EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Gary Neville in Twitter spat with Accrington Stanley chairman over axing of salary caps in EFL

      by

      GARY NEVILLE told Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt to ‘pipe down’ during a heated Twitter row.
      The pair disagree on the recent decision to scrap the salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two.

      Gary Neville claimed Salford City voted for the salary capCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      Clubs, including Neville’s Salford City side, voted to approve the wages limits in August.
      But these rules have now been axed after EFL chiefs lost a legal battle to the PFA.
      Holt strongly disagreed with an article on Twitter that defended the recent decision.

      And the Accrington chief hinted the richer clubs, such as Salford, will benefit from it.
      Holt wrote: “Can’t be doing this. I don’t agree clubs should be able to spend what they want, taking advantage of clubs weakened by #COVID19.
      “@SalfordCityFC can now spend £50m on player expenditure if they so choose.
      “I really am not interested in his legal preening. It’s wrong.”

      BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE

      Accrington Stanley chief Andy Holt infuriated Gary Neville with his post on TwitterCredit: Rex Features

      Former Manchester United defender and Salford City co-owner Neville immediately told Holt to ‘pipe down’.
      He said: “Obsessed ! We voted with other L2 clubs for Salary Cap even though we didn’t want it so pipe down.”
      David Beckham and Ryan Giggs both have a 10 per cent stake in Salford City football club.
      Fellow ‘Class of 92’ legends Neville and brother Phil, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt also have a stake in the club.
      As well as the mega-rich United stars, Singapore billionaire Peter Lims own 40 per cent.
      It was reported last month that the club’s existing shareholders invested almost £2.5million over the last six months.
      Reports have claimed the club also spend around £500,000-per-year alone just running their academy.
      The League Two side, who are ninth in the table, have managed four promotions in just five seasons.
      Meanwhile, Neville has also tipped former club United to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

      Man Utd legend Gary Neville trolls Liverpool after rival Reds’ title charge takes another dent with Brighton defeat More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter chief Jack Dorsey called out by football chiefs to end abuse on social media

      by

      ENGLISH football has united to demand social media giants stop talking and start acting to root out online abuse.
      In a direct and no punches pulled message to Twitter chief Jack Dorsey and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, representatives of all areas of the game came together in an open letter to tell the companies that ‘basic human decency’ required intervention.

      Football chiefs have penned a joint letter to social media giants including Facebook’s Mark ZuckerbergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Twitter boss Jack Dorsey is the other recipient of the letterCredit: Reuters

      Recent weeks have seen players including Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe, Reece James, Romaine Sawyers and Lauren James subjected to vile racist abuse.
      And referee Mike Dean will not work this weekend following online death threats posted to his family.
      The damning letter was signed by FA chief Mark Bullingham, Prem boss Richard Masters, Gordon Taylor, EFL chief exec Trevor Birch, womens’ game leader Kelly Simmons, the LMA’s Richard Bevan, Mike Riley and Sanjay Bhandari of Kick It Out.
      It said: “The language used is debasing, often threatening and illegal.

      “It causes distress to the recipients and the vast majority of people who abhor racism, sexism and discrimination of any kind.
      “We have had many meetings with your executives over the years but the reality is your platforms remain havens for abuse.
      “Your inaction has created the belief in the minds of the anonymous perpetrators that they are beyond reach.”
      Players are understood to be considering a boycott of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as a sign of their growing anger and indignation.

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

      And Edleen John, the FA director in charge of equality, diversity and inclusion, explained: “The companies must be able to create an algorithm which filters and blocks this abuse.
      “There must also be a swift takedown of anything they see that could be abusive or deemed abusive.
      “Users need to be verified. We have keyboard warriors sitting at home, typing whatever they want, and nobody is able to trace them or where they are.
      “I don’t believe these social media companies are unable to do that. If there is anybody who can find that information, it’s going to be a massive tech company.
      “We’ve been talking for 18 months. It seems there isn’t that impetus or momentum in the social media companies to address this.
      “It shouldn’t take 18 months to build an algorithm for them to be able to stop some of the stuff that’s happening.”
      ‘THEY’RE NOT READY TO MAKE THAT CHANGE’
      Twitter and Facebook both responded by insisting they were taking the issue seriously, in the wake of Government threats to levy fines of 10 per cent of their global earnings if the abuse continued.
      A Twitter spokesperson said: “There is no room for racist abuse on Twitter and we are resolute in our commitment to ensure the football conversation on our service is safe for fans, players and everyone involved in the game.
      “We strongly condemn this behaviour and will continue to take swift action on the minority that try to undermine the conversation for the majority.”
      Facebook added: “We don’t want hate and racism on our platforms and remove it when we find it.”
      But John added: “The discussions are always around ‘well, you know, we can’t look at things like emojis, because you have to think of context’.
      “If you are talking about a black person receiving a banana or a monkey, I’m not sure any further context or explanation is needed.
      “And if you can build a robot to vacuum your house you must be able to create an AI mechanism that can see words, emojis and pictures and filter them.
      “The only conclusion you can draw is they’re not ready to make that change and they don’t want to because they are more interested in driving people to the platforms.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shows his class as Man Utd boss sends fan struggling with mental health touching supportive letter More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Morecambe star Yann Songo’o facing 12-MATCH ban over alleged homophobic slur after calling Tranmere rival ‘f*****’

      by

      MORECAMBE midfielder Yann Songo’o faces a potential 12-game ban after being charged with homophobic abuse.
      Songo’o was dismissed by referee Paul Howard just before half-time after seemingly branding a Tranmere player a “f*****” following a clash during the 1-0 home defeat to Morecambe on January 30.

