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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Jonjo Shelvey’s contract at Turkish club RIPPED UP after just five months as blunt statement is released

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been released by Turkish side ikas Eyupspor after just five months.The 32-year-old, who joined Eyupspor in August, agreed to leave the Istanbul-based club by mutual consent.Jojo Shelvey has been released by Turkish side ikas EyupsporCredit: Instagram @eyupsporkulubuA statement from the club read: “We have parted ways with professional football player Jonjo Shelvey by mutual consent.”We would like to thank Jonjo Shelvey for his contributions to our team and wish him success in his future career.”Shelvey made just six appearances for Eyupspor after joining five months ago.But he now finds himself without a club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome reports suggest Burnley might look to sign him this month.Clarets boss Scott Parker could turn to Shelvey for some midfield experience as his side push for promotion back to the Premier League.Han-Noah Massengo joined Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre earlier this week, leaving Burnley light in terms of midfield options.Asked if it was a concern, Parker said: “Yes, we’re a little bit short there at the moment and it’s probably an area that we’ll see if there’s anything [in the transfer window].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We’ve obviously got Aaron Ramsey [to return from injury], but he’s still a little bit away.”There’s a player there that I look at and I’ve been looking at for some time before I came here and I know exactly what sort of level of player he is. But obviously at this present moment in time he’s out injured.Forgotten Premier League star scores from inside his OWN HALF as fans say ‘hide him from Man Utd before they send a bid’”But you’re right, there’s a little area there where we’re a little bit light and maybe we’ll have a look at that.”Before joining Eyupspor, Shelvey spent a season with Caykur Rizespor.He joined the club after being released by Nottingham Forest.The midfielder has also played for Newcastle, Swansea, Liverpool and Charlton. More

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      Harvey Elliott could be set for shock Liverpool transfer exit with Brighton and Dortmund both tracking star

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      HARVEY ELLIOTT could be on his way out of Liverpool – in what would be one of the shock transfers of the January window.Brighton and Dortmund are both tracking the 21-year-old whose future under Arne Slot appears to be under question.Harvey Elliott could be set for a surprise Liverpool exit this JanuaryCredit: RexThe 21-year-old has struggled to break back into the first team this seasonCredit: RexElliott fractured his foot earlier this season and has started just one game, managing just 43 minutes of Prem football. But eyebrows have been raised by his lack of game-time since returning to training in late November. The 21-year-old was an unused sub during Thursday’s Carabao Cup loss at Spurs, heightening speculation he could leave.Brighton are leading the way in signing the cultured midfielder who is hugely popular among Reds’ fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGerman giants Dortmund would also be interested in Elliott who Liverpool value at around £35million to £40million. There has been surprise among the Liverpool fanbase that Elliott – who made 53 appearances last season under Jurgen Klopp – has not been afforded more minutes in recent weeks. It has now led to suggestions that a transfer exit is a distinct possibility.Speaking about Elliott in November, Slot said: “We always want all of our players available and it was a blow for him and for us that he got injured for such a long time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think he’s been out for three months now. Now we also have to give him time to come back to his normal level.”I recently spoke about Ibou Konate who was out from playing football for maybe two, three or four months, because he didn’t play at the end of the season and didn’t play at the Euros.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclass”As a result of that his first game against Man United in pre-season wasn’t his best.”That is something which is completely normal for a football player and this is something we have to take into consideration with Harvey as well.”Yes, he’s training with us again, but that’s different from being on the top of your game immediately again. We have to give him time for this as well.”But I’m very fortunate that he’s back, especially with the amount of games that are coming up in the coming two, three or four months.”Elliott arrived on Merseyside as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in 2019. He rose through the academy at Fulham and at the time of his debut for the Cottagers was the youngest Prem player ever. READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool shelled out £4.3 million to bring the youngster to Anfield following a tribunal. He has since played 128 times for the Reds, scoring 11 goals. More

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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More

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      FA Cup third round clashes postponed with two-time winners given new date for tie after freezing weather wreaks havoc

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      TWO FA Cup clashes have already been postponed due to freezing weather sweeping across the nation.Former two-time winners Preston were due to host Charlton at Deepdale but the game has been called off due to a frozen pitch.The Deepdale pitch was frozen on Friday afternoonCredit: Preston North End FCPreston’s FA Cup tie has been postponedCredit: Preston North End FCThe game will now be played on Tuesday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.A Preston statement read: “A pitch inspection took place at Deepdale on Friday by match referee Ruebyn Ricardo and the surface was deemed unplayable.”Despite the tireless work of the club’s grounds staff to prepare the pitch for this fixture, the sub-zero temperatures throughout the week and overnight on Thursday mean the surface remains frozen.”With similar conditions expected again on Friday evening into Saturday morning, a decision has been made early in consideration of travel plans for supporters, and the players and staff of Charlton Athletic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston vs Charlton isn’t the only FA Cup game to have been affected.Mansfield’s all-League One tie with Wigan has also been called off.The clash will too take place on Tuesday, kicking off at 7:45pm.In addition to the FA Cup, EFL fixtures across Leagues 1 and 2 have also been called off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P WiganPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P EastleighIn the third tier, Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield have been called off.While League Two has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againMeanwhile, six National League games have so far had to be called off.And tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: Getty More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 19: Time for brave gaffers to bet against Mohamed Salah?

