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      ‘Celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate’ – Bradford trolled over trophy for finishing third in League Two

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      BRADF0RD CITY sealed a remarkable final-day promotion last weekend, but they have found themselves on the end of social media ridicule for their ‘trophy’ lift.The Bantams sealed promotion back to League One with a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on the last day of the campaign. Rival fans joked about the size of Bradford’s silverwareCredit: RexRichie Smallwood and Andy Cook celebrate Bradford’s promotionBradford are looking forward to League One football next seasonThey pipped Walsall to third spot, with the Saddlers needing to better the Yorkshire outfit’s result to have any chance of going up automatically.However, Graham Alexander’s men emerged victorious in the dying embers, with Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th-minute winner sending them up and Valley Parade into raptures. Bradford join champions Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale in League One next term. They will be joined by one of Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County, and Chesterfield, who make up the play-off contenders. Read more FootballDespite the sheer delirium that washed across the city, fans on social media decided to poke fun at the “trophy” the Bantams were given to celebrate their third place finish.One Doncaster fan tweeted: “Congrats #BCAFC after all the banter I’d much rather have you in league 1 than Walsall. “Great scenes. Not sure why you’re celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate though”.A Port Vale supporter wrote: “Celebrating a season and a job well done, you’re trying to banter a 2nd place trophy in a season where Bradford got someone’s nan’s plate for coming 3rd.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother said: “Bradford City won a dog bowl trophy.”Andy Cook, the longest-serving player in the Bradford squad, sported a personalised shirt with his face on at the promotion parade.Bradford v Tranmere delayed after medical emergency in crowd with visitors’ keeper raising alarm (1)Cook, who scored 12 goals this season, said that going up “means everything” as the players and a sea of Bantams fans celebrated in Centenary Square in the city.Bradford have spent six season in the basement division – a far cry from their Premier League glory days of the early 2000s.It is the first time the Yorkshire side have achieved automatic promotion since 1999 – when a 3-2 win away at Wolves saw them reach the promised land of the top flight.But the 24 years that followed have been populated with despair and relegations.Fans flood the Valley Parade pitch as Bradford finally returned to League One More

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      From Man Utd to Mansfield… where it all went wrong for Luton as they’re relegated twice and end up in League One

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      LUTON TOWN have been relegated AGAIN just 12 months on from their Premier League survival fight.The Hatters finished just six points behind Nottingham Forest last season, with the Tricky Trees now chasing Champions League football under Nuno Espirito Santo.Luton Town have been relegated to League OneCredit: RexThe Hatters’ relegation was confirmed last weekendCredit: GettyLuton failed to ditch their losing habit from last seasonCredit: Prime MediaMatt Bloomfield arrived in January but could not keep Luton upCredit: GettyUnfortunately for the Kenilworth Road faithful, Luton just could not shake off the habit of losing.Under former boss Rob Edwards, who guided Town to the Premier League, Luton collected just six points from their last 16 matches of the 2023-24 campaign.If fans had the impression that the Championship would be easier, they were plunged back down to earth with a cruel bump when they lost 4-1 at home to Burnley on the opening day last August.The Clarets would bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking, the Hatters would not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChastening defeats at Preston, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield United and Coventry City followed their opening day disappointment.While their 5-1 battering at Middlesbrough prompted boss Edwards to admit that he felt “numb” to the situation.Luton tried to stay faithful to the man that got them up to the Premier League, but finally pulled the trigger in January when their desperate situation became impossible to ignore.In came Matt Bloomfield, ditching a League One promotion charge with Wycombe Wanderers for a relegation dogfight at Luton.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRob Edwards was sacked by Luton in JanuaryCredit: GettyBloomfield won just four of his first 15 games in charge of Wycombe, so a slow start at Luton may not have been totally unpredictable.But the 41-year-old taking nine matches to secure his first Hatters win left his side with an awful lot to do.Rob Edwards reflects on Luton Town’s loss to Queens Park Rangers A late charge did see Luton briefly climb out of the relegation zone.But a 5-3 collapse at West Brom on the final day sealed their fate, condemning the Hatters to relegation.Last summer, Luton lost the likes of Ross Barkley, Chiedozie Ogbene and Andros Townsend, while club stalwart Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was allowed to go out on loan.Then there was inspirational skipper Tom Lockyer, the centre-back who suffered a second cardiac arrest on the pitch last season.The Wales international has since recovered and been cleared to return, but a slew of injuries have kept him off the pitch this season.His future at Kenilworth Road remains in doubt.Speaking of Luton’s traditional home, so embedded in the community, the Hatters recently announced plans to move into a new 25,000-seater stadium.Despite their relegation, CEO Gary Sweet remains bullish on the prospect.’THAT’S WHO WE ARE’Speaking to The Athletic, Sweet said: “That is what the Premier League has done for us.”What I’ve been saying this week when we’ve announced the contractor to build Power Court (the location of the new ground) is that during the course of this lifetime we’re going to be playing football in that stadium in the Premier League, the Championship, in League One and, most probably, League Two because that’s Luton Town.“That’s who we are, they are the journeys we take, as our history has absolutely proven.”So whether we are League One or Championship next season, it makes really no difference to the specification of that programme, the timeline or delivery of Power Court.”All we do is regroup as a football club and a football team.”In a club statement, chairman David Wilkinson bullishly added: “The in-depth analysis started before relegation was confirmed, as individuals and as a Club, as we set about working harder and more effectively to build on the run of form that, before Saturday’s defeat, had put us in with such a chance of survival.”All we can promise, at this moment, is that we will review, regroup and rebuild. Indeed, this has started. “We must recover the spirit that was so familiar to us on our rise, and we will use this now as a catalyst for a renewed determination and focus to achieve one objective.”Lengthy discussions have already taken place with Matt [Bloomfield] and his staff regarding next season designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season.Read More on The Sun”No stone will go unturned as we review and prepare for the 2025/26 season, hopefully, with fresh optimism and renewed vigour.”From duelling with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool last season, Luton will have to overcome Mansfield and Burton next term.Luton rallied late on in the season but could not stay upCredit: RexThe Hatters will battle the likes of Mansfield next seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Former Chelsea star with very famous TV ex left unemployed at 36 after being released by relegated League One club

