Latest ChampionShip News

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BLADES SWOOP FOR CAMARA

Sheffield United have signed former Celtic and Wigan forward Henri Camara on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Manager Kevin Blackwell has responded to a series of injuries to key players by drafting in the 32-year-old, who had a recent trial at Bramall Lane.

Blackwell said: "At a time when we have got so many major players out through injury, he will bring plenty of experience and a bit of quality to the squad.

"He's a proven goalscorer and although he will take a bit of time to get fit, he will be able to give us cameo roles from the bench to begin with."

Camara, without a club since leaving Wigan in the summer, has played in France and Switzerland and counts Wolves, Celtic, Southampton, West Ham, Stoke and Wigan among his former clubs.

Blackwell was without 10 first-team players for the midweek defeat at Blackpool.



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HUGHTON FOR PERMANENT POST

Chris Hughton hopes to take over as permanent Newcastle boss within days before redoubling his efforts to drag the club back into the Barclays Premier League.

The former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland full-back confirmed on Thursday that talks over the vacant post - he has been acting as caretaker since July 1 - are ongoing and could reach a conclusion after Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship clash with Doncaster.

Hughton revealed earlier this week that he had been offered the job, the clearest indication yet that owner Mike Ashley is ready to shelve plans to sell the club for a second time.

The news emerged after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, which saw the Magpies slip to second place in the table, a position which was confirmed by a second successive reverse at Scunthorpe in midweek.

However, Hughton has insisted that double setback would have no influence on the ongoing talks.

He said: "The objective at the start of the season was to get this club promotion, and that hasn't changed.

"Talks are ongoing, but from both parties' points of view, they want me to be the manager and I want to be the manager here."

Ashley held further talks with Tyneside businessman Barry Moat earlier this week over his proposed takeover, but he, like all the other consortia who have expressed an interest, is still to come up with the money to push through a deal.

Hughton's own future could be resolved next week, by which point a new incumbent is likely to have been installed down the road at Middlesbrough.

The Teessiders are finalising their own plans to appoint former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan as Gareth Southgate's replacement.

Southgate was sacked on Tuesday evening, just hours after guiding his side to a 2-0 win over Derby which left them a point behind Newcastle.

Hughton admitted nothing in football surprises him nowadays, and tipped the former England defender to return to management in the near future.

He said: "There are certainly no surprises in this game.

"Gareth is a manager who has served the club very, very well. He's wonderful football person and I am quite sure it will not be long before he is plying his trade back in management.

"But there aren't too many surprises these days."

In the meantime, Hughton will concentrate on the business of attempting to end his side's four-game wait for a victory following home draws QPR and Bristol City and the defeats at Forest and Scunthorpe.

He will be without combative skipper Alan Smith this weekend after he collected a fifth booking of the season at Glanford Park, while central defender Steven Taylor remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

However, Argentina international Fabricio Coloccini could return after four games on the sidelines with a groin injury.



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STRACHAN SET FOR BORO JOB

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is finalising his move to appoint Gordon Strachan as the club's new manager.

The 52-year-old Scot is expected to be confirmed as Gareth Southgate's replacement within the next 24 hours and could be unveiled at a press conference on Friday.

Boro confirmed on Thursday that coach Colin Cooper, assisted by Steve Agnew and Stephen Pears, will be in charge of the team for Saturday's Championship trip to Preston, although Strachan could watch the team for the first time from the stands at Deepdale.

Gibson is keen to bring a swift conclusion his search after admitting he had put a strategy in place to find a new manager several weeks ago.

Detailed talks took place on Thursday following a series of earlier enquiries and it is understood agreement in principle has already been reached.

Strachan has been out of the game since leaving Celtic at the end of last season following a four-year stint which brought the club six major trophies, including three successive league titles.

Gibson turned to him as he brought Southgate's three-and-a-half-year spell in charge at the Riverside Stadium to an end within hours of Tuesday night's 2-0 league victory over Derby.

It would be the first time the Boro chairman has appointed an experienced manager - he has previously handed Bryan Robson, Steve McClaren and Southgate their first steps on the ladder, although he did draft in Terry Venables to work alongside Robson during the latter stages of his seven-year reign.

Speaking on BBC Tees on Thursday night, his message to the club's fans was a positive one.

He said: "Let's try to enjoy this season because I think that with the right appointment, we have a great chance, a great chance, of getting promotion in the top two this season.

"Gareth has left us in a great position - we are one point off top spot - and I thank him for that.

"We have a splendid opportunity. I see it maybe as a four- or five-, maximum, club race and if we are all united and we are all together, we can do this."

