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      I played just once for Chelsea in shortest Premier League career ever – I earned next contract at trials with 500 others

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      ONE FORMER Chelsea player holds the honour for the shortest Premier League career ever – and then he had to compete with 500 others for another contract.The now 45-year-old Joe Sheerin was a forward that came through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge right at the height of the club’s foreign invasion.
      AFC Wimbledon legend Joe Sheerin holds an unwanted Premier League recordCredit: Getty
      Sheerin played only a matter of minutes for Chelsea in 1997Credit: Rex
      Ruud Gullit had arrived in 1996 and he was followed the following year by Italian superstars Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola.
      Despite that vast competition, he got his debut aged 19 in April 1997 when he came off the bench to replace Zola in the 1-0 Premier League victory over Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.
      However, despite the obviously proud moment, Sheerin did not even manage to get a touch of the ball before the final whistle went less than a minute after his introduction.
      And that gave him the unwanted record for the shortest Premier League career ever.
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      Speaking to Planet Football, he said: “I’m not too proud of the record, to be honest. But I have to put things into perspective because I had an amazing time at Chelsea, and I got to train and play with world-class footballers.”
      Injuries, particularly an issue with his hip that eventually led to it being replaced at 42, hindered him throughout his time at the Blues.
      And he eventually left the club in 2000 to sign for Bournemouth, but despite a spectacular debut goal, he only made six appearances for the Cherries.
      Sheerin then ventured into non-league and spent two years with Kingstonian before he found his true calling in the game.
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      Following the controversial relocation of Wimbledon to Milton Keynes from South London, he joined around 500 other players in trials for the relaunch AFC Wimbledon.
      And he went on to be made the reformed club’s captain as he played a prominent role in their rise that eventually led to their Football League return.
      After 35 goals in 85 matches, Sheerin left in 2005 and finished his playing days with stints at Croydon Athletic and Leatherhead, sandwiched inbetween another short spells at AFC Wimbledon, before hanging up his boots.
      Despite his legendary status with Wimbledon, it is still his short-lived Premier League cameo that he is best-known for.
      But Sheerin also revealed how that almost never occurred as he recounted that night.
      He said: “I was actually training with the reserves when a coach came over and told me to come and train with the first team, and that I would be travelling with them to Selhurst Park.
      “The good thing was that I was told on the day of the game, so it didn’t give me a lot of time to dwell on things.”
      He then added: “When I was warming up, I actually saw a friend in the crowd, so I was chatting to him!
      “It was a really cold night, so I had a hat and about five layers on and I remember Dennis Wise hitting me on the back and telling me to hurry up taking the layers off, otherwise I wasn’t going to be able to get on.” More

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      David Beckham was stunned by what Sir Alex Ferguson did after iconic halfway line goal for Man Utd vs Wimbledon

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      DAVID BECKHAM became a star overnight after his stunning half-way line goal against Wimbledon in 1996. But his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson feared for the repercussions it could have on Beckham, aged just 21 at the time.
      David Beckham’s iconic goal against WimbledonCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Sir Alex Ferguson told Beckham not to speak to anyone after his goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      So much so that legendary manager Ferguson demanded the youngster avoid speaking to any members of the press.
      In Beckham’s new Netflix docuseries, he recalled: “I walked off the pitch, the manager said, ‘David you get on the bus and you don’t say a word. No interviews.'”
      The United midfielder shot to fame thanks to the stunner and his dad Ted admitted life was never the same after.
      He said: “They never left him alone after that.”
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      Beckham spent five senior seasons at Old Trafford from 1992–2003, winning the Premier League and Champions League.
      But he was just as big an attraction off the field, something still to this day he insists did not change him.
      Beckham said: “My life had become something different… It definitely didn’t change me.”
      But Ferguson argued: “Well, he changed. There’s no doubt about that.”
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      Beckham, now 48, left United for Real Madrid where he shone as a Galactico and added a LaLiga title to his name.
      From there, the ex-England captain had spells with AC Milan, LA Galaxy and PSG.
      Eventually, Beckham retired and now owns MLS side Inter Miami and played a pivotal part in bringing Lionel Messi Stateside.
      David Beckham talking in his new Netflix docuseriesCredit: Netflix More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Madueke shines amid threat of Palmer while Moreira is hooked off at half time

