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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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      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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      Rob Edwards AXED by Luton with Hatters staring back-to-back relegations in the face amid dismal run of form

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      LUTON TOWN have axed manager Rob Edwards amid the threat of back-to-back relegations.Edwards, 42, led the Hatters to the Premier League during his first season in charge.Rob Edwards has been axed by Championship strugglers Luton TownCredit: GettyEdwards led Luton to the Premier League in 2023Credit: PAThey dropped back to the Championship this term despite a brave battle.But Luton have been unable to build on their recent success and are now at risk of ending up back in League One.Confirming the manager’s departure, a statement read: “Luton Town Football Club can confirm that Rob Edwards has left his role as manager by mutual agreement.”It continued: “We could have not wished for a better man to understand what it takes to be manager of Luton Town, one who acted as an ambassador for the club and community in the glare of the world’s media spotlight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We enjoyed the highs of Goodison Park and that maiden Premier League win, the demolition of Brighton under the Kenilworth Road lights and the part the Town played in the 4-4 classic at Newcastle after also taking a point, and so very nearly all three, off Liverpool as the battle against relegation went right to the final day.”The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as anticipated, and after holding amicable talks following Monday’s defeat at QPR, the board and Rob have agreed to part with immediate effect.”While the process to appoint a new manager is already underway, Paul Trollope and Richie Kyle, aided by Mick Harford, will take charge of the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest.”Edwards has won just seven of his 26 matches in the current campaign, leaving the Hatters 20th in the table and just two points above the drop zone.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLuton are now at risk of relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: PAMonday’s 2-1 defeat at QPR was their fourth loss on the bounce.And Luton have now parted ways with Edwards just 26 months after bringing him to Kenilworth Road.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton Speaking after Luton’s defeat to QPR this week, Edwards admitted he was feeling the pressure in the dugout.He said: “Every week on the road we seem to be getting hit and hit and hit.“Things have gone against us recently.“It just seems the footballing gods are against us.“But results are not good enough.“The players are giving everything but we are in a results business.”Reflecting on Edwards’ time at the club, Luton CEO Gary Sweet said: “As with all decisions to part company with a manager, this has been a tough decision to arrive at, together with Rob, who has conducted himself with great professionalism and dignity throughout his two years at the Club, and again this week as we have genuinely come to a mutual conclusion.”Rob has given us some of our greatest days to celebrate as Hatters. Those two barnstorming derby victories at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our season in the Premier League will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned himself a legendary status.”Results this season, especially away from home, have clearly not been acceptable and while we have supported Rob and his team in every possible way, we all felt that action was required to rectify this with 20 league matches still to play.”It is typical of Rob’s humility that he also recognised this himself and leaves not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff.”Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road. The door is always open. On behalf of the board, I would like to give him our heartfelt thanks for two years of tireless work and so many memories, wishing him every success for his future career.”On his departure, Edwards himself said: “It’s been a privilege to manage Luton Town Football Club, but now is the right time for me to move on, for the club and me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to thank Gary Sweet and the board for giving me the opportunity and for their support. To all the amazing staff in the offices, at the stadium and at the training ground, thank you, you’ve been incredible and I will miss you.”Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil, Russell Martin and ex-Hatters are among the bookies’ favourites for the job. More

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      Former Man Utd coach who was axed with Erik ten Hag lined up for return to football with Championship club

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      RENE HAKE is being linked with a surprise return to English football with West Brom. The former Man Utd coach has been out of work since leaving the Red Devils in November. Rene Hake has emerged as a contender for the vacant West Brom manager jobCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was most recently assistant to Erik ten Hag (left) at Man UtdCredit: ReutersHake was a part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford and joined the club last July. The 53-year-old left his job as Go Ahead Eagles boss to help out his fellow Dutchman. But he was left unemployed after Ten Hag got the boot following a dismal run of form, with Ruben Amorim taking over. Hake has never managed a team outside of the Netherlands.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has previously taken charge of Emmen, Utrecht, and FC Twente. Accordint to BBC Sport, Hake is now in the running to replace Carlos Corberan at the Hawthorns. Corberan left the Baggies before the festive period to take over at boyhood club Valencia.The 41-year-old Spaniard helped lead West Brom to a 9th placed finish last season and had them in playoff contention again. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlbion currently have Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill in temporary charge.The trio are expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Bournemouth. Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralWest Brom’s next Championship game is at home against Stoke on January 18. Baggies bosses are keen for the new manager to be in post by then as the club attempt to keep up their top-six push. Blackburn head coach John Eustace and Swiss manager Raphael Wicky have also been linked. Under Brunt, Abella, and Myhill, the Baggies have won just one of their last four games.Carlos Corberan left West Brom before Christmas to join ValenciaCredit: GettyBrunt said: “Whatever the football club decide to do, I’ll keep preparing as much as I can with Abella and the coaching staff, Boaz [Myhill], sports science, medical.”It’s been a real team effort and the lads deserve a couple of days off, especially at this time of year. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ll have those, recharge themselves, and we’ve got a really tough cup tie coming up so if we’re still here, we’ll prepare as best we can. “But first and foremost, I think the boys need a few days off to go and recharge, then we’ll regroup and see what happens.” More

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      Plymouth’s hunt to replace axed Wayne Rooney continues as former Premier League manager walks away from talks

