Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares168 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisions and my dad is my boss

      by

      HARROGATE TOWN manager Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football.But he’s answerable to his chairman dad Irving – who owns the North Yorkshire club in League Two.Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisionsSimon Weaver and dad Irving have worked together at Harrogate Town since 2011Weaver Sr, 75, vowed to “put Harrogate further up the football pyramid” when he took over in 2011.Together with Simon, they are the father-and-son team that have lifted Harrogate from the National League North to League Two.But his son had already been manager for two years when dad stepped in, making it 15 years and 191 days in the Town dugout.The Sulphurites were drifting in the sixth tier of English football and surviving on crowds of around 200 just 11 years ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFast forward 13 years, and Harrogate are enjoying their fifth season in League Two.And all with one of the smallest budgets in the division – finishing comfortably in 13th last term.Harrogate, it seems, have not yet realised that after 91 years in non-league, it boasts a team among the elite.Simon has led the club through two promotions in 2017-18 and 2019-20 and the FA Trophy success in the latter too.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer PE teacher George Thomson, 32, has played a significant part in the Town’s rise from the non-league, making more than 300 appearances.Winger Thomson scored at Wembley in their National League play-off final victory over Notts County to help seal a spot in the Football League back in 2020.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And he exclusively revealed to SunSport how he is eyeing a third promotion to add to his fairytale rise from non-league hopeful to Harrogate icon.He said: “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m hoping that there are a few more years left for me.”There were a group of us who have been here long-term that said straight after that Wembley win that we want one more.”More than a decade ago, Harrogate were spared relegation from the National League North only because of financial irregularities elsewhere.Harrogate beat Notts County in the National League Play Off final in 2020George Thomson is eyeing an incredible third promotion with Harrogate TownSimon, 45, who used to play for Sheffield Wednesday, took over with the club in turmoil.The former defender told the BBC: “We lost 3-0 away to Corby Town. I had a playing budget of £1,600. “I had to count on a few friends and some played for free as a favour.”We didn’t have anywhere to train and when we did train, I got in trouble with the club because we were damaging the pitch.”We eventually got an hour a week in the gym and and a half on the AstroTurf, which caused injuries because it was rock hard.”Watford have made more than 20 managerial changes since Simon took the reigns after answering an advert placed in the Non-League Paper.Simon will be looking to deliver his dad a financial boost when Harrogate host non-league Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup on Friday.Harrogate beat Wrexham in the FA Cup first round earlier this monthCredit: RexThey knocked out League One side Wrexham in the first round.The cup tie will be his 766th game in charge of the club.Victory will secure them a place in the third round for only the second time in their 105-year history – and a potential money-spinning tie against a Prem club.Pep Guardiola, who took over at Manchester City in 2016, is the longest-serving current manager in the Premier League.The Spaniard has enjoyed eight years and five months at the Etihad, while Thomas Frank has spent six years and one month at Brentford. Simon added: “I’m proud of it. Sometimes I think ‘gosh, how has he been in and out in such a short space of time’ when I hear about a manger losing their job.”Multi-millionaire Irving made his money as a property magnate and is not afraid to make tough business decisions when needed.So, has he ever come close to sacking his son?Irving told the Beeb: “We’ve never had to go that far. Arguments are a waste of time. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a concern when we’re on a losing run. We’ve just been down to 20th in the table. “There’s a serious discussion about where the problems lie. But it’s a discussion – not an argument.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

