Championship

Subterms

    Latest story

    213 Shares17 Views

    EFL icon recalls his wildest stories, including spiked team-mate turning into Spider-Man and hothead boss’ topless rant

    by

    EFL legend Darren Pratley has revealed his team-mate once turned into Spider-Man after being spiked on a night out.Pratley helped Swansea up the divisions earlier in his career and played one season in the Premier League for Bolton.Darren Pratley shared a deep dive on his career in ‘What the EFL?’Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-team-mate Rory Fallon acted like Spider-Man after being spikedCredit: GettyBut it is Swansea where he has some of his fondest memories – including his funniest training ground story.He shared some tall tales from his career with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From topless manager rants to a moment that still haunts him, Pratley shared all on his 21-year career.WILDEST TRAINING GROUND TALERory Fallon, and we always used to go on a jog. He’d been out the night before, came to training late, he’d been spiked, so he was Spider-Man the night before, apparently jumping around and doing crazy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL PLAYERAdel Taarabt played against him. I played in that game that they keep showing on the EFL where he nutmegs Joe Allen and cuts inside and scores.BEST EFL FANSI’d have to go Swansea, wouldn’t I? Swansea, Swansea, Jacks. Yeah, apart from Leyton Orient, I’d have to go Swansea.DODGIEST EFL FACILITIESAgain, probably be Swansea. We used to train at the David Lloyd gym, so we would be showering after training with the public.If you didn’t have a good result, they would be asking you why when you’re naked in the showers.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL FANS WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEADI’d say Millwall. I’ve scored a few goals against them. Six-, seven-, eight-year-olds who give you a bit of stick when you warm up. It’s an intimidating place to go, so probably I’d say Millwall.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew MOMENT THAT STILL HAUNTS YOUWe played Blackpool in the last game of the season. I think we just had to get a win. So they turned up, Phillips, Ince and all them, and it was 3-0 down after, I think, 15 minutes, and then we ended up missing out on goal difference, I think, on the play-offs.MADDEST DRESSING ROOM TALEIn my first loan at Brentford, at half-time, Martin Allen sits in the centre of the room on a chair with his top off, screaming, shouting at everyone. Didn’t know what was going on.MADDEST TRANSFER STORYAt Charlton, David Cotterill, he was texting me the night before saying that Charlton had offered him a contract, a couple of years and all that, and good money and that, and I was quite shocked, to be fair. And then he turned up the next day at the gates, thinking that he was coming in to sign a contract. Lee Bowyer had come to the gates and was like, show me the emails you’ve been getting, I have a messenger. It wasn’t the manager who he’d been speaking to, someone had pretended to be the manager on an email. He had to go home.WILDEST OWNER ANTICSAt Bolton, Lee Anderson, so he used to come in, we’d be in the changing room, the boys would have discussions whether they were going on a strike, whether they were going to train today.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wasn’t paying wages for the players. We were in a good time at that time, when he wasn’t paying the players, so I just have to say, Lee Anderson.WILDEST NIGHT OUT”I’ve had a few. Got to say Marbella. We got promoted here, at Leyton Orient. We went to Marbella as a team and staff and had a good time.” More

    More stories

    • 163 Shares12 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL star banned for EIGHT MATCHES for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew

      by

      PRESTON striker Milutin Osmajic has been banned for EIGHT MATCHES for biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck. The incident took place during the 0-0 draw at the end of September. Milutin Osmajic seen biting Owen BeckCredit: GettyOsmajic has now been banned for eight games and fined £15,000Credit: RexBeck was the one initially shown redCredit: PAFootage live on Sky Sports showed Osmajic charing into Beck – nephew to Liverpool legend Ian Rush – before biting him in the back. Beck was shown red for initially kicking out at American midfielder Duane Holmes – sparking Osmajic’s raging reaction. And despite Beck pointing towards the bite mark and the subsequent replays, Osmajic was only shown yellow. The Montenegrin forward escaped an initial ban and played Preston’s next two games – scoring in his most recent match against Watford. READ MORE ON footballBut the FA did launch an investigation into the bite and he was subsequently charged. Now, the FA have confirmed his eight-man suspension and £15,000 fine. A statement from Preston read: “Preston North End acknowledge the decision of an independent Regulatory Commission to give Milutin Osmajić an eight-match suspension and fine the striker £15,000.”The Montenegro international has been sanctioned after admitting he had committed an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute of the recent Sky Bet Championship match against Blackburn Rovers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The suspension means Milutin will be unavailable for selection until Saturday 23rd November for the home clash with Derby County.”PNE will be making no further comment until the independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons have been published.”Preston signed Osmajic from Spanish side Cadiz and he has scored 13 goals in his 47 appearances across two seasons. He has also been capped 23 times by Montenegro with two international goals to his name. Transfer fees could be scrapped in biggest change to football in 30 years after landmark court case brought against Fifa More