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      CHELSEA had to come from behind to see off League Two’s Wimbledon in the EFL Cup. The Blues found themselves a goal down after James Tilley converted from the spot on 20 minutes.
      Chelsea saw off Wimbledon 2-1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Noni Madueke’s excellent showing was rewarded when he won a penalty of his own and slotted home before the break, showing possible new boy Cole Palmer that he won;t be brushed aside.
      It took super-sub Enzo Fernandez to come off the bench to win it and here is how Jack Figg rated the Blues.
      Sanchez – 6
      Was at fault for Wimbledon’s equaliser as he rushed off his line, taking out Harry Pell to give away the penalty. The Spaniard did make up for it by looking confident off his line thereafter.
      Disasi – 6
      Made an excellent block in the second half to deny Wimbledon taking another shock lead.
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      Wimbledon’s Josh Davison, right, challenges Chelsea’s Axel DisasiCredit: AP
      Colwill – 7
      Confident performance from Chelsea’s latest academy starlet. Solid at the back and is proving to be a good passer of the ball.
      Humphreys – 6
      Deployed on the right of the back four and was troubled little. Didn’t need to commit too far forward as Madueke ran the show down his flank.
      Lesley Ugochukwu was Chelsea’s deepest midfielderCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ugochukwu – 6
      Played the deepest of the three and provided good cover when Wimbledon broke on the counter.
      Gallagher – 7
      Captained the side and stepped up to the responsibility. The England international was positive going forward and pushed Chelsea up the field well.
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      Conor Gallagher captained ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Maatsen – 6
      Showed signs of promise with quick touches in tight areas. Could maybe have been more selfish with efforts from distance.
      Cucurella – 6
      Booed by the home crowd when his name was read out amid transfer interest from Manchester United. His hopeful pass led to Wimbledon’s mistake for Fernandez’s winner.
      Noni Madueke was the best player of the pitchCredit: Getty
      Madueke – 9
      Simply excellent. Caused defenders nightmares all night running at them with pace and power. His equaliser from the spot, having won the penalty, sealed an excellent performance.
      Moreira – 5
      Struggled with his first touch at times despite some nice link-ups on the left with Cucurella. Looked like a man in need of more minutes.
      Diego Moreira was taken off at the breakCredit: Rex
      Burstow – 4
      Found himself slightly isolated in the first half while leading the line. Looked more confident when Jackson was brought on.
      Subs
      Jackson (for Moreira at half time) – 6
      Real positive off the bench for Chelsea, driving forward and being a menace to defenders.
      Fernandez (for Burstow 65 mins) – 7
      Took his goal well and threatened several times from distance. Blues fans can expect a screamer or two this season.
      Gusto (for Colwill 65 mins) – 6
      Provided much more of a threat down the right flank than Humphreys. Looks to be a good fill in for Reece James.
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      Moises Caicedo (for Madueke 81 mins) – 5
      Helped settle Chelsea’s midfield in a period Wimbledon had success.
      Enzo Fernandez won the game for ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Marc Cucurella BOOED by Chelsea fans as he starts against Wimbledon amid Man Utd transfer pursuit

