Dave Kitson: Former Reading, Stoke and Portsmouth striker opens up about his battle with depression
Dave Kitson has lifted the lid on how he’s been battling depression for years.The former Stoke, Reading and Portsmouth striker played in the Premier League for all three clubs and revealed he was going through the worst of it at Pompey.6However, he was unable to take time off immediately as the south coast club were in administration and looking for reasons to terminate the contract of any player.Writing in his column for The Sun, Kitson said: “I have been fighting my own battle for years. As I climbed the leagues I found I took on more wealth and fame but all the time I was painting myself into a corner.“As things got bigger, the space I had to move became smaller until I felt it choking me.“Depression is cruel. At certain moments it has rendered me helpless. “There were times playing for Portsmouth when I shouldnt have been anywhere near the training ground, let alone the pitch. But at the time theclub was in administration and the owners were desperately trying to find ways to sack players for breach of contract, so not turning up wasnt an option. It was a torturous spiral for everybody.“What I produced on the pitch was a pale imitation of a footballer and a classic example of a man with clinical depression.“I do not blame the fans for screaming at me from the stands but there were so many times that I wanted to scream back at them: ‘You dont understand!’6“They didnt know what the problem was and I wasnt about to offer up what Im sure many would have considered a pathetic excuse from a grown man playing pro football.“At home I couldnt move from the sofa, the TV wasnt on and I didnt eat. I just stared out of the window.“I was non-functioning and hopelessly lost and eventually the illness convinced my brain the best thing for everybody concerned would be if I found a way to put an end to it all.“I was officially diagnosed at Portsmouth by a fantastic doctor called Greg Warner, after Id deliberately driven my car into the concrete pillar of a bridge.6“Today, I survive on a cocktail of medication and regular visits to a psychiatrist.”Depression is an illness that is affecting more and more footballers, including Kitson’s ex-Portsmouth team-mate David Cotterill.Kitson added that it was Cotterill’s decision to open up that helped inspire him to do the same.He added: “Im still here and thankfully a lot of the depression that came from knowing that I can never play professional football again has given way to a new chapter in my life.6“Im new to punditry and writing columns and, as such, Ive found that I regularly come in for criticism from ex-players and managers from a bygone era who believe I have gone against some kind of prehistoric code of silence by talking about what really happens within the game. And in particular, what happens inside the changing rooms.“But look at where that code has brought us.“The idea that what happens in the changing room stays in the changing room is a recipe for a lonely existence that ultimately leads to depression and, in the worst cases, death.6A third of ex-players suffer from mental illness with that number predicted to soar, while German goalkeeper Robert Enke took his own life in November 2009.Former Burnley captain Clarke Carlisle has tried to kill himself on multiple occasions, having previously spoken about his battle with depression.Kitson added: “Clearly, the pressure of professional football is a major problem for an ever-increasing number of players.“Its a real illness and it doesnt discriminate based on the job you do or the wealth you have.6“So the question is not: ‘What have you footballers got to be depressed about?’“The question is: ‘Why are these players trying to kill themselves?'”If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, these organisations will provide support . . . CALMwww.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585858 HEADS TOGETHERwww.headstogether.org.ukMINDwww.mind.org.uk, 0300 1233393 PAPYRUSwww.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 0684141 SAMARITANSwww.samaritans.org116123

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Feb 04, 2019 · Taking into the consideration we're taking an agent at his word, Daniel Campos had some parting shots for Atlanta United following Newcastle United's purchase of Miguel Almiron for a club
Miguel Almiron's Agent Reveals Man Utd Were 'Interested

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Noel Gallagher has urged Liverpool fans to stop crying their hearts out - because they've still got two of the biggest KFCs in Europe. The Oasis legend and die-hard Manchester City fan was feeling supersonic after Pep Guardiola's men pipped Liverpool to the Premier League title, ending a thrilling race to be crowned champions.
Pep Guardiola reacts after Manchester City's defeat by

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SCHALKE have signed Everton starlet Jonjoe Kenny on loan - and they announced his arrival in epic fashion. The England Under-21 full-back is joining the Bundesliga club on a season-long loan from the Toffees.
Schalke announce Jonjoe Kenny signing from Everton with

