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      Pop icon Ed Sheeran announces he will be sponsoring beloved League One Ipswich Town next season with album names on kit

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      ED SHEERAN has given Ipswich Town fans some Perfect news by announcing he will sponsor his beloved club next season.And the music megastar has dropped a big hint he is ready to go on tour again via the logo that will be on the front of the Tractor Boys shirts.
      Ed Sheeran has announced he will sponsor his beloved Ipswich Town next season
      The music mega-star fell in love with the Tractor Boys as a boy and remains a huge fanCredit: Instagram
      Ed Sheeran is now worth an estimated £200mCredit: Reuters
      The message ‘+-=÷x TOUR’ will appear on the men’s and women’s teams’ jerseys, in reference to his previous albums.
      Sheeran, who is worth an estimated £200million, has agreed an initial one-year deal with Ipswich.
      When pressed on what the logo means, the Shape of You sensation replied cryptically: “All will be revealed in time.”
      Sheeran was born in Yorkshire but grew up in Suffolk and has been a huge Ipswich supporter since he was young.
      The 30-year-old was a regular to Portman Road during the 2019-20 season following the end of his ÷ tour.
      He went to at least ten games with his mates, who are also big Town fans, despite the club being in League One and even attended a Leasing.com Trophy match.
      Sheeran used a Suffolk phrase ‘sloightly on the huh’ – meaning ‘slightly off kilter’ – in his message to fans upon the revealing of his shirt-sponsorship deal as he predicted better times ahead for his hometown team.
      The world-famous singer-songwriter added: “The football club is a big part of the local community and this is my way of showing my support.
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      “I have always enjoyed my trips to Portman Road and I’m looking forward to going back there as soon as supporters are allowed into stadiums again.
      “With the new owners from the US coming in, there are sure to be exciting times ahead for Ipswich fans, including myself. Hopefully we can stop being sloightly on the huh!”
      Flame-haired Sheeran also also posted a picture of himself as a youngster in an Ipswich shirt on his Instagram account, which has a whopping 31.9million followers.
      The ‘A Team’ star accompanied it with a post which read: “This bloke is the new sponsor of @ipswichtown football club. Do well”.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ipswich vs Northampton ref Darren Drysdale squares up to Town ace Alan Judge in heated clash More

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      Ex-Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber on Tykes success, NY Red Bulls, MLS kids and Premier League dreams

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      GERHARD STRUBER has watched from afar the unfathomable rise of Barnsley.But the Austrian has no doubts about the part he played in helping the Tykes believe they could jump from relegation probables to promotion possibles.
      Struber left Barnsley for Credit: Alamy
      Struber worked miracles at Barnsley last season as they escaped the Championship’s bottom three on the final dayCredit: Rex
      Bottom of the Championship and seven points adrift in November 2019, Struber’s arrival in south Yorkshire sparked an incredible survival drive, escaping the bottom three on the final day.
      The new season brought new hope, but a poor start saw Struber question the ambition of the Barnsley owners in the transfer market as he left for MLS side New York Red Bulls on October 6.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared since under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 games.
      Asked whether this was always a team capable of reaching those heights, Struber admitted: “I pushed the boys in the right way and right direction and gave them an identity of football helpful for success and development. This was my big duty.”
      The 44-year-old coach continued: “When I look back to Barnsley it was the biggest difference to the Austrian league or the European leagues.
      “We had so many games and you had to look at how you managed and handled the situation.
      “This was a big learning curve for me, especially handling boys from England.
      “I like so much working with the culture of English players. They have a very good attitude and it’s a good feeling to work with such ambitious players.
      “In the end they had a big belief in what we did and this was very interesting to see and also for me to learn from for my next step.”
      His next step was a more of a gigantic leap across the Atlantic to MLS giants NY Red Bulls – just the latest move in a few meteoric years for the young coach.
      From coaching Red Bull Salzburg’s U19s in the UEFA Youth League in 2017 to taking charge of one of America’s largest and most successful sides.
      And it was while getting his Pro License that he moulded his fast and efficient “synchronised pressing” playing style and philosophy during educational trips to Germany and Italy.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 gamesCredit: PA

