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      Weird football transfers from Jesse Lingard’s FC Seoul deal and Alves’ €1 salary… to Bendtner joining Juventus

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      NEVER underestimate football’s ability to shock.Over the years, we have witnessed some weird transfers. Players swapping their glamour days for a runout at Barnet, for example, and more.
      Andy Carroll signed for Reading in a short-term deal last year a surprising moveCredit: JASONPIX
      Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano shocked the world when they signed for West Ham in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
      Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is unveiled by FC SeoulCredit: AP
      Jesse Lingard struggled to find a Premier League club that matched his ambitions, and ended up at FC Seoul in this year.
      Back in 2021, Dani Alves returned to Barcelona at the age of 38, and will reportedly be paid just ONE EURO a month.
      And who can forget that same year, Andy Carroll coming out of the wilderness to sign for Reading on a two-month contract.
      Here are some of the weirdest transfers we’ve ever come across.
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      JESSE LINGARD
      In the summer of 2023, Lingard’s spell at Nottingham Forest came to an end.
      He trained with West Ham, who he previously enjoyed a loan spell with, after his City Ground departure but then decided to join up with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
      However, he was unable to sign a contract with them because they had a limit on foreign players in the Saudi League.
      The former Man Utd ace was then linked with a move to Everton and allegedly offered himself to Barcelona but neither move failed to materialise.
      Instead, he penned a two-year deal with FC Seoul reportedly worth £17,500-per-week.
      Ex-Arsenal ace Bendtner opens up on boozy parties, depression and fallout with dad after ‘letting the black wolf rule’
      It is claimed he snubbed 26 clubs to sign for the South Korean outfit.
      NICKLAS BENDTNER
      On the final day of the transfer window in August 2012, Juventus were short of a centre forward.
      But even Arsenal fans, who had grown tired of Nicklas Bendtner’s off-the-field antics, were shocked the Italian giants went for their Danish striker.
      Especially since the previous season he had failed to pull up any trees at Sunderland.
      That didn’t deter Juve gambling on the forward, but injury problems restricted him to just 11 appearances – and he failed to score.
      Unsurprisingly, the Serie A side didn’t take up an option of buying him permanently.
      Arsenal fans were left stunned when Serie A giants Juventus took troubled striker Nicklas Bendtner off their handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Bendtner failed to score in 11 games for the club and a permanent move was quashedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BOJAN KRKIC
      The former Barcelona man was the epitome of the question; can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night at Stoke?
      The simple answer was no, despite Bojan having the benefit of playing for the home side too.
      Mark Hughes concluded the surprise deal for the man labelled the next Messi in 2014 for just £1.8million.
      “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting,” Hughes beamed at the time.
      16 goals in 85 games later he was sold to MLS side Montreal Impact in 2019.
      Bojan Krcic swapped Barcelona for StokeCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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      STEVEN CAULKER
      Although it was only a loan move, Jurgen Klopp bringing in Caulker at Liverpool from QPR in a January transfer window in 2016 was one no-one saw coming.
      A centre-back who came through the ranks at Tottenham, the one-time England cap managed to play four games for the reds.
      What was even more unbelievable was he was asked to play upfront.
      Sadly, his Liverpool was cut short before a deal could be thrashed out, when Caulker was admitted into rehab with addictions to alcohol and gambling threatening his career.
      Steven Caulker was asked to play upfront for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      TEVEZ AND MASCHERANO
      Probably one of the most audacious double-signings in Premier League history.
      No wonder then West Ham boss Alan Pardew had a smile like a Cheshire cat at their unveiling back in 2006.
      The Argentinian duo were plucked from Corinthians, and only stayed with the Hammers for a season with Tevez joining Manchester United and Mascherano signing for Liverpool.
      Tevez would write his name in the history books by scoring the goal that secured the club’s Premier League safety in a 1-0 win over Man Utd.
      Later, Pardew revealed he had only asked his chief executive to buy James Milner and that his Christmas came early.
      Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham from relegationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      LUTHER BLISSETT
      Cruelly called Luther ‘Miss it’ by away fans, Blissett is a Watford legend and their all-time top goalscorer.
      After winning the First Division Golden Boot in 1983, AC Milan paid £1million to bring him to Italy.
      But Blissett struggled to settle in Italy, scoring just five times in 30 appearances in the club.
      His dietary requirements were also unfulfilled.
      “No matter how much money you have here, you can’t seem to get Rice Krispies,” he said.
      AC Milan gambled on Watford legend Luther Blissett, who failed to settle in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      EDGAR DAVIDS
      One of the finest midfielders of his generation, it was a shock to see Edgar Davids end up at Barnet.
      After all, this was a former Dutch international who had won the Champions League with Ajax, and played for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona in a star-studded career.
      Still, in 2012 – still living in North London after a spell at Spurs and then Crystal Palace – he became player manager of League Two Barnet.
      However, he struggled to keep his discipline on the pitch – getting sent off three times in his first eight games of the 2013-14 season and picking up a booking in every one of those matches.
      His bizarre managerial career took a new turn when he decided to wear the No1 jersey normally worn by goalkeepers, insisting he was setting a trend for midfielders to don that number. He resigned in 2014.
      After starring at Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham, Edgar Davids opted to end his career at League Two BarnetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FERNANDO HIERRO, YOURI DJORKAEFF AND JAY-JAY OKOCHA
      There was no doubt Sam Allardyce had big plans for Bolton Wanderers.
      Although they were in their twilight years, between 2002-2005 Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, France World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff and the remarkably gifted Jay-Jay Okocha all played for the club at the same time.
      Okocha joined from PSG on a free transfer, and soon became a fans’ favourite.
      Djorkaeff scored an impressive 21 goals from 87 games from midfield, initially snubbing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool for three years with the Trotters.
      While Hierro finished his illustrious career playing for Wanderers aged 37, launching long balls from the back.
      Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha were part of a dream team of foreign signings at BoltonCredit: Reuters
      Real Madrid legend Fernardo Hierro enjoyed his final year as a pro with the TrottersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Mancini enjoyed a stellar career at Sampdoria, where he helped the club win Serie A, four Coppa Italia titles, as well the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      Three years followed at Lazio, but no one could’ve envisaged what was going to happen next.
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      Mancini joined Peter Taylor’s Leicester City on loan – making his debut against Arsenal in 2001 at the grand old age of 36.
      However, he failed to complete 90 minutes in his five games for the club.
      His contract was torn up in February, when Mancini decided he wanted to manage Fiorentina.
      Roberto Mancini joined Leicester City at 36 from Lazio, but failed to reach previous heightsCredit: PA:Press Association
      PHILIPPE COUTINHO
      The Villans shocked everyone when they announced the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in 2022.
      The third most-expensive player of all time uprooted his life in Spain to link up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard in the Midlands.
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      And he made an instant impact on his debut as he came off the bench against Manchester United to score a late equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
      However, over time he looked a shadow of himself and when Unai Emery came to the club he was frozen out of the first team.
      Aston Villa signed Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Tottenham legend Hugo Lloris ‘bagged £2m golden handshake from Daniel Levy’ before MLS free transfer