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Leonardo Bonucci says "everyone was right to get annoyed" by his Moise Kean comments. Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci has insisted his controversial comments on racial abuse of Moise Kean were
Leonardo Bonucci says Moise Kean to blame, comments, racism

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'Arsenal need as big a clear out as Man United this summer

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The coolest footballers of all time, including Andrea Pirlo, Xabi Alonso, Dimitar Berbatov and Eric Cantona. December 25, 2018 by admin 0 Comments
The coolest footballers of all time, including Andrea Pirlo

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The completion and submission of reports is an important duty of an official. If required by the competition, the U.S. Soccer Referee Report can be used to submit standard game information.
Media Watch: Ex-referee says Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera

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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are back on our screens on Monday Night Football. GETTY. Unai Emery and Maurizio Sarri have both taken over at their respective clubs. GETTY. They took over after Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte left Related Articles

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Switzerland 0-0 England (AET): A dominant Three Lions win Nations League third-place play-off on penalties Jordan Pickford scored and then saved the decisive penalty in a 6-5 shootout win over Switzerland which saw England clinch third spot in the Nations League.
Nations League: England beat Switzerland 6-5 on penalties

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In what they are calling an exclusive the Express today is reporting that Rafa Benitez is keen for Newcastle to sign 28-year-old German International goalkeeper Kevin Trapp who plays at PSG. That news broke a few weeks back, and we think Rafa is looking for a goalkeeper who can push current
Manchester City on alert as Rafael Benitez mulls move back to

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Cristiano Ronaldo vents frustration at Juventus team-mates during 2-1 win over Napoli in Serie A Written by: fpnews Posted on: March 6, 2019 Cristiano Ronaldo's frustration with his Juventus teammates was clear during their 2-1 win over Napoli.
Cristiano Ronaldo's frustration with Juventus teammates and

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Tottenham Hotspur stadium: Harry Redknapp urges Spurs to get new ground ready for Champions League quarter-final
Harry Redknapp has urged Tottenham to get their new 1billion stadium open in time for the Champions League quarter-finals.The former manager told talkSPORT it would be great reward for fans and their patience by opening their new home with a bang in Europe.Spurs sealed their place in the Champions League last eight for only the second time in their history with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, going through 4-0 on aggregate.3The clubs new stadium was infamously advertised as being the only place in London where fans could watch Champions League football this season, which only invited laughter from rival fans after the many delays which have yet to see it opened.However, that claim may now become a reality. A move-in date has not yet been confirmed, but Spurs are apparently confident they have played their last domestic game at Wembley.Latest reports suggest Spurs hopes of hosting their quarter-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could hinge on whether they are drawn to play at home first, as playing the second-leg at home would give them more time to prepare for hosting a match of such magnitude.3And Redknapp says it would be a huge boost for the club, the fans and the team if they are able to host the last-eight clash at the new White Hart Lane.It would be an incredible atmosphere if they played the Champions League quarter-final there – the fans would love it, the former manager said on Wednesdays Sports Breakfast.Had they not gone through, I would have said they may as well have stayed at Wembley for the rest of their league games.But now theyre in the quarter finals, if they could get through to the next round of the competition at the new White Hart Lane, it would be amazing for the club.getty3Tottenhams progression, sealed by Harry Kanes goal at the Westfalenstadion, will have given the club renewed hope of bringing home a trophy this season.And while the odds are obviously against them, Redknapp says there could well be a surprise winner this season after Real Madrid winners for the last three years were dumped out by Ajax.Once youre in the last eight, youve got a chance, he added.They wouldnt be favourites for me, as a betting man theyd be 10/1 shot still, but its not impossible.Who is going to win it this year? Its so open, there is no stand-out super team. Manchester City will be favourites, but theyre not unbeatable.Its a wide open competition and there could be a real upset this year who saw Ajax going to Real Madrid and winning like that? It was unbelievable!

