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      Ex-Premier League goalkeeper wakes up unemployed after shock release from non-league side as he begs for new club on X

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      DAVID STOCKDALE has turned to social media to beg for a new club after being released.The former Premier League goalkeeper is without a club following his exit from York City.David Stockdale is now a free agentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/yorkcityfc/He played in the Premier League with FulhamCredit: Action Images – ReutersStockdale, 38, and Matthew Lever have both departed the club with immediate effect.The club released a statement thanking the pair for their efforts.It read: “York City can confirm the departure of David Stockdale and Matthew Lever from their roles at the Football Club with immediate effect.”York City places on record, despite it not working out in the end for all parties involved, its thanks to both staff members for their efforts during a difficult campaign and wishes them both well in their future endeavours.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockdale reacted to the news on social media as he posted on his X account.He wrote: “Well…Anyone need a GK…”He had featured seven times this season while also working as the club’s head of recruitment.Lever was also a part of the club’s backroom staff as he was working as the head of recruitment analysis and scouting organisation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSStockdale started his professional career at York City in 2003 before later earning a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in 2008.He spent six years with the Cottagers and featured 39 times in England’s top division.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersThe stopper had multiple loan spells away from Craven Cottage at the likes of Rotherham, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City.He left the London club on a permanent basis in 2014 for Brighton and Hove Albion and helped the club win promotion from the Championship in 2017.Since leaving the Seagulls, he has had spells at Birmingham City, Southend, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Sheffield Wednesday.He returned to York in June 2023 as a goalkeeper and head of recruitment.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Middlesbrough 3 Leeds 4: Summerville scores two in seven-goal thriller to end slump & boost Premier League promotion bid

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      CRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE bagged a brace as Leeds roared back into the top two.The Whites looked to be falling apart again after firing blanks in their last two, leaving fans fearing a late collapse.Crysencio Summerville scored twice as Leeds beat Middlesbrough 4-3Credit: PAWilfried Gnonto was also on the scoresheet in a seven-goal thrillerCredit: RexBut Daniel Farke’s boys came out firing at Middlesbrough to leapfrog Ipswich into second with Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto also on the scoresheet.Leeds are now two points ahead of the Tractor Boys and have a golden chance to heap further on them at QPR on Friday before the Suffolk side play again.A helter-skelter first half saw the visitors 3-2 up at the break before Summerville wrapped up the priceless points with a second-half beauty.And there looks to be no stopping them when in this mood with Summerville, Gnonto and Georgiono Rutter causing Boro havoc on the break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat a chance this was to poke a nose ahead of Ipswich and even make life nervy for leaders Leicester.But rivals Boro were hardly going to roll out the red carpet, and disaster struck just seven minutes in.Gnonto was the culprit as he gave the ball cheaply on halfway.Put through on goal, Emmanuel Latte Lath collided with Leeds defender Ilia Gruev and keeper Illan Meslier.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ball broke loose, Junio Firpo dawdled, and Jones was on hand to roll into the empty net to stun the away fans.But the Leeds end then erupted twice in four minutes as the west Yorkshiremen charged into the lead.’Breathtaking’ BBC Sports presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in daring low cut dress as she hosts major awards dinnerAnfernee Dijksteel hacked Georgino Rutter down for a stonewall penalty, with Bamford selflessly giving it to Summerville to bury.Bamford’s chance came moments later, and the striker didn’t disappoint with a brilliantly improvised finish.Junior Firpo’s teasing cross from the left caught Boro’s defence napping as the once-capped England striker sneaked into the six-yard box, and with indecisive keeper Seny Dieng unsure what to do, he opened his body up and bundled the bouncing ball in off his hip.It was quickly turning into one of those madcap nights, and it was Boro’s turn next to strike back 30 minutes in.Rutter gave it away cheaply and Finna Azaz worked it forward to Latte Lath, who feinted to shoot before rifling through Meslier’s weak hand from the top of the box.Leeds were far from done though and they were 3-2 up eight minutes later with the goal of the night – even if it should have been flagged offside.Classy teen Archie Gray won it in midfield and glided forward before finding Summerville, who fed Gnonto.The Italian was clearly offside but Boro’s protests were waved away as ice-cool Gnonto stroked beyond Dieng.Leeds were purring now, with Dieng denying Bamford a second immediately after.The second half was never likely to match the bonkers first, and so it proved.Boro were the ones pushing but Leeds’ defence, so doggy early on, held firm.And their devastating counter struck again after 61 minutes to seal victory.A beauty from Summerville, the Dutchman collected it after a neat build up on the left side of the box before skipping in beyond two challenges and bending his 19th of the campaign into the far corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoro gave as good as they got but couldn’t handle Leeds’ electric front line all night.Michael Carrick’s side had to win to stand any chance of gatecrashing the play-offs but, still nine points off sixth, their race is all but done. More