Boro currently lie in fourth place in the table, just a point behind leaders West Brom.

Edinburgh-born former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Leeds midfielder Strachan launched his managerial career at Coventry and guided unfashionable Southampton to the 2003 FA Cup final.



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LAWS PREDICTS TOP-FLIGHT PROBLEMS


Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws fears for the future of several Barclays Premier League clubs after claiming there is a culture of overspending in the top flight.

Laws, in his fourth year in charge at Hillsborough, believes it is "inevitable" that sooner or later a top-flight club is going to go bankrupt.

Laws told the Owls' official club website: "It's an inevitability that a top team is definitely going to fold at some stage because there's so much money at stake, the prize money to get into the Premier League is enormous, but to stay there it's even greater."

He added: "The strain on clubs to stay in the Premier League is so great that they're definitely spending money they haven't got and if they fail and come out of the Premier League, they're going to keep going and they'd be in such a mess it wouldn't surprise me if one of them folded.

"There are teams in the Premier League that are frighteningly close to that anyway. If they come out of the Premier League it could be meltdown because they really have overspent."


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HEARTS COOL ON WALLACE INTEREST

Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo has shrugged off speculation linking full-back Lee Wallace with a move to Ipswich.

Reports claim Portman Road boss Roy Keane is considering a bid for the 22-year-old, who made his Scotland debut in Japan last month.

Laszlo is determined to hold on to Wallace but insists it is only natural his performances have attracted attention of other clubs.

"I have watched how Lee Wallace has improved and his first cap for his country was a big moment for him," Laszlo told his club's official website.

"He did very well for us last season and signed a new contract. We saw many players leave in the summer and I do not want to lose many more.

"But I know how football works and if someone is doing well then it is okay for clubs to be looking at them.

"We have a young team at Hearts and need experience. Lee is just 22 but is a senior international. He has been part of our defence this season and has helped us a lot at the back.

"He is still learning in the game but is a player who wants to work hard. He is one of the best in his position in Scotland and can be a national player for a long time.

"If you tell me a club is interested in him, then I say this is normal."

Wallace impressed on his Scotland debut and kept his place in the squad for Saturday's friendly in Wales.



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FRY PAYS TRIBUTE TO DARREN FERGUSON


Darren Ferguson's dismissal at Peterborough is expected to confirmed later today after Barry Fry paid tribute to his "miraculous achievements" at London Road.

Ferguson, the 37-year-old son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex, guided Posh to successive promotions after taking over at the club in January 2007.

But Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Coca-Cola Championship leaders Newcastle saw Posh slump to the bottom of the table, with just two wins from 16 games.

After extensive talks in the past two days, director of football Fry told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph: "I and the club would like to thank him for his miraculous achievements with the total support of the chairman (Darragh MacAnthony) in the near three years he has been at the club and we wish him and his family all the best in the future.

"Nothing surprises me in football."

Steve Coppell and Peter Taylor are among the favourites to succeed Ferguson.




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WARNOCK DEFIANT OVER SEARS

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock insists West Ham cannot recall striker Freddie Sears until January amidst rumours they were set to end his loan deal.

With injuries to the likes of Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole, the Hammers had reportedly planned to recall the 19-year-old.

But Warnock insists they will have to wait two months to cancel the deal, telling the Croydon Guardian: "They can recall him but not until January."





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DUO RETURN FOR TRACTORBOYS Ipswich Evens Draw 12/5 Sheff

Ipswich manager Roy Keane has been boosted by the return of defenders Tommy Smith and Gareth McAuley for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday.

Smith has missed Town's last two matches after injuring his hand in training but is now fit, while McAuley is also back after missing two games with a thigh injury.

Keane's side have picked up four points from a possible six with Damien Delaney and Alex Bruce in the heart of defence so the former Republic of Ireland captain has a dilemma on his hands.

Midfielders Luciano Civelli and David Norris are both making good progress in their recovery from serious knee injuries but are not fit enough to return as Keane looks to build on his side's five-match unbeaten run.

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Tommy Miller is doubtful.

Miller, who joined the Owls from Ipswich on a free transfer in the summer, sustained a hamstring injury in training.

He could be replaced by Sean McAllister in the starting line-up if he fails to make it, but manager Brian Laws could be boosted by the return of another midfielder, Michael Gray, who has missed the last two matches due to a hamstring strain.

Winger Etienne Esajas is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after shaking off a knee injury, but the Owls will be without striker Akpo Sodje, who has joined Charlton on loan.