Listen back to Harry Redknapp on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above

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Premier League: Wed, 27/02 Stadium: St Mary's Stadium. Southampton look appealing to win at 10/11 with Betfair, with the Saints to win and both teams to score at 11/4 also looking good value with Betfair, given the defensive problems of both teams.
Fulham vs. Chelsea, Premier League: Preview, team news, how

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GARETH SOUTHGATE wants his players to be inspired by Wayne Rooney's regrets at not winning anything with England. He hopes the Three Lions will one day earn the tribute Roo is receiving in his one-off comeback against the USA this week. Gareth Southgate has told his players to be inspired by Wayne Rooney's England regrets
Future bright for England as youngsters beat USA on Rooney

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Transfer news: Premier League and Championship clubs to battle for Leyton Orient ace Macauley Bonne who will face Mohamed Salah at AFCON Premier League and Championship clubs are among those battling to sign Leyton Orient striker Macauley Bonne, talkSPORT understands. The Zimbabwe international, 23, is set to go head-to-head with..
FA Trophy final: Leyton Orient forward Macauley Bonne talks

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Callum Hudson-Odoi set to start Chelsea's FA Cup clash

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Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez is wanted by La Liga side Real Betis, according to reports in Spain, as cited on Football Espana. The 25-year-old has previously played in the Segunda Division with CD Tenerife, where he was named the league's 2013-14 'Best Attacking Midfielder'.
Newcastle reveal transfer target to replace Italy bound Ayoze

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West Ham could wait until the end of the season before renewing contract talks with Declan Rice. Rice, the teenage midfielder, has been in discussions with the Hammers over a new deal for a couple
West Ham prepared to wait until summer for Declan Rice

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Spread the loveOne lucky punter won more than £8,000 thanks to Manchester City's 9-0 thrashing of Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup. The City fan - @Hampson84Phil on Twitter - needed his team to score nine goals and Kevin De Bruyne to score.
The 375/1 bet which saw punter win £8,196 on City's 9-0 victory

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Arsenal and Tottenham to battle for Lilian Thuram's son Marcus after stunning start to season for Guingamp Manchester United are also keen on the striker after he scored 10 goals in 17 games for
Arsenal and Tottenham to battle for Lilian Thuram's son

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Naby Keita will not play in the Champions League final on Saturday as he has been ruled out with a groin injury. The midfielder limped out of Liverpool's semi-final first leg with Barcelona and has been battling to get fit for the final.
Tottenham vs Liverpool: Naby Keita ruled out of Champions

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The new Arsenal away kit will get nostalgia going for many fans of the London club as PUMA does its take of the greatly popular 05/06 yellow Arsenal away shirt. Although some may remember the kit used in the lost Champions League final in 06, this yellow redesign will have many fans excited that look back fondly at the club's good times in
Fan tributes on football kits - Proven Quality

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Nantes have made a claim to FIFA over Cardiff City's refusal to pay the first instalment of the £15million transfer fee spent on Emiliano Sala. Sala died in a plane crash over the English
Nantes make claim to FIFA over Cardiff City's refusal to pay

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‘It’s a disgrace and a lack of class’: Neil Warnock blasts Liverpool and Nathaniel Clyne over Bournemouth deal
Neil Warnock labelled Liverpool a ‘disgrace’ for their handling of Nathaniel Clyne’s move to Bournemouth.The Cardiff City manager was keen on acquiring the right-back, only for him to join the Cherries on loan instead.2And Warnock was left fuming with both Clyne and his parent club, claiming the whole affair demonstrated a ‘lack of class’.Speaking after Cardiff’s shock 1-0 defeat to Gillingham in the FA Cup, Warnock said: “Im disappointed with Nathaniel Clyne, having known the player and given him his debut.“I’m disappointed, not just with the boy himself, but with Liverpool as well for not ringing me or not telling me. “To see it on TV [that he signed for Bournemouth], when I’ve done everything right and they’re telling me it’s my player, for me it’s a disgrace and a lack of class.”Warnock’s side were dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round afterElliott List smashed home a late winner for League One strugglers Gillingham.2Clyne, who started for Bournemouth in their 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton, was a regular starter during his first two seasons at Anfield, but due to a combination of injury and the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, he has struggled for first-team opportunities lately.The right-back told afcbTV: “I’m really excited by this opportunity. It’s a great chance for me to come and play football.“I’ve spoken to the manager and we’ve talked about what we can achieve for the remainder of the season. It’s a great club with a great story. I can’t wait to get going.”

