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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after seeing images of Roy Hodgson spending some time with the Down Syndrome Eagles team at training on Thursday.

The 72-year-old joined Crystal Palace Ladies players Ashlee Hincks and Freya Holdaway to go and pay a special visit to the team as they trained, with the resulting images from the day enough to do more than tug on your heartstrings.

Hodgson can be seen leading a team talk as the players gather round, and was also photographed grinning from ear to ear as he became involved in a huddle with the Down Syndrome Eagles.

Perhaps the best image, however, was a photograph in which one member of the team was seen wrapped around Hodgson, hugging the former England manager tightly whilst beaming – it was a real heartwarming moment to see.

One fan said that Hodgson drives them mad sometimes, but the images made their “heart melt”, while another supporter said that it was “ridiculously cute” from the Eagles boss.

Let’s take a look at some more of the tweets…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Sheffield Wednesday’s Liam Palmer has certainly been reaping the rewards from his newfound place amongst Scotland’s starting line up as he has credited the likes of Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson for having such an impact on him.

What’s he said?

Scotland have now completed their Euro 2020 qualification campaign and will have to go through the process of a playoff eliminator in March before knowing whether or not they will make next summer’s tournament.

The current Owls squad is rife with players from north of the border, but it is only Palmer that has had the joy of being called up in recent times, and he has made the most of it by becoming Steve Clarke’s regular right-back option.

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The 28-year-old has since accredited his Scottish teammates, including Liverpool’s £54m-rated left-back, Robertson, and Manchester United’s £18m-valued academy graduate, McTominay.

Speaking to Wednesday’s official website, Palmer said:

“There are players like Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson who are doing great and that’s another one of the reasons you want to go away — you want to play with the best players in world football.

“Obviously Andy has been in back-to-back Champions League finals and to say you share a dressing room with someone of that calibre is great — you learn a lot as a full back as well.

“He’s the captain and he leads by example on and off the pitch. It is a real inspiration to be around him — he has that relentless desire to perform at the top level. It’s something that you can draw upon and try and do yourself.

“Scott McTominay is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world in Manchester United, and you’ve got a lot of other Premier League lads and Scottish Premiership lads that are doing well week-in, week-out too. It’s good to be involved in that group.”

Learning curve

For a Championship player to be amongst a set up involving top-tier players, the sort that have played in European finals and even won the Champions League is only going to be a major positive.

The fact that Robertson plays a similar position to Palmer bodes well too, as he will have learned so much from a player that provided an impressive 11 assists last term.

You can tell by his comments that the Owls’ regular is simply in awe at the players he’s playing alongside – he’s called Robertson an ‘inspiration’ for instance.

This will only provide further confidence to his current domestic season, which will in turn benefit Garry Monk and the rest of the squad.

The 40-year-old will be hoping that his first-choice right-back has come back with a few bits of information that’ll strengthen his game.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

In his column for The Daily Mail, Martin Keown has slammed Manchester United defender Phil Jones for his horror showing against Sheffield United.

What did he say?

The England international came into the starting line-up against the Blades on Sunday afternoon, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for a back-three. However, in a truly forgettable display that culminated with him being hooked at half-time, Jones was bullied off the ball by Lys Mousset which eventually led to the opening goal of the game.

And after seeing his performance, Keown slammed the defender for his role in the build-up to the goal, and also took aim at Solskjaer for his part in both selecting him and the way in which he changes his tactics for the clash.

He said: “His career has certainly not gone the way (Sir Alex) Ferguson hoped. Had the Scot been in charge on Sunday, you wonder whether he would have hauled him off after 15 minutes. Jones always looked problematic in that back line, then he was at fault for the opening goal. Instead of pumping the ball into row Z — like he should have done — he allowed Lys Mousset to take it off him.

“No defender should let that happen or even take the chance. Maybe there was a hint of a foul, but Jones needed to be more dominant, more assertive, more clever. I’m surprised Solskjaer opted for three at the back in the first place. Maybe he wanted to match up with the hosts, but it only created confusion. The man he shoehorned into the team made a mistake and it left United chasing the game.”

Inexplicable

Jones’ performance against Chris Wilder’s men at the weekend looked decidedly rusty. The 27-year-old has barely featured in the United first-team this season, making just four appearances across all competitions. And then, rather inexplicably, Solskjaer decided that he wanted to throw him in away against the Blades – a side that had already beaten fellow top-four contenders Arsenal 1-0.

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The likes of Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo have seemingly moved ahead of the former Blackburn man in the pecking order for a place at centre-back, and being substituted at half-time will certainly have done his long-term United career no favours. But perhaps the blame should squarely lay on the shoulders of the Red Devils’ boss, who decided to put him in the side in the first place.

Meanwhile, Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has delivered an ominous warning to the rest of the Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton revolution is unlikely to fully take shape until he’s had an opportunity to craft his own squad, but who exactly will be on his radar in the summer?

Well, according to former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich player Michael Rummenigge, Mario Gotze is a player who may suit a move to Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

Due to the global pandemic, it remains unclear when the transfer window will reopen for business but that has not stopped fans and pundits from speculating over future moves.