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      HUGO LLORIS was reportedly handed a settlement worth up to £2million after leaving Tottenham last year.The goalkeeper, 37, joined MLS side Los Angeles FC on a free transfer in December after falling out of favour in North London.
      Hugo Lloris agreed a £2million settlement with Tottenham before leavingCredit: Getty
      However, he secured a “golden handshake” just before making the switch.
      According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy negotiated a settlement for the remaining six months of his £100,000-per-week contract.
      Lloris had been at Tottenham for over 11 years before moving to the MLS.
      He made 444 appearances for the Lilywhites during his time in North London and kept 151 clean sheets.
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      After announcing his departure, Lloris told Spurs fans: “I just wanted to say thank you for all your support since day one.
      “It has been a great privilege to be one of you and one of your captains for many years.
      “I think it’s the end of the chapter, but you will always be in my heart.
      “Spurs will always be a special place for me and all of my family and on behalf of them as well I would like to say thank you for all the memories that we had together, all the emotions that we went through and I just want to wish you the best.”
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      Lloris made his final Tottenham appearance during the club’s 6-1 defeat to Newcastle last April.
      He was exiled by Ange Postecoglou following the manager’s arrival last summer and failed to break back into the starting line-up.
      Ange Postecoglou has press conference in stitches as he claims Spurs wanted to sign Lewis Hamilton on Deadline Day before Ferrari move More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘hands Real Madrid 3 transfer demands’ as he’s ALREADY dubbed ‘most insufferable player in their history’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has allegedly handed Real Madrid three transfer demands after ALREADY being dubbed the “most insufferable player in their history”.The 25-year-old Mbappe is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain this summer and reports have emerged that he has decided to join Real on a sensational free transfer.
      Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has reportedly issued Real Madrid three transfer demandsCredit: AFP
      The World Cup winner, who has 29 goals so far this campaign, could soon be lining-up in a star-studded attack with Brazilian Vinicius Jr and England star Jude Bellingham.
      But despite technically being a free, Mbappe’s signing will not come cheap for Real with experts claiming he is set to earn MORE than Jude Bellingham’s entire £114m transfer fee with his signing-on bonus.
      Now Cadena SER have claimed that the forward has made three staggering financial demands in order to complete the move.
      The first starts with his eye-watering £42.6m per year salary – which is almost double the likes of what Vinicius and Bellingham earn.
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      Mbappe also allegedly wants a signing on bonus that is worth an incredible £106m.
      This report states that the huge fee would be split between the star and his mother and agent, Fayza Lamari.
      And the third demand he is said to have made is that he retains a significant percentage of his image rights.
      The LaLiga giants usually prefer to retain the full rights of players.
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      However, this update claims that Real would be willing to cede 60 per cent of them in order to finally get their man after a two-year chase.
      While speculation continues over his future, Mbappe is adamant that he is fully committed to PSG – at least for now.
      PSG and Real Madrid set for summer battle for Kylian Mbappe, with Frenchman wanting huge money to join Los Blancos
      However, some Madrid fans are already sick of the striker before he has even signed.
      After Mbappe’s previous Madrid rejections and now the high demands he is allegedly making, Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero said: “Whatever he does, he is already the most insufferable player in Real Madrid’s history. It’s really tedious.
      “The debt that he owes to Real Madrid is almost impossible to pay. He must own up to his error and know that money is not the most important thing.” More