      Two losses against Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy to kick off the MLS campaign was not an ideal start before their first win against Chicago Fire, but preparing a young side during the pandemic has been tough.
      Struber said: “We need patience, we need the right time but we have big ambitions to win trophies in the end. Right now, we are realistic and work very hard for our vision.
      “The goal is to play very attractive and win football games. We will be very successful in the next few years.”
      NY Red Bulls currently have several young English talents on their roster, including Stoke City defender Tom Edwards, Crystal Palace academy graduate Mandela Egbo and former Brentford and Southend midfielder Dru Yearwood.
      Struber explained: “In England you must be a top talent to have the chance to get game time with a club like Southampton or Liverpool or Manchester City. It’s not so easy.
      “But the MLS can be a very good first step in a big professional career. It gives young players a good platform.
      “We can develop young players in a modern direction where they have a big market in the future. In the end, it’s always good when the clubs can make very good deals with players.
      “We have the fantasy that they can play in top leagues in Europe. That is the Red Bull way.”
      After several years of plane-hopping from club to club – and with his family arriving in New York in the summer – Struber is ready to settle and plan for the future with NY Red Bulls.
      But there remains a hole in his heart where English football once was – and has dreams of one day emulating managerial hero Jurgen Klopp.
      He said: “I never forget England. The atmosphere in the stadium I remember with a good feeling and this is a league that is very attractive.
      “It is a big dream for every coach to work in the Premier League. Right now, I have my big focus here in this club with all my energy and we will see what comes in the future.”
      Gonzalo Higuain and his brother make MLS history with Inter Miami goals in same game More

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      Swansea report ‘vile racist abuse’ of Morgan Whittaker to police in another shocking incident amid social media blackout

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      POLICE are investigating after Swansea ace Morgan Whittaker was racially abused during football’s social media blackout.The 20-year-old became the latest player to be targeted with sickening abuse after he scored against former side Derby in the 2-1 win at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
      Swansea have lambasted the vile racist abuse aimed towards forward Morgan WhittakerCredit: Getty
      Whittaker – who left the Rams to join the Welsh outfit earlier this year – is the fourth Swans star to have suffered racist abuse since February.
      Jamal Lowe, Yan Dhanda and Ben Cabango have all been targeted, with the latest incident occurring during the social media boycott.
      The Championship outfit released a statement condemning the abuse, as the said: “Swansea City is saddened, angry and appalled by vile racist abuse received by Morgan Whittaker via social media following Saturday’s game against Derby County.
      “The abuse in question has been reported to South Wales Police and the club is assisting them in their investigation.
      “The fact that this has happened across a period where clubs, players and stakeholders have come together for a boycott of social media for this very reason, again shows just how much work still needs to be done.
      “Morgan is sadly the fourth Swansea City player to suffer such abhorrent and disgraceful abuse online since February – a damning indictment on the world we live in.
      “As a club we will continue to strive for change, urging social media companies to take strong action and implement real change on their platforms that will enable its users to open their accounts and not have to worry about what they might find.
      “Chief executive Julian Winter recently wrote to both Twitter and Facebook, the latter replying with examples of how they try to combat online abuse.
      Whittaker headed in an equaliser against former side Derby on Saturday in a 2-1 winCredit: Getty
      “But with vile incidents appearing on a daily basis, stronger action is clearly required.
      “Morgan has the full and unwavering support of everyone at Swansea City, and our message remains clear. Enough is enough.”
      Meanwhile a statement from SWP read: “South Wales Police is investigating the origin of racially motivated social media posts aimed at a Swansea City footballer following the club’s match against Derby County this weekend.
      “South Wales Police has designated football liaison officers who work with clubs throughout the force area to help prevent and deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
      “Tackling hate crime has always been a priority for South Wales Police – this behaviour is something that will not be tolerated in our community.
      “The force takes hate crime seriously and works closely with those involved in football to raise awareness of hate crime amongst players and supporters.”

      Swansea took a stand against online abuse and discrimination on April 8 by not posting any social media content for seven days.
      The Welsh club called for social media platforms to introduce tougher policing and punishments for those found guilty of sending online abuse.
      Birmingham and Rangers quickly supported Swansea’s stance of a seven-day boycott, and on Friday much of the sporting world followed suit.
      The boycott – which started at 3pm on Friday and runs until 11.59pm on Monday – saw a coalition of football’s largest governing bodies and organisations go silent on social media in a show of solidarity against online abuse.
      Premier League clubs join four-day social media boycott to tackle racism and hate More

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      When are EFL playoffs 2021? Dates, kick-off times, TV channels with all fixtures taking place WITH fans

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      THE EFL season has reached its business end with the promotion battles taking shape and the Championship playoff sides known.As is the tradition, the campaign will conclude at Wembley, with the play-off semi-finals and finals to be played in front of fans if the government roadmap stays on track.
      Fulham were 2020 Championship play-off final winnersCredit: PA
      Fulham, Wycombe and Northampton Town were the promoted sides last year, but who will be participating in the play-offs this year and when will the games take place?
      When are the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL play-off dates are as follows:
      Championship
      Semi-finals