    • 200 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOG

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD will probably split his time between London and digs in Coventry as the Championship club’s new manager.For most people, this is a minor issue, but for superstitious Lampard, it could have quite some bearing upon him in his new role.Frank Lampard has landed the manager role at Coventry CityCredit: PAHe has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Championship sideCredit: PAHe helped lay the foundations at Chelsea ahead of their Champions League conquest in 2021Credit: PAHe saved Everton from relegation in his last jobCredit: ReutersAs Chelsea boss way back in 2019, the club’s all-time greatest goalscorer and hugely decorated midfielder revealed just a few of the extraordinary habits he believes are vital to keep the positive results flowing.One of those is taking the exact same route while walking his dog around the same park.He explained that he would visit the same coffee shop first thing, then wait patiently for his beloved pooch to do her ‘business’.Then it would have to be following in his well-trodden footsteps for the same distance. In his mind it is pivotal to his team’s fortunes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is also the precise 50 minutes on an exercise bike – no more and no less – that forms part of his routine to protect a winning run.His great mate, co-coach and confident Jody Morris later Tweeted that these were just two minor examples of his friend’s OCD.Lampard is 46 and about to join his fourth different club as a manager.From cutting his teeth at Championship Derby, he seemed destined to manage his beloved Chelsea, although the experience turned sour quickly, as it tends to do at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLosing a play-off final, saving Everton from relegation, laying the groundwork for Chelsea’s second Champions League triumph in 2021 form part of his CV.There’s a great coach inside Lampard waiting to get out.Frank Lampard confirmed as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed He almost led Derby County back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorHis success at Coventry could depend on his pupCredit: GettyHe is often seen walking his dog with wife Christine BleakleyCredit: GettyHe has a superstitious theory about walking his dogCredit: https://www.instagram.com/franklampard/Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%All of his three previous clubs had their respective issues that went beyond the dugout.Whether it was Derby’s cash crisis, Everton’s ownership nightmare and Chelsea’s ruthless demand for glory that pushed sentiment to one side, some things are out of a manager’s control.The fear is that it might be the same for him at City. The brutal sacking of legendary boss Mark Robins gives Lampard big shoes to fill.On a bigger scale, Unai Emery and David Moyes found that out to their cost at Arsenal and Manchester United.Last season, Coventry were denied an FA Cup final by the cruelty of VAR and a ruthless offside decision.The comedown from that and the failure to reach the Championship Play-Offs has clearly played a part in Robins’ departure.Lampard was a Chelsea legend when he was given the manager’s job too soon in his career.Even then he admitted his popularity with the fans would last ‘two minutes’ if he didn’t deliver from the dugout.He finished fourth in the Premier League and took them to an FA Cup final against Arsenal in his first season.He was adored by the fans for promoting the academy players he had watched develop while studying for his coaching badges at his old club.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Chelsea were in crisis the season before last, he answered a call and went back as interim boss for 11 games – walking away lamenting the malaise that had set in in the dressing room.Coventry City is a big club in the doldrums. Lampard’s reputation as a player and his impressive worth ethic could quickly get them firing again but in reality it all depends on his dog.Lampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable More

    • 200 Shares187 Views

      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard CONFIRMED as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD has been announced as the new manager of Coventry City.The Championship outfit have announced that the former Chelsea, Everton and Derby County boss will take over at the club.Frank Lampard has been announced as the new Coventry City managerCredit: GettyLampard has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Sky Blues, who currently sit 17th in the Championship.A statement from the club read: “Coventry City are delighted to announce the appointment of Frank Lampard as the Club’s new Head Coach.”The 46-year-old has signed a two and a half year contract with the Sky Blues and will take charge of City for the first time this Saturday against Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.”Frank will be supported by two new coaches, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones, who he has worked with extensively previously.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Lampard has enjoyed an illustrious career in football, both on and off the pitch.”While Coventry owner and Executive Chairman Doug King said: “I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as Head Coach.”Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this League to be successful.“His experiences thereafter at Chelsea and Everton will ensure he brings to our talented squad clear understanding of exactly what is needed to succeed at the very top level that we as a Club are striving to reach.” Most read in FootballFrank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLampard is set to sit down in front of the press himself this afternoon.Lampard, 46, last held a job in management in June 2023, when he spent two months as Chelsea’s interim boss.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Taking charge of just 11 games, Lampard managed to guide the Blues to only one victory.The unsuccessful interim period came after Lampard had spent a season and a half in charge of his former club between 2019 and 2021, securing a top four Prem finish and making it to the FA Cup final.The former England international also managed Everton between 2022 and 2023 where he helped keep the Toffees afloat in the Premier League.While he began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County where he narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight before earning his first move to Chelsea.Lampard’s first game will come on Saturday as Coventry host Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.And fans have welcomed him to the club online, getting behind the Premier League hero already.One said: “Time to get behind him now. Super Frank’s Sky Blue Army.”A second wrote: “Always been better than Gerrard.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third commented: “Finally! Get in there.”And a fourth said: “Welcome Frank! Time to kick on, and write a new chapter.”Lampard started his managerial career as Derby County boss in the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationLampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable. More