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      FORMER Chelsea star Scott Sinclair is unemployed after being released from Bristol Rovers.The veteran winger, who was the club captain, has been let go following their relegation from League One.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is ex-Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: InstagramShe is a TV personality, actress and modelCredit: InstagramBristol Rovers finished 22nd in a disastrous campaign and Sinclair is now without a club.He is not the only ex-Premier League ace released by the Pirates as former West Brom midfielder Romanie Sawyers has also not earned a new contract.Joining the duo as free agents from the side are Grant Ward, Luke McCormick, Jerry Lawrence, Jack Hunt, Jevani Brown and Matt Hall.A one-year extension has been triggered for James Wilson and Chris Martin, who will remain at the club while he recovers from a knee injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSinclair, 36, came through the ranks at Bristol Rovers before joining Chelsea as a teenager.He was on books of the Blues for five years, playing 14 times for the club.Sinclair went on to feature for the likes of Swansea, Manchester City West Brom, Aston Villa and Celtic in his lengthy career.He also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAway from the field, Sinclair had a high-profile romance with ex-partner Helen Flanagan.They had three children before going their separate ways in 2022.Helen Flanagan looks amazing as she glams up in pink dress for Grand National with boyfriend Robbie TalbotActress and model Helen rose to fame on Coronation Street and she has since been on several shows like I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebs Go Dating.She now dates former footballer Robbie Talbot.Helen and Sinclair have three kids togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

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      ‘Pinnacle of tinpot’ – Fans can’t believe why MK Dons have changed their badge as they release new design