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      Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard’s ‘staggering salary revealed’ as he closes in on two-year deal with FC Seoul

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      JESSE LINGARD’S new record-breaking salary in South Korea has allegedly been revealed.The ex-Manchester United star, 31, has been unemployed since the end of June.
      Jesse Lingard was mobbed by fans as he touched down in SeoulCredit: X
      The star is set to pocket a record salary in South KoreaCredit: MI News/NurPhoto
      That was when his one-year deal at Nottingham Forest came to an end.
      Lingard originally trained with West Ham, who he previously enjoyed a loan spell with, after his City Ground departure but then decided to join up with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq – who are managed by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
      But he was unable to pen a contract with them as they have a limit on foreign players in the Saudi League.
      Lingard had been linked with a move to Everton and allegedly offered himself to Barcelona but neither move failed to materialise.
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      That led to him sharing more clips of himself training – which resulted in Paul Scholes hitting out at him with an X-rated post.
      Now he is finally on the verge of securing a club and his new supporters cannot wait to see him in action.
      Lingard was mobbed by fans as he arrived in South Korea to complete his FC Seoul transfer and was even bizarrely handed a flute.
      Now details of his extraordinary switch to the other side of the world have been revealed.
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      He is believed to have agreed a two-year contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the K-League if his alleged salary is true – although it is still some way off the £100,000-a-week he pocketed at United.
      Chosun Ilbo, via Korea JoongAng Daily, claims that Lingard will earn £17,500 per week, which equates to an annual salary of £910,000.
      Jesse Lingard works up a sweat on training session with fans convinced unemployed ex-Man Utd ace ‘means business’
      It was claimed that 26 teams were interested in Lingard, including Italian giants Lazio, but his arrival in South Korea suggests that is where he is heading.
      FC Seoul are six-time K League champions and have twice reached the Asian Champions League final.
      And Lingard could link-up in midfield with another ex-Premier League star in former Swansea and Newcastle ace Ki Sung-yeung. More

