EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL chiefs forced to AXE salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing legal battle with PFA

      by

      EFL chiefs have been forced to drop their salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing a legal case against the PFA.
      Clubs voted to approve the wages limits in August.

      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the salary caps were in ‘breach of obligations’ as the players’ union won their case against themCredit: PA:Press Association

      EFL chiefs will now hold meetings later this week with its member clubs to discuss what to do next after withdrawing League One and Two wage limits

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      But PFA chiefs launched their action after accusing EFL bosses of failing to consult properly with the union.
      Now an independent arbitration panel has found in favour of the PFA, forcing the Football League to drop the caps with immediate effect.
      BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE

      The PFA said it “welcomed” the decision, adding: “We hope to to open constructive dialogue to agree reasonable and proportionate cost control measures for the future.
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “We were disappointed that the EFL decided to introduce salary cap proposals, which were voted through without the proper consideration or consultation.
      “We argued the new rules were in breach of obligations and are pleased the panel uheld the PFA’s claim.”
      Union bosses insist they are aligned with the EFL in a wish to see sustainable clubs at all levels. 

      A PFA spokesman added: “We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      “The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together and agree on rules that promote financial stability.”
      The EFL said they “will now discuss the matter of financial controls and implications linked to this outcome at a series of meetings with its member clubs later this week”.
      Back when the plans had been approved in August, EFL chief executive David Baldwin admitted: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a restrictive measure.

      “But we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of these changes to EFL regulations.”
      He stressed the aim was to “help ensure clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial instability”.
      As a result of the panel’s verdict, the EFL have brought back last season’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations that link “player-related expenditure to turnover”.

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright shows off diet of chicken, green vegetables and espresso as Crawley star vows to improve after horror debut

      by

      MARK WRIGHT has shown off his healthy diet as he bids to improve on his disappointing EFL debut.
      The former Towie star has swapped reality TV for Broadfield Stadium as he aims to take his second chance at being a professional footballer.

      Wright showed off his meal on social mediaCredit: Instagram @wrighty_

      The 34-year-old had a disappointing EFL debut on SaturdayCredit: Rex Features

      Wright, 34, represented West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham while a teenager trying to make his way in the game.
      He then made a number of stops in non-league, including a spell at Crawley in the 2006-07 season.
      And while his TV and radio career took over, he has shown that he is serious about making a go of being a footballer, despite his nightmare at the weekend.
      The left-back took to social media to show off his athlete’s diet on Monday night.

      He posted to his Instagram story images of his chicken, broccoli and cauliflower, with an inspirational caption.
      He wrote to his 1.8million followers: “Work means meal prep!! #NoExcuses”.
      Wright made his second Crawley debut last month, when he was introduced as a late substitute by manager John Yems as his side shocked Premier League Leeds United 3-0.
      His second outing was subsequently delayed, however, when he and wife Michelle Keegan had to self-isolate following a Covid scare at the club.

      The left-back tried his best as Crawley fell to a 3-1 defeatCredit: Rex Features

      Wright recently had to isolate with wife Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE

      Fit and healthy, he made his first EFL start for the club in Saturday’s home clash with Harrogate.
      But it would prove to be a disappointing one, as he found his side 3-0 down to the Sulphurites at half-time.
      He was then hooked by Yems at the interval, although following the 3-1 defeat, the manager sought to exonerate Wright of any individual blame.
      The 61-year-old said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.
      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright seen for first time smiling in snow since being hauled off at half-time in horror Crawley debut

      by

      MARK WRIGHT refused to let his horror full debut ruin his week – as he posted a photo all smiles in the snow.
      The reality TV star, 34, has signed for League Two outfit Crawley and came on in the FA Cup win over Leeds.

      Mark Wright put the disappointment of his full EFL debut behind him by enjoying an espresso in the snowCredit: Instagram

      And after self-isolating with wife Michelle Keegan following a Covid outbreak at the club, he was handed his first EFL start on Saturday afternoon for the clash against Harrogate at home.
      But it went horribly wrong for the left-back as Crawley fell 3-0 behind by half-time – enough for manager John Yems to haul the ex-TOWIE man off.
      Wright, though, took to Instagram on Monday night to show how he had put the stinker behind him.
      He enjoyed the winter weather by heading out and grabbing an espresso.