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      MK DONS have been slammed after they revealed their new badge.The League Two side revealed their new crest on social media on Tuesday.Supporters were given a choice of three new crests to pick fromScott Lindsey was dismissed from his post after he could not turn MK’s slump aroundCredit: RexMK, who finished in 19th in the fourth tier, have had a dismal second season back in the Football League’s basement division. That has led to uproar amongst the club’s fanbase, and they have been ridiculed on X since the announcement of their new logo. In a statement on the club’s website, MK said that the new crest was more than a badge.”It’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going. It brings together our heritage, ambition, and modernity in a way that’s built to stand the test of time.”Read more footballIt delved deeper into the process behind the switch, acknowledging Milton Keynes’ roundabouts as a key inspiration. “The circular shape represents unity and strength, echoing our belief in ‘One City, One Club’,” the announcement continued. “But it also nods to something closer to home, Milton Keynes’ iconic roundabouts. It’s a subtle tribute to the city’s unique identity, woven seamlessly into the heart of our new look.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan said that MK were the “pinnacle of tinpot”, while another commented: “That looks horrendous! You’ve saved me money on kits going forward as I won’t be wearing one with that on it.”Most read in EFL”Who voted for this? Not good,” another comment read. Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesOne fan went even further, tweeting: “You know there’s f*** all historically to your club when you base your new badge on roundabouts”, adding laughing and pointing emojis.Port Vale, who went up automatically from League Two this season, have mocked their rivals on X. The Valiants posted jokey annotations of their current crest in a reply tweet to MK’s original post. Those included “Two of these” and “Not a steak bake”, with corresponding arrows pointing to menial parts of their badge. The post had fans in fits of laughter, with one commenting: “Admin I love you”, and another “Sharp wit is an understatement Admin”. The Buckinghamshire oufit finished fourth last term under Mike Williamson, the former Newcastle United manager, but were thrashed 8-1 on aggregate by Crawley Town in the play-offs.The scoreline was the largest play-off defeat in EFL history. This term, more misery has been piled onto MK, with promotion hopes dashed prematurely after a run of four defeats in the club’s opening six games. That included a 3-0 humbling at the hands of arch-rivals AFC Wimbledon, which included a late brace from Callum Maycock. That result prompted Williamson to leave his post, with Scott Lindsey dropping down from League One Crawley to take the reins. Read More on The SunHowever, his tenure was short-lived, as he was fired in March after just two wins in 14 games. Paul Warne, the former Derby County boss, took over at the helm with four games to play, and he oversaw three draws and a win in that time. More

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      Fans spot something awkward in trophy reflection after Doncaster boss posts pic of himself in bed ‘sleeping’ with cup

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      EAGLE-EYED fans were left in hysterics after spotting something awkward in the Doncaster manager’s trophy picture in bed.Rovers secured promotion from League Two this season and went up as champions, too.Doncaster won League Two – securing top spot on the final day of the seasonCredit: GettyGrant McCann led Rovers to the titleCredit: PAHis bedroom selfie with the trophy left fans in hystericsCredit: X @grantmccann11They were presented with the trophy on Saturday after they beat Notts County away and Port Vale lost at home to Gillingham.And boss Grant McCann was allowed to take the EFL trophy home with him.McCann, 45, took to X on Sunday, posting a photo of himself seemingly sleeping next to the silverware in bed as has become a trend in recent years.The ex-Northern Ireland midfielder, who won League One with Hull in 2020-21, captioned the snap: “Afternoon kip with this beautiful thing,” and added a heart-eyes emoji. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it did not take long for supporters’ eyes to be caught by the reflection in the trophy.Because while McCann appeared to be fast asleep, not all was quite as it seemed. In the reflection, McCann’s arm can be seen holding his phone and taking the selfie.And that sparked a wave of hilarious responses on social media – including one which was just a string of laughing emojis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “Generational stinkerAnother wrote: “Haha that reflection – much deserved pose!!”Burnley stars serenaded by chart-topping Noughties legend in surprise scenesA third added: “How did you take this while you were asleep mate?”And a final user typed: “School boy.” More

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      Former Premier League captain and club cult hero, 36, wakes up unemployed as one of TEN players released

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      A FORMER Premier League captain has been left unemployed after his EFL club released ten players.Huddersfield finished the 2024-25 season tenth in League One after a horror run saw them drop out of play-off contention.Jonathan Hogg has been left unemployed after his release by HuddersfieldCredit: RexThe midfielder captained the Terriers in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsAnd less than 48 hours after the end of the campaign, the Terriers announced their retained list.But, crucially, club cult hero Jonathan Hogg has been let go after 12 years with Huddersfield. Hogg, 36, captained the Yorkshire club during their stint in the Premier League.The news of his departure at the end of his contract had already been confirmed.READ MORE ON EFLThat allowed him to bid farewell to his adoring Huddersfield supporters after the final game of the EFL season at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday. The club also let a further nine first-team stars go as their deals expired while goalkeeper Chris Maxwell retired. Huddersfield said: “As previously disclosed, club captain and legend Jonathan Hogg will wave goodbye to the club this summer following 12 distinguished years in blue and white. “Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has also departed the club following his recent retirement.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now at the conclusion of their contracts, we will also part ways with nine other players with senior appearances for the club across our First Team and B Team, with Danny Ward, Tom Lees, Matty Pearson, Ollie Turton, Josh Ruffels, Josh Koroma, Scott High, Loick Ayina and Conor Falls all set to depart with our sincere thanks for their service, and best wishes for the future.”Having unfortunately had his season cut short by an ACL injury, Ward will have the opportunity to continue his rehabilitation with the club until he is fit to move elsewhere.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final “Conducting a full review of our footballing operations following the 2024/25 campaign, the club retains a desire to refresh the complexion of our First Team squad having fallen short of our targets this season. “Looking to head into the 2025/26 season reinvigorated, decisions have been made to allow full flexibility and freedom to any incoming Head Coach.”Huddersfield sacked manager Michael Duff in March after a run of four defeats in five league matches as the Terriers dropped out of the play-off places. Jon Worthington took interim charge for the remainder of the season to replace Duff, who came in after relegation from the Championship last May. More