      Monday, May 17 – Championship A 1st leg (6pm)
      Monday, May 17 – Championship B 1st leg (8.15pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – Championship A 2nd leg (12.30pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – Championship B 2nd leg (5.30pm)

      Final

      Saturday, May 29 (3pm)

      League One
      Semi-finals

      Tuesday, May 18 – League One A 1st leg (6pm)
      Wednesday, May 19 – League One B 1st leg (6pm)
      Friday, May 21 – League One A 2nd leg (7.45pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – League One B 2nd leg (7.45pm)

      Final

      Sunday, May 30 (3pm)

      League Two
      Semi-finals

      Thursday, May 20 – League Two A 1st leg (6pm)
      Thursday, May 20 – League Two B 1st leg (8.15pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – League Two A 2nd leg (12.30pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – League Two B 2nd leg (6.30pm)

      What TV channel are EFL play-off matches on and can I live stream them?

      Sky Sports hold exclusive rights to EFL coverage, including the play-off games.
      Matches will be shown live on channels such as Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Some matches may be shown on the Sky Sports Red Button if they overlap with others.
      To stream EFL play-off matches live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Adebayo Akinfenwa and Wycombe Wanderers were promoted from League One at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Northampton Town were victorious in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty
      How many fans will be allowed to attend the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL has announced that the play-offs will be held from Monday, May 17 – the date on which the government will allow fans to return to stadiums according to the current roadmap.
      That means that ALL play-off matches will have fans attending as things stand.
      The roadmap states: “The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number).
      “In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).”
      This can be taken to mean that the play-off finals at Wembley will be played in front of 10,000 fans unless otherwise specified.
      However, it has yet to be confirmed whether participating EFL teams’ stadiums qualify as larger or smaller outdoor venues.
      Will the play-offs have away fans?
      Premier League CEO Richard Masters has declared that he intends for 500 away fans to attend the last two games of the season when fans return to stadiums.
      However, the EFL has not made its intentions regarding away fans for the play-offs known yet. More

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      Every English football club to take part in social media boycott today in protest at online hate

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      EVERY English football club will join a social media boycott today in protest at online hate.The FA, Premier League, EFL and the women’s game will turn off Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for four days. 
      Thierry Henry has led the charge for big tech reforms over online abuseCredit: PA
      They are calling on social media firms to stem the “relentless” flow of abuse.
      In an act of unity, The Sun will stop posting on our Twitter accounts from 3pm today until 11.59pm on Monday.
      France’s Thierry Henry, who has led the charge for big tech reform, was “thrilled” by the show of strength.
      He said: “It is a powerful statement.”
      Writing in today’s Sun, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warns social media giants to act or face the consequences.
      Under his Online Safety Bill, companies could be shut down if they fail to remove abuse. 
      He writes: “Under the legislation, if social media companies fail to keep their promises to users – if they don’t quickly remove racist abuse, for example – they will face severe sanctions.
      “For the very worst failures, they could have their sites blocked.
      “They could also face huge fines of up to ten percent of annual global turnover.
      “For a company like Facebook or YouTube, that could be billions.”
      The Arsenal legend said of the online boycott: ‘It is a powerful statement’Credit: AFP

      He continues: “English football coming off social media is a powerful statement.
      “Everything that tries to destroy the beauty and the happiness of our game — we should fight it.
      “This is my happiest moment. Football stands for something. Not only money.”
      Thierry Henry explains his decision to quit social media More

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      Barnsley fan handed three-year ban for throwing SAUSAGE ROLL at steward during brawl at Southend

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      A BARNSLEY fan has been banned from football games for three years for throwing a SAUSAGE ROLL at a steward.Curtis Horbury was supporting his team in a game away at Southend United in 2019.
      A fan has been banned three years after throwing a sausage roll at a stewardCredit: Rex
      But the 22-year-old got involved in a scuffle with security staff after incorrectly hearing that stewards had hit a disabled fan.
      Stadium personnel were sent into the away end to try and stop supporters standing on the seats.
      After an appeal, three men were identified for their part in the trouble, and have appeared at Basildon Crown Court.
      Horbury admitted to throwing the sausage roll and, along with Kyle Swann, 20, Darren Kennett, 54, and his son Harvey Kennett, admitted affray.
      They were all handed three-year bans and curfew orders.
      Cameron Rose, 23, and Jonathan Senior, 28, were given four and one month curfews respectively after admitting to a section four public order offence.
      Stewards were punched to the floor during the shocking altercation, as reported by the Echo.
      Judge Samantha Leigh told Horbury: “You wrongly made yourself involved in the situation, you made full admissions that you shouldn’t have got involved.
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      “You also accepted that you threw the sausage roll at the stewards.”
      Prosecuting, Ed Renvoize said: “There was distress not only for the stewards but also for the football supporters who were not engaging with them.”
      All the Barnsley fans expressed their remorse for the trouble that started just before half-time of the football clash.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      When are EFL playoffs 2021? Dates, kick-off times and TV channels with all matches taking place WITH fans