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      Former Premier League star forced to answer awkward question live on Sky Sports ahead of huge EFL clash

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      LUKE AYLING was forced to answer an awkward question as his Middlesbrough side took on parent club Leeds.The defender spent eight years at Leeds before joining Boro on loan in January.Luke Ayling revealed he wanted football to win between Middlesbrough and LeedsThat meant he was not eligible to play as Leeds visited the Riverside Stadium on Monday in search of three points to help their promotion push.Ahead of kick-off Ayling spoke to Sky Sports and was asked for his score prediction and who he thought would win – leading to a nervy answer.He said: “I want football to win. I love football and if I’m totally honest I really cant call it.”Like I said I haven’t seen Leeds a lot lately but I’ve seen these boys on the training pitch and how we’ve played the last 9-10 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m really confident the boys can put in a good shift today. Who knows but I’m just hoping for a good game of football.”Ayling certainly got what he asked for as Boro raced into an early lead with Isaiah Jones scoring in the seventh minute.But the visitors hit back with two goals in four minutes – only for Emmanuel Latte Lath to equalise.However Wilfried Gnonto fired Leeds back in front to give Daniel Farke’s side a 3-2 lead at half-time.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLeeds are on the promotion hunt but need Ipswich to drop points in their three remaining games to achieve automatic promotion.They ran out 4-3 winners at the Riverside after a late goal from Latte Lath set up a nervy finish.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmare More

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      Furious Leicester fans livid at bizarre surprise charge for some season ticket holders as part of massive price rise

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      FURIOUS Leicester City fans claim they are being fleeced by the Foxes – after being charged £25 for a plastic season ticket.The move comes as part of a five per cent price hike – the second increase in three years – which will see the cheapest season ticket go up £19 from £385 to £404.Fans will have to fork out more to watch Leicester next seasonCredit: GettySupporters have continued to turn up in their droves despite the Foxes’ relegation last seasonCredit: Getty
      But Foxes fans are particularly aggrieved about the club charging them an additional £25 to hold a physical season ticket, rather than converting to a mobile ticket.
      One fan took to social media to complain: “£25 to replace the perfectly good card I have, absolutely disgraceful.”While another asked: “Please can you explain to me how a small piece of plastic costs £25 (presumably there’s no profiteering going on here) whilst a struggling club like Bradford City it only costs them £5? Shall I find out who their supplier is for you?”Leicester risked the wrath of their fans by announcing the price rise as it entered a third year of mobile ticketing, claiming it “aligns with our goals for a more sustainable and efficient stadium experience for supporters”.But a further fan hit back: “So printing out 30,000 clappers every game for them to be thrown around outside the stadium is better than printing 20,000 plastic cards once? Fair enough.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFan group Foxes Trust say the digital ticketing option is unpopular among season-ticket holders who feel they are being financially hit in the pocket for refusing to switch to the mobile system.They issued a statement slamming the club for not consulting them about the process.It said: “In the past, the LCFC Fan Consultative Committee has been consulted on ticketing prices.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”This year, the Foxes Trust is not aware of any fan consultation on price increases or charging for physical cards for 2024/25.Most read in Championship”It is discouraging that this has not happened.Harry Winks voices his disappointment as Leicester blows 17-point lead as Leeds overtake Foxes in table “We appreciate costs have increased for the club, but the increase in the cost of living for supporters should be acknowledged and their loyalty, after relegation, recognised. Inflation is currently only 3.2 per cent.“The charge of £25 to obtain a new physical season ticket appears to be unjustifiable on grounds of cost of production alone.”Only around 1,600 season ticket holders chose to go digital last season; a clear indication the vast majority of season ticket holders do not want to go digital, and in addition there have been a number of glitches with the digital ticket system this season.’A MATTER OF URGENCY’“The Trust has previously raised the issue around the unsuitability of digital tickets for people with no access to smartphones, the disabled, the elderly, etc. and stressed that digital exclusion leads to discrimination.”The club has assured us exceptions can be made, and we will be seeking clarification on this as a matter of urgency.”It is noted that the club states that the £25 physical card charge will also be waived for disabled supporters and over-65s, but that does not address the overall issue.”Another fans group Union FS issued a statement urging: “Stop the LCFC Loyalty Tax,” and stated: “The timing of the announcement is baffling, given the need for a positive atmosphere around the ground as we enter the final push for promotion.”The club must scrap this terrible idea immediately and we urge our fellow fans not to apply for the card.”Leicester City FC explained the decision, saying: “Ticket pricing for the season has been carefully considered in the context of ongoing inflationary pressures which, as we entirely appreciate, are a reality shared by both the club and its supporters with the rising cost of living.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The club has and will continue to bear the majority of the increased operating costs to which we are subject, while recognising the need to operate responsibly and sustainably.“The club continues to benchmark against industry standards. Season tickets at King Power Stadium continue to be priced at competitive levels and continue to reflect our commitment to keeping football accessible and affordable for our dedicated supporters.” More

