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      Former Liverpool star, 35, you may not know was still playing announces retirement hours before final match

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      FORMER Premier League star Joe Allen has announced his retirement from football.The 35-year-old midfielder will hang up his boots after Swansea’s final game of the season against Oxford tomorrow.Joe Allen has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyThe Welshman spent four seasons at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press AssociationOn his decision to call it a day, Allen said: “This is incredibly difficult. This is not something I’ve taken lightly, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering it. “The timing’s right. I made the decision, got to 100 per cent about a month ago. “I wasn’t sure how the last few weeks would go, how I’d find things, but it’s actually been a good spell really. I’ve enjoyed it.”I’ve had a chance to reflect and take it all in. I’m really looking forward to what’s going to be my last game on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m very proud. I didn’t think I’d be sat here playing as many games as I have for clubs I have done at that level and for Wales as well.”I’ve been incredibly fortunate and as I’ve reflected over the last few weeks I’m very grateful and thankful to everyone who has has helped me on my way to have these amazing experiences.”Allen, who came through the academy at Swansea, has featured in 24 Championship games for them this season.In total, he will finish having played 221 games for the club.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAllen left Swansea for Liverpool in 2012 for £15million as he followed manager Brendan Rodgers to Anfield.He featured 132 times for the Reds across four seasons before leaving for Stoke in 2016.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarThe 77-time capped international was also a key member of the Wales squad that made the semi-final of Euro 2016.Allen made the team of the tournament and he is a former winner of the Welsh player of the year award.His decision to quit football is a major blow for Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who convinced him out of international retirement just last year after he initially said his time with the Dragons was after the 2022 World Cup.Yet it is one midfield maestro for another at Swansea as Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has purchased a minority stake in the club.Joe Allen says he is 100 per cent sure he has made the right decisionCredit: @SwansOfficial More

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      Premier League cult hero, 35, scores last gasp winner in wild seventh tier play-off clash with FOUR stoppage time goals

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Charlie Austin scored a last gasp winner to send his seventh tier side into a promotion play-off final.AFC Totton beat Dorchester Town 4-3 in the semi-final of the Southern League Premier play-offs – but only after some incredible theatrics.Premier League cult hero Charlie Austin booked his non-league side a place in a seventh tier play-off finalCredit: Ben Sayers / Sayers Sports PhotographyAustin scored a last-second winner for AFC TottonOne of the most insane non-league football matches of all time saw FOUR goals scored in stoppage time.Austin’s side were trailing 2-0 in the final minute of normal time and were set to end their season there and then at home.But it was somehow 3-3 by the time the referee’s full-time whistle was blown in the 12th minute of injury time.Former Luton Town striker Scott Rendell, 38, scored from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTotton’s Tony Lee hit goals in the seventh and 10th minute of added time to lead 3-2.But Dorchester’s Jack Dickson levelled the scores straight away to ensure extra-time.But with penalties looming, former Premier League star Austin stepped up to poke home from close range in the 119th minute.One fan wrote on X: “This was the best end to a game I’ve ever seen live!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAustin was still playing professional football last season for Swindon Town before joining the seventh tier Southampton side in July 2024.The 35-year-old is now at the 15th club of his career, having started in non-league before rising to the glittering heights of the Prem.Charlie Austin goes on furious rant about officials after Southampton’s draw with Watford Austin made 111 top-flight appearances across spells at Queens Park Rangers and Southampton.After scoring 18 goals in his debut Prem campaign with QPR, Austin was called up to the England national team by Roy Hodgson in 2015.He teamed up with former Southampton striker at AFC Totton – James Beattie, who is the club’s Director of Football.It is the second straight season that AFC Totton have reached the final, after they were beaten by Salisbury in May 2024.They will take on Gloucester City, who eliminated Walton & Hersham via penalties after a 2-2 draw in their semi final, on Wednesday. More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham break all-time EFL points record in just second season in charge of League One champions