    • 250 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      Abandoned ‘ghost stadium’ of EFL club gets new lease of life with fans given once-in-a-lifetime chance to play on pitch

      by

      SUPPORTERS longing for yesteryear can step back into the past on Friday as a “Ghost ground” re-opens its doors.Millmoor was the home of League One Rotherham United for 83 years until 2008.Rotherham United played their football at Milmoor for 83 yearsCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut they abandoned the ground in 2008 to move to a new stadiumCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut the ‘Ghost Ground’ is set to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSON THE SUNFollowing a row over rent, the Millers moved out as their famous old ground was left desolate and decrepit.Rotherham now play in the 12,000-seater New York Stadium, which opened in 2012, and is situated just yards away.However, it is impossible to miss their former home on any visit to Rotherham and now you can take a look inside it from 2pm.After years of being known as the “Ghost ground”, long-standing landlords, the Booth family, have overseen the refurbishment to restore it to its former glory and bring it back to life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now the doors will be opened for visitors to see the old stands, take a walk on the pitch – which is now being put into use for hire by local teams – and reminisce about the glory days.A host of the club’s heroes will also be in attendance to add to the nostalgic event.It is in conjunction with Millers legend John Breckin, 71, as part of his dementia awareness work.A spokesman said: “This is a chance for older Millers supporters to re-visit a place where they spent so many happy times and for the younger generation who have no doubt heard all about Millmoor, to get a better idea of what it is actually like.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMilmoor is to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSONThe ground is is now being put into use by being hired by local teamsCredit: MARK ROBINSON”Hopefully, there will be a good turnout.”Millmoor was first used in the 1890s when it was used by the Rotherham Church Institute in the Sheffield Association League, before then being used by Rotherham County before United. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepairIt was home to seven promotion campaigns, eight relegations and also staged the first League Cup final in 1961 when Rotherham beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the first leg. More

    • 213 Shares30 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham’s stunned reaction after brother Jobe scores Sunderland screamer as fans say ‘what are these genetics’

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM was stunned by his brother’s wondergoal for Sunderland.And fans asked “what are these genetics” as the siblings’ success continues to soar.Jobe Bellingham scored a belter for Sunderland against DerbyCredit: GettyThe strike got the seal of approval from brother JudeCredit: RexJobe Bellingham, 19, scored a screamer to break the deadlock in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Derby on Tuesday night. He let fly and rifled into the top corner from 25 yards out five minutes before the break.Wilson Isidor got the second on 55 minutes and the win sent the Black Cats to the top of the Championship table.But it was the younger Bellingham brother’s first goal of the season that grabbed the attention – including from his Real Madrid sibling.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJude retweeted a video of the goal and captioned it with three emojis blowing a puff of air – showing his approval.He then followed that up by sharing a picture of his brother celebrating the goal and adding: “Boy is different,” followed by a rocket emoji.Fans also took to social media to heap praise on the Sunderland star’s heroics.One said: “Jobe Bellingham with an absolute SCREAMER. What are these genetics?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother wrote: “Like his big bro, that.”A third added: “He’s going to be better than his brother.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchAnd a final user replied: “@England Might as well put him in the side now lads because he’s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”Jobe, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham in 2023, is an England Under-20 international.Bellingham said: “I’ve got to be a bit more mature and disciplined and I had to slot in as a No6 against Portsmouth. That was a good lesson for me and I really enjoyed it.“I enjoy getting up and down the pitch, which I’ve still got the licence to do, but off the ball I can make tackles but I’ve got to be a bit more deep, which I don’t mind. I’m really enjoying it.”He continued: “My all-round game has definitely improved from last year and the one part that was missing, which was one of my best parts from last year, was arriving in the box.“That’s something that I want to keep doing, I don’t want that to leave my game because that’s how you impact the outcome of the game and you help your team.“So, I wanna keep on scoring goals but it’s not the be all and end all as long as we are winning games but I’m really glad that I can help the team in other departments.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJude will be hoping to replicate his brother’s antics when holders Real Madrid take on Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The £115million man is yet to find the net in his six appearances so far this term. Brother Jude shared the goal on social mediaCredit: XHe was full of praise for his younger brotherCredit: InstagramThe Sunderland teenager’s shot flew into the top cornerCredit: Sky SportsHe opened his account for the seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares30 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL duo risk wrath of their manager for breaking club rule after playing bizarre on-field game

