EFL

Subterms

    Latest story

    225 Shares84 Views

    Sir Alex Ferguson’s son makes history at Wembley as Peterborough side shock Birmingham in front of Tom Brady

    by

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son Darren made history as Peterborough shocked Birmingham in the Vertu Trophy final.Stunning strikes from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou sealed a 2-0 victory for The Posh today.Darren Ferguson made history by winning the trophy for a third timeCredit: PAThe Posh shocked Birmingham at Wembley in front of their co-owner Tom BradyCredit: RexThe NFL legend was on the edge of his seat throughout the gameCredit: ReutersGlory for Peterborough at Wembley saw them become the first team to ever win the competition twice in a row after they beat Wycombe last year.And the club’s manager Ferguson also made history as the first boss to get his hands on the trophy three times.The Scot, who is into his fourth spell as Peterborough gaffer, first won the cup in 2014 against Chesterfield.Meanwhile, it was disappointment for Birmingham this afternoon, who were looking to make it a double after securing the League One title as Wrexham dropped points yesterday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNFL legend and Blues co-owner Tom Brady had jetted from the US to London for the game.The American sat next to fellow co-owner Tom Wagner for the game and Hollywood actor Glen Powell was in the stands.As the Birmingham team came up the Wembley steps to collect their runners-up medals, Wagner delivered a surprise pep talk to them.The squad turned from fans and looked at the owner as he began to passionately lecture the players.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBefore the game, Brady and Wagner serenaded Blues supporters from the top of a bus in the fan park.They sang “championes” in reference to their League One title.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWagner also mingled with supporters and posed for photos with them before heading to his VIP seat. He said the club’s trip to Wembley was “just the beginning” of their reign and they are trying to create a “culture of winning”.Wagner added that Brady will play a “huge part” of this via his “conversations with players and coaches”.Blues chief Tom Wagner lectured the players as they came to collect their medalsCredit: Getty More

    More stories

    • 250 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s been s***housed so so hard’ – Moment EFL stars celebrate in face of devastated ace who scored last-minute own-goal

      by

      THIS is the devastating moment Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute OWN GOAL winner for a 5-4 scoreline – prompting rival Swindon players to celebrate in his face.The stunning moment occurred at the end of a brutal League Two clash between the rival sides.Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute own-goal against SwindonCredit: EFLThe goal handed Swindon a stunning 5-4 winCredit: EFLSwindon’s players celebrated in Shepherd’s faceCredit: Rob NoyesBradford had already shipped a 90th minute goal, sending Swindon back on level terms at a mind-boggling 4-4.But there was more drama to come as the game entered its final stages.As a loose ball went in, Bradford defender Shepherd got a foot in.However, the ball took a crazy deflection and ended up sailing into his own net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShepherd collapsed to the floor in agony as Swindon’s players began celebrating.But instead of partying amongst themselves, a number of them ran over to Shepherd before screaming in his face while jumping up and down in jubilation.This then prompted a scuffle between players before the referee blew the final whistle.The devastating goal saw Bradford fall three points off League Two leaders Port Vale.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to react on social media.One said: “He’s been s***housed so hard.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother declared: “What did bro do.”One noted: “Game’s never been more back.”Another added: “This is so peak.” More

    • 238 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt

      by

      BIRMINGHAM CITY have been promoted from League One.Chris Davies’ side have led the way for months and sealed their return to the Championship at the first time of asking after beating Peterborough 2-1.Birmingham City have won promotion from League OneCredit: PABlues secured their return to the Championship with a 2-1 win over PeterboroughCredit: ©MI News & SportPlayers celebrate jubilantly after sealing a place in the top twoCredit: PAAlfie May opened the scoring as Birmingham won 2-1Credit: GettyBirmingham are two points away from becoming championsCredit: PAChris Davies’ side have led the way all season longCredit: PABlues knew a win would guarantee promotion, even if rivals Wycombe won at Huddersfield, which they did.Birmingham are now just two points from becoming champions, but could have their name on the trophy without playing another league game.That is because they play in the final of the EFL Trophy against tonight’s opponents Peterborough at Wembley on Sunday.If Wrexham fail to win at Wigan, Birmingham will be crowned champions, with the promotion winners still capable of reaching an astonishing 113 points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf they do so they will set a record number of points in League One, surpassing Wolves total of 103 which they managed in the 2013/14 campaign.They could also set an EFL record, which is held by Reading who got 106 points in the Championship in 2005/06.Birmingham were relegated from the Championship last season – Tom Brady’s first season at the club.Promotion was a forgone conclusion however with Birmingham losing just three of their 40 league games so far.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey were favourites for top spot after spending an eye-watering £34million on transfers.Striker Jay Stansfield was brought in for a League One record fee of £15m, and he is the club’s top scorer this season with 18 goals. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder More