Laws' side are looking to secure their first league win in five matches having lost three and drawn one of their last four.


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WESTWOOD MAY MISS CLASH


Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is rated as 50/50 to make his return against Crystal Palace.

The Republic of Ireland stopper has missed the past two games having been forced off with a back injury against West Brom that has proved more serious than first expected. But Chris Coleman will only include him if he is 100% fit, meaning Dimi Konstantopoulos remains on standby to continue.

Central defender Ben Turner (ankle) and midfielder Isaac Osbourne (knee) are certain to miss out while captain Stephen Wright is still shaking off the effects of a recent flu bug but may be involved.

A battle-scarred Sky Blues backline has received some positive news this week with the arrival of Richard Wood on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. And he could line up for the first time alongside fellow loanee Leon Barnett, who is in line for his home debut, depending on Wright's availability.

Left-back Marcus Hall has returned to training following the recent death of his father and is back in first-team contention.

Midfielder David Bell will be hoping for more game time after his recent return from injury but defender James McPake is still working on his match fitness, while Sammy Clingan (broken toe) hopes to be back in around a week. Teenage defender Jordan Clarke also serves a one-match ban.

Paddy McCarthy looks set to miss out for Crystal Palace.

The centre-half has been sidelined for the last three games with a shoulder injury which will eventually require surgery.

He has been given the green light to resume playing as the problem will not get any worse, but Eagles boss Neil Warnock is likely to hold him back for at least another week so Claude Davis and Jose Fonte will continue at the back.

Young winger Sean Scannell suffered a hamstring injury playing for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side last weekend and will also be missing.

Striker Calvin Andrew is stepping up his return from a cruciate injury but is some way from full fitness, while midfielder Kieran Djilali has joined Chesterfield on a month's loan.



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TRIO MISSING FOR SCUNNY CLASH

Watford will have three players missing when they entertain Scunthorpe at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon.

Richard Lee, Jay DeMerit and Ross Jenkins are all missing for the Hornets, but are the only absentees for manager Malky Mackay.

Mackay told the club's official website: "Richard has been out training with Alec Chamberlain recently as we will access him in the next few days to decide what we do at the weekend, but he is very close.

"All the internationals have come back unscathed and healthy, which is great news."

Scunthorpe will welcome back Gary Hooper for the trip.

Striker Hooper missed the 4-1 defeat at Blackpool a fortnight ago due to illness, but the Iron's joint-leading scorer is back in contention to face the Hornets.

Midfielder Josh Wright also missed out against the Tangerines due to illness, but the former Charlton man is in line for a return to the starting line-up.

Marcus Williams is also back in the reckoning after recovering from a leg injury and could replace George Friend at left-back.

Young goalkeeper Josh Lillis will start, as first-choice keeper Joe Murphy serves a one-match ban following his sending off against Ian Holloway's side.

The Iron will be looking to arrest a slide which has seen them drop to 19th in the Championship table after three consecutive defeats.




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WOODS MISSING FOR DONNY


Doncaster will be without suspended skipper Martin Woods for the home clash with QPR, while Dean Shiels and Jason Shackell face late fitness tests.

Midfielder Woods, handed the captain's armband in the absence of Brian Stock, sits out a one-game ban after his dismissal for two bookable offences at Plymouth.

Centre-half Shackell, on loan from Wolves, missed the defeat at Home Park due to a groin injury and midfielder Shiels hurt his ankle while on duty with Northern Ireland. Both players face late fitness tests.

But Rovers could be boosted by the return of central defenders Adam Lockwood (foot) and Byron Webster (elbow), who have both been out since the beginning of last month.

Left-back Gareth Roberts is expected to be fit after being forced off in the second half at Plymouth with a bruised ankle.

QPR manager Jim Magilton is expected to hand a debut to new loan signing Steven Reid.

Midfielder Reid, who is a Republic of Ireland international, joined the club from Blackburn Rovers in the week and should make his bow.

Defender Tommy Williams is also set to feature after arriving at the club from league rivals Peterborough United.

Damion Stewart and Gary Borrowdale both return to the Rangers squad, while boss Magilton has a number of players still on the sidelines.

Fitz Hall, Gavin Mahon, Rowan Vine, Lee Cook, Martin Rowlands, Alessandro Pellicori and Angelo Balanta will not be available for selection due to various injuries.




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KING RETURNS FOR FOXES


Leicester manager Nigel Pearson will have Andy King back for the clash with Plymouth at the Walkers Stadium.

There had been fears that King had picked up a serious arm injury in the 2-1 home defeat to West Brom before the international break.