    • 188 Shares104 Views

      in Soccer

      Portsmouth vs Millwall POSTPONED after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darkness

      by

      PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Millwall has been POSTPONED after a power cut at Fratton Park.The Championship game was due to kick off at 7.45pm on Wednesday evening.Fratton Park suffered a power cut before Portsmouth’s clash with MillwallCredit: RexThe game was postponed after one hour of darknessCredit: RexBut the lights went out minutes before play was due to get underway, which forced fans to sit in darkness for nearly an hour awaiting any developments.Eventually, Portsmouth announced to supporters that the game was being postponed.A statement released on X read: “Tonight’s match against Millwall has been postponed for safety reasons due circumstances beyond the club’s control.”We will update fans further in due course.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the second Portsmouth match in a row to be postponed after their clash with Blackburn was called off on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.Non-league side Gosport Borough, who are neighbours with Portsmouth, also saw their game postponed on Wednesday due to a problem with their floodlights.Meanwhile, Pompey fans mocked their own club’s misfortune after they posted on social media two hours before the game a video of the ground and the caption “Under the lights”.One said: “This tweet didn’t age well.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPompey’s clash with Blackburn was postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitchCredit: RexWhile another added: “Poor choice of words there.”Pompey, who were promoted last season, are languishing in 23rd in the Championship.Portsmouth stars get trapped in lift and ration water between TEN players after win over QPRThey have won just two of their 15 league matches, but do have two games in hand on the teams around them.Meanwhile, Millwall are four points outside a play-off place in eighth.Neil Harris’ men are on an eight-game unbeaten run which has included wins over Burnley and Leeds. More

    • 250 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      Hull SACK manager Tim Walters 24 hours after insisting he would not lose his job as they release blunt statement

      by

      HULL CITY have sacked head coach Tim Walter after just 18 games.Walter took charge of the Tigers at the end of May and signed a three-year deal upon his arrival in East Yorkshire.Tim Walter has been sacked by Hull CityCredit: GettyHowever, he was dismissed by club chiefs with immediate effect on Wednesday.Walter’s assistants, Julian Hubner and Filip Tapalovic, have also left.A blunt official statement from Hull read: “Hull City can confirm we have parted company with head coach Tim Walter with immediate effect.”Assistant head coaches Julian Hübner and Filip Tapalović have also left the club.”First-team coach Andy Dawson will take interim charge while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a permanent successor.”We would like to thank Tim, Julian and Filip for their efforts during their time at the MKM Stadium and wish them well for the future.”The 49-year-old leaves having won just three of his 18 league and cup games in charge.Hull’s winless run extended to nine games on Tuesday following a 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were left furious at full-time with hundreds chanting: “We want Walter out.”The Tigers dropped into the Championship relegation zone as a result of the loss.Prior to the match, club owner Acun Ilicali incredibly insisted he would NOT sack Walter even if they lost.He told the BBC: “He will be in the job. If we lose tonight, he’s going to be in the job.”Walter was appointed in May to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after finishing seventh in the Championship table – just outside the play-off places.Ilicali claimed he made the decision to dismiss Rosenior due to differences in their visions for the club’s future. More

    • 238 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds break silence after shamed ref David Coote probed for booking their player after speaking about it BEFORE game

