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      We’re an EFL club where Robbie Williams is president, but now want to be famous for another reason

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      PORT VALE are famous for being supported by singer Robbie Williams who is their club president.But Williams – whose hits included Kids – will be thrilled that his League One side are fast becoming known in football for developing some top young England talent. The nine academy players at Port Vale who have played first-team football this termSinger Robbie Williams is the club president at Port ValeBaylee Dipepa scored twice on his England U17s debut against Northern IrelandJust ask rookie striker Baylee Dipepa, who on Wednesday scored twice on his Young Lions debut for the under-17s against Northern Ireland at St George’s Park.Or Wesley Jose who has been part of the England U15s emerging talent camp.The Valiants have also in the past year received compensation packages from Newcastle for 14-year-old wonder kid Michael Mills and Aston Villa for under-15s player Freddie Lawrie – as well as 18-year-old striker Tommy McDermott joining Burnley.And the club have so far this season given minutes in senior football to TEN academy products, including the now-departed McDermott … while five of them have made their EFL debuts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis season Vale are closing in on an incredible FIFTY League One appearances for academy products.That is not to mention Vale have been entrusted to help England Under-20s duo Dan Gore and Alfie Devine, both 19, develop in the first team on loan from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.And Oliver Arblaster spent the first half of this season at Vale and has since broken into the Sheffield United team in the Premier League.This blossoming of talent are the fruits of a match made in heaven between club owner Carol Shanahan OBE and her family, the people of Burslem and academy director Will Ryder and his staff.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOliver Arblaster is now playing Premier League football for Sheffield United after spending the first half of the season on loan at Port ValeShanahan fell in love with Port Vale after the family business – fintech company Synectics Solutions – moved next door to their stadium in 2015 and she went to a match.Her son Patrick told SunSport: “She moved the business along with 350 staff here from Newcastle-under-Lyme.Nike changing our England kit is borderline offensive & utter cobblers – shame on them, says Colin Robertson“The locals thanked our family for coming to Burslem because they had only been used to people leaving for 20 years. “Suddenly a high street that had the lowest percentage of shops in the UK started to get life into it because staff were going into the town during lunch breaks.“We were sent gifts and received so much goodwill. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them.”PATRICK SHANAHAN, Port Vale director of strategy“She recognised Port Vale was at the centre of it so went to a game to learn more.“I was living in Manchester then and remember calling her. There was the loud noise of lots of people and she said, ‘I’m on a coach with the Vale fans … we’re off to Exeter!”Shanahan eventually bought the club from unpopular ex-owner Norman Smurthwaite for a hugely-inflated £5million five years ago – a figure she likened to paying a ransom for a loved one held hostage but “someone had to pay it.”Carol Shanahan OBE fell in love with Port Vale that so much she bought the clubWill Ryder has worked wonders in charge of Port Vale’s academySince Vale became free of their captor, her family have put people at the front and centre of the club’s vision. They plan to leave a lasting legacy in Burslem – making Vale a welcoming club where local people can go, aspire to better themselves and learn good life skills and values.And delivering on that vision with flying colours has been Ryder, who took charge of the academy two-and-a-half years ago. He said: “We’ve now arrived at a sweet spot where we’re renowned across England as a centre for producing players and good people as well. That sits at the heart of everything we do.“It’s centred on individual development but within a team structure. There’s opportunity here because of a clear pathway into the first team – and it’s then up to the young players to take that chance.“Everyone who comes through this door is on their own journey and we’re here to make sure we help every person with their own needs regardless of what level they’re at. “When a player ends his journey at Port Vale, whether it’s to go to another professional club, play semi-pro or do something else entirely, we want them to look back fondly at their time here. “Also, crucially, we want them to remain loving the game because less than one percent of academy kids go on to become pros.Back, from left: Baylee Dipepa, Patrick Shanahan, Will Ryder, Carol Shanahan, Dave Flitcroft (director of football), Jack Shorrock, James Plant. Bottom, from left: Rhys Walters, Andrew Buah, Logan Cousins, Liam Brazier, Dan Mahaffy, Ben LomaxVALE’S SUPER KIDSHere are the academy products who have played in the first team this season.