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      ‘Now is the right time’ – EFL club sack manager and appoint interim boss just days before play-offs

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      BARNSLEY have sacked head coach Neill Collins just days before the League One Play-Offs.First team coach Martin Devaney has been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season.Neill Collins has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyDirector of Football Mladen Sormaz said: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go.”He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him.”However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change.”We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days.”Read More on FootballBarnsley face Northampton Town in their final League One match before the Play-Offs this Saturday.The Tykes need a win to secure a spot in the Play-off semi-finals.They are currently in contention alongside Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Lincoln City.However, Oxford United and Blackpool are also pushing for a spot.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPortsmouth have already earned promotion to the Championship, with Derby County expected to take the second automatic place.Collins was appointed as Barnsley boss last summer following a spell with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysBarnsley had won just two of their last 12 games prior to his dismissal. More

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      Former EFL club forced to relocate to new town after being warned team could ‘cease to exist as we know it’

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      A FORMER EFL club have been forced to relocate after a warning that the team could stop existing.AFC Rushden & Diamonds will leave their current home, Hayden Road, at the end of the season.AFC Rushden & Diamonds are moving groundA vote was taken with part-owners and an overwhelming majority opted to send the Northamptonshire outfit to the Dog and Duck Football Ground.The club used to play at the stadium and will now groundshare it with Wellingborough FC.A turnout of 69 per cent of part-owners took part in the vote, with 89 per cent choosing the move.Chairman Rob Usher released a statement in which he admitted that if the Diamonds had continued as it was it may “no longer exist”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt said: “For many years our Club hasn’t been operating within its means and whilst we are on course to make a profit this year, the figures show that if we continue as we are, AFC Rushden & Diamonds as we have come to know it will no longer exist.”We can stay where we are, cut our cloth accordingly and carry on, but we’ll become something our supporters don’t recognise and for us as the current custodians of this Club.”That’s not something we’re going to sit by and let happen.”Over the last 18 months since assuming our positions in November 2022, we have had to make drastic changes, easy decisions and tough decisions, to ensure that the Club survived but whilst cutting costs across all areas of the business to ultimately ensure sustainability.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The one area we have never really been able to impact positively is the groundshare agreement at Hayden Road.”It’s the one area of the business where costs have actually increased since we took charge.Hardest Geezer Russ Cook spotted at non-league clash just hours before he’s due to run London Marathon”This dictated that we need to look at alternative options and after very positive conversations with Wellingborough Town’s representatives over the last few months, we were able to table this move to Part Owners.”As a Board, we are pleased with the outcome of the vote.”The club played at the Dog and Duck from 2012 to 2017 but had to move after a clause was invoked by landlord Alper Ozdogan.The Diamonds are currently 19th in the Northern Premier League – Midlands Division.The club is on equal points with 18th-placed Rugby Town but are at threat of relegation.The club was formerly known as Rushden & Diamonds and reached as high as Division Two in 2003.It was relegated back to Division Three in the 2003/04 season before being dumped back to the Conference League in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2011, the club was then expelled from the Conference League due to its unstable financial position, which meant there was no guarantee that it would finish the season.AFC Rushden & Diamonds was formed as a result of being a Phoenix club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Ladbrokes punter turns 66p into £2.6k with genius cash out on Saturday acca