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      Tom Youngs dead at 45: Former Cambridge star who battled MS dies as heartbroken tributes pour in

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      A FORMER Cambridge United striker has died aged 45 after a battle with MS.The Us confirmed the sad news that Tom Youngs passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.Ex-Cambridge forward Tom Youngs has died aged 45Credit: GettyThe former footballer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014Credit: X/ TomYoungs1979Youngs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 – 11 years after he left the club.He spent six years in Cambridge’s first team from 1997 to 2003 – scoring 48 goals in 180 appearances – having joined the academy aged ten. Youngs went on to have spells with Northampton, Leyton Orient, and Bury, playing for the Shakers while also studying a sports journalism degree. He also played for Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, St Albans City, Norwich United and Mildenhall Town – where he was a player and assistant manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoungs was forced to retire in 2011 aged 32 due to a serious hip injury.After hanging up his boots, the ex-footballer worked as an accountant for the brewery and pub company Greene King. In 2013, he noticed problems with his vision while watching a match as Mildenhall assistant.And the following year came his MS diagnosis. Most read in EFLYoungs is survived by his wife Chelle and two daughters. Cambridge released a statement on Monday to announce the tragic news.The League One club wrote: “The news of the death on Sunday of former Cambridge United forward Tom Youngs, at the tragically early age of 45, came as a shock to all connected with the club.”Tom, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, will be remembered as a gifted player who, with probing, darting runs, intelligent positioning and poise in front of goal, graced the Abbey Stadium between 1997 and 2003.”He signed YTS terms in 1996 while staying on at school to study for A levels, but showed such promise that a year later, at the age of 17, he bypassed the rest of his YTS stint and signed a two-year professional contract.”Rest in peace, Tom.”What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres. This disrupts the flow of electrical signals and causes a range of symptoms that can vary wildly from person to person. The good news? MS isn’t a death sentence, and with advances in treatment, many people live full and active lives.In the UK, over 130,000 people are living with MS, and around 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It’s typically diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. Despite its challenges, many with MS find strength and resilience they never thought possible.Common symptoms of MS are:Fatigue: Not your average tiredness—this is bone-deep exhaustion.Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or even temporary vision loss.Numbness and tingling: Often in the face, arms, or legs.Muscle weakness: Making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain.Mobility issues: Trouble walking or balancing.Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses or a “foggy” brain.Spasms and stiffness: Muscles that just won’t cooperate.Bladder and bowel problems: A less glamorous but common challenge.MS is unpredictable—you might have periods of remission where symptoms vanish, followed by flare-ups when they return. This “on-again, off-again” nature can be frustrating and means people can be in anticipation of a flare. While there’s no cure yet, treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow progression. Fans and former team-mates took to social media to express their sorrow at Youngs’ passing and send best wishes and condolences to his family and loved ones.One said: “Very sad to read this. Played with Tom at Bury & he was a nice, very likeable fella. Even when he was at Bury, I remember him speaking very fondly about his time at Cambridge and how much he loved it there.”Another wrote: “That’s so sad. RIP Tom, thoughts with his family.”A third added: “Absolutely devastated, you will always be in our hearts.”Read More on The SunA fourth replied: “A bright intelligent young man and a bloody good footballer that wore our shirt with pride… sleep well ‘Tommy Youngs’ once a U…”And a final user commented: “That’s dreadful news – thoughts with his family and friends at this sad time.”Youngs joined the academy at Cambridge aged ten and made 180 first-team appearancesCredit: GettyHe was diagnosed while working as an accountant for Greene KingCredit: X/ CambridgeUtdFC More