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    Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe could be forced to play kids on final day with players yet to be paid

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    MORECAMBE are reeling from another huge blow as unpaid wages mean they might have to play kids in their League Two finale on Saturday.Not even Tyson Fury’s sponsorship has saved his struggling home-town club from a string of problems this year.Tyson Fury is a proud backer of his local teamCredit: Morecambe FCFans are worried after the latest blow for MorecambeCredit: GettyThe Shrimpers were docked three points earlier this month.That came after issues with player wages led to a suspended penalty from last season being activated.Now Morecambe have released a lengthy statement saying owner Jason Whittingham has broken “repeated” pledges to pay salaries in April.The Shrimpers promised to field some sort of line-up at Swindon this weekend but confirmed “a number of first-team players have expressed concerns” about taking part.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFears overs Morecambe’s long-term situation have grown amongst supporters.And former soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling led a chorus of sympathy.Stelling, a fan of National League side Hartlepool, posted on X: “Another set of players going unpaid. These guys don’t earn the big bucks. “Even delaying salaries can cause huge difficulties. I hope it gets sorted but it is of course part of a much bigger issue.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFortunately for League Two rivals, both the Shrimpers and their weekend hosts Swindon are sitting harmlessly in lower mid-table.Instead, there’s a scramble way above them for the play-off spots.Anthony Joshua hints mega clash with Tyson Fury will happen in September and says ‘it’s coming, most definitely’And at the bottom Sutton hope to pull off an unlikely great escape – with Forest Green Rovers already doomed.Meanwhile, Fury has insisted he has no plans to leave the seaside town.The heavyweight legend, who also supports Manchester United, lives in a five-bed, four-bathroom home overlooking Morecambe Bay.MORECAMBE’S FULL STATEMENTHere’s how the Shrimpers’ directors revealed the club’s latest problem.
    The Club was expecting to pay its players and staff today, Friday 26th April 2024, ahead of the normal due date of the 28th of the month.
    We appreciate that, despite pay not yet being contractually due, there was an expectation that wages would be paid today ahead of the weekend.
    We also completely understand how frustrating, unsettling and demotivating that this issue is to our people, who work so hard every day.
    Throughout April and this week, the Owner has repeatedly assured the Club that funding would be provided to cover wages. Unfortunately, we have not yet received this funding, making it impossible to pay salaries at this time. Nevertheless, we will continue to do all that we can to rectify this before the 28th.
    Due to the uncertainty, a number of first team players have expressed concerns about playing tomorrow without having received their pay today, and we acknowledge their feelings.
    Regardless, we will ensure that a team takes to the field at Swindon Town for the Club’s final game of the season.
    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, players and supporters who continue to fight every day.
    The Board of Directors fully understands and shares the frustrations being reasonably expressed by people who love the Club as we do. More

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      Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Foxes stars go wild after Leeds suffer shock hammering at QPR

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      LEICESTER CITY have been promoted to the Premier League.The Foxes’ promotion was sealed thanks to rivals Leeds losing 4-0 to QPR.Leicester have been promoted following Leeds’ defeat to QPRCredit: AlamyLeicester’s Twitter account celebrated with a stunning montageCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCAnd just as in 2016 when Leicester won the Premier League, players gathered for a watchalong and jumped around in celebration following Leeds’ defeat.Leicester looked destined to return to the top flight at the first time of asking for much of the season.But their promotion was far from a foregone conclusion following a run of just three wins in ten games which saw Leeds and Ipswich close the gap.Leeds are now in danger of missing out on an automatic promotion spot as they are just one point ahead of Ipswich, having played two games more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeicester had to rebuild following relegation from the Prem with key stars James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes all leaving.Enzo joined as managed from Manchester City and won 15 of his first 17 games in charge.Leicester fans now have an opportunity to celebrate all weekend ahead of their trip to Preston on Monday.While there will be a promotion party at the King Power Stadium on May 4 when the Foxes take on Blackburn.Most read in EFLIpswich now have a great opportunity to seize on Leeds’ slip-up against Hull City on Saturday.Leicester stars celebrate being promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCKiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be seen leading celebrations with his teammatesCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe team were watching the QPR game on SkyCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeicester fans in the crowd during the QPR v Leeds game at Loftus RoadCredit: AlamyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA win would move them above Leeds into second, leaving them needing just one win against Coventry or Huddersfield to secure promotion.That means Leeds could have to settle for the play-offs along with Southampton, West Brom and Norwich.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

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      I played for Arsenal and dreamed of El Clasico, now I’m looking to avoid relegation to League One