      by

      COVENTRY duo Milan van Ewijk and Brandon Thomas-Asante risked enraging boss Mark Robins with a bizarre on-field game last night.The Sky Blues took on Blackburn at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with the visitors going into the night unbeaten this term.Milan van Ewijk was in action for Coventry against Blackburn last nightCredit: PABrandon Thomas-Asante was also in action in the Championship clashCredit: PARobins’ men have struggled so far this season, only winning one of their opening seven Championship games.But they produced a much-improved performance last night against John Eustace’s Rovers.With their side 2-0 up courtesy of goals by Jake Bidwell and Haji Wright, however, Van Ewijk and Thomas-Asante may have produced one small blot on Robins’ copybook.After Coventry earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, both men fancied a crack at goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn order to decide who took it, the pair played rock, paper scissors.Van Ewijk, 24, came out on top – but could only strike his subsequent effort straight at goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.The Dutchman appeared to see the funny side, smiling after botching his attempt.But his manager may view things differently.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Robins’ side were in great form to beat BlackburnCredit: PABack in February, Robins threatened to kill Wright and Callum O’Hare after the duo used the same game to determine who took a penalty during a clash at Millwall.Even after Wright tucked the spot kick away, his boss said at the time: “Rock paper scissors? I’m going to kill them.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking'”For me, it’s about who’s confident to take the penalty. Now, Callum’s confident, Haji was a regular penalty taker in Turkey, so I’ve got no problem and then if I get involved with that then it obviously puts doubt in somebody’s head.”So, let them sort it out and if they miss it then they’re in trouble, aren’t they, but thankfully they’ve got the wherewithal and the calm heads to deal with that situation.”The good thing is they both want to score, they both want to take the penalty, they both want to get on the scoresheet.”Just four minutes after Van Ewijk wasted last night’s free-kick, Thomas-Asante scored to make the three points safe.Following his side’s 3-0 win, Robins said: “We were looking for a performance – and it was a big performance.”We played really well, but I think we’ve played well in a number of games this season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I knew they were going to give a really good performance and that’s exactly what we got.”Coventry’s win saw them climb to 16th in the table after eight matches, while Blackburn missed the chance to go top.Coventry beat previously unbeaten Blackburn 3-0Credit: Rex More

    • 250 Shares35 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton star sent off SECONDS after coming on in moment of madness as fans fume ‘get out of my club’

      by

      LUTON fans were left furious after substitute Liam Walsh was sent off just seconds after coming on against Oxford.Walsh, 27, arrived on a free transfer in August having left Swansea at the end of last season.Liam Walsh enters the pitch in the 77th minute against OxfordCredit: X/ itvfootballLiam Walsh flies into a horror tackle 36 seconds after coming onCredit: X/ itvfootballLiam Walsh’s challenge left Siriki Dembele down in a heapCredit: RexWalsh was shown a straight red card by referee James BellCredit: RexLast night he replaced former Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba in the 76th minute, after Luton had surrendered a 2-0 lead at Kenilworth Road.Moments later things went from bad to worse for Rob Edwards’ side.Just seconds after being introduced, Walsh lunged in on Oxford substitute Siriki Dembele.Referee James Bell was given no option but to produce a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match went on to finish 2-2, leaving Luton 18th with just two wins from eight games.After the contest, Edwards told the BBC of Walsh’s red: “It’s probably some frustration at not starting or whatever it is.”The rush of blood can happen. No complaints. We probably looked better when we had 10 men, which is credit to the players.”Jordan Clark had given Luton the lead on 10 minutes after an Oxford defender had been pick-pocketed on the edge of his own penalty area.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTom Krauss then doubled the Hatters’ lead on 37 minutes with a smart finish.Oxford ace Tyler Goodrham gave his side a lifeline on the stroke of half-time with a magnificent curling finish.Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’And Ruben Rodrigues then prodded the visitors level nine minutes after the break.The Hatters had gone into the match having been beaten 3-1 by Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on Friday night.And fans were left further disgruntled by Walsh’s brief cameo.One harshly fumed: “@LutonTown get Liam Walsh out of my club.”While a second called it the: “World’s worst cameo.”A third joked: “Solid cameo for Liam Walsh tonight for Luton…”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd another blasted: “Liam Walsh should be deducted a week’s wages. Disgraceful.”Luton return to action against unbeaten Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday, with Walsh set to miss out through suspension.The midfielder trudged off the pitch just seconds after coming onCredit: GettyRob Edwards’ side surrendered a 2-0 lead at homeCredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Jobe Bellingham score 25-yard screamer for Sunderland that Real Madrid star brother Jude would be proud of