The Toffees will be looking to finally elevate into the Premier League elite under Ancelotti’s tutelage, and the arrival of a World Cup winner would surely do no harm in that endeavour.

While writing in his Sportbuzzer column (via London Evening Standard), Rummenigge suggested that both Everton and West Ham are clubs who could represent ideal destinations for Gotze following the expiration of his contract in June 2020.

“I’m thinking [he could join] clubs like Everton or West Ham or some Italian middle-of-the-table club,” he said in his column.

“In the Bundesliga, he could fit with Borussia Monchengladbach or Leverkusen. I hope that he shakes off the pressure and finds his way although, right now, I have my doubts.”

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Calculated gamble

Gotze, who has been capped 63 times by the German national side, would be a calculated gamble from Marcel Brands and the rest of the club’s decision makers.

His strike in extra-time that secured the 2014 World Cup final remains the highlight of his career but it’s fair to say he’s fallen from the peak he reached almost six years ago.

A combination of major injury setbacks and a metabolic illness have disrupted his career and seen him fade and fail to hit the heights many anticipated him to reach.

However, that Gotze – valued at £11.7m by Transfermarkt – will be available on a free transfer suggests it’s a gamble that may well carry a strong weight of appeal from a financial perspective.

With 45 goals and 61 assists in 217 Borussia Dortmund appearances, his record is bound to prompt interest from clubs across the continent this summer.

In an exclusive interview with Football Insider, Danny Mills has suggested that Carlo Ancelotti’s presence at Everton could help them secure the services of Napoli colossus Kalidou Koulibaly.

What’s the word?

Ancelotti’s arrival at Everton could be a game changer for the club both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

The Italian has worked with some of the most talented players in modern footballing history, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paolo Maldini.

During his time at Napoli he worked with one of the most highly-rated central defenders on the planet, namely Koulibaly.

And according to journalist Fabio Santini, the Serie A star could be on his way out of the club in the not too distant future.

While speaking on Il Process (via Arena Napoli), Santini suggested that a handful of Napoli players don’t have futures at the club, with Koulibaly and Hirving Lozano two of the players name-checked by the journalist.

In response to these reports, Football Insider asked Mills whether the Senegal international could move to Goodison Park in the future and he suggested that Ancelotti’s presence would offer a big incentive.

“Yes. World class players that he has worked with and players that know him. It is a big incentive.

“Players know what they are getting into and players like familiarity. I think, Koulibaly, he is an absolute definite.

“If a manager like that comes knocking it does spark your interest more than normal, that is for sure.

“The only worry for Everton is that the transfer window could be very brief and very quick. It could be shortened – we do not know. Is the British transfer window going to coincide with the rest of Europe?

“Everton is a work in progress but most things are now in place. Recruitment of top quality players is now crucial.”

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Ancelotti effect

There is little doubt that Ancelotti gives the Toffees a new dynamic in the transfer market.

He is one of the most revered and successful managers in the modern game having won three Champions Leagues and a multitude of domestic titles across Europe’s most prestigious divisions.

Not only will the 60-year-old manager play a role in bringing in players he’s previously worked with, such as Koulibaly, he will also be a major pulling factor for players who are looking to elevate their status in Premier League football.

If he can indeed help Everton pull off a major coup with a deal for Koulibaly, it could well convince other elite players to make the move to the blue half, rather than the red half, of Merseyside.

In other Everton news, Goodison Park has been mooted as a future destination for World Cup winning playmaker…

Tottenham Hotspur fans are once again fuming at their club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele, but this time it comes after claims he has been suffering from muscle pain all season, which has been impacting his performances – as per the Times.

The 23-year-old joined the club in the summer in a £55m deal from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon and has struggled to regularly stake a claim under Jose Mourinho since he took charge in November.

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Ndombele has racked up 27 appearances in all competitions but is only averaging a meagre 51 minutes per game. He has found the net on two occasions, the first of which coming on debut against Aston Villa as well as providing four assists, per Transfermarkt.

There have also been murmurs that Barcelona are interested in his signature this summer and as he’s a divisive figure in north London, some fans have been all for it whilst others can see there’s a player in him somewhere.

However, this latest revelation has fueled further supporters to slam him on social media.

Here’s what the Spurs faithful have said…

AND in other news, Spurs fans want this upgrade on Ben Davies so bad this summer…

Yorkshire Live’s Dom Howson believes Garry Monk should be given time to rebuild this Sheffield Wednesday team.

In his latest Q&A session, one Wednesdayite asked whether Monk will be the man in charge on the first day of the new season. Howson responded by saying the club should keep the 41-year-old at the hilt of the team for at the least the 2020/21 opener, in order to provide stability.

“There have been too many managerial changes in recent years,” the Yorkshire Live reporter wrote. “I appreciate they could do little about Steve Bruce leaving to take the Newcastle United job but I hope they give Monk the time, patience and resources to rebuild the team.