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      JULIO PLEGUEZUELO came through the youth systems of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and has played for Arsenal.But this weekend the 27-year-old defender and Plymouth are fighting for their Championship lives at Millwall.Julio Pleguezuelo is excited by Plymouth’s survival bidCredit: RexThe Pilgrims are two points above the bottom three and know victory at The Den should be enough to secure them another season in the second tier after winning promotion last year.Pleguezuelo has had some glittering football heritage and was an eye-opening summer signing from Dutch side FC Twente.But now the equation is simple — win on Saturday or next week against Hull — or face life in League One.The defender said: “We definitely feel the pressure. We know what’s at stake but at the same time I wouldn’t trade our position with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield or Birmingham. It’s in our own hands.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“It’s going to be two difficult games but the mood has been good, the lads have been training well so we have to approach the game as we always do and try to get the three points.“Millwall is going to be hostile, I expect probably not pretty football and it’ll be their last home game, so they’ll want to put on a show for their fans.“But we have got to stand up to that and get a positive result.”While Pleguezuelo would have come through at Barcelona as a kid dreaming of one day playing in El Clasico, the Spaniard says these games where Championship status is at stake are the ones that get the juices flowing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      He said: “Where there is more at stake you kind of focus more and play better because if you play a match where you have nothing to play for, it’s not the same.“There’s pressure but it’s a good type, so hopefully we can get over the line.”EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundPleguezuelo was signed by Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona and at that time he was chased by many clubs, including Manchester City.But despite spending six years with the Gunners, he only made one senior appearance — playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 EFL Cup win against Blackpool in 2018.And after four years at FC Twente, this is his first full season in senior English football.He said: “For the first season in a league like the Championship, I’ve done well.“I’ve come from a completely different league after four years and I’ve adapted well to the game here.“The Championship is one of the best leagues in the world and Plymouth and myself have done well.“This division isn’t the same as it was before.“Teams have realised they have to adapt their style because probably long-ball doesn’t cut it any more.“But some things can still be useful in the Championship.“It’s definitely nice to see more teams trying to play attacking football.”Pleguezuelo holds the distinction of being Plymouth’s first and only Spanish player — and although he has spent most of his life in big cities, he is loving life on the Devon coast.He added: “I’ve lived in London since I was 16 and obviously Plymouth is different to London but it has been a good season for me in the South West. I love the city, the club, the fans and I am having a great time.“My family lives in London, so I go back to see them most of the time, so I get both lives.”One player who is destined to go on to bigger things is Pilgrims forward Morgan Whittaker, 23, who has attracted interest from Italians Lazio and Portuguese club Sporting.There are sure to be Premier League suitors this summer too for the 20-goal ace.Pleguezuelo said: “He’s a great player and has been massive for us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We know it will be difficult to keep him but hopefully he can help us in these last two games get over the line.”Millwall have confirmed Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, 36, will leave the club after five years this summer once his contract expires. More

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      ‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview

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      FANS are already missing “box office” Neil Warnock – after the newly-retired manager claimed he “might have chinned” an interviewer.Warnock was responding to Southampton boss Russell Martin facing questions after Tuesday’s 5-0 loss at Championship leaders Leicester.Neil Warnock would not have been amused to do an interview after a heavy lossSouthampton manager Russell Martin was quizzed after a costly drubbingCredit: PAThe ex-Leeds and Crystal Palace chief, 75, stepped down at Aberdeen last month and then announced he was quitting management altogether.And Warnock was labelled “actually unreal” by one viewer for his live TV verdict on Martin being quizzed so soon after a costly mauling.The former Huddersfield and Middlesbrough boss told Sky Sports: “You’ve picked a time when you don’t want to be interviewed.”When you’ve lost 5-0 and the questions he answered – I might have chinned him if it had been me, but I know you can’t do that.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, Warnock also showed his lighter side with a tasty solution to how Martin can help the Saints overcome the low point of their season.The one-time Cardiff manager joked: “He’s got to take the players for a Chinese tomorrow or something!”But he insisted the only way Southampton can repay their travelling fans for such a terrible display was to get promotion.Realistically, though, the fourth-placed Saints can now only win an instant return to the Premier League via the play-offs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans loved Warnock’s blunt-talking – as they reckon football lacks such raw emotion.One viewer said: “Box office ain’t he” while another wanted him back “if only for the bants”.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players A third reckoned Warnock should earn a summer call-up – in Germany.He posted: “Imagine him, Mourinho and Wenger as pundits for Euros games. Football will peak, all facets of the game represented.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League manager, 45, out to avoid relegation to League One as he says ‘adversity is in the blood’