      by

      LEEDS have broken their silence after shamed referee David Coote was investigated for booking one of their players.The referee is at the centre of an FA betting probe after it emerged he discussed giving a yellow card before a match.David Coote is at the centre of a betting probe from the FACredit: GettyCoote booked Ezgjan Alioski during Leeds’ clash against West BromCredit: YouTubeThe conversation occurred as Leeds took on West Brom in the Championship in October 2019.During the game, he booked Leeds ace Ezgjan Alioski for a foul on Darnell Furlong, which experts have suggested was justified.The 42-year-old messaged pals after the game saying: “I hope you backed as discussed.”It is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.Leeds have now broken their silence on the matter with the release of a statement.It read: “Leeds United are aware of allegations regarding the conduct of a match official, involving our Championship fixture v WBA in Oct 2019.”We respect & have full confidence in the FA, EFL & PGMOL regulations & processes.Most read in Football”We will be making no further comment at this time.”Coote has denied any wrongdoing.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Coote was filmed having an X-rated rant about Jurgen KloppCredit: XHe was caught snorting a white powder at the EurosNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”There has also been no suggestion that he made any financial gains.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Coote was suspended earlier this month for his foul-mouthed rant about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.He was also filmed snorting a white powder during the Euros this summer.SunSport have exclusively reported that the referee is expected to QUIT from his role before he is sacked.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

    • 238 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney launches furious attack on Plymouth flops after one of worst defeats of Man Utd legend’s whole career

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY has launched a furious attack on his Plymouth side after they were smashed by Norwich City.The Pilgrims lost 6-1 to the Canaries in the Championship clash at Carrow Road.Wayne Rooney slammed his Plymouth side after losing to Norwich CityCredit: RexBorja Sainz netted a hat-trick for the home sideCredit: AlamyRooney claimed the youth side would have been better defensivelyCredit: AlamyRooney, 39, was without star players such as captain Joe Edwards, goalkeeper Connor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani.The defeat has gone down as one of the worst in Rooney’s entire football career as a player and manager.It matched the 6-1 thumping he suffered as a player at Manchester United to cross-city rivals Manchester City in 2011.It is only beaten by the 6-0 defeat he suffered as DC United manager against Philadelphia Union in 2022.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter the horror result, Rooney laid into his first team and claimed that Plymouth’s Under 18s would have performed better.He blasted: “We were nowhere near good enough – we are down to the bare bones with injuries but that is no excuse.”But if players want to come in the team and stay in the team, then they need to perform better than that.”I could probably put the under-18 team out there and they wouldn’t concede six goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So I’m very disappointed, angry, frustrated and the next 24-48 hours are not going to be very nice for the players, but we need to get to the bottom of why this is happening.”Rooney and Plymouth have now failed to win any of their nine away games this season.Wayne on Unpacked last night – Chloe please supply timecode on ITVX – talking about the poemsRooney’s DC United were beaten 6-0 by Philadelphia Union in 2022 – his worst-ever lossCredit: GettyThe Plymouth result matched the 6-1 drubbing Rooney suffered to Man City in 2011Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe thrashing is his worst on record since taking over at Home Park in the summer.Plymouth are now just two points above the relegation zone but have played more games than three clubs below them.And Rooney know his side must start picking up points on the road.He added: “Getting that win and better results away from home – we know it’s difficult in this league for teams to win away from home – but we have to be a lot better than we were tonight.”I feel for the fans who came here because I know the distance they’ve travelled to get behind the players and I know for any fan when you see your team put in that performance and get that result you’re not going to be pleased about it.”I’m dealing with it, I’m trying to get to the bottom of why every now and again we’re having these results and hopefully I can do that sooner rather than later.”Against Norwich, Plymouth got off to the worst possible start as Borja Sainz netted his first after just two minutes.He then doubled up 15 minutes later before Plymouth cut the deficit in half to 2-1 through Mustapha Bundu.However, the second half was all one-way traffic from the hosts.Shane Duffy restored the two-goal margin and then Sainz completed his hat-trick to make it 4-1 in the 72nd minute.Anis Ben Slimane and Ante Crnac both scored in the final ten minutes to put some shine on the result for Norwich.The Canaries are now 9th in the Championship, thanks to their first win in eight games.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Rooney is looking to the loan market to bolster his striker force in January.SunSport has exclusively reported that the former Man United star is keen on bringing in Liverpool prospect Jayden Danns Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 225 Shares96 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘How am I going to survive?’ asked non-league star after dream transfer into EFL turned into a nightmare