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At the time of writing (February 20), Liverpool is second in the league and level on points with Manchester City (who has a better goal difference). Liverpool has a game in hand over Pep Guardiola's City and will be hoping to make this count. Of course, they will have to beat a resurgent Manchester United to take the top spot.
PL Preview: Manchester City v. Everton - ProSoccerTalk

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Manchester United manager latest: Former Chelsea boss Antonio

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He received criticism from anti-violence groups but said that the tattoo had deeper meaning and referred to his father who was killed when Sterling was two years old. The treatment of Sterling by Britain's tabloid media, especially The Sun, has been deemed unfair and racist by pundits including Ian Wright.
Raheem Sterling: Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk's PFA Player

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- The Portuguese coach says Pogba was not solely responsible for his exit - Man United suffered eight defeat on their final 12 games across all competitions to finish sixth . Jose Mourinho says his criticism about Manchester United have been justified and insists the issues pinpointed still exist under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Jose Mourinho: Man Utd Issues Are Still There, Paul Pogba Not

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Manchester United news: Paul Pogba will not stay and Zinedine Zidane is the best man to manage him, says Mido Thursday, 23 May 2019 ( 2 weeks ago ) Mino Raiola will already be planning how to get Paul Pogba out of Manchester United this summer, according to former striker Mido.
Manchester United news: Paul Pogba will not stay and Zinedine

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There was pandemonium at Ilasa-Ekiti in Ekiti state yesterday as a young man chopped off the head of his girlfriend with Cutlass. The victim who was said to be a very young lady, and of the same tribe with her suspected assailant was attacked beside a stream where she had gone to fetch water with […]
'Liverpool have been playing too SAFE - where has Shaqiri

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Charlie Austin has escaped an FA charge for his sensational outburst following the 1-1 draw with Watford. The Southampton striker's post-match interview went viral after he slammed the match officials for wrongly disallowing his goal. 2 The spectacular rant went viral on social media Maya Yoshida was ruled offside […]
Charlie Austin's ill-advised referee rant legitimises abuse

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Arsenal transfer news: Unai Emery eyeing move for Juventus defender; Aaron Ramsey involved ARSENAL have reportedly made an approach to sign Juventus centre-back Medhi Benatia. By Duncan Robinson
Arsenal transfer news: Bayern Munich - independent.co.uk

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Aston Villa flop Jordan Veretout linked with transfer move to Arsenal The 26-year-old made 29 appearances for Villa when they were relegated to the Championship in 2016 By Jake Bacon
Aston Villa flop Jordan Veretout linked with transfer move to
sportsalert.org/2019/04/08/aston-villa-flop-jordan-veretout-linked-with-transfer-move-to-arsenal/
Ramsey replacement? The 26-year-old made 29 appearances for Villa when they were relegated to the Championship in 2016 Arsenal are interested in signing Aston Villa flop Jordan Veretout, according to reports. The Frenchman joined Villa for £8million from Nantes in 2015. Jordan Veretout is reviving his career in Italy He made 29 appearances in his
'WTF' Aston Villa fans shocked by Arsenal transfer move

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Danny Welbeck taken to hospital after being stretchered off in Arsenal's Europa League encounter with Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal fans were in full voice for Danny Welbeck during the first-half
Danny Welbeck suffers 'ankle break' injury in Arsenal's

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Harry Kane says he's pleased to have both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Declan Rice in the England senior squad. The Chelsea teenager was promoted from the under-21s after Luke Shaw pulled out through injury while the West Ham midfielder got his first call-up after switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.
Harry Kane: England captain delighted to have Callum Hudson

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STEVE CLARKE has admitted his ambition to become Scotland manager "at some stage". The Kilmarnock boss has been linked with the vacant national team post after Alex McLeish was sacked.
Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke still keen on managing Scotland