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      GARRY MONK is ready to stare down adversity again with his Cambridge side needing a point to guarantee survival.Monk bossed Swansea in the Premier League and then took charge at a series of Championship teams including Leeds and Middlesbrough.Garry Monk is hoping to save Cambridge from relegationCredit: AlamyBut he spent more than three years out of football management after getting the sack at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2020.Monk finally returned in early March as Cambridge’s head coach, tasked with preserving the club’s League One status.They were thrashed 6-0 at Lincoln and 4-0 at Reading in his first two away games at the helm.But he has since stabilised the U’s, who will definitely beat the drop if they draw at Port Vale tomorrow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMonk knows what it takes to stay up via the final fixture, having masterminded Birmingham’s 3-1 victory over Fulham in 2018.Monk, 45, said: “Adversity’s in the blood. I kind of like adversity. I’ve faced a lot of it in my career, and as a person in my life. My mentality is always really strong with it.“I’m looking forward to the game and the players should be looking forward to it. “I know there’s a big, huge responsibility and an outcome that’s needed from it, but you have to enjoy these moments as well.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarry Monk’s managerial record
      Swansea: Played 77, Won 28, Drew 17, Lost 32.
      Leeds: Played 53, Won 25, Drew 11, Lost 17.
      Middlesbrough: Played 26, Won 12, Drew 5, Lost 9.
      Birmingham: Played 59, Won 19, Drew 20, Lost 20.
      Sheffield Wednesday: Played 58, Won 18, Drew 15, Lost 25.
      Cambridge: Played 10, Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 5.

      “Yes I’d rather be at the other end of the table fighting, but sometimes you face these situations.“It’s the character and belief you have in yourself and in each other that will come shining through. I’m pretty confident that will come through in the players on Saturday.”Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysMonk has been impressed with the spirit and determination demonstrated by the Cambridge’s squad in their quest for safety.He added: “Often in these situations, there’s a lot of fracture and discontent that you have to try and manage.“But I feel lucky that I haven’t had to do too much of that work. It hasn’t been any of that – it’s just more an enhancement of confidence and belief.“Even the Reading and Lincoln games, there wasn’t like you had a fractured group. “It was just two games where we did poor, but it wasn’t for a lack of wanting to do the right thing or anything else. It was very early days and new.“But since Reading I think they’ve done exceptionally well. They’ve shown what they’re about, showed all the ingredients that you’d want in this type of situation. One more huge effort and we can get the job done.”Despite Cambridge’s precarious position, Monk has relished being back involved in club life.He said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed it. I’ve had a lot of support. Not just the players and the staff, but from around. The fan base, the ownership and the directors – I’ve just had a lot of support. And that’s quite nice.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s not been at every club you have that type of support. I think when you get that kind of support, outside of just being professional, you are kind of more desperate to give them what they want, because they’re good people at the club and around the club.“So you feel a bit more emotionally attached to what you want to give them and how important it is for everyone.”Bottom of the League One table going into the final day More

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      EFL club pitch ruined for final game of season after two fans scatter HUMAN ASHES on turf celebrating promotion

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      PORTSMOUTH’S turf was ruined after two fans spread HUMAN ASHES on the field during a pitch invasion at Fratton Park. The South Coast side beat Barnsley 3-2 on April 16 to clinch promotion back to the Championship for the first time in 12 years, while they also won the League One title in the process.Portsmouth celebrated promotion back to the Championship earlier this monthCredit: RexHuman ashes were scattered on the turf which ruined some of the pitch ahead of their final home gameCredit: RexPompey supporters flooded onto the pitch immediately after the final whistle as scenes of jubilation ensued.But the BBC have now revealed two fans took the opportunity to spread ashes onto the field of play.Human ashes contain contain calcium and calcium phosphate which can kill grass.This is said to have “proved a challenge” for the ground staff ahead of Portsmouth’s final home game of the season against Wigan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe penalty area and centre circle were understood to be the most affected areas.However, the match still went ahead as the third-tier champions were beaten 2-1 at home on Saturday.It was their first home defeat in nine matches, a run that stretched back to mid-January.But it will have come as little surprise to many as just four days earlier some of the Pompey players were thrown out of a pub after their promotion celebrations got out of hand.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      That came after Portsmouth fans were condemned for appearing to attack a Barnsley player during their pitch invasion.Regarding the incident, Hampshire Police told SunSport: “We are aware of this incident, but at this time we have no official complaint in relation to it.”‘Literally no place for this’ – Shocking moment Portsmouth fans appear to attack Barnsley star during pitch invasionIt was Pompey’s first pitch invasion since May 2017 when they earned promotion from League Two.Maintenance will take place on the pitch during the summer, with part of it set to be covered by a crane as work begins on a new gantry at the top of the South Stand. More

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      EFL club could be relegated out of Football League in bizarre never-before-seen final-day scenario