      by

      A NIGHTMARE summer transfer to Crawley Town left non-league striker Muhammadu Faal asking himself: “How am I going to survive?”From landing his dream move and putting a deposit down on a brand new house for his young family, to being told his contract was INVALID, Faal was left feeling depressed and ashamed.Muhammadu Faal was left worried about finances and work after Crawley let him go following a nightmare three monthsFaal was on top of the world when he was publicly announced as newly promoted League One side Crawley Town’s latest striker on July 22.It came 12 days after his cousin Liverpool star Joe Gomez watched on from the bench as England lost the Euros final to Spain.Faal told The Athletic: “It felt like my second bite of the cherry, my second chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.”But less than three months later, Faal’s attitude to football has changed. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe lost the opportunity to play at the highest level in his career so far when the EFL found his contract with Crawley was not valid.The agreement was a six-month contract with an 18-month extension option – which broke EFL rules as an extension period is not allowed to be longer than the initial deal.Faal then says there was told by Crawley’s football leadership that there was no room for renegotiation. A devastated Faal went to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for support, but was told that they couldn’t help.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I waited for the PFA, and within those three weeks I wondered, ‘How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to just… survive? “I’ve got a wife, I’ve got a child, I’ve got rent to pay, bills to pay. How am I going to do this? What am I going to do?’”‘I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedMuhammadu Faal was involved in Crawley’s 6-3 preseason defeat to Crystal PalaceHe added: “When Crawley became interested, I thought that this was the chance of a lifetime. I couldn’t miss it. Great playing style, good manager… it doesn’t matter about the terms — I have to take it.”He has since received legal support from Muslim athlete collective Nujum Sport.But what happened before that? Faal signed the contract on July 15 and he completed his medical three days later, with signing pictures taken.The first stumbling block came when club sporting director Tobias Phoenix incorrectly told him he’d failed his medical.Faal recalled to The Athletic: “He told me ‘the deal’s off because you failed’. He said he didn’t want to disclose on what grounds.”But Crawley chiefs seemingly backtracked during a meeting with Faal and his agent just 24 hours later.The move was back on. That day, he was announced as a Crawley player, and appeared on the club’s social media channels.To Faal’s knowledge, at this point he was a Crawley player — though his agent was still pressing the club for a finalised copy of the contract.Setback after setback came again before he was told that he hasn’t been registered yet for a Carabao Cup against Swindon in August.Faal had paid the holding deposit on his dream home less than 48 hours before.He admitted that he was affected by the update — and didn’t perform up to his usual level in training.His senses were correct and he was let go by the club the next day.I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.Muhammadu FaalThe problem was that the contract which Faal had signed was for six months, with an 18-month extension option. Under EFL rules, an extension is not allowed to be longer than the initial contracted period. The issue meant Faal could not be registered.Faal added: “I was in disbelief. My agent and I didn’t know how it could happen. I signed a contract. Surely you can’t just let me go?”At that point, I just wanted to give up football. I didn’t see the point of continuing. My life’s goal was to make it pro and do that to the best of my ability. “But every time I’ve taken the step, I’ve been met by problems outside my control. I love football, but it’s unfair as well.”The Hackney-born ace lost his deposit on the house, but bigger things were also at play.He was now jobless, with his mental health receiving a battering.The 6ft 5in striker explained: “I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.”Faal of Barnet has had spells at Barnet, Enfield and MaidstoneAccording to Faal and his lawyer, his registration was not a key condition of the contract.Faal has since refused to sign the proof of termination document. He feels that he is owed that six-month contract — and is planning to take the club to an employment tribunal, according to The Athletic.In recent weeks, he has joined nearby Worthing to play games — dropping back down three divisions to return to the National League South. He now earns less money than he did before the Crawley move.Faal believes he has contracts with both Crawley and Worthing — but is allowed to play because he is only registered with the latter.When announcing his departure, on September 13, Crawley said Faal had joined Worthing for an “undisclosed fee”.But they would have been unable to receive money for him as an unregistered player — and is instead classed as a free transfer.Faal says Crawley told him that it was done to help the image of all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESFaal began his career in Italy with Serie C side L’Aquila as an 18-year-old, making five senior appearances.He then enjoyed a series of free transfers to non-league sides Dulwich Hamlet, Kingstonian FC and Enfield Town. More