EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea rookie keeper Nathan Baxter hoping Hull City loan transfer will help him become Blues and England No1

      by

      NATHAN BAXTER is going to extraordinary lengths to fulfill his dream of becoming a high-flier with Chelsea and England.That includes shrugging off injury and paying his own air fares simply to bond with team-mates during one of SIX previous loans from the Premier League giants.
      Nathan Baxter saves from Rangers’ Ryan Kent while on loan at Ross CountyCredit: The Sun

      Keeper Baxter is about to embark on the seventh and most challenging yet – at Championship newcomers Hull City.
      For someone who spends his working days stuck in a box 18 by 36 yards, dedicated Baxter has travelled further than most players of the same age.
      From non-League to Scottish Premier League, ambitious Baxter will let nothing get in the way of his ultimate goal of becoming Chelsea’s No1.
      Not even when having just joined SPL side Ross County two seasons ago, he was sent back to London with a shoulder problem.
      Baxter, 22, said: “I’d fly up most weeks, home and away. I would do physio at Chelsea Monday to Friday, then book a flight to Scotland and go up to watch the boys, because I wanted to feel like I was part of the team.
      “The manager wanted me to stay in the hotel the night before the game with the boys and they really kept me involved.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      “Even though I was back at Chelsea doing rehab I still felt like a Ross County player and that helped.
      “As soon as I was fit I was back in the team then playing against Celtic live on Sky. Playing at Celtic and Rangers means there is nothing in terms of stadium or supporters that will faze me now.
      “When I go on loan I become a player of that club. That resonates with the fans and they see someone on the pitch wearing their heart on their sleeve and giving their all for the shirt.
      “I don’t see myself as a loan player this season. I see myself as a Hull player.”
      The Tigers are back in the Championship after winning last season’s League One title.
      Baxter is now just one step down the ladder from the Premier League having taken a bold decision five years ago to swap Chelsea blue for the boys in blue.
      Hull is the latest stop on a journey which has taken in Accrington Stanley, Ross County, a record-breaking spell at Yeovil, Woking, Solihull Moors and the Isthmian League Met Police team when he was just 17.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1
      Baxter is hoping to eventually become Chelsea’s No1 keeperCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Baxter said: “Jordan Pickford went on loan and played in that division at a young age like me.
      “Pickford, Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Jack Butland, Joe Hart. They have all played lower and non-League.
      “The path I am on is one every single England goalkeeper over the last few years has been on. I have confidence that I will one day be in those shoes.
      “It was a surprise to people that a Chelsea player went to that division.
      “But me and the club thought it was the best pathway for me.
      “The Met Police’s average crowd was about 99. Quite often that would be swelled by staff members at Chelsea coming to watch me to tip it over 100.
      BAXTER FACTFILEBaxter’s clubs
      Age: 22
      Chelsea (2016-present)
      Met Police (2016-17, loan)
      Solihull Moors (2017, loan)
      Woking (2017-18, loan)
      Yeovil (2018-19, loan, pictured)
      Ross County (2019-20, loan)
      Accrington (2020-21, loan)
      Hull City (2021, loan)

      “My first game for them was an FA Cup fourth round qualifier game against a ninth-tier team – Hounslow. Hilario, the first team keeper coach at Chelsea at the time, came to watch me.
      “I didn’t feel like I was being cast aside because someone of importance was coming to watch me and it showed the club cared about me.
      “Hull is the natural progression for me. Since I have been on loan I have stepped up a division each year and challenged myself.
      “Every year I have gone on loan and found the transition into a new league easy. It is up to me to show I deserve to be in the Championship this year.
      “All the experiences haven’t just made me the player I am today but the person I am. Going on loan makes you grow up very quickly.
      “I am proud of playing at those levels at that age because it’s not easy in League Two as a 19-year-old.
      “I was so young when I reached 100, 150 games. I want to keep progressing and hoping there are more levels to climb on the next part of their journey.
      DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      “One day I will be good enough and will be picked and will become Chelsea’s No1.
      “The reason I have kept progressing is because I focus on that individual opportunity and I know if I don’t do the business for Hull I won’t get that opportunity.
      “I believe I am ready to play for Chelsea now. I have thought that for a long time. You have to believe in yourself. But I have to make sure I have a good season with Hull first.”
      Romelu Lukaku asks Inter Milan to sanction Chelsea transfer as Italians demand £100m-plus fee More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League and EFL stars REFUSING to take Covid vaccination causing huge divide at clubs ahead of new season