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      Brighton reach £19.5m transfer deal to sign Ibrahim Osman from Nordsjaelland with forward arriving in summer

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      BRIGHTON have agreed a deal with Nordsjaelland to sign the talented Ibrahim Osman for £19.5million. The Ghanaian forward will arrive in Brighton this summer, with the move being officially confirmed if all goes to plan after his medical. 
      Ibrahim Osman has scored four goals and five assists this seasonCredit: Getty
      The 19-year-old was chased by a number of clubs in the January transfer window, including West Ham.
      David Moyes had an offer worth £16m rejected, although the young Ghanaian was apparently keen to make the move. 
      Osman made his Nordsjaelland first-team debut in February last season and scored two goals that campaign.
      In his 29 games appearances across all competitions this season, he’s scored four goals and five assists. 
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      He’s also broken his Europa Conference League duck, netting during a 7-1 walkover of Ludogorets in October. 
      The versatile attacker usually plays on either wing, but is also capable of going down the middle. 
      And Osman is likely to go down a treat with the Amex faithful, having showcased some seriously impressive dribbling in his career so far.
      Brighton’s new prospect is a product of the Right to Dream academy in Ghana, which also produced the Seagulls’ Ivorian forward Simon Adingra. 
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      The similar career path of Robert De Zerbi’s Ghanaian recruits continue; Adingra also played for Nordsjaelland before arriving on the south coast. 
      After a loan spell at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, the forward is now well-established in De Zerbi’s team. 
      Crystal Palace star Joachim Anderson has to be pulled away from fans after fierce confrontation following Brighton loss
      Despite the relative quiet of this season’s transfer market, Brighton have been active.
      They’ve signed Argentine left-back Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors and exciting winger Adrian Mazilu from FCV Varul. More

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      Ex-England star Jonjo Shelvey, 31, ‘attracting transfer interest from Euro giants’ after stunning form in Turkey

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      GALATASARAY and Fenerbahce are interested in signing Jonjo Shelvey, according to reports.The former England ace, 31, joined Turkish side Caykur Rizespor on a free transfer last September after being frozen out by Nottingham Forest.
      Jonjo Shelvey has impressed in Turkey this seasonCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old had a brief stint at Nottingham Forest last seasonCredit: Getty
      He has since impressed in the Turkish Super Lig, starting his side’s last 18 games.
      With Shelvey at the heart of their midfield, overachievers Rizespor find themselves fifth in the table.
      Shelvey has entered the final six months of the one-year deal he signed with the Turkish side, making him able to speak to other clubs.
      According to the Telegraph, Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are both interested in signing the six-cap star.
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      The two sides are locked on 63 points after 24 matches in an intense Super Lig title race.
      It’s claimed that they are both looking to battle with other clubs around Europe to sign Shelvey.
      Galatasaray already have a large ex-Premier League contingent.
      The Istanbul-club have former Tottenham quartet Davinson Sanchez, Serge Aurier, Carlos Vinicius and Tanguy Ndombele among their ranks.
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      While Wilfried Zaha, Hakim Ziyech and Lucas Torreira are also in their squad.
      Fenerbahce, meanwhile, have Ryan Kent, Caglar Soyuncu, Edin Dzeko, Josh King, Michy Batshuayi, Cengiz Under and Fred.
      Alan Shearer watches Newcastle with away fans for first time in 39 years at FA Cup win over Fulham
      Shelvey began his career at Charlton before moving to Liverpool in 2010.
      He played 69 times for the Reds before signing for Swansea in 2013.
      Following three years in South Wales he signed for Newcastle, going on to play over 200 times for the Toon.
      Shelvey left St James’ Park on Deadline Day in January 2023, signing a two-and-a-half year deal with Nottingham Forest.
      But he fell out of favour after just eight appearances following a bust-up with then-boss Steve Cooper. More

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      Thomas Frank offers Christian Eriksen a Premier League transfer lifeline with Man Utd star ‘always welcome’ at Brentford

