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      Shock moment former EFL boss grabs his own player and furiously shoves him after receiving red card

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      FORMER EFL boss Pep Clotet furiously grabbed and shoved his own player after the forward was sent off.Clotet, 47, managed Oxford and Birmingham between 2017 and 2020.Pep Clotet grabbed striker Raimonds KrollisThe furious Spaniard then appeared to shake KrollisClotet, 47, managed Birmingham during his stint in EnglandCredit: PADuring his time at St Andrew’s he helped to nurture Jude Bellingham.Since leaving Birmingham, Clotet has had three spells with Italian side Brescia, as well as stints at SPAL and Torpedo Moscow.Last month he took charge of third tier Triestina.Languishing at the bottom of Serie C, the club’s board would have hoped for their new manager to inject some fight into his troops.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this probably wasn’t what they had in mind.In the 33rd minute of tonight’s home clash with Giana Erminio, goal-shy striker Raimonds Krollis was shown a straight red card.As the Latvian trudged off the pitch, Clotet caught his attention.Instead of heading straight down the tunnel, Krollis walked towards his manager.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt this point, an enraged Clotet grabbed the forward by the collar of his shirt and began to shake him.Krollis, 23, appeared dejected and did not try to free himself from his manager’s astonishing outburst.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheTriestina had to play with ten men for around an hour.And combustible Clotet’s mood won’t have been helped by how the game ended.Just three minutes from time, Giana Erminio grabbed a late winner via Gabriel Avinci.The result leaves Triestina rooted to the bottom of the table with just six points from 14 games.Since taking over on October 21, Clotet has amassed two points from four games.Triestina have not won since beating Arzignano all the way back on August 24.Clotet managed Jude Bellingham at BirminghamCredit: PA More

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      Brand new stadium AND indoor arena being built next to EFL club in multi-million-pound redevelopment of area

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      A CHAMPIONSHIP club is combining with two other top sports clubs in a huge redevelopment that includes a new stadium and arena.The High Court finally gave the go-ahead for the multi-million pound revamp after SEVEN YEARS of wrangling.AI images shows how the arena will expand the complexCredit: Bristol FlyersA hotel will also feature in the ‘exciting’ redevelopmentCredit: Bristol FlyersPlans for the costly revamp were first launched in 2018Credit: Bristol FlyersNow the organisation behind the scheme is promising facilities good enough for “major finals and European games”.Bristol Sport embraces three huge clubs as part of its remit to boost the city’s sporting facilities and credentials.Football wise, Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter hosts second-tier Bristol City.And for the past decade Premiership Rugby Club Bristol Bears have also played at the main stadium.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow it’s planned to move Super League Basketball side Bristol Flyers from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College to The Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter.The High Court has cleared the way for work to start next year.A new 5,000-seat stadium for the Flyers will grab the sporting spotlight.But a hotel is also part of the project, which organisers hope will see Bristol competing with cities like Cardiff and Birmingham.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSITV quote Flyers’ head Coach Andreas Kapoulas as saying the venue would “rank third largest amongst the other British Basketball League venues and ensure our ability to achieve long term financial sustainability”.He added: “Having our own home venue will mean we can compete at the highest possible level, attracting larger crowds and growing the sport.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL”It will have a positive impact on the city too as we will be able to host major finals and European games.”The scheme was held up after a nearby waste company objected to council plans.The development is connected to another application – for 510 new homes – which was approved.And ETM Recycling claimed noise from its plant would affect residents.But the Honourable Mr Justice Lavender has dismissed their case.He ruled there was no special reason ETM should be allowed to keep appealing.READ MORE SUN STORIESFlyers’ CEO Lisa Knights told the BBC: “This has been a long time coming… “With sell-out crowds consistently at SGS College Arena, having a bigger, purpose-built venue will ensure the financial sustainability of the Flyers and an exciting future for basketball in Bristol and the south west.” More

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      League One star reveals he stopped a stranger from ending his life in chance meeting by train tracks