However, the 21-year-old featured for Wales in their 3-0 demolition of Scotland and should play against the Pilgrims on Saturday.

But fellow midfielder Matt Oakley will definitely miss the match after picking up a one-match ban for collecting five yellow cards.

Therefore Nicky Adams, Paul Gallagher, Dany N'Guessan and Lloyd Dyer will all be vying for the two spots alongside King and Richie Wellens in midfield.

Aleksandar Tunchev and Stephen Clemence are still ruled out with long-term injuries.

Plymouth bid to extend their unbeaten three-match Championship run boosted by the return of skipper and central midfielder Carl Fletcher.

Fletcher returns from a one-match suspension, having sat out the 2-1 win over Doncaster in their last outing before the international break.

Argyle boss Paul Sturrock does wait on the fitness of other key players, though, including wingers Alan Judge (knee) and Craig Noone (foot).

On-loan Blackburn ace Judge was substituted after scoring in the Doncaster success.

Noone - who featured as a substitute against Rovers - was substituted during Tuesday's 1-0 reserves defeat by Swansea and faces a race to be fit.

Argyle also wait on the fitness of on-loan Manchester United right back David Gray (hip).



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ROYALS HAVE NO NEW CONCERNS


Reading manager Brendan Rodgers has no fresh injury concerns as he looks to finally end the winless run of home games against in-form Blackpool.

The Royals have not won in front of their own fans at the Madejski Stadium since January - a run of 17 games.

Rodgers will be without striker Shane Long, who is nursing an ankle injury which forced him to miss the Republic of Ireland's World Cup drama in Paris.

That means Simon Church - fresh from scoring his first goal for Wales against Scotland last weekend - will partner Grzegorz Rasiak in attack.

Noel Hunt could be out for the rest of the season after knee surgery and full-backs Chris Armstrong (knee) and Julian Kelly (shoulder) are also sidelined.

Blackpool will be without Algeria midfielder Hameur Bouazza when they make the trip.

Algeria beat fierce rivals Egypt in Wednesday's World Cup qualifying decider in Sudan and their success has sparked celebrations throughout the country.

The Algeria squad have been invited to meet president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, meaning Bouazza will miss this weekend's clash with the Royals.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway said: "I have said to him to stay there and enjoy the weekend and he will probably be back with us on Monday."

Midfielder Ishmel Demontagnac will serve the final game of a three-match suspension and striker Stephen McPhee and defender Danny Coid remain sidelined through injury.

McPhee (knee) and Coid (hairline fracture of the tibia) remain long-term absentees and are not expected to return in the near future.




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COLACE DOUBTFUL FOR TYKES


Barnsley midfielder Hugo Colace is doubtful for the Tykes' home clash with Cardiff.

The Argentinian is struggling with a groin injury and could face a late fitness test, but manager Mark Robins will be boosted by the return of skipper Stephen Foster through suspension.

Strikers Iain Hume and Daniel Bogdanovic, midfielder Emil Hallfredsson and winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce have all been on international duty and Robins is hoping they report back fit.

Iceland international Hallfredsson would be an ideal replacement should Colace not make it.

Midfielder Julian Gray has left the club following the expiry of his short-term contract and striker Michael Coulson has joined Grimsby on loan following his loan return from Chester.

Robins' side are chasing a fifth win in eight league matches as they look to maintain their climb up the table.

Manager Dave Jones faces an anxious wait over Peter Whittingham's fitness ahead of the trip.

The midfielder, along with striker Michael Chopra, missed the agonising 3-2 derby defeat to Swansea last time out due to a knee injury.

But while Chopra returns from his one-match suspension, Whittingham is still struggling to get back to 100% and a decision over his availability will be left as late as possible.

Teenage right-back Adam Matthews sustained a groin injury while on international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad this week and he will also be assessed prior to the trip to Oakwell.

Midfielder Stephen McPhail is recovering from a thigh operation and will return until early next year, while on-loan forward Kelvin Etuhu is set to return to first-team training on Monday after fully recovering from ankle ligament damage.

However, full-back Kevin McNaughton could feature in some capacity, most likely as a substitute, having finally recovered from ankle and calf problems which have kept him out all season.




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DI MATTEO CLEAR OF WORRIES

Roberto Di Matteo has no fresh injury problems to contend with as he looks to continue West Brom's recent upturn in fortunes and keep on the tails of leaders Newcastle.

Albion's array of internationals have all returned from their respective duties injury free - including Chris Wood and Robert Koren who this week helped New Zealand and Slovenia respectively qualify for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

That just leaves long-term trio James Morrison (heel), Ishmael Miller and Neil Clement (both knee) as Di Matteo's only absentees.