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      IF ever there was a time to think outside the box in terms of Dream Team captaincy, this might be it.Gameweek 19 features a full round of Premier League games in midweek but before that gaffers will have to negotiate the FA Cup third round.Mismatches such as Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Newcastle v Bromley and Tottenham v Tamworth may seem ripe with points but heavy rotation is to be expected from the Premier League’s big boys.Going against Salah is risky but that might be the play this GameweekCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8.1m) has been a fantastically reliable captain this season but it’s not unthinkable he will endure a rare low-scoring Gameweek this time around.The Egyptian superstar is unlikely to get many minutes (if any at all) against the side currently 19th in League Two – why would Arne Slot take such an unnecessary risk with his top goalscorer?On Tuesday night, the Reds travel to the City Ground to face third-placed Nottingham Forest, a difficult match-up on current form.Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side superbly organised, they are the only team to beat Liverpool in the league this season.Betting against Salah is fraught with risk but it’s entirely feasible he doesn’t play at the weekend and is constricted against Forest for minimal returns.But if not Salah then who?Hear us out…Credit: RexThe same thinking applies to Cole Palmer (£6.1m), who might be rested against Morecambe before coming up against one of the top flight’s form teams in Bournemouth in midweek.Most read in Dream TeamOne way to circumnavigate this conundrum is to ignore the cup mismatches when selecting a captain.Instinctively, Arsenal v Manchester United appears like a match-up to avoid but a meeting of two heavyweights is likely to ensure relatively strong line-ups.Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) banked ten points at Anfield last weekend and will probably start at the Emirates having enjoyed a forced rest via suspension in Gameweek 17.To sweeten the deal, the Portugal international has the luxury of a league game against lowly Southampton on Thursday night – Saints have mustered just six points since promotion.The Red Devils’ skipper seems likely to start both fixtures in Gameweek 19 and while he doesn’t have a favourable cup game, Southampton’s visit to Old Trafford should provide suitable compensation.Southampton are easy pickings at presentCredit: RexMikel Arteta will probably name strong teams against Man United and Spurs this coming Gameweek but it’s not all that easy to identify a player worthy of the armband – hurry back, Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)!Elsewhere, Alexander Isak (£5.9m) will be a popular captain given his rampant form.The Newcastle striker has amassed 109 points in his last nine outings.It’s overly optimistic to expect the Swedish striker to start against Bromley on Sunday, especially with a minor hamstring niggle, but he could feast against Wolves in midweek.Dream Team bosses keen on a genuine wildcard this Gameweek should consider Eberechi Eze (£4.9m).Crystal Palace’s No10 is among the most in-form assets right now and, more broadly, he averages an impressive 7.3 points-per-game in 2024/25.A bold choice but not an illogical oneCredit: GettyThe Eagles are due to host Stockport on Sunday before welcoming a beleaguered Leicester to Selhurst Park in midweek.Oliver Glasner isn’t shy of playing his top stars against lower league opposition so Eze should get his fair share of minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne way of removing this headache altogether is to activate the Max Captain Booster, for those with that option remaining.Whatever you decide, make sure you select your captain (and vice captain) before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Norwich star Borja Sainz slapped with six-match ban after SPITTING at Sunderland rival as he issues grovelling apology

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      NORWICH star Borja Sainz has been banned for SIX matches and fined £12,000 for a spitting at a player. The incident took place in the Canaries’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on December 21.Borja Sainz has been banned for six matches and fined for a spitting at a playerCredit: PASpaniard Sainz – the Championship top scorer with 15 league goals this season – admitted the charge at an FA independent disciplinary commission.Sainz said: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland. “Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.”I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. READ MORE IN football “Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. “I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.”While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. “Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja.”Most read in FootballSainz got away with the incident at the time after it was missed by the match officials and played in Norwich’s following four league matches. The FA had launched an investigation and confirmed the forward breached FA Rule E1.1 and determined he “committed the sending off offence”.Philippe Clement reacts after angry Rangers fans call for him to quit after Dundee clashA statement read: “Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday 21 December 2024.”It was alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent, during the 74th minute of the fixture. “Borja Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission. “Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.” More

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      I took non-league side on epic FA Cup run but I’m better known for keeping Classic FM-loving crocodile in my living room