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have smashed the record for the most points scored in a single EFL campaign.The club’s 2-0 win over Blackpool on Wednesday evening took their overall points total up to 108 – two more than the record previously set by Reading (106) in the 2005-06 Championship season.Birmingham have broken the EFL points recordCredit: PAIt is a successful end to Tom Brady’s second season as co-owner of the clubCredit: ReutersEthan Laird broke the deadlock in the 39th minute before striker Alfie May secured the win at the start of the second half.Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, still have one more game left to play – against Cambridge United.The Blues were promoted back to the Championship earlier this month and clinched the League One title just days later.They have lost just three games all season and now remain 19 points clear of second-placed Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter lifting the trophy on home soil at St Andrew’s last week, manager Chris Davies said: “It’s an incredible achievement.”I really have to reiterate that. I don’t want people to start taking this for granted and thinking that we just won another game.”We just got the most points any team in the history of English football have got in this league.”It’s an incredible achievement of how consistent the players have been, with all the ups and downs you have through a season, and injuries and everything else.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They’ve done exceptionally well, so it’s an achievement that will be hard to match, 105 points in a season and I’m very, very proud of everyone.”We’re unbeaten in the league at home, so I wanted to finish strong today.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”We scored some good goals, it was a dominant performance – a really good way to finish.”Birmingham now have the chance to hit a record-extending 111 points if they beat already-relegated Cambridge on Saturday. More

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      Luton Town star sees five-match ban overturned in unusual circumstances as red card ‘does him a favour’

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      LUTON TOWN midfielder Liam Walsh avoided a five-match ban after a straight red card seemingly HELPED him avoid a stint on the sidelines.Walsh, 27, was shown a straight red for violent conduct during Luton’s 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend.Luton Town’s Liam Walsh has escaped a five-match banCredit: PAWalsh was shown a straight red card during Luton Town’s 1-0 win over Coventry CityCredit: SkySportsWalsh (wearing no.20) was shown red for a shove on Luis BinksCredit: SkySportsHaving already been booked earlier in the game, Walsh shoved Coventry defender Luis Binks in the 68th minute of the Championship clash.Referee Oliver Langford appeared to deem the push to be an act of violence and instead of showing Walsh a second yellow, he opted to show a straight red.That decision meant that Luton were able to appeal the red – something that wouldn’t have been an option for two yellow cards.The Hatters’ appeal was successful, over-turning what would have been a five-match ban for Walsh following his two previous red cards earlier in the campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad referee Langford issued Walsh a second yellow card then he would have been sent off without the ability to appeal the decision and would have subsequently received a one-match ban. Now the former Everton academy graduate will face now suspension and is available to play in Luton’s final game of the season as they scrap to stay afloat in the Championship.Luton, who were only relegated from the Premier League last season, sit just one point above the drop in the Championship and know that win over West Brom will keep them up on Saturday. Other fans have been left incensed by Walsh’s availability for the West Brom game, claiming that the midfielder has got away without a ban because of a technicality over the straight red card.Most read in FootballLuton Town StatementHere’s what Luton Town had to say about their appeal…”We are delighted to confirm that the Club’s appeal against midfielder Liam Walsh’s straight red card during last Saturday’s win over Coventry City has been upheld.”A Football Association appeal hearing was held yesterday afternoon to rule on referee Oli Langford’s decision to dismiss the 27-year-old after Sky Blues defender Luis Binks went to ground in the 68th minute of the Town’s 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.”The FA statement says: ‘Luton Town’s Liam Walsh will be available for their next five matches after a claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld by an independent Regulatory Commission. The midfielder was sent off for violent conduct on Saturday, 26 April, during their EFL Championship match against Coventry City.'”We look forward to seeing Walshy back in action at West Brom on Saturday!”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn social media, one fan wrote: “So a player that should’ve been sent off for a second yellow has his ban overturned and yet [Isaiah] Jones who got booked (and should have been sent off) won’t get a retrospective ban?”While another added: “Very lucky man, should’ve been a second yellow, rather than a straight red. We live INSIDE Luton Town’s famous entrance – footballs smash our windows but there are some surprising perks”So sending off was right, and now because of the poor decision by the ref, he now gets to play and not face the 1 game suspension he should have regardless.”A third posted: “Irony is the incompetent ref has done Walsh a favour by incorrectly giving him a red rather than correctly a (non overturnable) second yellow”.And a fourth even labelled the PGMOL and the FA as “Incompetent fools”. More

