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      Six-cap England international wakes up unemployed at 33 as he’s released after playing just 11 minutes in four months

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      JONJO SHELVEY has been left unemployed following a brutal end-of-season cull by Burnley.The former England international joined the Clarets in January after having his contract with Turkish outfit Eyupspor ripped up. Jonjo Shelvey joined Burnley as a free agent in JanuaryCredit: Instagram @burnleyofficialThe Clarets have released the England midfielder, who only played 11 minutes for them last seasonCredit: GETTYBut the 33-year-old only managed 11 MINUTES of football during his stint at Turf Moor.And the Burnley brass have opted not to offer him a new deal.A snippet of a club statement read: “Jeremy Sarmiento will return to Brighton & Hove Albion following his time at Burnley, whilst Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey will both depart the Clarets upon expiry of their contracts on 30th June.” The Clarets thanked the departing Shelvey and Redmond for their service.The statement added: “Burnley Football Club thank all the leaving players for their contributions and wish them all the very best for their future career.”Shelve started his career with Charlton Athletic, whom he left in the summer of 2010 to join Liverpool. He’d spend three years with the Merseysiders, a stint which included a loan move to Blackpool, before joining Swansea City. A move to Newcastle United would follow in the summer of 2016 and he’d stay on Tyneside until 2023.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJonjo Shelvey joined Burnley after having his contract with Turkish outfit Eyupspor ripped upCredit: INSTAGRAM@EYUPSORKULUBNottingham Forest would secure his services on a two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023, but he’d leave the City Ground the following September in a shock move to Caykur Rizespor. He joined Eyupspor last August and would make just six league appearances for the Super Lig before the cancellation of his contract.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubShelvey made his England debut in 2012 in a 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley. He’d make five more appearances for the Three Lions in 2015, the last of which came in a 2-0 Friendly win over France. More

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      EFL play-off finals to kick off one minute later than scheduled as part of ‘truly groundbreaking’ campaign

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      EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More

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      Oxford United’s Sam Long extends legendary career at club until at least 2027 as boss Gary Rowett plots for new season

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      SAM LONG has signed a new deal to remain at Oxford.The 30-year-old defender has been at the club all his career. Sam Long has signed a new one-year contract at Oxford UnitedCredit: GettyHis new contract keeps him tied to Oxford until at least 2027.There is also an option for an extra year.Long, who had one year left on his current deal, is known as Mr Oxford because he has never played for another side since joining the club at the age of eight.He has played 272 first-team games for the club having made his U’s debut against Accrington in 2013.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLong played a big part in Oxford’s season where they avoided relegation and ended up 17th.Boss Gary Rowett has been impressed with Long and was keen for him to commit his future to the club.Rowett took over in December and also admits Oxford will be looking into Europe to sign players this summer.He said: “We always want to find a blend.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’ll be very surprised if we don’t sign some players from European leagues this summer.“I think there’s great value there.“I’ve seen it before where not only is there great value to improve your team, but there’s great value to create an asset that maybe you can sell on at some point in the future as well, which is important.”Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael