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      THOMAS FRANK says he would welcome Christian Eriksen back to Brentford with the midfielder currently out of favour at Manchester United.The 31-year-old has featured only once for the Red Devils since the turn of the year – starting against his old club Tottenham three weeks ago.
      Thomas Frank admits he would happily welcome Christian Eriksen back to BrentfordCredit: Reuters
      With just nine Premier League starts to his name this season, he may decide to consider his options this summer.
      Galatasaray are keen but now his countryman Frank has said he would be willing to take him back to West London.
      He played 11 matches for the Bees as he returned to football in 2022 – a few months after his heart scare at the Euros.
      The Brentford chief told Tipsbladet:  “He will always be welcome back, Christian – always.
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      “I think he knows that. And we know that he had a good time here.
      “I understood well why he went to United back then, and I’ve said that publicly.
      “I also think he’s done well. Of course, he had an injury before Christmas for a while. But if Christian wants, he’s very welcome.”
      Eriksen was a mainstay of the United side which won the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League football last season.
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      However the emergence of youngster Kobbie Mainoo in recent weeks has pushed him further down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
      Eriksen remains a useful squad player but with the club now out of Europe, he may find chances are hard to come by.
      Ivan Toney casts doubt upon his Brentford future with Prem giants linked and Barcelona want to bring Kalvin Phillips to La Liga
      He will have just 12 months remaining on his contract in the summer so both the player and the club will have a decision to make.
      Meanwhile Frank told the publication he expects bids to come in for star striker Ivan Toney in the summer – but says the phone never rang in January.
      He said: “This winter, we actually had no bids for him, but it would surprise me if there aren’t a lot of clubs interested in him.
      “He’s a really good striker who is in his prime footballing age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney, but one day it could be fun to see him at a top team.” More

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      Former Premier League winners labelled ’embarrassing’ as THREE transfers in a year fall through due to admin errors

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      BLACKBURN fans have slammed the club after their THIRD transfer within a year fell through due to admin blunders.The Championship side did business late in the window as they sold star man Adam Wharton to Crystal Palace on Deadline Day for £22million.
      Duncan McGuire is now in limbo as he waits to find out if his move to Blackburn gets ratifiedCredit: Getty
      They were then ready to sign Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire on loan until the end of the season.
      But the deal was not completed before the window slammed shut as the correct documents were not submitted in time.
      McGuire, 22, flew across the Atlantic to sign for Blackburn – but he is now in limbo as the club launches an appeal.
      A Rovers statement explained the situation and what could be in store next for the player.
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      It read: “Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move to Blackburn from MLS side Orlando City has not been approved by the EFL to date due to the registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.
      “All of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 10pm on Thursday February 1st, however due to an administrative error, the forms were not processed within the prescribed time.
      “Detailed discussions with legal representatives and the relevant football authorities have taken place over the past few days to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter.
      “The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL Board, who will consider the case on Thursday February 8th. 
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      “Orlando City have allowed McGuire to remain in the UK, pending the EFL Board’s decision.
      “He will return to the United States, where he will re-join his club ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season, should his registration not be approved.
      Crystal Palace seal £22.5m Adam Wharton transfer as he leaves Blackburn on deadline day
      “Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens.”
      This is not the first time Blackburn have made an error when submitting the relevant transfer paperwork.
      In January last year, forms to green light the signings of Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest and Ethan Brierley from Rochdale were both not handed in before the deadline.
      An appeal was then rejected by the EFL.
      O’Brien was instead loaned out to DC United as their transfer window was still open and he never played for Blackburn.
      As for Brierley, he also never pulled on the Rovers shirt and instead returned to Rochdale as their was still a place in the squad for him.
      After Blackburn made the same mistake this year with McGuire, fans have hit out at club chiefs.
      One said: “Absolutely embarrassing.”
      Another added: “Whoever is responsible needs sacking. Plain and simple.”
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      A third raged: “Honestly the worst run club in England – you all should be ashamed of yourselves.”
      The 1994–95 Premier League winners currently sit 18th in the Championship.
      Lewis O’Brien saw his move to Blackburn fall through due to an admin issue last yearCredit: Getty More