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      Ex-Premier League team announce construction of stunning 25,000-seat stadium despite facing relegation to third tier

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      LUTON TOWN have announced the construction of a stunning new 25,000-seater stadium despite facing back-to-back relegations.The Hatters are just one point above the Championship drop zone, one year after being axed from the Premier League.Luton Town have announced plans to build a new stadiumCredit: Luton Town FCThe arena will hold a whopping 25,000 fansCredit: Luton Town FCLuton hope to move in for the start of the 2028/29 campaignCredit: Luton Town FCThe Hatters currently play at Kenilworth Road, which holds 12,000 supportersCredit: GettyBut they have now revealed that they are set to build a brand new arena which will more than DOUBLE their capacity.Luton currently host 12,000 supporters at the popular Kenilworth Road, which has been their home since 1905.But following 2023’s unexpected rise to England’s top flight, chiefs are keen to build on growing support.And a new stadium based at Power Court will hold a whopping 25,000 fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement revealed that construction will begin this summer, regardless of whether or not Luton stay up.It’s hoped that the Hatters can start playing at the stadium for the start of the 2028/29 campaign.And the project itself – which is in conjunction with Limak, who redeveloped Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium – is expected to create around 1,000 jobs for the local area.CEO Gary Sweet said: “This is a transformative opportunity for the Club, helping us realise our ambitions to be a Premier League club again one day.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We are united with the supporters on the need for a new stadium to move our Luton Town forward and we are delighted to be moving into this exciting construction phase.“Importantly, this new stadium project roots us in our community, bringing jobs and investment as part of the wider regeneration of the area. Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clash“Partnering with a company of Limak’s international standing offers us a global perspective with local delivery. “We will collaborate closely with them to ensure the stadium reflects the spirit and needs of the community.“It has been a long road to this point, but we are so excited at the prospect of welcoming our supporters to Power Court in the near future and the ability to extend our support base and enhance our unique match-day experience.”Luton will work with the company behind the new Nou CampCredit: Reuters More

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      Leeds on track to win TWO trophies in same week ahead of final day of Championship season

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      LEEDS UNITED are on the brink of winning TWO club trophies this week ahead of the final day of the Championship season.Leeds’ under-21s got the first job ticked off with a 2-1 National League Cup final victory over Sutton United on Tuesday night.Leeds United’s under-21 side won the inaugural National League cup on TuesdayCredit: GettyLeeds and Burnley are in a battle to win the Championship on the final dayCredit: RexBut if Leeds slip-up, the Clarets will be looking to pounce with a home win against play-off chasing MillwillCredit: PAAnd now the first team need to follow that up by winning the Championship at Home Park on Saturday lunchtime. A win over already relegated side Plymouth Argyle will be enough to secure the title over second place Burnley.As it stands, Leeds and Burnley sit level on 97 points, but Daniel Farke’s side lead the way with a superior 13-point goal difference.But if Leeds slip-up, the Clarets will be looking to pounce with a home win against play-off chasing Millwill, as both can finish the campaign with 100 points. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Whites returned to the summit after hammering Bristol City 4-0 at their final game at Elland Road this season. Scott Parker’s side had temporarily moved ahead with a 5-0 thrashing of QPR on Saturday lunchtime.With both sides already promoted to the Premier League, all that is left to decide is the destination of the league title on the final day.But the under-21 side led by example when they became the inaugural National League Cup winners, which pits Premier League and EFL youth team players against National League clubs.Most read in FootballHarry Gray doubled Leeds’ under-21s lead to win the National League Cup finalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHarry Gray – who is the younger brother of Tottenham’s Archie Gray – put his side in firm control after Diogo Monteiro’s opener.Harry has enjoyed a brilliant week after celebrating promotion with the first team, following his senior debut in Leeds’ 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City on Easter Monday,’Looks class’ – Three-time English champs release incredible video as they prepare to build one of UK’s biggest stadiumsLeeds were mathematically promoted hours later after Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley, who also went up on Easter Monday.Harry, 16, was an unused sub against Bristol City, and will be hoping he can get a second senior outing on the final day.He remarkably became the fifth family member to play for Leeds, after Archie, their dad, grandad and club legend great uncle Eddie.It was Eddie who broke down in tears when the teenager made his debut against Stoke a fortnight ago.After winning the National League Cup, Gray told LUTV: “I’m enjoying it.”It’s been a good week to be honest. I just want more, I want to keep scoring goals but hopefully in the first team next year, prove myself.”Read More on The SunThe £1m prize fund from the Premier League is meted out only to the National League clubs, who also keep all gate receipts.Leeds are set to host a bus parade to celebrate their promotion back to the top-flight – even if the club miss out on becoming champions. More