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      BLACKBURN have released 20 players and sprung a surprise over a midfielder.Rovers acted decisively after missing out on the Championship play-offs by one place and two points.Valerien Ismael has kept the core of a squad who finished seventhCredit: RexAdam Forshaw has been released – but there’s a twistCredit: AlamyBoss Valerien Ismael has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.But Adam Forshaw’s inclusion in a big batch of departures has raised eyebrows in some quarters.The former Middlesbrough and Leeds star, 33, had been praised by Ismael in recent months.And Forshaw remained in Rovers’ matchday squad until the end of the season as they finished seventh.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But although the ex-Brentford ace has been freed, Blackburn say they will “keep in close contact” with him over the summer.Rovers admit he is “entitled to explore other options”.But it leaves the door open for an intriguing transfer saga to develop.Blackburn also revealed they are still in talks with three senior players, having offered all of them new contracts.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThey are Danny Batth and Tyrhys Dolan – who both started Rovers’ season-ending 1-1 draw at Sheffield United – plus Andi Weimann.Rovers said in a statement over their released list: “Batth and Weimann both enjoyed magnificent maiden seasons at Ewood Park last term, bringing vast Championship experience, leadership qualities and high standards to the dressing room and out on the pitch.”Centre-back Danny Batth is in talks over extending his Blackburn stayCredit: RexMeanwhile, Blackburn have activated a one-year option to keep Wales winger Ryan Hedges another year after his 42 league games in 2024-25.Under-21 players Harrison Wood, Zack Stritch and Adam Khan have also had the option of an extra 12 months triggered.Jake Batty and Felix Goddard, who were both loaned out last season, have been offered fresh Ewood Park deals.And teenage midfielder Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews has been handed the chance to sign his first professional contract.On the way out are: Dilan Markanday, Jack Vale, Zak Gilsenan, Patrick Gamble, Tom Bloxham, Jordan Eastham, Rhys Doherty, Isaac Whitehall, Jalil Saadi, Alex Baker, Adam Caddick, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Lewis Bell, Bradley Taylor, Jackson Shorrocks, Nathan Willis, Stephen Edmondson and Teddy Ramwell.On top of this, Dan Shaw’s registration has been cancelled by mutual consent.Read More on The SunFive loanees have returned to their parent clubs – Owen Beck, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Dion Sanderson, Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis.Blackburn said: “Rovers would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all the players who will be leaving the club for their contribution and commitment during their time at Ewood Park, and we wish them all well in their future careers.” More

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      Millwall release eight stars including club legends Murray Wallace and Shaun Hutchinson after narrowly missing playoffs

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      MILLWALL have released eight players after narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs.The Londoners finished eighth in the table, just two points off sixth-place Bristol City.Millwall have released eight players including long-time captain Shaun HutchinsonCredit: PAMurray Wallace is also heading out of The Den after years of serviceCredit: GettyClub legend Neil Harris saw his second spell come to an end 11 days before Christmas.Alex Neil took the reins with Millwall in 11th place.And he has gone on to win 13 of his 26 games at the helm.But the Scot is now looking to shake up his squad in the summer market.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means no less than eight players have been shown the door following the end of the season.And among those departing are two icons who have become synonymous with The Den.Captain Shaun Hutchinson, 34, is the biggest name to depart on a free transfer.He joined Millwall from Fulham in 2016 and went on to make 256 appearances.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoining Hutchinson in leaving the club is fellow defender Murray Wallace, who is also out of contract.The 32-year-old moved to South London from Scunthorpe in 2018 and clocked up 207 games in the process.Millwall fan is beaten up by gang of Crystal Palace supporters after confronting rivals in Selhurt Park standsDuncan Watmore is moving on just 18 months after arrivingCredit: AlamyAaron Connolly only joined Millwall in January but is departing this summerCredit: GettyTwo more stars are leaving Millwall when their deals expire at the end of the month.Forward Duncan Watmore, 31, joined Millwall 18 months ago from Middlesbrough and scored 12 goals in 59 outings.Meanwhile, 25-year-old striker Aaron Connolly also departs just five months after a move from Sunderland which saw him net once in 14 games.And four loan stars will also return to their parent clubs, with 22-year-old forward Josh Coburn heading back to Middlesbrough after four goals in 12 outings.Midfielder Ryan Wintle, 27, is returning to Cardiff City after 16 games.Defender Zak Sturge, 20, will rejoin Chelsea following five appearances.And full-back Calum Scanlon has gone back to Liverpool after four matches. More

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      Sheffield United’s X HACKED as dozens of posts slamming Wednesday star Barry Bannan shared to club’s 600k followers

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED’S X account was hacked as dozens of posts slamming rival Wednesday captain Barry Bannan were shared online.The security breach occurred on Monday as the Blades prepare for this weekend’s Championship playoff final against Sunderland.Sheffield Utd’s X account was hacked on MondayCredit: X @SheffieldUnitedThe hacked messages took aim at Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry BannanCredit: AlamyChris Wilder’s men are hoping to seal a dramatic return to the Premier League with victory over the Black Cats at Wembley.But on social media, United did not enjoy a smooth ride.Their X account was briefly taken over by hackers, who fired out a series of posts to the club’s 600,000 followers.And each one took aim at Scottish midfielder Bannan, who captains rivals Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA post from United’s hacked X account read: “Let’s forget Barry Bannan. New topic: MUFC > City.”Another, answering the question “score predictions for Sunday??”, added: “Oh s**t. Just figured out we’re playing a final.“Against SUNDERLAND? Is this a Metaverse? Easy win.“3×1 us with the bless of BBB (Bald Barry Bannan).”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSUnited’s hacked account then retweeted a series of anti-Bannan posts from other users.And fans of other clubs rushed online to react.Sheffield United pay incredible tribute to late George Baldock during play-off clash after tragic death aged just 31One said: “What is going on?”Another declared: “Absolute chaos.”One noted: “Admin spitting pure facts.”Another added: “As if Sheff United’s Twitter has been hacked.” More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Tom Cleverley in talks with Premier League club over manager job just days after Watford sacking