      Wright wrote to his 1.8million followers: “Blitz out here…. Small coffee or big fella??”
      Harry Redknapp was among those to comment on the post, adding a couple of praising-hands emojis.
      Wright will be desperate to put in a better performance next weekend when the Red Devils travel north to Carlisle.
      However, he may have to settle for a place on the bench after his replacement against Harrogate, Tom Dallison, scored eight minutes after coming on to reduce the deficit.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Boss Yems refued to pin the blame on the ex-Tottenahm youngster, though, and said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.
      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”

      Wright endured a difficult time against Harrogate, conceding three before half-time and being hauled off at the breakCredit: Rex Features

      He made his Crawley debut off the bench as the Red Devils stunned Leeds in the FA Cup third roundCredit: Alamy Live News

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down after 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bristol Rovers condemn vile racist abuse of defender Mark Little on Instagram with police set to investigate

      by

      BRISTOL ROVERS defender Mark Little has become the latest footballer subjected to vile racist abuse on social media.
      The epidemic of online hate has continued unabated amid calls for Instagram, Twitter and others to increase their efforts to stamp out abuse.

      Bristol Rovers defender Mark Little has revealed the hideous racist abuse he received onlineCredit: Rex Features

      On Sunday, 32-year-old Little revealed a racist comment from a now-deleted Instagram account posted on his page.
      Accompanying the screenshot, he posted an upside-down smiley face with the caption: “Happy Sunday.”
      Rovers quickly showed their support for Little, who has played four times this season having joined the League One club in 2019.
      The club tweeted: “There is no place in sport or society for racism.

      “Racism and discrimination will not be tolerated at Bristol Rovers.”
      According to the Bristol Post, Rovers have reported the incident to Avon and Somerset Police.

      Little’s fans and fellow pros rushed to his support, midfielder Josh Barrett tweeting his fury with two angry-faced emojis.
      Peterborough star and ex-Rover Jonson Clarke-Harris also posted two angry emojis with the phrase: “What a clown.”

      The original message sent to Little was made up of several monkey emojis, which hold clear racial connotations against black people.
      Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this week railed against social media companies who do not consider the emojis to breach their racism rules.
      He stated: “How can that make sense?
      “Do you know what I mean? If somebody puts for example, a monkey emoji towards a player. Why is that?

      Callum Hudson-Odoi has slammed social media rules over monkey emojisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “How is a player a monkey? What does that mean to a player?
      “So for us seeing stuff like that it always makes us angry. Are you saying that because of our skin colour? Because of the colour that we are?”
      An overwhelming number of footballers have received abuse online in recent times.
      Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is just one example having been sent disgusting taunts following his recent appearances against Sheffield United and Everton.

      I think [social media companies] don’t really care because as you know, this money has power so the rest doesn’t matter.
      Antonio Rudiger

      And Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger has spoken out on the ‘immense abuse’ he suffered after media reports claimed the German was partly responsible for Frank Lampard’s sacking.
      He said: “To be very honest I don’t know about all these social media things but I think the more people who make accounts, [social media companies] make money off it.
      “So me personally, I think they don’t really care because as you know, this money has power so the rest doesn’t matter, so it is hard to tell if people will make a change on that.”

      Furious Piers Morgan launches campaign to fine ‘disgusting’ online racists £100k for vile posts More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display as Crawley go 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a nightmare full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham takeover approved after they handed club money for transfer funds early

      by

      HOLLYWOOD pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover of Wrexham has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.
      The screen stars were revealed as the mystery businessmen looking to invest £2m into the National League club in September 2020.

      It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenneyCredit: Twitter @RMcElhenney

      Deadpool star Ryan ReynoldsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The supporters’ trust voted overwhelmingly in favour of the deal in November and on Friday the takeover was approved.
      In in a statement, the trust said: “Both parties shall now work to formally complete the sale of shares in Wrexham AFC next week.
      “We would like to thank supporters for their patience in this process and reassure you the Wrexham Supporters Trust will make a full statement once this is completed.”
      Contracts were exchanged in January but McElhenney and Reynolds already donated money to strengthen Wrexham’s squad.

      Update: the @Wrexham_AFC takeover is still not 100% official and unfortunately it appears the handover will not be complete before the transfer window closes. So Ryan and I have made a donation to the Club to allow them (us? 🙏 ) to make some moves. Up the town! #WrexhamIsTheName
      — Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) January 27, 2021

      That was before the transfer deadline and all while waiting for the takeover to be approved by the FCA.
      Former Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore has taken on an informal role advising the actors and said that they are ‘in it for the long term’.
      McElhenney is best known for playing Ronald ‘Mac’ McDonald on the acclaimed American comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which he created alongside co-stars Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day.
      Meanwhile, Reynolds is known for a number of film roles including Deadpool and The Proposal.

      Wrexham currently sit eight in the fifth tier of the English football.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The trust first released a takeover statement in November, which read: “Subject to final agreement, league and FA confirmation – the RR McReynolds Company, LLC will take 100 per cent control of Wrexham Football Club Limited from the WST.
      “Both parties will now proceed with finalising the details of the takeover, and we will update Wrexham supporters as soon as we can.
      “As Wrexham supporters, we would like to wish them the very best of luck in charge of our Football Club and look forward to what the future brings.”

      Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to take over Wrexham with almost 99 per cent of fans backing move More