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      MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Marc Cucurella was BOOED by Chelsea fans ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.The Spaniard was listed in the starting line-up for the first time this season as Mauricio Pochettino and his side prepared to face the Dons.
      Cucurella was BOOED by Chelsea fansCredit: Getty
      However, when his name was read out at Stamford Bridge a wave of boos rang out over the crowd.
      Chelsea fans on social media were also far from impressed that he was starting, with one person tweeting: “I’d send Cucurella to United for free.”
      Another added: “Why is he even playing? Man Utd are about to get him!”
      While a third said: “I hope United won’t be discouraged with Cucurella’s performance. I need him to leave Chelsea this summer.”
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      Cucurella is understood to be on the verge of a last-minute loan transfer to Man Utd.
      The 25-year-old has already agreed personal terms in principle with the Red Devils ahead of the proposed move.
      United are now looking to reach a compromise with Chelsea on a fee.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have tabled an offer worth £2million, but The Athletic claim that Chelsea want £7m.
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      SunSport have already revealed that Cucurella is open to the move as he has grown frustrated at Chelsea.
      The Spaniard’s future at Stamford Bridge is currently uncertain as he has failed to win over fans following his £62m transfer from Brighton last summer. More

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      I was working for an IT recruitment firm in Shrewsbury just two months ago… now I’m facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

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      THE SEVEN MILES from Plough Lane to Stamford Bridge represents one heck of a journey for AFC Wimbledon’s Ryan McLean.Barely two months ago he was sitting at a desk, propping up his non-League wages at Hereford with a part-time office job in Shrewsbury.
      Ryan McLean was working as an IT recruiter two months agoCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      Credit: Linkedin
      McLean couldn’t have imagined playing against Premier League opposition when he was typing away at his desk
      Just about as far from London’s glamorous King’s Road as you can get in every sense.
      Tonight he will bid to knock mighty Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup while simultaneously attempting to take stock of a whirlwind summer that has transformed the life of Ryan.
      McLean, 23, signed his first professional contract in June – just two days before pre-season started at League Two Dons.
      Nine weeks later he could line up against not one but the TWO most expensive players in British history in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
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      He said: “I am trying to take it in my stride but I can’t really explain it. To come from playing in parks to Stamford Bridge is pretty cool.
      “It will probably hit me more when I am there but I am buzzing, I can’t wait and am desperately trying not to overthink it.
      “A big away day as a player has always been my dream but I always thought it might come in the FA Cup.
      “I have never even been to Stamford Bridge as a fan. The best ground I have ever played at is probably Plough Lane. I have played in front of crowds of about 20 people at times.
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      McLean is over the moon to be playing at Stamford BridgeCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      “At 18 I was playing Saturday county league stuff and not getting paid at all. Being at Hereford I needed a job and I worked as a mechanic at Audi as well.
      “I worked as a ‘resourcer’ – matching companies with IT vacancies with the right people via websites like Indeed.
      “One day I was at work when my phone rang and it was my agent asking me if I fancied moving to League Two.
      “It was a very quick decision even though there were only a couple of days before pre-season started.
      “I can’t even remember how it all panned out because everything happened so fast. It was a bit confusing really.”
      Greenfield IT Recruitment’s loss is Wimbledon’s gain.
      On his professional debut, McLean smashed a left-foot volley home against Coventry that earns The Dons a trip to their illustrious South West London neighbours.
      He said: “That was my weaker foot as well. When it went in I really wasn’t sure what to do.
      “I wanted to do a knee-slide but the Coventry fans were right in front of me so I just charged along the pitch and dropped to the floor.
      “Goalscoring isn’t my strength either. I am quick and direct, hardworking and like to run with the ball at my feet.
      “I am a late starter in the professional game, I get that. But everyone has a different pathway.
      Ryan McLean signed his first professional contract two months agoCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      Ryan McLean was a late starter in the gameCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      “Turning pro isn’t even getting me extra money. I’d say I earn a similar amount now to what I was before at Hereford and with my part-time office job. But it’s amazing.
      “I’m in a house with a couple of the other lads and it’s great although Southerners do take a bit of getting used to. Everyone is a cheeky chappy down here.”
      McLean’s impact has got everyone connected to AFC Wimbledon talking with some at the club nicknaming their new recruit ‘toothpaste’ because of his surname but also because of his dazzling start to life at their club.
      He added: “I went to Wembley before with Hereford for the FA Trophy final.
      “But I was cup-tied. I was allowed to walk out onto the pitch, even warm up with the other players but had to sit in the stands because I had played for Newcastle Town in an earlier round.
      “That’s obviously a magnificent stadium but Stamford Bridge will be just brilliant. I know how loud it is going to be as well.
      “The away end is sold out already because it’s a big night for Wimbledon and their fans.
      “I have loads of friends and family on my case for tickets – so far about a dozen, it’s crazy.”
      McLean will do his best not to be starstruck but also hopes he can take home a souvenir on the night.
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      He said: “As a winger, I do think Raheem Sterling is a cracking player and a great example.
      “If he plays and I can get a word in, I will try to get his shirt.” More