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      JAMES BROPHY knows better than most that people can become so desperate they think life is no longer worth living.If the truth of that was ever brought home to him, it was on Easter Sunday morning this year — when he stopped a stranger from ending it all.James Brophy has opened up about the emotional moment with the strangerCredit: RexAnd while the Cambridge winger did not exactly start this season full of joy himself after a nightmare start, he declared: “One point from your first nine games? That’s just football.“What that man was going through that morning, that’s something very different all together.“People can find themselves in some very dark places and I’m afraid mental health issues are something I’m all too familiar with.“My grandfather suffered from depression and one of my brothers suffers from it too — so I know how really tough that can be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“So if I would ever see someone considering what that man was considering, I would always stop.“I was speaking to him probably for about 20 to 30 minutes, just trying to talk to him about life, really.“I said to him: ‘Look, I can’t feel your pain, or I can’t compare what you’re feeling’.“But I told him about stuff that’s happened in my family and friends and shared stories with him.Most read in EFLMacauley Bonne also spoke to the stranger after arriving at the sceneCredit: Rex“Then the police arrived and about 30 minutes later, a police counsellor came and she was really good.“She took over the conversation from me and got him to a place where he was able to sit on the kerb.“When I got to him he was on the bridge with a railway track on it that takes you into Cambridge. He was on the other side of the barrier on the railway side, ready to jump.“In fairness to the policewoman, I couldn’t talk him into getting over the other side of the barrier.“My team-mate Macauley Bonne turned up too — he had seen my car and thought it had broken down. He was a big help through it all, talking to the bloke.“I’m just glad the police were able to get him safe and away — I just did what I thought needed to be done.“You can say what you like about that morning and my role in it.“But what else could I have done but stop? In my mind it was just the right thing do and I’d do it again.”The 30-year-old and Bonne, 29, later got a visit from Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson in praise of their actions — while the club called the pair “inspirational”.And things have lightened up on the pitch too after that terrible start.The U’s have won three games in a row without conceding a goal going into Saturday’s clash at Peterborough.Brophy even scored his first goal in three years to see off Woking in last week’s 1–0 FA Cup first-round win.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “In football just like in life, you’ve got to just keep on going no matter the challenges — a bit like me not scoring for so long!“Garry Monk’s a top manager, we’ve got good players here — sometimes things can come down to the finest of margins. It’s how you deal with tough times and we’ve shown we can do that.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      English manager SACKED by EFL club after emergency meeting just TEN MONTHS into reign with side 23rd in League One

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have sacked manager Paul Hurst with the club languishing second bottom of League One.Hurst returned to manage The Shrews for the second time in January 2024 – but sees himself back out the exit door just 10 months later.Paul Hurst has been sacked by Shrewsbury 10 months after his reappointmentIt comes after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013Hurst, 50, had been instrumental in keeping the club in League One last season. But the EFL gaffer has been given his marching orders after a dismal run of two wins in 19 games this season.The brutal decision was made following an emergency board meeting held this morning.The final nail in the coffin came after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the FA Cup first round following a 2-1 defeat to League Two side Salford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last time the club failed to make it past the first round was in 2013.A club statement read: “It is with regret that Shrewsbury Town can confirm we have parted company with head coach Paul Hurst and assistant boss Chris Doig.”We would also like to thank them for the outstanding work they did in their first spell – which saw us reach the play-off final and the final of the EFL Trophy. “It was that success that led to the Chairman taking responsibility for re-hiring Paul and Chris earlier this year. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And everyone at the football club is hugely disappointed their second spell hasn’t worked out and we find ourselves in our current position. The search for a new head coach is now underway.”Despite saving them last season, Hurst won just six of his 37 games during his charge of his second stint at New Meadow.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!He previously managed the club for 19 months from 2016 to 2018.The former full-back led The Town to the play-off final in 2018, which they ultimately lost to Rotherham.The Englishman left Shrewsbury just three days later to replace Mick McCarthy as boss of Ipswich Town.But Hurst was sacked from the The Tractor Boys after five months in charge, before stints at Scunthorpe and Grimsby.Moreover, the Salop’s remain one of the favourites for the drop this season after finishing 19th last term.Club chiefs are searching for a new manager for the second time this year after Matt Taylor was dismissed in January.Hurst rejoined Shrewsbury when the club was sitting 20th in the table.Salford co-director Roy Keane attended Hurst’s last game in charge More

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      Norwich’s Kellen Fisher reveals maddest moments – from dinner with Delia to team-mate getting egged in dressing room