The Baggies boss is unlikely to tinker with his starting XI much, if at all, after seeing his side follow up a 5-0 win over Watford with a 2-1 triumph at Leicester prior to the international break - results which have stabilised a unsteady period in which the club won just one of six league games.

Bristol City will once again be without Bradley Orr for the trip.

The full-back has suffered a recurrence of an Achilles injury which he initially sustained in the victory at Barnsley last month, so Cole Skuse will continue to fill in at right-back.

Fellow defender Jamie McAllister had to come off in the draw at Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago due to a groin injury, but the Scotsman is fit to face Albion.

Midfielder Ivan Sproule is back in contention following a two-week leave of absence after he and his wife's second child was stillborn last month.

Brian Wilson remains on the sidelines due to a shin injury as the Robins look to extend a seven-match unbeaten run.



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KITSON SET FOR BORO


Middlesbrough will hand a debut to Dave Kitson at home to Nottingham Forest after he joined on loan from Stoke this week.

Manager Gordon Strachan could rekindle the striker's partnership with Leroy Lita which was so potent during their time at Reading.

Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz could start, wearing a protective face mask following a broken cheekbone.

Isaiah Osbourne, on loan from Aston Villa, will make his home debut while Didier Digard should return to the squad after proving his fitness. Marvin Emnes could miss out with a cold.

Boro sit in 10th place in the Coca-Cola Championship after a run of just one win in their last five games and having taken only a point from the nine available since Gareth Southgate's departure.

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies may be able to welcome back striker Dexter Blackstock for the trip.

Blackstock has missed the last three matches with a knee injury but could return for the clash at the Riverside.

Meanwhile, Wales internationals Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw will both be available for the trip.

Gunter overcame a virus which ruled him out of last weekend's clash with Scotland, while Earnshaw came through the friendly injury-free.

And defender James Perch is pushing for a place in the squad after successfully coming through a reserve friendly against Barnsley.

Perch played 55 minutes against the Tykes as he steps up his return from a stress fracture on his shin, which has kept him on the sidelines for six months.




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LABADIE MAKES CHELTENHAM SWITCH

Cheltenham have signed West Brom midfielder Joss Labadie on a month-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old has spent the first part of this season at Shrewsbury, and scored the winner for Town in a 2-1 victory over the Robins at the Abbey Business Stadium towards the end of September.

However, he was sent back to the Hawthorns by Shrews boss Paul Simpson at the start of last week after he was left disappointed by Labadie's attitude.

The youngster is available to make his debut against Morecambe this weekend.





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AINSWORTH MAKES CHAIRBOYS MOVE

Veteran QPR schemer Gareth Ainsworth has joined League One strugglers Wycombe on a month's loan in a bid to kickstart the Chairboys' fortunes.

The 36-year-old midfielder will be reacquainted with former QPR boss Gary Waddock at Adams Park with the Buckinghamshire club desperately seeking to improve their fortunes.

The Chairboys sit bottom of the League One table with just one win from their opening 16 games.

Ainsworth joins Wycombe after having appeared just twice for QPR this season.





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RODGERS EYEING NEW STRIKER

Reading manager Brendan Rodgers is on the look-out for a striker to lift his side's flagging fortunes.

The Royals have endured a difficult start to the season and find themselves in the bottom three.

Their home form has been particularly worrying having failed to win in eight games at the Madjeski Stadium and managing just three goals in the process.

While Rodgers admits he is concerned by that run of form he indicated he would not be drawn into a hasty purchase, with the January transfer window still over a month away.

"I feel what would add to the group is what we call a link striker," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"I won't just bring anyone in for the sake of it though, it has to be the right person with the right DNA and our search for that continues."




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HOOPS SWOOP FOR BLUES STARLET

QPR have signed Chelsea's teenage goalkeeper Rhys Taylor on a loan deal in a bid for him to gain more first-team experience.

The Wales Under-21 international has signed a deal with the Championship club until January 4.

While Taylor, 19, is yet to feature for the Blues he has been a regular for the reserve team and recently signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2012.

"Rhys comes highly recommended and we're delighted to have him on board," QPR boss Jim Magilton told the club's website.

"It gives us the opportunity to work with a very good young goalkeeper and it gives Rhys the chance to work with a top-class goalkeeper and professional in Radek (Cerny).

"I've no doubt he'll push Radek all the way and that competition is running throughout the squad, so I couldn't be happier."




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