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      Chelsea draw Wimbledon as Spurs take on Fulham in Carabao Cup second round.. and Wrexham will have eye on third round

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      CHELSEA and Spurs have learned their opponents for the next round of the Carabao Cup.With both clubs not playing in Europe next season, they will enter the competition in the second round.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s faces a home tie in his first cup match as Chelsea bossCredit: Getty
      Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs will travel to West LondonCredit: PA
      Chelsea will host AFC Wimbledon in a London derby at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino looks to lay down a marker for winning silverware.
      Meanwhile, Spurs will face the short trip west as they take on Fulham in the second round.
      The Carabao Cup may provide the Aussie with the opportunity to give minutes to some members on the outskirts of his 39-man first-team squad.
      The draw was split into two halves between north and south to avoid excessive mid-week travel for fans.
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      Wrexham drew Bradford at home in a tie rather less glamorous than the Red Dragons’ Hollywood owners.
      And there’ll be an all Premier League tie as Nottingham Forest host Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
      Following Leicester’s televised 2-0 victory over Burton, The Foxes will take on Tranmere in the next round.
      Fellow relegated side Leeds face a trip to Gary Neville and the Class of 92 owned Salford City.
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      Sean Dyche’s Everton will visit Doncaster Rovers.
      Premier League new-boys Sheffield United play on Lincoln City at home.
      And Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth will visit Swansea for the Basque’s first Carabao Cup tie.
      Luton Town will host Gillingham as they enter the Carabao Cup at the second round for the first time in 31 years following their shock promotion to the top flight.
      Round Two of the Carabao Cup will kick off in the week commencing August 28.
      The draw in full is as follows:
      NORTH SECTION

      Tranmere vs Leicester
      Salford vs Leeds
      Harrogate vs Blackburn
      Stoke vs Rotherham
      Wrexham vs Bradford
      Doncaster vs Everton
      Bolton vs Middlesbrough
      Port Vale vs Crewe
      Nottingham Forest vs Burnley
      Sheffield Wednesday vs Mansfield
      Wolves vs Blackpool
      Sheffield United vs Lincoln

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      SOUTH SECTION

      Bristol City v QPR or Norwich
      Plymouth Argyle v Crystal Palace
      Reading v Ipswich Town
      Portsmouth v Peterborough United
      Luton Town v Gillingham
      Swansea City v Bournemouth
      Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
      Exeter City v Stevenage
      Wycombe Wanderers v Sutton United
      Birmingham City v Cardiff City
      Newport County v Brentford
      Chelsea v AFC Wimbledon

      Clubs in all four tiers are chasing the trophy won by Man Utd last seasonCredit: PA More

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      Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui seeking inspiration from Wimbledon boys champion Henry Searle as local lad heads to training

