Two new Premier League clubs drawn into child sex abuse scandal

Two new Premier League clubs have been drawn into the child sex abuse scandal after they were linked to convicted paedophile Barry Bennell.

The Mirror has uncovered evidence of a paedophile ring with links to two top-flight clubs not previously associated with Bennell, the predatory Crewe Alexandra coach.

It was known he was connected to Manchester City, who launched their own inquiry last night, and Stoke City.

But the Mirror has learned Bennell was also in regular contact with suspected abusers who worked at two other top-flight sides in the 70s and 80s.

It came as Ex-England ace Paul Stewart warned there could be hundreds of children who fell into the hands of predatory coaches as he did.

A former coach at one of the Premier League clubs said: “Bennell used to come to us for tournaments. He was in contact with the coach there who was later investigated.

“And they were both in touch with another notorious individual at another club. It went a lot deeper than just the North West.”

Last night, a former Newcastle United player contacted police to allege he was also abused as a youngster.

The man, who is not being named, claimed he was the victim of a convicted paedophile who is not Bennell.

Northumbria Police said: “We have received a report in relation to an allegation of historic sexual offences in Newcastle. We are supporting the victim and enquiries are ongoing.”

At least 50 potential victims rang a dedicated helpline in its first two hours yesterday, as the FA sent letters to 30,000 clubs urging them to be vigilant.

England captain Wayne Rooney, an NSPCC ambassador, has urged football’s sex abuse victims “not to suffer in silence”

He said: “It’s awful that some of my colleagues have suffered whilst playing the sport that I and they love.

“I would encourage anyone who has or is suffering from abuse to call the new NSPCC football helpline. It’s important people know there is help available and that they don’t need to suffer in silence,” the skipper said.

NSPCC chief Peter Wanless hoped Rooney’s words would help “give courage to those who may be afraid of coming forward”.

Ex-Spurs and Man City star Stewart, who earlier this week opened up about the abuse he suffered, warned there could be many more victims.

He said: “The coach who abused me was working with children from the ages of 11-15 for up to 20 years. There could be hundreds of victims.”

Dad-of-two Paul, 52, has reported the abuse to Greater Manchester Police. At least one other victim of his coach has come forward.

Ex-England and Man City star David White, and former Crewe Alexandra players Andy Woodward and Steve Walters, have also waived their right to anonymity to expose their abusers.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch praised footballers’ courage in reporting abuse.

She said: “The players that have broken their silence to speak out about the abuse they suffered have shown incredible bravery.

“Sports governing bodies, clubs and coaches have a clear duty of care to young people who attend sports clubs.