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE’S search to replace Wayne Rooney continues after they were rejected by a former Premier League boss, according to reports.The Manchester United and England legend was axed on New Year’s Eve with the club bottom of the Championship.Wayne Rooney was axed by the club with them bottom of the tableCredit: PADavid Wagner was approached about the job but has turned it downCredit: GettyArgyle remain in the hunt for a new manager and they approached ex-Huddersfield and Norwich boss David Wagner about the vacancy earlier this week.But The Express report that he has walked away from talks as he is not interested in the job.Wagner got Huddersfield promoted to the Premier League and then kept them in the top-flight for one season before leaving the Terriers six years ago.After spells at Schalke and Young Boys, the German spent 18 months with Norwich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 53-year-old was dismissed after they crashed out in the play-offs to Leeds back in May.Until Argyle find a new manager, Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards will remain in temporary charge.Steven Schumacher is the favourite to take over at Home Park and complete a sensational return to the Pilgrims.The 40-year-old was surprisingly axed by Stoke back in September after quitting Argyle to move to the Potters just over a year ago.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSchumacher was a hugely popular figure in Devon after he got the club promoted to the Championship, winning the League One title in 2023.But he faces a tough job trying to keep them in the division should he take the job.’I was f***ing fuming with the wives,’ Gary Neville tells Coleen Rooney as he opens up on anger at 2006 World Cup fiascoArgyle are bottom of the table, remain three points from safety and are winless in their last 11 games.Rooney guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the league during his tenure.And they conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division at his time of departure.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Graham Potter to appoint former Championship manager to West Ham staff just 13 days after he was sacked from last job

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      GRAHAM POTTER will appoint a recently sacked Championship manager to be in his staff at West Ham.The former Chelsea boss is expected to be named as the new Hammers manager today.Graham Potter is expected to be named the West Ham managerCredit: AFPNarcis Pelach will arrive a coach despite being sacked by Stoke City in DecemberCredit: RexPotter, 49, arrives at the London Stadium as the successor to Julen Lopetegui.The Spaniard was sacked after just seven months in charge of the club.He only won six of his 20 Premier League games leaving the club in 14th place in the table.Lopetegui’s backroom staff have also left the club, with only goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero remaining.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPotter will therefore name Narcis Pelachone of his first-team coaches at the club.The Spaniard has previously coached at the likes of Huddersfield Town and Norwich City.The 36-year-old landed his first managerial job in England in September as he was appointed Stoke City boss.However, he was axed just 13 days ago, on December 27, after winning just three of his 19 matches in charge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also had time as a player and played for the likes of Spanish sides Cassa, Manlleu, Palamos and Figueres.Pelach’s playing career came to an early end as he retired at the age of just 27.Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager West Ham’s first game without Lopetegui in charge will come against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night at Villa Park.Potter will have to get to work quickly in order to steady the sinking West Ham ship.The club forked out £127.5million in the summer on stars such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman and Crysencio Summerville.But results on the pitch have gone backwards from the time under David Moyes.Potter will also have to find a way to get the team firing without talisman captain Jarrod Bowen.The England international is currently sidelined with a fractured foot and is not expected back until February at the earliest.Lopetegui v Potter: The statsGraham PotterCareer win rate: 38.6 %Games managed: 440 gamesPremier League win rate: 28.3 %Honours: Swedish Cup Winner (2016/17)Clubs managed: Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, ChelseaJulen LopeteguiCareer win rate: 54.9%Games managed: 419 gamesPremier League win rate: 34.4 per centHonours: Europa League (2019/20), U19 & U20 EurosClubs managed: Rayo Vallencano, Spain Youth, Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves, West Ham More

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      Wayne Rooney tipped for Man Utd job he would be ‘absolutely brilliant at’ after Plymouth exit

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      WAYNE Rooney has been told he would be “absolutely brilliant” in a coaching role at Manchester United.It comes just seven days after he left Championship side Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement after seven months in charge.Wayne Rooney has been told he would be ‘absolutely brilliant’ in a coaching role at his former club Man UtdRooney, 39, won just four of his 23 league games in charge of the Pilgrims and left with Plymouth sitting rock bottom of the Championship.Six defeats and three draws since November put the final nail in Rooney’s coffin as his latest management tenure fell apart quickly.But former Old Trafford team-mate Wes Brown has urged Rooney to return to Carrington.Ex-defender Brown believes Wazza would be “absolutely brilliant” helping those back in their old stomping ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBrown, 45, told The Sports Daily: “If Wayne wanted to spend time as a striking coach he would be absolutely brilliant at it.”He was one of the best goalscorers we’ve ever seen and was a top playmaker as well.”If he wanted to do that he would be very good on movement and things like that, he was one of the best to do it. “Could he help Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United? I think all young strikers would love to listen to Wayne and his knowledge.Most read in FootballFormer Old Trafford team-mate Wes Brown has urged Rooney to return to CarringtonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When I was a young player I remember getting a few tips from Laurent Blanc and the little things like that can really help. “If Wayne was on hand to give out some advice [at United] I’m sure everyone would be willing to listen.”Luke Littlers’ brilliant reaction to hearing he won £500k after thrashing Van Gerwen in PDC World Championship finalWes Brown and Rooney watched Man Utd win the FA Cup against Man City last MayGoals are hard to come for United, who languish down in 13th in the Prem as they endured their worst-ever start to a campaign.But the Red Devils showed promising signs on Sunday as they held Prem leaders and arch-rivals Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield.And new boss Ruben Amorim has already assembled his own coaching staff to help him solve the chaos in M16.Former United captain Rooney spent a similarly disastrous 84 day spell in charge of Birmingham City before his stint at Plymouth.At the start of his coaching career, Rooney managed Derby County as well as MLS side DC United.He entered the world of management after a sensational playing career that saw him lift five Premier League titles.Rooney also added the 2008 Champions League to his 16 major trophies. He is widely regarded one of the Prem’s greatest ever players.READ MORE SUN STORIESWazza is still United’s all-time record goalscorer and also held the record for England before Harry Kane surpassed his tally in 2023.He is unlikely to secure an immediate return to management and has already been offered the chance to return to TV screens in a punditry role.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More