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI hopes his players find the net far more regularly than this VIP visitor who dropped into Wolves’ Compton Park training ground on Tuesday.However the Spanish boss will be delighted if his team matches Henry Searle’s success on grass once the Premier League kicks off.
      Julen Lopetegui had a special guest at Wolves training as he targets a successful 2023-24 seasonCredit: Getty
      Wolverhampton native Henry Searle visited Wolves training on Tuesday following his Wimbledon successCredit: PA
      The 17-year-old Wolverhampton native – who was part of Wolves Academy as a child – became the first British winner of the boys’ singles championship at Wimbledon for more than 60 years on Sunday.
      Searle raced to the title without dropping a set as he beat fifth seed Yaroslav Demin 6-4 6-4 to carve his place in UK tennis history.
      It meant the Brit followed in the footsteps of famous former Wimbledon boys champions such as Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, Pat Cash, Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer to take the coveted prize.
      Ahead of Sunday’s final Lopetegui recorded a good luck message for the 6ft 4in teenager, which the former St Peter’s Collegiate Academy pupil admits helped fire him up for glory.
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      Searle told wolves.co.uk. “It was pretty inspiring. To see that I’ve been recognised by someone like Julen was a big push before the final. 
      “I’ve been a Wolves supporter ever since I was a little kid. I’ve always tried to get to as many games as possible and watch as many home games as I can. 
      “I love Molineux and it was pretty cool to be invited to Compton and meet a few of the players and watch them train.
      “I played as a left-winger in the academy when I was younger, but I was a little bit better at tennis than I was at football at the time of choosing between the two.
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      “I think I’ve made the right decision.”
      After being given a tour of the Compton Park training ground, Searle met Wolves’ players and was able to give them a close look at the youngster’s silverware.
      Lopetegui said: “We were really pleased to welcome Henry and his family to one of our training sessions following his incredible win at Wimbledon.
      “We watched the final together as a group on Sunday afternoon and we were delighted that he won the junior boys’ title. 
      “Everyone at the club and across Wolverhampton are very proud of his achievement.
      “Henry is part of the pack, so it was an honour for us as staff and players that we had a chance to celebrate his success with him and his family, as he joined us this week with the trophy.
      “We will be following his progress with great interest.”
      Searle started playing tennis as a three-year-old, where he progressed through the Newbridge Lawn Tennis & Squash Club – located next door to Wolves’ training ground.
      Having won the U16 LTA Junior National Championships last year, Searle attracted national attention when he reached the quarter-finals of the recent French Open before producing his heroics at Wimbledon last weekend.
      “The atmosphere was amazing,” Searle said. “It’s always incredible to play at Wimbledon and having all my family and friends there supporting me was great. 
      “Obviously, the ultimate goal is to be able to do what I did last week in the men’s tournament, but there is a long way to go yet.”
      Britain’s last Wimbledon boys’ champion 61 years ago also came from a football background.
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      Stanley Matthews was the son of legendary Blackpool, Stoke City and England winger Sir Stanley Matthews.
      However Matthews junior he gave up football for tennis when he was 12 because he was targeted for rough treatment by defenders who wanted to ‘leave one on,’ the great man’s son!  More

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      Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz’s dream XI of all time revealed as fans say ‘he knows ball’

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      WIMBLEDON champion Carlos Alcaraz has picked his dream XI and fans are impressed with his football knowledge.The world number one defeated Novak Djokovic 1-6 7-6 6-1 3-6 6-4 at Centre Court on Sunday to win his first title at the All England Club.
      Carlos Alcaraz impressed fans with his football knowledgeCredit: Getty
      Carlos Alcaraz picked only one star who never played in LaLiga
      As well as impressing on court, Alcaraz has also won over fans with his knowledge about football after being asked to name his perfect line-up.
      The 20-year-old named a number of greats and his selection was heavily influenced by where he grew up, with all but one player featured plying their trade in LaLiga at one point in their career.
      Alcaraz went for a star-studded team including Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
      There are four former Barcelona players in total, including Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol.
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      But Real Madrid boast the highest representation in the team with seven.
      World Cup winner Iker Casillas is selected in goal with his former Real team-mates Sergio Ramos and Roberto Carlos in defence.
      Luka Modric and Zinedine Zidane make up the three-man midfielder alongside Iniesta.
      While Brazil legend Cafu is the only non-LaLiga player to feature at right-back.
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      Fans love the look of Alcaraz’s team and praised the youngster’s football knowledge.
      One said: “He knows ball.”
      Another added: “Unbelievable 🔥”
      A third said: “Legendary team 😍🔥”
      And another commented: “Ball knowledge is insane.” More