      by

      PLAYERS are defiantly refusing to have Covid jabs — leading to divided dressing rooms just days before the new season.Many pros are opting against being vaccinated despite the virus continuing to disrupt football.
      Premier League and EFL footballers are refusing to get jabbed ahead of the new seasonCredit: Alamy
      And it is feared stars could end up missing the start of the new campaign, with the EFL kicking off on Friday night followed by the Premier League the following week.
      Some players have chosen not to get a vaccine for personal reasons, while others have refused on the grounds of their faith.
      The issue is causing major unrest at certain clubs.
      One Championship outfit has players and staff isolating after a member of the squad said no to the needle, then tested positive.
      An insider revealed: “We know people will have their own views and reasons but it’s causing friction.
      “A player here refused to be vaccinated only to catch the virus. Then in the following days other players and staff tested positive.
      “It means people are having to self-isolate and it’s causing major disruption to our planning with the season starting in a week.”
      Some clubs have struggled in recent weeks, with academies and first-team squads badly hit.
      Covid is also causing a big headache with transfers.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      A Premier League player who caught Covid was unable to finalise a move last week, while another top star had to shelve contract talks after a positive test.
      While Manchester United were forced to withdraw from a friendly against Preston North End on Saturday, after reporting a suspected Covid outbreak at their Carrington training ground.
      However, the nine players and staff who reported positive lateral flow tests were given the all-clear a day later after more conclusive PCR tests revealed they were false positives.
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Man Utd’s friendly with Preston OFF after coronavirus outbreak in Red Devils camp – the sun- More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford close in on NINTH summer transfer signing with St Mirren’s James McGrath eyed ahead of Premier League return

      by

      WATFORD have an eye on St Mirren’s attacking midfielder James McGrath if they fail in their efforts to sign Lewis Ferguson.The Hornets have seen two bids of up to £2million for Ferguson rejected by Aberdeen – and now the Premier League club have to decide if they are willing to pay any more for the 21-year-old.
      Watford are keeping tabs on St Mirren’s attacking midfielder James McGrathCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
      The Hornets have already made eight signings so far this summer including Josh King
      Watford have also snapped up Peter Etebo on loan from Stoke City
      Danny Rose arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham
      It has led Watford to look at alternatives, and another player to catch their eye in the Scottish Premiership is St Mirren ace McGrath.
      The 24-year-old Irishman made a big impact last season scoring 17 goals from midfield, and is now about to enter the final year of his contract with the club.
      That means he would be available for a fraction of the cost of Ferguson, and Watford believe he could prove a useful addition to their squad on their return to the top flight.
      McGrath has already been targeted by Championship side Wigan this summer, who saw their £300,000 bid rejected.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Watford manager Xisco Munoz is also thought to be keen to raid Swansea in search of another midfield target.
      Football Insider claim the Spaniard has made an enquiry to the Welsh outfit over the possibility of sealing a switch for Matt Grimes.
      Yet Watford may need to fend off competition from both Brighton and Fulham for the £1.5million-rated 26-year-old.
      Munoz has clearly been keen to put his own mark on his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      SunSport previously reported that Watford saw a £15million bid for Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong turned down.
      Rovers owners Venky’s snubbed the move and also the chance to take forward Andre Gray on loan for a season as part of the deal.
      Watford had already bolstered their attack by snapping up Josh King on a free transfer from Everton earlier this month.
      Watford previously confirmed they’ve struck a deal to sign Emmanuel Dennis
      They swooped to sign Ashley Fletcher on a free transfer from Middlesbrough
      Rochdale winger Kwadwo Baah had Manchester CIty interested before joining Watford
      ✍️ We are delighted to confirm the signing of Imrân Louza for an undisclosed fee from FC Nantes!@_AFEX— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 1, 2021

      ✍️ We are pleased to confirm the signing of Mattie Pollock on a five-year deal!@_AFEX— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 27, 2021

      Watford confirm Danny Rose signing on free transfer More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      MK Dons 1 Tottenham 3: Son, Dele and Lucas score in back-to-back pre-season games as Santo extends unbeaten run