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      CHUCKING some loose change at a big price acca and hoping it sticks for a big payday – we’ve all done it!But how many of us have actually landed it?Ladbrokes punter turns 66p into £2.6k with genius cash out on Saturday accaCredit: GettyLadbrokes: Get £20 in free bets for football*Well on Saturday one plucky Ladbrokes punter did exactly that when staking 66p on a whopping 14,608/1 shot.The unlikely eight-fold consisted of the two 3pm kick offs in the Premier League and six from the Championship.Burnley (8/5) and Brentford (7/5) picked up huge away wins in their relegation encounters against Sheffield United and Luton, respectively.Swansea (23/10) put a massive dent in Huddersfield’s survival hopes in the second tier with their own resounding away day win, scoring four goals in the last 17 minutes.Millwall (5/2) edged their way away from the danger zone with a priceless win at Sunderland, who are going through the motions with nothing to play for at present.Norwich City do but they were held at home to Bristol City to harm their promotion hopes, correctly selected by this bettor at 29/10.While Watford and Hull – also chasing a play off spot – also finished a draw at 5/2.The winning betLadbrokes odds

      Burnley to beat Sheffield United – 8/5
      Brentford to beat Luton – 7/5
      Cardiff to beat Southampton – 8/1
      Swansea to beat Huddersfield – 23/10
      Norwich v Bristol City to finish a draw – 29/10
      Birmingham to beat Rotherham – 13/20*
      Millwall to beat Sunderland – 5/2
      Watford v Hull to finish a draw – 5/2

      ODDS – 14,608/1
      TOTAL STAKE – 66p
      CASHED OUT FOR – £2,593.69
      TOTAL RETURNS (would’ve been) – £9,642.06
      *customer cashed out at 17:07

      Ladbrokes: Get £20 in free bets for football*

      The biggest odds in this bet and on the Championship card came at the Cardiff City Stadium, when Cian Ashford struck a 96th minute winner to complete a come-from-behind win over automatic promotion hopefuls Southampton.Picked at a monstrous 8/1 on the coupon, the Bluebirds scored twice in the final quarter of the contest to earn the three points after Joe Aribo’s early strike.That left the punter with a huge decision to make, after selecting Birmingham to pick up a priceless three points against already-relegated Rotherham.The game was suspended for the best part of half an hour following a medical emergency in the crowd with the game goalless.With every other result in, the punter opted to cash out their bet at 5:07pm, with the game hitting 66 minutes on the clock – and a £9,642.06 potential return should Birmingham grab a winner.Instead, the game finished a draw and the punter’s return of £2,593.69 was absolutely the right play.Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “We love a big win story, and as if 96th minute drama in Cardiff wasn’t enough, this has to go down as one of the savviest cash outs we’ve seen all season.”Ladbrokes: Get £20 in free bets for football*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

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      Antony disgusts fans by goading Coventry supporters before Man Utd flop is absolutely savaged by ex-Premier League star

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      ANTONY was labelled a “horrible person, horrible player” after he allegedly goaded Coventry fans after their defeat to Manchester United.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster as they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Some Man Utd players were ready to celebrate – Antony decided it was a good idea to goad the Coventry fansCredit: GettyCoventry fans won’t be happy to see this snapAntony was slammed after Man Utd’s penalty shootout win over Coventry CityCredit: AlamyBut that was only after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous triumph.United looked to be cruising towards a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Ellis Simms pulled one back on 71 minutes before Callum O’Hare set-up a nervy finish with eleven left.Haji Wright then kept his nerve in stoppage time to score from the spot to send it to extra time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntony had been brought on just before Coventry’s first goal, and he did not step up once the match came to the shootout after Victor Torp’s 120th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.His fellow Brazilian Casemiro stepped up first but had his effort saved before Wright slotted home to give Coventry the lead.Diogo Dalot made no mistake and then Torp smashed it into the top corner, then Christian Eriksen drilled it in low with United’s third – but this time Andre Onana dived to his right to keep out O’Hare’s effort.Captain Fernandes sent the goalie the wrong way to put United ahead, then Ben Sheaf fired way over the crossbar.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat left Rasmus Hojlund with the job of stepping up to win it, and the Dane sent the goalie the opposite way as he raced off in celebration.However, Antony reportedly started cupping his hands to his ears in the direction of the Coventry end as he goaded either their supporters or some of their players.Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itThat led to ex-Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison telling BBC 5Live: “He needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing the Championship next season.”And a host of other supporters could not wait to go two-footed on the winger, who had made little impact after replacing Alejandro Garnacho.One post on X read: “Antony taunting Coventry fans after Hojlund’s penalty. The absolute nerve of it.”“That bro has lost shame,” declared another while he was also labelled as being “unbelievably small time”.A long-suffering supporter said: “The standards have dropped at this club.”Antony’s actions were called “classy as ever” while another fan fumed: “Bro thinks he won the World Cup.”He allegedly cupped his ears and started goading the Sky Blue supportersCredit: Getty More