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The most likely results in every Premier League match in gameweek 30, according to statistics
The Premier League title race is entering the final stretch and we’re ready to bring you all the action – live on talkSPORT.On Saturday evening you can hear commentary of Manchester City’s clash with Watford, while on Sunday you can listen to Liverpool’s match against Burnley.5There are also a number of issues at the bottom end of the table that have yet to be resolved and it’s almost impossible to call what will happen.But that doesn’t stop people from trying to predict how the games will pan out and statistics are being used more and more.One such producer of these is FiveThirtyEight but what outcomes do they think will happen? Find out below. Crystal Palace vs BrightonCrystal Palace win – 54 per cent chance of happeningBrighton win – 20 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 26 per cent chance of happeningCardiff City vs West Ham UnitedCardiff win – 36 per cent chance of happeningWest Ham win – 36 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 28 per cent chance of happening5Huddersfield vs BournemouthHuddersfield win – 32 per cent chance of happeningBournemouth win – 38 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 29 per cent chance of happeningLeicester City vs FulhamLeicester win – 59 per cent chance of happeningFulham win – 18 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 24 per cent chance of happening5Newcastle United vs EvertonNewcastle win – 39 per cent chance of happeningEverton win – 31 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 30 per cent chance of happeningSouthampton vs TottenhamSouthampton win – 20 per cent chance of happeningTottenham win – 56 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 24 per cent chance of happeningGetty5Manchester City vs WatfordMan City win – 90 per cent chance of happeningWatford win – Two per cent chance of happeningDraw – Eight per cent chance of happeningLiverpool vs BurnleyLiverpool win – 90 per cent chance of happeningBurnley win – Two per cent chance of happeningDraw – Nine per cent chance of happening5Chelsea vs Wolverhampton WanderersChelsea win – 71 per cent chance of happeningWolves win – 10 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 20 per cent chance of happeningArsenal vs Manchester UnitedArsenal win – 46 per cent chance of happeningMan United win – 30 per cent chance of happeningDraw – 24 per cent chance of happening

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Football Manager 2019: How football looks 200 years in the future

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West Ham News: Former striker Tony Cottee blasts Marko

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Transfer news live: Updates, gossip, rumours and done deals from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and the rest of the Premier League and Championship. Premier League sides can still loan players to EFL teams and sell to European clubs; Arsenal could be about to just that, with David Ospina linked with Besiktas
Transfer news live: Barca call off Man United raid, Liverpool

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big shoes to fill Liverpool transfer news: Who should Reds target if Mohamed Salah leaves for Real Madrid? Including stars from Lille and Ajax
Liverpool transfer news: Reds target Ajax ace, English

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Barcelona vs Liverpool team news: Injury updates as Barca aim

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Championship promotion run-in: All the Premier League hopefuls assessed. Norwich City, Sheffield United and Leeds United are all among the teams looking for promotion - but Aston Villa are on a
Championship Review: Norwich edge closer to top, Leeds lose

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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: TV channel, live stream, squad news & preview With Spurs dropping the Gunners are still likely to have too much for the Selhurst Park club with the Europa League
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham: TV channel, stream, kick-off

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Everton boss Marco Silva has no interest in affecting title race ahead of Manchester City visit Doing title challengers City or Liverpool a favour is the last thing on Silva's mind, according to
Under-fire Marco Silva safe for now after backing from owner

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Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey says Virgil van Dijk is the club's first leader since Jamie Carragher. Van Dijk became the world's most expensive defender after joining the Reds in a £
Van Dijk is Liverpool's first leader since Carragher, says Heskey

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Barry Fry resigns as Posh director after accepting FA betting charge By tip180 on February 15, 2019 No Comments / 31 views Barry Fry's 16-year spell on the Peterborough United board came to end on February 1, the day after he was fined £35,000 and banned for four months by the Football Association for breaking its rules against betting.
Barry Fry resigns as Posh director after accepting FA betting

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There could also be added complications for Chelsea amid talk they could be facing a transfer ban. Fifa's disciplinary committee are investigating their dealings with over 100 youth players from
LIVE Transfer Talk Real Madrid bid for Chelsea's Hazard with

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Transfer news and football gossip: Chelsea manager latest, Manchester United get defender blow, plus Everton linked with Paris Saint-Germain ace.
NewsNow: Man Utd Transfer News & Rumours news

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Liverpool team news vs Man Utd: Predicted line up - Milner right-back, midfield conundrum LIVERPOOL are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United at
How Liverpool should line up vs Manchester United - Fabinho

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Jurgen Klopp is wary of the threat posed by Liverpool's nemesis Jamie Vardy and cannot explain why the striker has such a good record against them. The 32-year-old forward has scored seven of the
Jurgen Klopp wary of threat posed by Leicester striker Jamie

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