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      TOM CLEVERLEY is in talks with a Premier League club just days after being sacked by Watford, according to reports.The former Manchester United star was axed by the Hornets earlier this month after missing out on the Championship playoffs.Tom Cleverley has been linked with the Southampton jobCredit: AlamyCleverley, 35, took over at Vicarage Road in March 2024 as he replaced Valerien Ismael.But he could be set for a quick return to the dugout with Southampton interested.The Guardian have claimed that he is one of the leading candidates to take over at St Mary’s next season.It is suggested that he has a “strong chance” of being appointed as the new Saints boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCleverley has taken charge of 59 first-team games, winning 20, drawing 14 and losing 25.The Southampton team is currently playing under caretaker Simon Rusk, who took charge after the sacking of Ivan Juric.They are a top-flight club for two more games, which come against Everton and Southampton.Juric was only in charge for 14 Premier League games after replacing Russell Martin.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCleverley does face competition for the job from fellow Englishman Will Still.Still has left Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens following the end of the season in order to move back to England.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeWill Still is in the running for the St Mary’s roleCredit: GettyStill’s parting message to RC LensHere is what Will Still told RC Lens fans about his decision to leave…He said: “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.”It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons.”The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home.”Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.”I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years, four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.”The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.”The manager wants to spend more time with his Sky Sports presenter partner Emma Saunders.His exit came just one season into a three-year deal.Reports have claimed that Still is in “advanced talks” with Southampton over the vacant manager role.In his final game, Lens beat AS Monaco 4-0 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.Neil El Aynaoui netted twice while Adrien Thomasson and Anass Zaroury wrapped up the scoring.The victory sealed an 8th-placed finish in the Ligue 1 table.Still has also had interest from Hull City and has previously turned down Rangers.Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl is also believed to be in the running for the job.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Watford have already replaced Cleverley with former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano.The Uruguayan becomes the 22nd manager to take charge of the Hornets since Gino Pozzo’s takeover in 2012. More

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      Leeds release ELEVEN stars after promotion to Premier League including former Atletico Madrid midfielder

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      LEEDS have made a bold statement by releasing ELEVEN players including former Atletico Madrid midfielder Joshua Guilavogui.The midfielder joined the club during the 2024-25 campaign and proved to be an important figure both on and off the pitch, playing in 18 games across all competitions.Josuha Guilavogui is one of 11 Leeds stars to have been set for releaseCredit: PAJosuha Guilavogui played 18 times in all competitionsCredit: GettyLeeds won the Championship to earned their Premier League spot backCredit: GettyHowever, the club surprisingly decided against offering him a new contract despite his popularity in the dressing room.Alongside Guilavogui, the club also confirmed that Manor Solomon will return to Tottenham and Joe Rothwell will go back to Bournemouth.Solomon scored 10 goals in 39 games and will be confident in fighting for his spot at Spurs next season.Further departures include Harry Christy, Cian Coleman, Connor Ferguson, Max McFadden, Amari Miller, Kris Moore, Joe Richards, and Joe Snowdon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeeds have had an up-and-down period recently but they will view their promotion to the Premier League as a chance to now establish themselves.One of the first decisions they made after promotion was confirming that Daniel Farke will remain in charge at Elland Road.That decision has further shown their intent for continuity especially after reports that he could leave.The gap between the Premier League and the Championship seems to have widened with all three teams promoted last season relegated again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 2025-26 season promises to be a testing one for Leeds. But if they can get the blend of experience and youth right then they stand a chance.Inside Leeds’ wild promotion celebrations with thousands of fans greeting team and former Man Utd star on the micPlus they have the experience of manager Farke. More