    • 225 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic tipped for shock Wrexham move to link up with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

      by

      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has been tipped to join Wrexham.The striker retired in 2023, ending his career at AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been tipped for a shock move to WrexhamCredit: GettyOwner Ryan Reynolds has not been afraid to spend big since buying WrexhamCredit: RexIt came months after he underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for nine months.Ibrahimovic completed his recovery from the injury and became the Serie A’s oldest goalscorer, and he has kept himself fit ever since.So former Premier League star Matt Jansen believes he could be an option for Wrexham, who could be playing in the Championship next season.Jansen told Fruity King: “It would probably suit Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although he retired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But money talks and they’ve certainly got it. It would be Hollywood and he’d enjoy it, wouldn’t he?”It would certainly be that type, or a big target man like Chris Wood maybe, although he’s not going to leave Nottingham Forest.”Anything’s possible with Wrexham and they’ve got the backing. With the media around them, they’ve got the idea of what they want to do.”Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have not been afraid to spend big to lure players to the Racecourse since taking over.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTheir astute transfer business has helped manager Phil Parkinson achieve back-to-back promotions from the National League, and now another looks likely.They occupy the second automatic promotion spot in League One and are six points ahead of their closes rivals Wycombe in third, having played one match more.Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Crisis club Reading handed lifeline as EFL give hated owner Dai Yongge new deadline to sell before being thrown out

      by

      READING have been handed a lifeline after the EFL extended the deadline for owner Dai Yongge to sell the club.The Royals are subject to a takeover bid from an anonymous party.Reading owner Dai Yongge has been given an extension to sell the clubCredit: JASONPIXYongge is set to be suspended as owner of the club by the EFL after he failed the owners and directors test due to debts in China.That means he must sell up or Reading will be disqualified from the EFL.The EFL initially ordered Yongge to part with Reading by April 4 – SunSport can reveal that deadline has been pushed back to April 22.From that point, Dai will have 30 days to sell up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast month Reading announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser”.SunSport later revealed that the prospective buyer was Robert Platek, who already owns Italian club Spezia and Portuguese outfit Casa Pia.The new buyer is in talks to take over the club the stadium and the training ground.It was claimed at the time that Reading were hopeful of “a quick completion” to the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever an ongoing litigation case with former prospective buyer Rob Couhig is holding up the sale process.Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsBut the deal subsequently collapsed with Couhig claiming he lost more than £12m in potential profits after Reading broke their exclusivity agreement. More

    • 238 Shares100 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘What is up with you?’ – Robbie Savage’s harsh half-time dressing room team-talk that inspired Macclesfield to title win

      by

      MACCLESFIELD manager Robbie Savage inspired his non-league side to a massive title win thanks to an inspiration half-time team talk.Savage, 50, took over the Silkmen last year after his close friend Rob Smethurst bought the club.Robbe Savage led Macclesfield to the Northern Premier League titleCredit: RexHe let rip in the changing room at half-time before they went on to win the titleMacclesfield boss Savage inspired his players to win 2-1 despite trailing at the breakCredit: X @thesilkmenAnd the pundit won the Northern Premier League last week in what is his debut season as a manager.A BBC documentary about the Welsh tactician’s first ever crack at management with Macclesfield is set to be released and will tell the story of a truly remarkable campaign.The doc will take viewers backstage during the crucial match against Bamber Bridge at Moss Rose.After a disappointing first half that saw Bamber Bridge leading 1-0, the former Manchester United academy prospect let it all out to his players in the dressing room.Read More on FootballSavage said: “Not good enough. Listen, I’m not gonna shout, but what is up with you?!”Are you fighting? Can you play in front of a big crowd? Because you are better than this.”Let’s go win the league. Come on!”And that team talk had the desired effect as Macclesfield fought back and won 2-1.Most read in EFLThat in turn led to a triumphant promotion to the National League North for next season.Savage and co are now just two divisions away from the English Football League.’I wish my father was here’ – Emotional moment Robbie Savage chokes up after winning promotion with MacclesfieldThe ex-Wales international was initially involved with the club as part owner before taking over the reins in the dugout. More