      Ex-Cameroon U20 midfielder Yann Songo’o (left) was given a straight red for abusive language in Morecambe’s 1-0 loss at home to TranmereCredit: Alamy Live News

      The flare-up led to Morecambe’s Yann Songo’o being sent offCredit: Alamy Live News

      Pitchside microphones captured the slur and the furious reaction of the Tranmere players towards the 29-year-old, whose dad Jacques Songo’o was one of Africa’s greatest ever goalkeepers.
      The FA confirmed: “Morecambe FC’s Yann Songo’o has been charged with an ‘aggravated breach’ of FA Rule E3 following their EFL League Two fixture against Tranmere Rovers FC on Saturday 30 January 2021.
      “It is alleged that the midfielder used abusive and/or insulting language towards an opponent during the 45th minute of the fixture, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, because the language included a reference to sexual orientation.
      “Yann Songo’o has until Wednesday 24 February 2021 to provide a response.”

      Under tougher new anti-discrimination rules brought in for this season, Songo’o would be banned for between six and 12 matches if the charge is upheld by a disciplinary commission.
      Toulon-born Songo’o joined Morecambe from Scunthorpe last September for a third spell under boss Derek Adams.
      He first came to English football when joining Blackburn from Sporting Kansas City in 2013, then was with Plymouth from 2016-19.

      Before that, he played in Spain for Real Zaragoza B, Sabadell and Pobla de Mafumet.

      He won three Cameroon Under-23 caps, while dad Jacques played 98 times for the senior national team, for whom he is now the goalkeeping coach.
      Songo’o junior also had loan spells with Orlando City and Ross County.

      Georgina Rodriguez braves snow in skin-tight ski-suit on family day out while Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Juventus More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman… and pair didn’t speak for TEN days before axe

      by

      JOEY BARTON has confirmed he left Fleetwood Town following a bust-up with the club’s chairman over transfers.
      The former Newcastle midfielder was sacked by the Cod Army last month that followed an earlier dispute over the future of Ched Evans.

      Joey Barton has lifted the lid on his Fleetwood Town exitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      SunSport revealed that Barton let the striker join Preston after alleged disciplinary breaches despite chairman Andy Pilley remaining a fan.
      The 38-year-old has now discussed the ‘disconnect’ with the League One side’s owner that led to him leaving Fleetwood as well.
      Speaking on Robbie Fowler’s podcast, Barton felt Pilley wanted to dictate transfers and admitted the pair didn’t speak for ten days before his sacking.
      He said: “When you leave and it doesn’t go so well you think you’ve been removed for the wrong reasons.

      “He was brilliant (the chairman). He gave me an enormous opportunity probably when no-one else in world football would.
      “The chairman was good as gold (at first) in that he didn’t force his opinion on me as a senior chairman and he let me make a few of my own decisions in terms of transfers – some good, some bad, some indifferent. We finished in the play-offs in the second season.

      Ched Evans, I’d had enough of him. He just wasn’t performing on the pitch and I felt we needed to improve in that position.
      Joey Barton

      “We came back this time and were trying to rebuild the side and I think what happened was he went into a transfer embargo.
      “A few players were at the end of their cycle – Ched Evans, I’d had enough of him. He just wasn’t performing on the pitch and I felt we needed to improve in that position.

      “When I went to speak to him, he let me know about the embargo which was a lot longer after it had happened than I felt I should have known about it. He said ‘We’re not going to go in the market or come out of the embargo’.
      “Where we were, eight points out of the play-offs if we get a couple of bodies in we’ll be there or thereabouts.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Barton and the owner disagreed over Ched EvansCredit: PA:Press Association

      “We don’t need Sergio Aguero but he disagreed and felt we should have gone with the younger players.
      “I was trying to say ‘They’re young players, we’re growing them but they’re not ready yet’.
      “It got to the point where we both couldn’t be right.”

      Joey Barton sacked as Fleetwood manager after Ched Evans bust-up More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright subbed 45 minutes into horror debut as boss blasts ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down by half time

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright suffered a disastrous 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

      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

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney COMPLETE Wrexham takeover… and rename themselves ‘Wryan’ and ‘Wrob’

      by

      HOLLYWOOD stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their takeover of Wrexham.
      The duo took full control from the Wrexham Supporters Trust — and renamed their Twitter accounts ‘Wryan’ and ‘Wrob’.

      It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney has bought WrexhamCredit: Twitter @RMcElhenney

      It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star McElhenny wrote on Twitter: The @Wrexham_AFC handover is complete!
      “We’re toasting with a limited-edition bottle of @AviationGin and I am rebranding as Wrob.”
      They are making a £2million investment, having opened talks with the National League club in September.
      Deadpool actor Reynolds and and pal McElhenney, both 43, said in a statement: “It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC.”

      “Together with the players, the staff, the fans, and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.
      “Wrexham AFC is only in a position to thrive because of the incredible efforts of the Wrexham Supporters Trust.
      “Their members are a fitting reflection of the integrity and spirit of the town and they will always have an important role at the club.”

      Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds is now co-owner of the National League sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They added that funds “will be immediately channelled into new initiatives at the Racecourse Community Foundation, including £50,000 to enhance the women’s football programme and increase participation at all levels.

      “Alongside this, first-team player identification will be a priority, so the club is in the best possible position for the summer transfer window”.
      Contracts were exchanged in January but McElhenney and Reynolds already donated money to strengthen Wrexham’s squad.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      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’.
      Wrexham beat Altrincham on Tuesday night to go seventh in the fifth tier of the English football, the final play-off spot.

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

    • 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