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      DEFENDER Kellen Fisher has revealed tales from his time at Norwich including having dinner with former owner Delia Smith and team-mates being egged in the dressing room.The right-back, 20, joined Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side in 2023 from Bromley.Kellen Fisher has detailed some of the best stories from his career so farCredit: ReutersFisher has revealed he went for dinner with former owner Delia Smith – who is also a famous TV chefCredit: RexHe has already racked up 23 appearances for the club and helped them reach the play-offs last season.They lost in the semi-finals to Leeds – a club whose fans he is full of praise for in SunSport’s exclusive interview.Both on and off the pitch Fisher has a host of stories to tell – from dressing up as a zebra to playing on a “mud bath”.Here are some of the trials and tribulations of Championship life seen by Fisher – in his own words.READ MORE IN EFLBest ever EFL player?Gabriel Sara, he was on another level last year.You see some of the goals he scored last year, you’d think ‘What a player he is’.Wildest night out?On our Christmas do, we went to Winter Wonderland and we all had to dress up as a certain letter.Luckily got a Z, which was a zebra. So we all started walking around Winter Wonderland in these funny costumes.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI think Shane Duffy was dressed up as Goldilocks or something.Fisher is a regular in Norwich’s side under Johannes Hoff ThorupCredit: RexMaddest dressing room tale?It was Callum Doyle’s birthday and Borja Sainz told me to start filming and I didn’t know what was going on either.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLBorja Sainz comes through behind him and throws three eggs and he said it was his birthday.To be fair, Callum wasn’t too happy.Wildest owner antics?When I first joined the club, the player liaison Phil said to me that Delia wanted to have dinner with my family before one of the games just to get to know everyone.I think she makes that effort with everyone to meet everyone’s families.I think it was steak pie and I think mash and gravy.Delia sold her majority stake in Norwich last month after 28 years in chargeCredit: AlamyIconic training ground tale?I’d say one of the coaches scoring a worldie. One of the free-kicks, it’s gone over the wall, the keeper’s saved it and it’s come rolling back perfectly for the half volley.I remember Glyn [Head of Physical Performance for Norwich] just absolutely smashed it and it’s gone flying.It’s gone flying into the top corner and everyone was a bit shocked.Best EFL fans?I think I’ve got to say Leeds.Last year in the play-off [semi]final, the place was absolutely bouncing.Dodgiest EFL facilities?I would say FA Youth Cup when I was at Bromley. The away changing rooms were all painted pink.I think the pitch we played on wasn’t great either. It was just a mud bath.Most annoying EFL fans?I think I have to say Leeds again, in that play-off game.I was on the bench just warming up, you’d hear little things in your ear in the corner.Just getting a lot of stick from the home supporters.Norwich sit eighth in the Championship, one point adrift of the play-off placesCredit: AlamyMoment that haunts you?I made a little bit of a mistake in the cup game, FA Cup, Bristol Rovers at home.READ MORE SUN STORIESI think the ball come to me, the keeper parried it and I’ve controlled it in the box and sort of just panicked and just flicked it around the corner and no one sort of reacted to the ball.And then a Bristol Rovers player just come onto it and volleyed it into the top corner. More

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      Ian Holloway at centre of FA probe over possible breach of agent regulations just seven days after landing Swindon job

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      IAN HOLLOWAY and Swindon are facing an FA investigation over a  possible breach of agent regulations following his surprise appointment as manager last weekend.In an interview on Town’s YouTube channel on Sunday, Ollie revealed he took the job without signing a contract with the agent who brought him to the club.Ian Holloway – nicknamed Ollie – has taken charge of Swindon TownCredit: PAHe admitted: “It’s only late last night I decided to get an agent, arranged to meet him and before you know it I’m here.“It’s completely mental to me but I’m delighted.“I arranged to meet an agent I haven’t signed anything with yet because I wanted to get back on.“If it wasn’t for that fella I’d still be sat at home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis admission would appear to be a breach of rule 4.1 of the FA’s Football Agent Regulations.It states: “An FA Registered Football Agent may only perform Football Agent Services for a Player, Coach or Club after having entered into a Representation Agreement with that Player, Coach or Club.”Holloway’s first game as a manager in four years will be tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round home tie against Colchester.The 61-year-old watched last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Gillingham from the stands after succeeding the sacked Mark Kennedy.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ollie could not resist coming down to the touchline to shout instructions to his new players during the second half.Swindon had been reduced to 10 men in just the ninth minute when Grant Hall was sent off.Forgotten ex-Rangers star Nnamdi Ofoborth scores first goal since doctors said he was ‘lucky to still be here’Timothee Dieng subsequently gave Gills the lead, before Harry Smith’s 93rd minute equaliser earned a point for the home side.Holloway, Swindon and the agent could all face disciplinary action if the FA press charges.The FA declined to comment. More

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      EFL cult hero, 39, brutally sacked by non-league minnows after 48 days as he says ‘not what I wanted or worked for’