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      CHRIS WELLER made a name for himself with a series of upsets during a spectacular FA Cup run.Now he has to make sure he keeps his pet crocodile very happy indeed by keeping the radio tuned in to Classic FM.Chris Weller was part-time manager of Gravesend & Northfleet in the 1990sCredit: PANow he owns a pet crocodile at his Kent home called CaesarCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller is unable to go out for long and leave the croc unattendedCredit: Caters News AgencyThe owner plays card games, watches TV and listens to the radio with his unlikely ‘closest companion’Credit: Caters News AgencyWeller, a former prison officer for 40 years at HMP Rochester, was part-time Gravesend & Northfleet manager during the 1990s.And in 1995-96, he took then-Southern League Premier Division outfit all the way to the third round of the FA Cup.Gravesend & Northfleet – who became Ebbsfleet United in 2007 – played a staggering TEN matches in the competition in that memorable season, culminating with a trip to Premier League Aston Villa.The non-league Kent club came through the first, second and third rounds of qualifying before needing not one but two replays to get past Marlow and book their spot in the first round proper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere, they beat Colchester United before needing a replay to get past Cinderford Town to then draw Villa.Initially, the Fleet were given a home tie but conceded the advantage to play the match at Villa Park – and reap the financial rewards instead.Gravesend & Northfleet put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost 3-0 to a side that included Gareth Southgate, Dwight Yorke and Andy Townsend as Brian Little’s men reached the semi-finals. But for Little’s opposite number Weller, he took a very different path.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause he decided to spend more than £20,000 converting his Strood bungalow into a home for exotic pets – none more so than his 6ft spectacled caiman croc called Caesar.Weller, now in his late 70s, bought the South American native when he was just 1ft long in 2007 from a specialist shop in Kent after obtaining a council licence to keep dangerous animals.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersGravesend & Northfleet’s 1994-95 FA Cup run1st qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 7-0 Godalming & Guilford2nd qualifying round: Molesey 0-6 Gravesend & Northfleet3rd qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 2-1 Carshalton Athletic4th qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 1-1 Marlow 4th qualifying round replay 1: Marlow 3-3 Gravesend & Northfleet4th qualifying round replay 2: Gravesend & Northfleet 4-0 Marlow1st round proper: Gravesend & Northfleet 2-0 Colchester United2nd round proper: Cinderford Town 1-1 Gravesend & Northfleet2nd round proper replay: Gravesend & Northfleet 3-0 Cinderford Town 3rd round proper: Aston Villa 3-0 Gravesend & NorthfleetHis conservatory is an 8ftx8ft pool while the dining room provides “land area” for Caesar and a stable door allows the reptile to make his way around the house, which has a secure three-lock system to ensure the crocodile won’t escape outside.While retired Weller does not have any human housemates, it is a very full house with three parrots, a cockatiel, a cockatoo, five ponds of fish and several terrapins – plus a monitor lizard who occupies the bedroom.That leaves the former prison worker to sleep in the relative safety of the tiny converted loft – while he cannot leave the house and the animals unattended except for essentials.But Weller would not have it any other way.The ex-football manager told The Times in 2016: “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea… it takes a lot of expertise.”I’ve raised him since he was a baby… as he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radioChris Weller on his pet croc Caesar“Caesar is really clever. If he wants to watch TV, he lays his head on a cushion in one spot. If he wants to listen to the radio [Caesar’s favourite station is Classic FM], he lays his head on another spot.“He’s relaxed. He never gets upset about anything. He’s nice company. He responds to his name and will come up to you with his mouth open like a dog. Sometimes you get a grunt.“Sometimes we pass each other in the hallway, he’s walking in one direction, I’m walking in the other. As long as you respect him, he respects you. We’re used to each other’s ways.“Sometimes he bellows, it’s like a roar underwater. I think he’s trying to attract a lady, but I have to tell him there are no ladies around here for him. We have quite a good laugh.”The pair hang out together, Caesar letting his owner stroke his head while they watch TV or play card games. But it took some time for the trusting bond to develop. Weller worked as a prison officer for 40 yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCaesar has access to various parts of the house including the pool in the conservatoryCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller needed a special licence to buy the 6ft spectacled caiman crocCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller added to the Daily Mail: “When I first got him he was very difficult to look after and care for as he would often bite me – and it’s as painful as it sounds.“But now he’s very relaxed and placid. I don’t think there’s any chance of him escaping – he’s not even allowed outside.“He’s my closest companion and most of my day revolves around feeding, cleaning and entertaining him. Most people are terrified when they find out I live with a crocodile.“But I’ve raised him since he was a baby. Now he’s completely docile. As he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radio.”Weller openly admitted he “never wanted a cat or a dog” but instead wanted something far more exciting.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he was confident he had what it took to look after Caesar thanks to his long career in prisons. Weller concluded: “I spent four decades keeping dangerous animals behind locks and gates so it’s no different here.”A triple-lock system means Caesar is unable to escapeCredit: BBCWeller has a monitor lizard at his bungalowCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe former manager admitted he didn’t want a cat or a dogCredit: BBCThe dining room is Caesar’s ‘land area’Credit: BBCGravesend & Northfleet played ten matches in their 1994-95 FA Cup runCredit: PAAston Villa ran out 3-0 winners at Villa ParkCredit: PA More