    • 200 Shares147 Views

      in Soccer

      Steve Evans axed by Rotherham after embarrassing home defeat with Millers sliding down League One table

      by

      ROTHERHAM have sacked manager Steve Evans.The Millers have struggled this campaign following relegation from the Championship and have fired Evans following a 4-0 home defeat to Crawley.Rotherham have sacked manager Steve EvansEvans was appointed in April last year but could not prevent Rotherham from avoiding the drop.He was entrusted with a huge rebuild in South Yorkshire and signed 14 players in the summer.But he could not deliver on expectations to challenge for promotion, and he leaves with Rotherham 16th in League One.Rotherham have won just 12 league games this season and failed to pick up three points in their last four fixtures.Evans, 62, apologised following the mauling against his former side Crawley and accepted his “credit” may have run out.He said post-match: “The fans have watched an abject performance.“The fans don’t want to hear apologies – they want the performance to be right.“I will always protect my players. I think a lot of those players have not got credit in the bank at this football club. Maybe my credit will run out, I don’t know.Most read in EFL“I thought we defended poorly. Our players have played with a really heavy weight on their shoulders.“The facts are they have not played in a Rotherham United fashion for much of the season.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle parade“In the games that they have, we have won games comfortably.“We won’t make excuses. I offer my apologies. The performance was limp and way off the minimum standards.”Evans’ second stint at the New York Stadium failed to reproduce the success of his first spell, when he led Rotherham to back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.Matt Hamshaw has been appointed interim Millers boss until the end of the season as the club searches for a permanent replacement.Former boss Paul Warne has been mooted by fans – the manager was sacked by Derby this season but has been successful at Rotherham in the past, guiding the club to three promotions. More

    • 200 Shares144 Views

      in Soccer

      Reading FC reveal that transfer embargo is imminent as club break silence on EFL disqualification threat

      by

      READING face a fresh transfer embargo amid uncertainty around their potential EFL disqualification.The club have shared an update on the ongoing crisis at the club, which saw owner Dai Yongge disqualified by the EFL due to his debts in China.Reading have provided an update amid their ongoing takeover situationCredit: Reading FCOwner Dai Yongge was disqualified by the EFLCredit: Rex FeaturesYongge failed the owners and directors test and must sell up or Reading will be disqualified from the EFL.The Royals are subject to a takeover and the sale is still ongoing.An exclusivity period is in place that will see the prospective owner buy the club, the stadium and the training ground.However an ongoing litigation case with Rob Couhig is holding up the sale process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCouhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed with Couhig claiming he lost more than £12m in potential profits after Reading broke their exclusivity agreement.Reading released a statement providing an update which read: “Exclusivity remains in place with the proposed purchaser, with the sales proposal including the club, Select Car Leasing Stadium, and Bearwood Park Training Facility. “All parties remain positive in the desire to complete a transaction at the earliest possible opportunity.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Regarding the ongoing litigation case with Mr Couhig and last Friday’s Commercial Court hearing, the club can confirm that a formal proposal for alternative security has been made to Mr Couhig via his legal representatives. “It is hoped that the proposal will be agreed quickly in resolution of the current security impasse, to facilitate the sales process.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ “The club would also like to clarify the current position with the EFL, and Mr Dai’s disqualification as a Director. “Under the terms of the disqualification, Mr Dai must now divest his interests in Reading Football Club and is committed to doing so to meet this requirement.”Reading also confirmed their transfer embargo was lifted after they published their 2022/23 accounts to Companies House.However they face another transfer embargo if they fail to file their accounts for the 2023/24 season before the EFL’s March 31 deadline – the club state it is “highly unlikely” they will meet the requirement. More