      RHYS WALTERS, 18: Midfielder
      JACK SHORROCK, 16: Defender
      JAMES PLANT, 19: Winger
      TOMMY McDERMOTT, 18: Midfielder *now at Burnley
      DAN MAHAFFY, 18: Midfielder
      BEN LOMAX, 18: Defender
      BAYLEE DIEPA, 17: Forward
      LOGAN COUSINS, 17: Midfielder
      ANDREW BUAH, 17: Forward
      LIAM BRAZIER, 17: Midfielder

      “And, because this sport is brutally competitive, we make sure we support people when they’re not playing.“Sometimes that’s putting an arm around them but also being honest about where they are.“One of our players was around the first team but wasn’t breaking into the side and I had a frank conversation with him and one of his parents about where he was falling short.“When he made his debut that parent couldn’t thank me enough because at that point they needed that honest chat.”Unlike at some pro clubs, the Valiants like players’ families to be at the centre of their development. One scholar for example was treated to some boardroom hospitality at a recent game along with his family.Baylee Dipepa has had a breakthrough year for club and countryAs Ryder said: “It’s important to bring people in, rather than shut them out. Families can play a massive part in the journey and I’ve seen many times in football where they’ve been pushed out.”Patrick Shanahan, who is the club’s chief strategy officer, added: “Will has been massive in helping us deliver on our family’s vision. We know parents are sending THEIR son to our academy, THEIR boy. “And he’s giving away a part of his childhood to be developed and push himself to get into the professional game.“That deserves huge respect – so it’s important to care about their son as a human being. And that’s what we do.”You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.”WILL RYDER, Port Vale academy directorThe club takes care of helping players develop life skills. Their under-18s went to a local fire station to improve leadership qualities while under-nines are encouraged to stand in front of their peers to talk through their clips.Ryder added: “The more they do that at a younger age, the more natural and comfortable it becomes.”The business model relies on good recruitment and either receiving “training compensation fees” when players get taken by Category One academies or selling players at the right price when they are pro.The Shanahans have invested funds into the academy so over time it can pay for itself. The club are playing catch-up in that department as it had not enjoyed much outlay during the past quarter of a century,READ MORE SUN STORIESBut things are now taking off. Ryder added: “You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.” More

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      Leicester SUING Premier League and EFL as they launch damning statement after being charged with alleged FFP breaches

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      LEICESTER have launched legal proceedings against the Premier League and EFL.The Championship promotion hopefuls were yesterday charged with breaching the Prem’s Financial Fair Play rules.Leicester are second in the Championship tableCredit: PAThe Foxes, who sit second in the Championship, could face a points deduction next season, should they return to the top flight.Earlier this season Everton were deducted six points and Nottingham Forest four over FFP breaches.Leicester are accused of breaching financial rules during their last three Premier League campaigns.Enzo Maresca’s side are also facing a separate investigation from the EFL.Read More Football StoriesConfirming their intention to take legal action, the Foxes wrote in a club statement: “LCFC has been compelled today to issue two urgent legal proceedings against the Premier League and the EFL.”LCFC will be seeking that each of these proceedings is determined by an appropriate and fully independent legal panel.”The Club is committed to ensure that any charges against it are properly and proportionately determined, in accordance with the applicable rules, by the right bodies, and at the right time.”Leicester have also been placed under a player registration embargo by the EFL due to allegedly breaking P&S rulesMost read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Foxes are one of two teams in the EFL to have been placed under such an embargo, with the other being Morecambe.Leicester’s accounts for the 2022-23 season have not yet been made publicly available.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowBut in the year prior, up to May 2022, they made a club-record £92.5million loss.Top flight clubs are permitted to make losses of no more than £105m over three years.Yesterday, the Foxes vowed: “LCFC remains willing and eager to engage constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to seek the proper resolution of any potential charges, by the right bodies, and at the right time.”The Club continues to take careful advice about its position.”Leicester’s statement in full
      LCFC has been compelled today to issue two urgent legal proceedings against the Premier League and the EFL. LCFC will be seeking that each of these proceedings is determined by an appropriate and fully independent legal panel.
      The Club is committed to ensure that any charges against it are properly and proportionately determined, in accordance with the applicable rules, by the right bodies, and at the right time.
      While LCFC would prefer the proceedings to be in public, so its supporters and the wider world can be informed about the important issues of football governance that will be considered, the relevant rules require that these proceedings are conducted confidentially, and LCFC will therefore not be able to comment further about them at this stage.
      We reaffirm the Club’s position that we will continue to fight for the right of Leicester City and all clubs to pursue their ambitions, particularly where these have been reasonably and fairly established through sustained sporting achievement.
      The Club further notes that at 4pm today the EFL issued a public notification that LCFC has been placed under a registration embargo pursuant to its P&S rules. The EFL is aware that LCFC has disputed the EFL’s entitlement to impose this constraint, which is both restrictive and premature, with more than a quarter of the Club’s 2023/24 reporting period remaining.