      by

      DELE ALLI delivered a goal and an impressive display on his first return to MK Dons since leaving to join Tottenham.Alli has not played back at the MK Stadium since Spurs splashed out £5million to sign him as a raw teenager six years ago.
      Tottenham forward Son Heung-min broke the deadlock at Stadium MK in the 35th minuteCredit: Rex
      Spurs duo Son and Dele Alli have now scored in back-to-back pre-season matches
      But the England star was back at home – and more importantly back doing what he does best – as he did his chances of becoming a regular under Nuno Espirito Santo no harm with a fine display in the centre of midfield.
      Alli has struggled for form and confidence over the past few seasons, but after working hard on his fitness and condition over the summer he looks sharp and ready to hit the ground running.
      The 25-year-old provided plenty of flashes of quality in a creative role behind a pacy front three of Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn – who were too much for MK to handle.
      He looked happy to be trusted in the central role where he was able to play a key role for the side, unlike several displays last season when he was only on the fringes of the game.
      And he capped his good performance with the second goal, as Spurs continued their preparations for their tough opening day clash with champions Manchester City with a victory over their League One opposition.
      Son continued his own good form since returning from his summer break and signing a new long-term contract, opening the scoring in the first half before teeing Alli up for his strike.
      Moura added a third for Spurs before sub John Freeman pulled a goal back on 85 minutes for MK Dons.
      Dons had seen a fifth minute Matt O’Riley penalty saved by 22-year-old keeper Alfie Whiteman.
      Brazilian winger Lucas Moura scored the third for Spurs against the League One outfitCredit: PA
      Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo is unbeaten from his opening three matches in chargeCredit: Getty
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      Santo is now unbeaten in his first three games in charge following their 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient and 3-0 win against Colchester.
      And just like in the victory against Colchester, it was Son, Dele and Lucas all on the score sheet again.
      Attention will now turn towards the clash against London rivals Chelsea on August 4 in the Mind Series.
      Son Heung-min signs bumper new Tottenham contract until 2025 More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ravel Morrison trains with Derby after Wayne Rooney hands ex-Man Utd team-mate career lifeline

      by

      RAVEL MORRISON trained with Derby today in his bid to find a new club.Rams boss Wayne Rooney is giving the former Manchester United playmaker a career lifeline by letting him train with them.
      Ravel Morrison trained with Derby in his bid to find a new clubCredit: Derby County FC
      Derby boss Wayne Rooney is giving him a career lifelineCredit: Derby County FC
      Morrison, 28, played at Manchester United when Rooney was in his prime but is currently without a club.
      The talented star is staying fit with the Rams and hoping to catch the eye as he plots his next move after years of moving clubs.
      Morrison was due to head to Mexico to sign for a top team after leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.
      Rooney has stepped in to take a look as he ponders his future.
      Derby are currently working under transfer restrictions and there would not be much money to offer Morrison, but it could yet work for all parties.
      The 28-year-old didn’t make a single league appearance at Old Trafford before leaving for West Ham.
      He also had spells at Lazio and Sheffield United, and loan stays at Birmingham, QPR, Cardiff and Middlesbrough.
      The former England youth prospect switched allegiances to represent Jamaica last year.
      But Morrison has been without a club since his deal with ADO Den Haag was mutually terminated in January.
      Ravel Morrison is currently without a club and keeping fit with DerbyCredit: Derby County FC
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      He recently revealed his love for Arsenal and how he wants to see the Gunners win the Premier League again.
      Morrison said on the Stratford Paddock podcast: “I’m a Gunner. I’m a Gunner.
      “I’m not a United fan. I would like United to come second in the league and Arsenal to win the league.
      “I would always want United to be the second team, never to go lower than that.
      “I will always appreciate Manchester United, but obviously, Arsenal would win the league.”
      Ravel Morrison reveals he used to steal boots from Man Utd dressing room to sell and feed his family More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham keeper Neil Etheridge, 31, posts update from hospital bed and says he’s ‘slowly on the mend’ from coronavirus

      by

      NEIL ETHERIDGE has revealed he is ‘slowly on the mend’ having been hospital-bound by Covid-19.The Birmingham City star, 31, was admitted earlier this week after contracting the deadly virus.
      Neil Etheridge posted an update to social mediaCredit: Instagram @neil38etheridge
      Etheridge had been back in pre-season training with the Blues before contracting the illness.
      The Filipino star has posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed on Instagram, connected to various tubes but with his thumbs up.
      He accompanied the image with the message: “Hi everyone.
      “I am feeling stronger today.
      “I will put a more detailed message out in due course but I just wanted to let everyone know I am slowly on the mend.
      “I am so overcome with the feeling of thanks that I don’t even know where to start.
      “I’ll put something out a little more detailed soon but all I can say for the time being is thank you.”
      Posting the picture on their Twitter account, Birmingham City wrote: “We’re right behind you, Ethers.”