“There needs to be big change at Hillsborough and I can see Chansiri giving Monk the opportunity to reshape the squad this summer.”

Wednesday are currently 15th in the Championship table after succumbing to 15 losses throughout the season. Monk has come under a lot of scrutiny lately following his side’s recent poor run of form, but a successful transfer window could be just what he needs to get the Owls back on side.

As it stands, the Yorkshire outfit could be facing a mass exodus in the summer, as 12 senior players approach the ends of their contracts. Five more first team personnel will also be departing the club following the expiry of their loan deals.

If all or the vast majority of these players leave, it will be an alarming reality for Wednesdayites but it could be the making of Monk as manager. His summer business will surely be a make-or-break situation for his career at Hillsborough. If the gaffer can bring in some young talent and get the roster looking healthy again, Wednesday could have a shot at promotion next season.

However, if Monk fails to adequately replace those looking destined to leave, surely it will be curtains for the 41-year-old.

Do you think Garry Monk is the right man to take Wednesday forward, Owls fans? Join the discussion in the comments…

Newcastle United have been awaiting the decision regarding their prospective £300m takeover for nearly two months now.

It’s still with the Premier League, who are conducting their owners and directors test alongside having to get the 2019/20 campaign back underway.

ChronicleLive reporter Mark Douglas has revealed some insight into the goings-on where he claims that someone involved in the process believes it is the ‘most complicated’ takeover they’ve ever had to deal with.

In a recent Q&A, he said:

“Just impossible to put a date on it, so I won’t put my neck on the line. This has been – in the words of someone I spoke to – the most complicated takeover they’ve ever presided over. With that and the restart to deal with, I’m not surprised it’s taken longer than usual.”

With the situation continuing to drag out, plenty at St James’ Park are starting to get worried by the prospects of it not being passed by the PL.

This hasn’t been aided by fresh reports that have thrown the whole takeover into doubt. The Guardian revealed that the World Trade Organisation had found the Saudi state to be involved in pirate streaming service beoutQ, which broadcasts English top-flight games illegally.

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However, it must be proven that those involved in the Magpies’ takeover are indeed involved in the controversy.

AND in other news, Paul Smith delivers PL update over Newcastle takeover…

It has been confirmed that Glasgow Rangers will face Bayer Leverkusen either on August 5th or 6th in their Europa League round of 16 second leg, with the game taking place at the BayArena or at another ground in Germany.

The current pandemic has not only wreaked havoc in regards to the domestic leagues across Europe, but also in the continental competitions. In fact, playing out the remainder of the Europa League and the Champions League is even more problematic considering the current travel restrictions that are still in place.

However, it has now been confirmed that the Gers will play Die Werkself at the start of August, either at the German outfit’s home stadium or somewhere else in Germany.

If the game is played at the BayArena, the Gers could be provided with a surprise boost. In the Bundesliga, home advantage has dropped significantly since the league returned from its suspension – before this midweek’s round of fixtures, only 21% of matches had been won by the home side instead of 43% previously, whilst Leverkusen themselves have conceded four goals at home on two occasions in the past few weeks, against Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich.

Of course, that may not translate to the Europa League, and the Gers already trail 3-1, but an empty stadium could play into their hands. They could well be hoping the match is played where it should be after all.

Let us know what you think below!

Tottenham ace Erik Lamela could be on his way out the door before the start of next season. 

According to Football Insider, Lamela’s long-term future at Spurs remains uncertain ahead of the Premier League’s return in June. Football writer Wayne Veysey reports that the Argentine only has nine games to convince Jose Mourinho he deserves to stay in north London.

Mourinho faces an exodus of players in the summer, as Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth are seemingly set to leave. A source told Football Insider that the Lilywhites are likely to listen to offers for Lamela between now and the end of the season.

It is fair to say that the Argentina international is still a divisive figure among many Tottenham supporters, despite the fact he moved to White Hart Lane more than six years ago. Unfortunately, he has been plagued by injuries throughout his career so far, including a hamstring injury last year which saw him spend 63 days on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, Lamela was a favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, as he became the club’s first-choice right winger during his tenure, scoring 31 goals and creating 40 assists in 183 appearances before his compatriot was promptly sacked after a poor run of form back in November.

The 28-year-old has struggled for consistency this season, as he has only scored two goals and provided just one assist in 17 games in the Premier League, taking 1.4 shots per game, averaging one key pass and attempting at least one dribble on average (via WhoScored).

Earlier this year, Football Insider revealed that Spurs are willing to let him leave, and it seems that the situation remains unchanged.

While Lamela could be given one last chance to prove himself to Mourinho, Football Insider claims that he could quit north London if the right offer arrives. Although footage has recently emerged of his sensational strike in a training match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday, this is merely papering over the cracks.

His output this season has simply not been good enough, especially as the Spurs head coach has made it clear he wants to win trophies in the future.

Mourinho is well aware that he will be strapped for cash in the transfer market and the club could sell the £14.4m-valued midfielder to raise funds for a squad overhaul.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sell Erik Lamela in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!