticket to me, minus the stub, but to this day I have no idea who used it.”
    The disappoint lingers – 54 years on – but Dave’s 1966 World Cup dream could come to life in another way when his collection of 20 tickets from the event, plus the back of a Wembley seat used during England’s finest footballing hour, come up for sale at Hansons Auctioneers where they are expected to fetch thousands. 
    Dave added:  “I’ve kept the tickets in a scrap book since the 60s, then in 2016, the 50th anniversary of England’s World Cup win, I started collecting other tickets from the 1966 tournament.
    “There are 32 World Cup 66 tickets in total and I have 20 of them – plus the Wembley seat back. It was one of only 2,000 removed when the stadium closed in 2000.
    “The certificate of authenticity says it was specially installed ahead of the 1966 World Cup.

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    He is now set to sell his ticket and make thousandsCredit: Mark Laban Hansons

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    It was the biggest game in English sporting historyCredit: AFP – Getty

    “I suppose I could have one of the best collections of football memorabilia relating to the 1966 World Cup. I also have a programme from the event.”
    Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “As a huge football fan myself, this story really tugged at my heartstrings. 
    “How sad that Dave missed his big day out at Wembley – the 1966 World Cup final which turned into the most significant match in the history of English football.”

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    Marcelo Bielsa can take Leeds back to the top.. and do it his way like Sinatra, claims Howard Wilkinson

    MARCELO BIELSA is ready to take Leeds back to the top of the charts — by doing it his  way.
    That is the view of the club’s former title-winning boss Howard Wilkinson, who reckons Bielsa is the Frank Sinatra of the Premier League.

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    A giant mural of Marcelo Bielsa has been painted in LeedsCredit: Rex Features

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    The Argie tactician masterminded the Whites’ promotion bidCredit: PA:Press Association
    And although the 65-year-old Argentine has not got the voice of Ol’ Blue Eyes, Bielsa does possess the kind of star attraction that sets him apart from the chasing pack.
    Wilkinson, who was the boss in 1992 when Leeds last lifted the top-flight title, told SunSport: “I really admire Bielsa because he dares to be different.
    “That applies to what he does and how he is as a person. He’s got great belief in what he does and he’s able to get people around him to believe it too.
    “I suppose if he was a singer, he would be Frank Sinatra — he does it his way but funnily enough, I don’t think he’ll be prone to feeling too many regrets.

    “I like the way he doesn’t give a toss what other people might think or say about him because he knows what’s best for Leeds and he sticks to it.
    “But what makes him so different from Sinatra is that he’s clearly not bothered by the trappings of success or the need to impress others. He’s a one-off.”
    Wilkinson, now chairman of the League Managers’ Association, saw Bielsa win hearts and minds in west Yorkshire as Leeds stormed to the Championship title last season.
    The ex-England caretaker boss, 76, said: “The fans have really taken him to their hearts and that’s surely something that really must mean a lot, even to someone so down to earth.

    “There’s never ever a hint of him saying, ‘Look at me, aren’t I great?’ — because he’s a model of modesty and humility.
    “To see what he’s all about, just look at his touchline demeanour — the way he crouches, his dress sense but also where he calls home, or even the car he drives.
    “That disarming behaviour might be understated but will inspire those around him because it’s simple what-you-see-is-what-you-get, which players respond to.”

    Now back in England’s top division for the first time in 16 years, Leeds can look  forward to a Premier League opener at champions Liverpool on Saturday.
       But Wilkinson believes it is vital the club act to end the uncertainty over Bielsa’s future at Elland Road.
    He said: “As a manager, you’ve got to be able to work as if you’re going to be there for the rest of your life.
    “That’s why it’s vitally important they secure Bielsa’s services on a long-term basis.  If you don’t, you won’t convince the players and the directors of the best way forward to prosper in the Premier League.
    “You’ve got to plan for the long term because players engage more with the  journey than they do with the job.
    “So if they’ve got any sense, the powers-that-be will get Bielsa signed up to a long-term contract sooner rather than later.
    “I’m sure they will — because promotion after 16 long years outside the top flight is all the proof you need that they know what they’re doing.”