    • 275 Shares168 Views

      in Soccer

      Reading FC could become one of the most tragic stories in football history if EFL lose game of chicken with Dai Yongge

      by

      READING and their fans are being held hostage by a Chinese owner  edging them closer to what would be one of the most tragic stories in English football history.Supporters are genuinely scared they could become Bury The Sequel after the EFL told owner Dai Yongge to sell up by April 4 or else.Reading vs Port Vale was abandoned after home fans invaded the pitchCredit: AlamySupporters vented their fury over club owner Dai YonggeCredit: PAThe Chinese businessman has rightly been disqualified from owning a club in the Football League and ordered to sell his shares by next month.And if he fails to do so the EFL management board will meet in late April to consider the options — which include suspending the club or booting them out altogether.It has worrying echoes of the spring and summer months of 2019 when the EFL were trying to force Bury owner Steve Dale to sell the League One club that he paid only a pound for.Dale was unable to provide proof of funds to finance the club then failed to sell up and the Shakers were expelled from the League after 125 years of continuous membership.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNow they’re plying their trade in the North West Counties League Premier Division, the ninth tier of English football.Such an Armageddon scenario doesn’t bear thinking about for a club believed to be the  seventh oldest in England.The EFL are clearly trying to force his hand — with league chiefs, Reading fans plus  club players and staff fed up after more than 500 days of Yongge failing to enact a sale.A clear choice is on the table for Yongge: sell up today for somewhere around £25million as a League One club which has potential to climb to the Premier League or get booted out of the EFL and then  pocket only a fraction of that amount.Most read in EFLThe message from Reading fans is clear as they demand actionCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMost sensible people would at this point know the game is up.But on evidence so far,  applying the law of common sense — or even showing an ounce of business acumen — is something that deserts Yongge.Alan Pardew calls out the EFL amid controversial situation at Reading football clubThe Chinese businessmen — and his sister Dai Xiu Li — incredibly allowed 99-year-old Belgian team KSV Roeselare to go bankrupt with debts of only £17,000!Beijing Chengfeng, another club he owned, tumbled from the Chinese Super League to their third tier before they were dissolved in 2021.Then you only have to look at how he signed players like Liam Moore on wages believed to be around £40,000-£50,000 a week — then failed to sell him to Brighton for a fee of £9MILLION with only a year left on his deal.The defender then got crocked and walked away on a free.Yongge is known to be stubborn, which leads to all common sense going out of the window.And there are genuine fears he could dig his heels in.He has already stripped the club of its main assets — their stadium and training ground.So he could be minded to not give a hoot what happens to the club in the safe knowledge he has a couple of decent chunks of land to sell.Yongge is pictured with former Royals manager Jaap StamCredit: RexA big problem as things stand is the gaping hole between corporate law and competition rules.The EFL regulations say they can disqualify an owner and order him to sell — but cannot take the shares off him like a compulsory purchase order.Yongge could just ignore them — and, in the meantime, hold Reading FC as hostages. You take me down, you take down the club.It has become a dangerous game of chicken.And it brings into sharp focus why there must be changes in the law to protect community assets such as football clubs.So a compulsory purchase can be enacted if an owner is behaving recklessly.The good news is Yongge’s excuse that any progress on selling the club is being held up by a legal dispute with American Rob Couhig has now been  officially rejected by a court.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner.The former Wycombe owner — whose takeover bid fell through last summer — wants the  £5million back he lent the club, with the training ground and stadium being put up as  securities by Yongge.Couhig’s Redwood Holdings is currently suing Yongge’s Renhe Sports Management for allegedly breaking exclusivity rules while negotiating the sale of the club last year.That is now a side issue and Yongge cannot blame that  dispute in holding up any sale.The Royals owner was finally disqualified by the EFL after it was found he had been added to a bad creditors list by the Chinese government.It is something Caroline Parker from fan group Sell Before We Dai has been lobbying the EFL over for some time.Let’s hope that Yongge finally sees sense and releases the  hostage that is Reading FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd for crying out loud can Parliament and the football authorities work together to close every single loophole that allows such a person to treat one of our oldest clubs in such a reckless way.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner. More