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      A UNIQUE situation could lead to a side being relegated to non-league by a little-known rule this weekend.The League One and League Two campaigns are both set for a dramatic conclusion on Saturday with a host of promotion and relegation battles to be decided.Sutton and Colchester are battling to survive in the Football LeagueCredit: AlamyWith regards to the fourth tier, Stockport, Mansfield and Wrexham have already clinched the automatic promotion spots.And there are six clubs still fighting it out to try and join MK Dons in the play-offs.However, down at the other end of the table, it is still all to play for regarding survival.Forest Green have already been relegated to the National League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSutton and Colchester are the two sides fighting to try and avoid joining them in dropping out of the Football League.Sutton have it all to do as they go into their final day trip to MK Dons.They sit 23rd in the table and three points behind Colchester, who host top seven hopefuls Crewe AlexandraSutton must win and hope their rivals lose to have any chance of survival.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, one set of results could lead to them being relegated in unusual fashion.There is a prospect that both teams may finish on the exact same number of points, goal difference and goals scored.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonA 1-0 defeat for Colchester and a 3-0 triumph for Sutton would see that happen, as would 2-0 loss and a 3-1 victory.Head-to-head results between the sides would ordinarily be the next deciding factor.But both clashes between Sutton and Colchester have ended 1-1 this term, meaning that won’t work either.This would lead to the teams being separated by the little-known FIFTH statistic – total games won.That would result in Sutton being relegated with just 10 wins – one fewer than Colchester.And if that does occur, then it would definitely go down as one of the strangest and one of a kind relegation that we will have ever seen. More

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      Fans convinced Sky Sports are BREAKING 3pm blackout rule to show crunch EFL clash but there’s a reason it’s allowed

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      FANS have been left confused over the 3pm blackout rule, after it was announced that a League Two game will be shown by Sky Sports in that timeslot this weekend.Traditionally matches cannot be televised between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on a Saturday afternoon in the UK.Action from Colchester will be televised this SaturdayCredit: RexBroadcasters are usually restricted by the 3pm blackoutCredit: RexThis rule has been in effect since the 1960s, having been implemented in order to protect lower league attendances.Yesterday it was announced that Colchester’s League Two final day clash with Crewe Alexandra will be shown live on Sky Sports at 3pm this Saturday.The announcement left some supporters on social media confused, with one writing: “Didn’t think Saturday 3pm kick offs could be televised?”While a second asked: “I might be being thick here but what about the 3pm blackout rule?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs it turns out, the last of the 3pm blackout windows for the 2023-24 season expired last weekend.There are six windows in total, with the blackout lifted during international breaks and the Christmas period.As per Uefa, the final window of the season ran between March 30 and April 20.This means that Sky Sports are free to show action from League Two this Saturday.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey have chosen to broadcast Colchester vs Crewe, with both teams still having something on the line.Colchester are 22nd in the table, and could still be sucked into the bottom two.EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundFor the U’s to be relegated they would have to lose with Sutton United winning at MK Dons – and a goal difference swing of four.Crewe, meanwhile, are going into the match in sixth – and could still finish anywhere between fifth and eighth.A draw would see both sides achieve their goals, while a win either way could prove costly to the losers, depending on results from elsewhere.2023-24 3pm blackout windowsUK broadcasters were not allowed to show games between 2:45pm and 5:15pm between these dates
      August 5, 2023 – September 2, 2023
      September 16, 2023 – October 7, 2023
      October 21, 2023 – November 11, 2023
      November 25, 2023 – December 23, 2023
      January 12, 2024 – March 16, 2024
      March 30, 2024 – April 20, 2024 More

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      EFL play-offs 2024: Dates, kick off times, schedule and fixtures for Championship, League One and League Two ties

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      THE EFL play-offs are almost upon us as four sides from each tier eye promotion to the division above.15 exhilarating ties will take place across the Championship, League One and League Two.Luton Town sealed promotion to the Premier League in last season’s Championship play-offsCredit: PAAll semi-final fixtures will be played over two legs, with 3rd playing 6th and 4th taking on 5th – the higher-ranking team will host the semi-final second leg.The two teams that are victorious in their respective last-4 ties will meet at Wembley Stadium in a one-off final for promotion to the division above.But what are the dates for this season’s EFL play-offs?EFL play-offs 2024 scheduleChampionshipREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday May 12Semi-final second legsMost read in EFL3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday May 17FinalSunday May 26 (4.30pm)League OneSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (8pm) – Friday May 35th vs 4th – (7.45pm) – Saturday May 4Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Tuesday May 74th vs 5th (8pm) – Wednesday May 8FinalSaturday May 18 (5.30pm)League TwoSemi-final first legs7th vs MK Dons (3pm) – Monday May 66th vs 5th (5.30pm) – Monday May 6Semi-final second legsMK Dons vs 7th (8pm) – Thursday May 95th vs 6th (8pm) – Friday May 10FinalSunday May 19 (1pm)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the EFL play-offsSky Sports will broadcast each semi-final leg from every division in the EFL.The broadcasting giant will also air the play-off final from each tier. More