      Leicester are the latest side to be hit by FFP charges by the Premier League.Everton were hit with an initial ten-point deduction, later reduced to six upon appeal, for exceeding the maximum loss in a three-year period by £19.5m.Forest were also charged and slapped with a four-point deduction after being found to have been £34.5m above the permitted losses.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could appeal their deduction, although this may potentially lead to their deduction being increased.Chelsea and Manchester City have been warned that they could face being kicked out of the Premier League if found guilty of breaking FFP rules.City strongly deny 115 charges brought against them in February 2023.While Chelsea are yet to be charged, despite an ongoing investigation after club chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era.Leicester have spent much of this season at the top of the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey were overtaken by Leeds last weekend, although do still possess a game in hand on Daniel Farke’s side.The Foxes are just a point above third-placed Ipswich in what’s set to be a tight promotion tussle.Enzo Maresca’s side are in a tight battle for promotionCredit: PA More

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      Fans furious as Sky Sports announce Championship side picked for 31ST TIME this season with latest TV selections

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      LEEDS will have their 31st game of the season televised after Sky Sports announced their latest live Championship TV selections.And rival fans are furious after finding out the Whites are set to get more airtime again.Leeds will have their 31st game of the season televised as Sky Sports revealed their latest TV selectionCredit: RexLeeds have had a tremendous season in the second tier, and overtook long-time frontrunners Leicester with their 2-1 win against Millwall last weekend.And supporters will be even more delighted to see their team on the big screen once again.Due to the 3pm blackout on Saturday – when all Championship games are scheduled to play – TV broadcasters dictate which games they want to televise and therefore move the time or day of the game.And, in Leeds’ case, this has now happened 31 times this season after Sky Sports have announced they will broadcast their clash against Middlesbrough.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe match was originally scheduled on Saturday 20 April but has now been moved to Monday 22 April at 8pm.Rival fans were fuming to hear the news.As one said: “Sky Sports Leeds United.”A second added: “31 games must be a record surely?”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThen a third fan said: “This is beyond a joke now!”Leeds are in flying form and unbeaten in the Championship in 2024.FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateDaniel Farke’s side were 17 points behind Leicester on New Year’s day, with the Foxes appearing destined to run away with the title.Leicester had only lost four games all season by the middle of February.But, with the Foxes suffering a blip that’s seen them only win one game in their last five, Leeds have incredibly managed to leapfrog them.The pair are only one point ahead of surprise package Ipswich in third, with six games left of the season. More

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      Championship club’s former stadium looks unrecognisable as rugby ground with just 2000 capacity

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      A CHAMPIONSHIP club’s former stadium looks unrecognisable after being transformed into a rugby ground with a capacity of just 2,000.The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium is home to the Sheffield Eagles rugby league side.The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium looks completely different these daysCredit: https://twitter.com/OLPSheffieldIt was built over the site of the demolished Don Valley StadiumCredit: ReutersDon Valley used to host Rotherham and was the second-largest athletics arena in the UKCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 25,000-seater has now been transformed into a modest 2,000 rugby league stadiumCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sheffieldolympiclegacypark/Built between 2021 and 2022, it was opened two years ago following a £10million construction project.The arena holds 2,000 people and also plays host to the Sheffield Giants American football team.It was the previous home of Sheffield United Women too.But it looked very different back when Championship side Rotherham played there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium was built over the site of the Don Valley Stadium, which closed in 2013 and was demolished a year later.The £29m arena, opened in 1990, was the second-largest athletics stadium in the country and could hold 25,000 spectators.That number doubled for concerts and similar events.But it also played host to Rotherham when the club was without a home for four years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBetween 2008 and 2012, up to 10,000 fans were allowed in for each game before Rotherham moved into the New York stadium – where they remain to this day.However, the Don Valley Stadium was closed by Sheffield City Council 11 years ago as part of a £50m budget cut.The site, which had previously been renovated in 2008, was entirely demolished.But in 2014, it was announced that an Olympic Legacy Park would be built over its remains.As well as the new stadium, the site now contains an indoor sports arena and several schools.It now plays host to the Sheffield Eagles, who had also played at the Don Valley Stadium and were forced to ground-share in Doncaster, Rotherham and Wakefield until the 2022 opening of the Legacy Stadium.Speaking ahead of its opening, captain Anthony Thackeray said: “It’s been a long time coming.“It’s really important for the club, the fans and everyone involved.”Rugby league side Sheffield Eagles play at the Legacy StadiumCredit: AlamyThe ground was only opened in 2002Credit: AlamyIt took eight years to build and also houses some schoolsCredit: AlamyIt is a lasting legacy to the Olympic gamesCredit: Alamy More

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      Forgotten Arsenal stars return in behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR… but Arteta’s side are humiliated 4-0