      Blues technical director Craig Gardner said: “On behalf of the Board, the staff, the players and everyone connected to the Club, we’re all behind Neil and willing him on in his battle against Covid-19.
      “We’re in constant contact with his close family and will continue to support them in any way we can.
      “He’s in the best possible hands and we’re hopeful we can all welcome him home at the earliest opportunity.”
      Etheridge joined Birmingham from Cardiff City last year, making 43 appearances in his debut season at St Andrew’s.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Neil Etheridge played 43 times for Blues last seasonCredit: Getty
      Fans may have to show Premier League Covid passport to gain entry into stadiums this season More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lincoln manager Michael Appleton, 45, diagnosed with testicular cancer and set for surgery before taking break from role

      by

      LINCOLN manager Michael Appleton revealed he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have surgery. The 45-year-old also confirmed in an open letter that he will be taking a break from his managerial role at Sincil Bank to do so.
      Lincoln manager Michael Appleton revealed he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have surgeryCredit: Rex
      Appleton told fans: “Although things are going well on and off the pitch at the club, I do have some news to share with you which means you’ll see and hear a bit less from me over the next couple of weeks.
      “A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have the tumour removed this week.
      “There are some quite scary words in that sentence, but this is quite a routine operation and the indications are that I should be back up and on my feet in no time.
      “I do need to take a bit of a break, though, and after the surgery will be taking a couple of weeks to recover.”
      Appleton, who started his playing career at Manchester United, has been with Lincoln since 2019 and led them to fifth in League One last season, losing in the play-off final.
      The former midfielder will miss the start of pre-season but reassured fans he will be watching on TV.
      And Appleton will also be liaising with chief executive Liam Scully and director of football Jez George.
      He said: “Our transfer plans are all on track and won’t be affected – modern technology means there won’t be any escape from me for my colleagues and I’ll be able to watch videos from the games.

      “I will remain in close contact with Liam Scully and Jez George, and I’m looking forward to a bit of remote working to see what the fuss is all about!
      “I’m not the sort of person who goes into much detail about these things, but I wanted to make sure you were all aware so you knew why I have to sit out a few games.
      “There’s loads of advice out there about the early signs of cancer and what to look out for – if you have a lump or any other change please do get it checked out by a GP.”
      Lincoln were beaten 1-0 by Championship side Reading at the weekend, but have five more friendlies until they start their League One campaign against Gillingham on August 7.
      That includes travelling to newly-promoted Premier League outfit Norwich on July 20.
      Appleton started his statement by writing: “Hello Imps fans. I hope you’re all looking forward to the new season as much as I am.

      “We’ve enjoyed being back training at the Elite Performance Centre and there is a real belief and determination that we can build on last season.
      “Preparations are well underway, and we’ve had two good runouts at Reading and Nottingham Forest.
      “Don’t read anything into the scorelines, as they were really about building the players up towards match fitness after working them hard in training.
      “Our new arrivals Chris Maguire and Lewis Fiorini have really added to the squad.
      “I know Chris well having worked with him before, and he will bring good experience and knowhow for us – and will be a great example for our younger players to follow.
      “Lewis is really good signing for us with a wide range of passing in his armoury, and we’re confident of getting some other quality additions signed up soon.”
      Euro 2016 hero Eder brings out the trophy to put it on the plinth at Wembley More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leyton Orient ban fan for three years following reports of racist abuse after England’s Euro 2020 final heartbreak

      by

      LEYTON ORIENT have banned a fan for racially abusing England players online after the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have been subjected to abuse from vile trolls after each missing a spot-kick.
      Gareth Southgate consoles Bukayo Saka after his penalty miss
      Jadon Sancho was also devastated after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his attempt
      The FA has issued a statement to condemn the abusers but Orient have gone one step further by issuing a three-year ban to one individual.
      Orient explained they were made aware of the person’s comments on Twitter late on Sunday before quickly deciding to ban them.
      The club re-asserted their zero-tolerance approach to racial abuse and discrimination while declaring how proud they are of the club’s diverse history.
      It is a history that includes club icon Laurie Cunningham, the first black player to represent an England national team.
      However, Orient did decide to refund the supporter’s season ticket for the upcoming season.
      But the League Two side have acted following the words of condemnation from Gareth Southgate, Prince William and Boris Johnson.
      Southgate told a news conference this morning: “It’s just not what we stand for.
      “We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody, and so that togetherness has to continue.
      “We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.”

      Prince William added: “The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as president of The FA, tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
      “It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
      “It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
      Boris also lamented the abuse, saying: “This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
      “Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Marcus Rashford could not believe his penalty came back off the post
      Laurie Cunningham became the first black player to play for England, featuring for the Under-21s in 1977
      Gareth Southgate confirms he wants to lead England into 2022 World Cup but says ‘I never want to outstay my welcome’ More