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      Wolves frontrunners to sign Jamie Vardy – but Leicester star could make emotional return to former club

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      WOLVES are front-runners to land Jamie Vardy — with the veteran striker determined to keep playing in the Prem.The 38-year-old star’s announcement that he will leave relegated Leicester this summer has sparked a flurry of interest.Vitor Pereira’s Wolves are the frontrunners to sign Jamie VardyCredit: RexVardy has announced he is leaving Leicester when his contract expiresCredit: RexBut Vardy could instead return to former club Sheffield WednesdayCredit: RexWrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could offer him at least £50,000 a week in the Championship.And Vardy’s boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday would love to welcome him back after releasing him at the age of 16.But he is adamant he can still cut it in the top flight.West Ham and newly-promoted Leeds are also keen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWolves boss Vitor Pereira is favourite to land him as he prepares for the exit of £62.5million star Matheus Cunha, most likely to Manchester United.Vardy has 143 Prem goals for the Foxes and rattled in 24 during their sensational title-winning triumph of 2015-16.SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp believes Vardy should make the “no-brainer” switch to Wrexham.Ex-England star Vardy announced his decision to leave Leicester following the club’s relegation to the Championship in a season he called a “s***show”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn a heartfelt statement, he said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.”I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go. If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.” More

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      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes put on gardening leave days before final match of season with rivals ready to swoop for him

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      QPR BOSS Marti Cifuentes has been put on gardening leave just days before the final match of the season as rivals prepare to swoop.The Spanish coach, 42, has led QPR to 15th in the Championship table ahead of Saturday’s clash at Sunderland.QPR have put manager Marti Cifuentes on gardening leaveCredit: RexBut Cifuentes will not take charge of the game after the Hoops put him on gardening leave.SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Cifuentes could quit the club this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with chief executive Christian Nourry.He has since been strongly linked with West Brom following Tony Mowbray’s sacking.And QPR have now confirmed that Cifuentes will not take charge against Sunderland, with assistants Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm filling in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Marti Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave. “Assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis and prepare the squad for our final fixture of the 2024/25 campaign against Sunderland.”CEO Nourry said: “This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned.“I fully understand and appreciate supporters’ frustrations at this time.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future.”As revealed by SunSport, Cifuentes is a highly popular figure among QPR fans after saving them from relegation last season.Shelbourne ace Greg Costello recalls feeling homesick after daunting move to QPR as a teen But he has grown frustrated with the huge number of injuries his squad encountered this season, which ended their flickering play-off hopes and will result in a lower-mid-table finish.Cifuentes is also unhappy at the club’s decision to allow director of performance Ben Williams to oversee the club’s sports science, medical, physio and nutrition departments remotely from Dubai.And after this month’s 2-1 home defeat by Swansea, he wanted assurances the club want to progress to the next level having dropped out of the Premier League ten years ago.The Spaniard said: “The supporters since I first came here have been amazing.“But I would like to give them something else and not just celebrate another season in the Championship.” More