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      ARSENAL gave two first team players some much-needed minutes in a behind-closed-doors 4-0 friendly defeat to QPR today.The Gunners are making the most of the break to give those who are not on international duty a chance to get up to full speed ahead of the season run-in and title charge.Thomas Partey is working back to full fitness ahead of the season run-inCredit: GettyTakehiro Tomiyasu is also on the comeback trail after suffering calf issuesCredit: GettySunSport understands that Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu were involved. Partey got 60 minutes under his belt while Tomiyasu played for 45 minutes.But, Jurrien Timber did NOT feature as he continues his rehab from ACL surgery.The game took place at one of QPR’s training pitches, and mainly featured a lot of Arsenal U21s with a chance to impress Mikel Arteta.Arsenal had not played since their penalty shoot-out victory over Porto on March 12 to reach the Champions League quarter finals, and next up face Manchester City on March 31.READ MORE ON ARSENALPartey made his official comeback off the bench on March 4 against Sheffield United having been out for five months following thigh surgery in October.Before that, the Ghanaian had been on the pitch for just 30 minutes since August.Partey also played the final few minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford on March 9 as he is eased back into regular football.Boss Arteta will hope Partey can play a big role with just 10 league games left as they sit atop the Premier League, as well as a Champions League quarter final next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTomiyasu has also had his injury woes this season, struggling with a calf problem that means the Japanese international is yet to play for Arsenal this calendar year.But after signing a new two-year deal – with the option of another 12 months – this week, Tomiyasu got game time against QPR.Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityThe return of Tomiyasu will give Arteta plenty of options at the back, and can rotate the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior if required.However, Dutch full-back Timber – who got injured on the Prem opening day against Nottingham Forest in August – is not yet ready to take part in a match situation just yet.Timber has been involved in full training with the senior side for the past few weeks and is building his way back to featuring at some point next month.However, Arteta will not take any risks on a player he sees as crucial to his set-up, and internally the club are very excited by what Timber can bring to the side next season when fully fit. More

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      Wales star Joe Rodon shows off horror eye injury… but is ready to KO Leeds team-mate and reach Euros

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      JOE RODON will be sporting a black eye in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off bid tomorrow – but the defender hopes to deliver a KO to club team-mate Glen Kamara.The Leeds centre-back, 26, picked up his shiner after clashing heads with Junior Firpo during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.Joe Rodon is coming into the game with a nasty eye injuryCredit: AlamyThe Leeds loanee showed off his shiner in the press conferenceCredit: AlamyAfter the Whites went top of the Championship, Rodon wasted little time in starting the mind games with Finland’s Kamara by giving him the silent treatment.Rodon, who plays with Wales pals Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts and Dan James at Elland Road, said: “I didn’t speak to Glen after Sunday’s game on purpose.”I told him beforehand, “I don’t want to speak to you after the game’. It’s just the way I am. I’m sure we will catch up after the game on Thursday.”There’s been a bit of banter because we all play for the same club team.”Read More on FootballRodon claims Leeds boss Daniel Farke will support Kamara because the midfielder is outnumbered by four to one in the semi-final showdown at the Cardiff City Stadium.The on-loan Spurs star added: “The boss has been teaming up with Glen. It’s been quite funny. “There’s four Welshmen versus one from Finland so the numbers are unfair for him. I hope we have the bragging rights when we go back.”Rodon played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but feels in the form of his life with Wales needing two wins to qualify for the Germany finals this summer.Most read in Euro 2024Victory over Finland would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff next Tuesday.And Wales boss Robert Page reckons the former Swansea ace, who will win his 43rd cap, is now a real defender after getting the bruises to prove it.Joe Rodon says he hopes he can help the team with his defence and ball skillsRodon laughed and said: “The manager said to me on Monday morning that I look like a proper centre-half now! I’ll take that.”It was a physical game but I got it from Junior. It was from a corner, I headed the ball and the back of him too. It’s not an ideal situation.”I’m just delighted I didn’t reopen it on Sunday. All I can do is put vaseline on it. Hopefully it heals up quickly for Thursday.”I’ve had a few this season, unfortunately. It’s worse than it looks. Rodon has played at a Euros and World Cup but is desperate for Wales to qualify for Germany this summerCredit: GettyWales bid to reach a major tournament for the first time without star man Gareth Bale, who retired from football last yearCredit: Getty”The one I got at Millwall away was a nasty one. It’s part of the game and it’s what I love doing. At least we came away from the game with a clean sheet.”Wales, with Ampadu and James set to both win their 50th caps, are bidding to qualify for the first time without key men Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, who retired following Qatar.Rodon added: “We’ve lost superstars with Gaz and Joe. It was always going to be difficult for us in transition for the group. I can’t speak highly enough of Gaz and Joe. “They are icons of Welsh football and the game and it’s going to have an impact on any team. If you know Gaz as well, any room he walks into everyone knows he’s there.”The players coming up to 50 caps have been around quite a bit now and have that experience in tournaments. It’s not new to us. It’s looking good.”Rodon played alongside Bale for club and country and joked he is happy Wales’ record caps holder and goalscorer with 111 and 41, no longer bullies him.Two years ago, the pair had a bizarre argument over whether aliens exist during a Tottenham Youtube video.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe quipped: “It’s quite nice he doesn’t bully me anymore! He does get on to me when I don’t speak to him. I’m sure Gaz is always watching. You all know how much he loves Wales. “I’m sure he will be watching the game. Gaz has done so much for me. I do miss him a lot. I’ll be in touch with him otherwise I’ll be in trouble!” More