      by

      THE EFL season has reached its business end with the promotion battles taking shape and the Championship playoff sides known.As is the tradition, the campaign will conclude at Wembley, with the play-off semi-finals and finals to be played in front of fans if the government roadmap stays on track.
      Fulham were 2020 Championship play-off final winnersCredit: PA
      Fulham, Wycombe and Northampton Town were the promoted sides last year, but who will be participating in the play-offs this year and when will the games take place?
      When are the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL play-off dates are as follows:
      Championship
      Semi-finals

      Monday, May 17 – Championship A 1st leg (6pm)
      Monday, May 17 – Championship B 1st leg (8.15pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – Championship A 2nd leg (12.30pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – Championship B 2nd leg (5.30pm)

      Final

      Saturday, May 29 (3pm)

      League One
      Semi-finals

      Tuesday, May 18 – League One A 1st leg (6pm)
      Wednesday, May 19 – League One B 1st leg (6pm)
      Friday, May 21 – League One A 2nd leg (7.45pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – League One B 2nd leg (7.45pm)

      Final

      Sunday, May 30 (3pm)

      League Two
      Semi-finals

      Thursday, May 20 – League Two A 1st leg (6pm)
      Thursday, May 20 – League Two B 1st leg (8.15pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – League Two A 2nd leg (12.30pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – League Two B 2nd leg (6.30pm)

      What TV channel are EFL play-off matches on and can I live stream them?

      Sky Sports hold exclusive rights to EFL coverage, including the play-off games.
      Matches will be shown live on channels such as Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Some matches may be shown on the Sky Sports Red Button if they overlap with others.
      To stream EFL play-off matches live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Adebayo Akinfenwa and Wycombe Wanderers were promoted from League One at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Northampton Town were victorious in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty
      How many fans will be allowed to attend the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL has announced that the play-offs will be held from Monday, May 17 – the date on which the government will allow fans to return to stadiums according to the current roadmap.
      That means that ALL play-off matches will have fans attending as things stand.
      The roadmap states: “The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number).
      “In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).”
      This can be taken to mean that the play-off finals at Wembley will be played in front of 10,000 fans unless otherwise specified.
      However, it has yet to be confirmed whether participating EFL teams’ stadiums qualify as larger or smaller outdoor venues. More

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      Joey Barton refuses to accept Bristol Rovers relegation on CV after dropping into League Two despite poor spell as boss

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      JOEY BARTON believes Bristol Rovers’ relegation shouldn’t be pinned on him after the club’s drop into League Two was confirmed over the weekend.The Pirates’ fate was sealed on Saturday following the 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
      Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers side have been relegated to League Two after losing to PortsmouthCredit: Rex
      Rovers – rooted to the bottom of the League One table after 44 games – are now ten points from safety with just two fixtures left to play.
      And former Fleetwood gaffer Barton has refused to accept that relegation will be on his CV after only taking charge at the Memorial Stadium in February.
      The 38-year-old – who took over when Bristol were two points outside of the bottom four – has lost 11 out of his 16 matches, winning on just three occasions.
      Speaking to the Bristol Post, the ex-Manchester City midfielder said: “For me as a coach, it’s a strange one because deep down I don’t think I will ever accept this is a relegation on my CV, albeit it will live there forever.
      “But I’m absolutely convinced that had we had our processes and things in place, this should never happen. It should never happen.
      “It can happen to you in the top divisions if you don’t have quality in the building, but in the lower leagues you just have to be fit and organised, that’s half the battle.
      “We’ve gone down having a scrap. Portsmouth have had one shot on goal and managed to win the game.
      “We could be out here all day, we ain’t going to score a goal with what we’ve got going on at this moment.
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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      Before adding: “The sooner this season’s done and dusted, if I could finish it tomorrow and get rid of them all and a report date for pre-season, I would do.
      “But we’ve got fixtures to fulfil and we’ve got to give our all.
      “I’m really, really sad that it’s one of my teams involved in that and hopefully this is the last time this ever happens to me as a coach.” More