      by

      JOBE BELLINGHAM bagged a stunning 25-yard strike for Sunderland in their 2-0 win over Derby.The midfielder, 19, is known by many as the younger brother of Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham.Jobe Bellingham let fly from 25 yards out to score a stunning goalCredit: Sky SportsThe screamer set Sunderland on their way to a comfortable win over DerbyCredit: Sky SportsBellingham has made an impressive start to the season in the ChampionshipCredit: PABut he began making a name for himself at Birmingham and is now enjoying a superb start to his second season with Sunderland.He has not missed a single minute of The Black Cats’ league campaign so far.And on Tuesday night Bellingham produced his moment of the season so far with a breathtaking goal.The England U20 star picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and fizzed a sumptuous effort beyond the despairing dive of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to Bellingham’s first goal of the season, one fan said: “It is a beauty.”While another added: “🔥 What a stunning goal from Jobe Bellingham! Excited to see more from him this season! 🌟”A third replied: “England might as well put him in the side now because he’s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”And a fourth simply responded: “Unreal.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJobe’s brilliant goal comes as brother Jude prepares to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night.He missed one month of action due to a calf injury but has played their last three LaLiga games – including Sunday’s derby draw away at Atletico Madrid.Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchThe match was halted in the second half due to objects being thrown at Real keeper Thibaut Courtois by Atletico fans. More

    • 188 Shares38 Views

      in Soccer

      Wonderkid once labelled ‘the next Lionel Messi’ completes permanent move despite being outside transfer window

      by

      FORMER Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join Queens Park Rangers in a permanent deal.The 21-year-old signed for QPR on loan from Ligue 1 side Brest in August and has since made eight first team appearances.Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join QPR on a permanent basisCredit: RexThe winger joined QPR on a season-long loan from Brest in AugustCredit: RexDembele was considered the next Lionel Messi during his time at CelticCredit: The SunDembele has already established himself as a fan favourite, also earning praise from boss Marti Cifuentes.And he will now be awarded with a new deal at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.The winger’s loan has been turned into a permanent move that will come into effect from next summer.Dembele has admitted he is “really happy” with the move and “confident” about the future.Read More in FootballHe told the official QPR website: “I’ve always wanted stability in my career, and this gives me that.”I’m really happy to be here permanently and I’ve also enjoyed playing at Loftus Road – the atmosphere is incredible when there’s a big game.”I’m pleased with the impact I’ve been able to make so far. My goal is to help the team as much as I can – I always want more but I’m pleased with the start I’ve made.”I’m confident there is more to come, from both me and the team. We’ve got a good group and I think we’ve got lots of potential to do well this season.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is already a growing camaraderie between the new players and the players who were already here. As time goes on and with the more games we play, that will grow even stronger.”We want to finish as high as we can this season and be the best we can be.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDembele gained widespread attention in 2016 after making his debut for Celtic Under-20s aged just 13.He signed his first professional contract two years later and went on to make 10 first team appearances.During his time at Celtic, he was considered the “next Lionel Messi” by fans and one of his former coaches.David Feeney said: “I think he is very similar to Lionel Messi. If he has the right guidance, then the sky is the limit for him.”When his Celtic deal ran down in July 2022, Dembele joined Brest in a free transfer.He was loaned out to Blackpool the following summer, where he scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 47 League One appearances. More

    • 200 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

      by

      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More