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      EFL CULT HERO David Stockdale has been brutally sacked as manager of non-league outfit Blyth Spartans AFC.The former Premier League goalkeeper, who was only appointed 48 days ago, has turned to social media to announce his dismissal.David Stockdale has been sacked by non-league side Blyth Spartans AFCCredit: https://www.instagram.com/yorkcityfc/The former goalkeeper took up his first role in management just 48 days agoCredit: GettyStockdale posted on X: “Gutted to have been SACKED. Not what I wanted or worked for.”It’s been a great time and worked with some great people. Hopefully I can try somewhere else. I wish @Blyth_Spartans all the best.”But more so the staff and players I had while there. Truly great people ❤.”The 39-year-old joined Blyth Spartans as assistant manager to the newly appointed former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano on August 5.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockdale was then appointed caretaker manager after Solano was sacked 22 days later on August 27.But he was later given the job on a permanent basis on Friday 13 September after reaching the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.However, the Green Army have endured a horrible start to the Northern Premier League Premier Division season.The Northumberland outfit sit rock-bottom, having lost seven and won just two of their opening 12 games following their relegation from the National League North last term.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, Stockdale was winless in the league during his seven-game spell as permanent gaffer.The club’s two victories came against Campion and Workington during the former goalkeeper’s fortnight as interim boss.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Blyth Spartans have also announced that local businessman Martin Trinder will take over the club from Friday 1 November.Earlier this month, the club’s chairman Irfan Liaquat revealed that he was looking to sell, and that discussions with a potential buyer were underway.The non-league side had to postpone their last two home games following the resignation of club volunteers.Fans boycotted their FA Trophy defeat against Stockton in their last match at Croft Park in protest at Liaquat’s running of the club.Meanwhile, Stockdale became a cult-hero during his playing career in England.He started at York City in 2003 before later earning a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in 2008. The stopper had multiple loan spells away from Craven Cottage at the likes of Rotherham, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City.He left the West London club on a permanent basis in 2014 for Brighton and helped the club win promotion from the Championship in 2017.Since leaving the Seagulls, he has had spells at Birmingham City, Southend, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESStockdale returned to York in June 2023 as a goalkeeper and head of recruitment, but was released in April.He spent six years with the Cottagers and featured 39 times in England’s top division.Stockdale was promoted to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023Credit: Rex More

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      Inside EFL club’s abandoned 40,000-seater stadium plan with ex-Premier League side now forced to rent ground

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      IT’S been a tale of rags to riches and back again.In the 80s and 90s a London club’s stadium was abandoned for seven years as they struggled to maintain second tier status.An EFL club once had ambitious plans to expand its stadium to 40,000 seatsCredit: GettyHowever, they would then turn things around after a move back home and work their way up to the Premier League.Seven uninterrupted seasons in the top flight would lead to stadium expansion plans, with the club holding the ambition of building a ground to accommodate 40,000 spectators.However, relegation in 2007 led to a slump in fortunes, spell after spell of unpopular ownership and ultimately a descent to the third tier.Last term they averaged crowds of just 13,000 in a stadium which boasts a 27,111 capacity, as they slumped to a disappointing 16th-place finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir current malaise is a far-cry from the heady days of the early-2000s under Alan Curbishley, when they became Premier League mainstays.Under Curbs, the Addicks were in the top-flight for seven consecutive years, which led to frequent sell-outs at South London’s biggest stadium.Charlton had been forced to abandon their traditional Valley home after more than 60 years in 1985, with the site falling into disrepair.After strong campaigning from fans, which even included standing in local council elections, the Addicks returned in 1992 following seven years spent primarily at Selhurst Park, and latterly Upton Park.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBy this point Curbishley had already taken over, with the former Charlton midfielder transforming his side’s fortunes on the pitch.As the South Londoners rose, so did demand for tickets.World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second tier matches with no away end In November 2004, chief executive Peter Varney confirmed Charlton’s ambitious plans.He said: “The application will seek approval for the redevelopment of the east stand and the south-east corner of the ground to take the capacity of The Valley to 30,900.”Our intention is also to lodge an outline design for the remaining development of the stadium – principally the south stand – at the same time and to declare our intention to ultimately raise the capacity of The Valley to 40,600.”Permission was granted the following year, but after Charlton’s relegation in 2007, the plans fell by the wayside.Charlton boast the biggest stadium in South LondonCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn the early-2000s they made ambitious expansion plansCredit: Charlton AthleticThe Valley lay abandoned between 1985 and 1992Credit: GettyFans campaigned to return home to The ValleyCredit: GettyDespite Roland Duchatelet selling the Addicks in 2020 following years of fan protests, the Belgian still owns their Valley home and training ground.In 2021, Charlton agreed a 15-year lease to rent The Valley, as well as their Sparrows Lane training facilities.Co-owner Charlie Methven, formerly of Sunderland, recently referenced the situation while appearing on the Business of Sport podcast.He said: “I think having a long-term resolution over the tenure of the stadium is really important.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s a matter of commercial negotiation with the current landlord. Everything is possible, but it’s a commercial negotiation that is confidential.”If you are talking about things that keeps me up at night it is long-term security of tenure at The Valley. One of the great historic stadiums, one of the last remaining that feel like themselves.”Charlton averaged gates of around 13,000 last seasonCredit: RexCharlton co-owner Charlie Methven was previously at SunderlandCredit: Getty More