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      Birmingham bring back former manager in desperate bid to avoid relegation after Tony Mowbray was forced to step away

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      GARY ROWETT is set to return to Birmingham as interim manager until the end of the season.The 50-year-old previously spent two years in charge at St Andrew’s between 2014 and 2016.Gary Rowett is set to return to Birmingham as interim managerCredit: PA:Empics SportThe Blues are winless since Tony Mowbray stepped away for medical treatment in FebruaryCredit: RexHe will take over from Mark Venus, who has been at the helm since Tony Mowbray stepped away to undergo medical treatment in February.The club confirmed Mowbray’s absence would be for six to eight weeks.Rowett is now set to take charge for the rest of the campaign in a bid to beat the drop.According to talkSPORT, his return is imminent and his first game back will be the Good Friday trip to QPR on March 29.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBirmingham have not won any of their six matches since Mowbray stepped away, picking up just a single point under Venus.Their poor run of results leaves the Blues 21st in the Championship and only above the drop zone on goal difference.Rowett will have eight matches to avoid relegation to the third tier for the first time since 1994.The former Millwall boss has been out of management since leaving The Den in October.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe previously spent two years as Birmingham boss, guiding the club to back-to-back 10th place finishes in the Championship.However, he was sacked in December 2016 with the Blues seventh in the table.Fans say ‘you can’t help but love Tony Mowbray’ as he hails Birmingham’s ‘Champions League’ BUFFETRowett has also had spells in charge of Derby and Stoke since leaving Birmingham over seven years ago. More

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      Championship play-off final ‘to be moved to JUNE if Coventry qualify for it and beat Man Utd in the FA Cup’

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      THE Championship play-off final will be pushed back to JUNE if Coventry City pull off a huge FA Cup upset, it’s been claimed.The Sky Blues are still in with a good shout of qualifying for the richest match in football.Coventry City could still qualify for the Championship play-off finalCredit: GETTYThe Sky Blues could play in the FA Cup final if they beat Manchester United in the semisCredit: GETTYThe EFL will push back the Championship play-off final by a week if Coventry qualify for both finalsCredit: PAMark Robins’ troops are four points behind sixth-placed Norwich City, although they have a game in hand on The Canaries.The play-off final is slated to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 26 – but the match will be postponed if Coventry shock the world and reach the FA Cup final.Coventry are set to face Premier League giants Manchester United in the semi-final of the tournament on April 20.The final of the FA Cup is set to take place on May 25 – the day before the Championship play-off final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd, according to The Daily Mail, the EFL will push the richest match in football back seven days to June 2 if both scenarios play out.Wembley staff will be in for a busy 48 hours if Coventry reach both finals as the Champions League final is set to take place on June 1.Coventry shocked Premier League side Wolves in a quarter-final thriller on Saturday, scoring twice deep into added time to win it.Now boss Robins will have an added incentive to reach the FA Cup final as he used to play for the Red Devils.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCoventry manager Mark Robins used to play for Manchester UnitedCredit: RexHe said of United’s own stunning late win over Liverpool: “I watched it and I thought the whole weekend was outstanding.”The games were all entertaining and there were lots of goals.Wolves 2 Coventry 3, Coventry fans go wild in the stands over win that will take them to Wembley“I thought ours set the tone and it was just incredible. “The feeling everyone was left with is that it’s one of those games that you’ll never forget. It was brilliant.”He added: “Sunday’s game was an open game and Man United were brave.”They had to make changes and put midfield players and forwards at full-back and went for it, and that paid off for them.”And Amad Diallo’s goal topped it off for them.”In the end, United did enough to win it, but I think our game set the tone for all the others.” More