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    Wilkinson believes Leeds should take ‘inspiration’ from Burnley and also Sheffield United, who finished ninth last season after pipping Bielsa’s team to Championship promotion a year earlier.
    He said: “Who’d have thought little old Burnley would become an established Premier League side even though it’s a town of just 70,000 people?
    “But that’s down to the tremendous job Sean Dyche has done over the years and the faith the club put in him. And who would have thought that Sheffield United would hit the ground running in such an impressive way after promotion?
    “That’s down to Chris Wilder, who’s managed more than 1,000 games after starting off in non-league football with Alfreton.
    “It’s going to be tougher than ever for Leeds but sometimes you’ve got to win dirty, or scruffily.
    “And if the opportunity is there to improve the Leeds squad then they’ve got to grasp it.
    “There will be a lot of people who are wondering what all the fuss is about because Leeds have been out of the limelight for so long.
    “But Leeds should take heart from the fact that history proves they can live with the very best.
    “That said, they’ll need to be at it from the word ‘go’ because they won’t get 20 games to acclimatise in the Premier League.
    “The new fixture list sees Bielsa pitting his wits against Klopp at Anfield on the opening day of the season, followed by Pep Guardiola coming to Elland Road.
    “And then you’re off to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Wolves.
    “It could be a real baptism of fire. But whatever happens it will be exciting.

    “Leeds will have on their side a crowd  as raucous as they get. You know you’re in a game at Elland Road because the fans are so partisan.
    “Visiting players won’t know what’s hit them when Elland Road is full again because it’s an extraordinary theatre.”
    A theatre fit  for the Frank Sinatra of  football. More

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    Fara Williams says Lucy Bronze’s Man City transfer proves WSL is best in the world – but pay gap must be addressed

    FARA WILLIAMS reckons Lucy Bronze’s return to the Women’s Super League proves the English top-flight is the best in the world.
    But the Lionesses icon, 36, says the pay gap between the top and bottom women’s clubs MUST be addressed before searching for equality with the men’s game.

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    Lucy Bronze signed for Man City after winning three consecutive Champions League trophies with LyonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Reading ace Fara Williams believes the WSL is the best division in the world following the arrival of star signingsCredit: Rex Features
    Bronze signed for her former club Manchester City on a free transfer from European top dogs Lyon, on Tuesday.
    The 28-year-old won her third consecutive Champions League trophy with the French outfit last month.
    The result extended Lyon’s hold over the continent’s biggest women’s competition – as they nabbed the title for the seventh time in nine final appearances since 2010.
    But despite the French champ’s ever growing trophy cabinet – Bronze was tempted back to the Academy Stadium.

    She enjoyed her first stint with City in 2014 and helped the club win the WSL and Continental League Cup in 2016, as well as FA Cup a year later.
    Reading star, Williams, told SunSport: “The fact that Lucy Bronze wanted to come back highlights that our league has gone to a different level again.
    “I think she left to get better and to win trophies. And now she’s come back. I think that demonstrates where the league is at now.
    “There is a bigger attraction for those top players to want to play in our league.

    “I think we were very amateur when we started out and labelled professional really early on because people were trying to transition the game.
    “In terms of actually being professional and understanding it, I think the league was a bit behind, but now it has grown and developed.
    “You can see how professional all the teams and players now are and that attracts the big players.”
    Bronze is Gareth Taylor’s fifth summer signing, following the arrival of USA World Cup winners, Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, Chloe Kelly from Everton, and Lyon’s Alex Greenwood.
    Chelsea bagged Denmark’s deadliest striker, Pernille Harder, for around £250,000 – a record-breaking fee in the women’s game.
    While Wales legend Jess Fishlock swapped stateside for the Madejski as part of a loan deal with Reading from OL Reign.
    But despite these new, glitzy, signings, Williams believes there are still players at smaller clubs struggling to make ends meet.

    “Before we start talking about bridging the gap between the men and the women, I think we have to bridge the gap between the top and the bottom women’s teams.
    Fara Williams

    England’s most-capped player said: “There’s a massive gap in the women’s game between salaries that are given at the top to middle and bottom clubs.
    “Before we start talking about bridging the gap between the men and the women, we have to bridge the gap between the top and the bottom women’s teams, so that females aren’t struggling.
    “I think the problem is that there’s talk about being professional, but we’ve got players on salaries that can’t afford maybe to pay for their own car, mortgage or rent.
    “Or, for example, eat the correct food away from training.
    “So there are lots of things still to be done with with the teams that have a lesser budget.
    “And if we can bridge that gap, I think we’re starting to see a real difference.”
    The Reading star featured in her side’s 6-1 loss against Arsenal last time out, having recovered since undergoing thigh surgery in February.
    The Royals are hoping to bounce back from their drubbing at Meadow Park, as prepare to host Aston Villa at Madejski on Sunday.
    This season BT Sport is showing more Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches than ever before. Sign up contract free with a BT Sport Monthly Pass for just £25 per month. 

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