EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clubs beg Premier League to save them from ruin after coronavirus nightmare

      by

      EFL clubs have pleaded with the Premier League to save English football from collapse.
      Despite months of talks, the top flight is yet to agree a package of further financial help for lower league sides facing bankruptcy because of Covid-19.

      2

      EFL clubs are urging the Premier League to save teams in their divisions at risk of collapse Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      And EFL clubs are warning that the end of Government furlough arrangements after October, combined with huge falls in matchday income even when fans return, will bring the crisis to a head.
      The Premier League has already forwarded its usual solidarity payments but that money will not last most clubs very far into the autumn.
      Phil Wallace, owner and chairman of League Two Stevenage, said: “All we’re doing is kicking the can down the road. Eventually, you run out of road.

      “Without a bailout, I don’t see what the outcome can be other than clubs going into bankruptcy.”

      Even if some fans are allowed back into Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium from October, it’s likely that the maximum crowd will be 1,500 – combined to last season’s average of 3,500.
      That would mean a fall in income of £30,000 to £40,0000 per home game, even before loss of secondary spend at food and drink outlets and other revenue streams was taken into account.
      Simon Hallett, owner of League One Plymouth, recognises that a number of Premier League clubs are also facing significant financial challenges.
      But Hallett said: “Eventually the elastic snaps and clubs run out of cash.

      2

      Financial aid packages for lower league sides are yet to be agreed on by football chiefsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “At that point, if there are still no fans, it’s inevitable some will be very close to going bust.
      “It’s about the preservation of the English football pyramid. I don’t want to get misty-eyed and romantic about it.
      “But the great glory, I think, of English football is the football pyramid.
      “You can still have the dream that you start off playing in the park with a pub team and you end up in the Football League.
      “If you want to preserve that, some kind of financial help to ease us over this crisis is going to be necessary.”

      It’s a big discussion. But clubs have got to be there to have that discussion. Come 2021, they might not be.
      Phil Wallace

      Stevenage and Plymouth are fortunate that they have multimillionaire benefactors like Wallace and Hallett to support them – for now at least.
      But many other clubs will be teetering on the brink of extinction unless something changes soon.
      Wallace, like Hallett, accepts that lower league clubs are often guilty of financial mismanagement.
      But he insists English football’s proud tradition of having 92 or more professional clubs can be preserved and a wider discussion is needed about the distribution of money across the game.
      Wallace said: “Why can’t we sustain this number of clubs?
      “It’s important to have a healthy pyramid, but you have to balance that and walk that line between clubs wasting money, overspending and doing all the stupid things that clubs do.
      “It’s not as easy as I’m going to give you money. You have to convince me that there’s a good working model that can be adopted.

      “If we change things, and redistribute in a fairer way, it’s not wasted.
      “It’s a big discussion. But clubs have got to be there to have that discussion.
      “Come 2021, they might not be.”

      English football ‘will cease to exist as we know it’ due to coronavirus crisis, warns Huddersfield owner More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool come from behind to hammer Blackpool as wonderkids Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott impress

      by

      LIVERPOOL sent a warning to their Premier League title rivals by smashing SEVEN goals past Blackpool on Saturday.
      And Jurgen Klopp’s champions even let the League One side have a two-goal headstart.

      1

      Harvey Elliott enjoyed a strong runout for Liverpool on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      Blackpool, managed by former Liverpool youth coach Neil Critchley, took a surprise two-goal lead in the Anfield friendly.
      CJ Hamilton took advantage of a mistake by 17-year-old French defender Billy Koumetio to slam home the opener, before Jerry Yates’ penalty.
      But the Reds’ siege of their visitors goal quickly took hold and Joel Matip fired home a header before the break.
      Sadio Mane scrambled a leveller before Roberto Firmino’s smart close-range finish put Liverpool ahead on 54 minutes.

      And Klopp’s men never looked back as they prepared for next weekend’s league opener versus Leeds by putting the Seasiders to the sword.
      Divock Origi’s slick through ball was finished by Harvey Elliott on an impressive afternoon for the teenager.
      Fellow youngster Curtis Jones continued his claim for a regular spot by providing the fifth and sixth, scored by Takumi Minamino and Origi, respectively.
      In the 88th minute, Sepp van den Berg made it 7-2 – becoming Liverpool’s seventh scorer of the day.

      Although their 2019/20 title triumph came off the back of some very indifferent pre-season form, two wins and a draw send the Reds into their defence in good mettle.
      Fans will also be encouraged by the displays of Elliott, Jones and Minamino after another summer of minimal transfer activity at Anfield.
      Only left-back Kostas Tsimikas has arrived with just over a month of the window left, ahead of a possible deal for Thiago Alcantara.

      Arsenal celebrate and lift the Community Shield after beating Liverpool at Wembley More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Middlesbrough 4 Shrewsbury 3: Boro claim first home win since Boxing Day as Fletcher double seals Carabao Cup victory

      by

      MIDDLESBROUGH overcame a scare in a Carabao Cup thriller with Shrewsbury to seal a first home win since Boxing Day.
      Neil Warnock’s Championship side were pushed all the way by their plucky League One opponents before edging it 4-3 to reach round two.

      5

      Ashley Fletcher helped fire Middlesbrough to a first home win since Boxing Day against ShrewsburyCredit: PA:Press Association

      5

      Scott High stunned Boro by firing the visitors ahead with a 25-yard piledriverCredit: PA:Press Association
      And the veteran boss, who saved them from relegation last season, was delighted to end their miserable Riverside run.
      Warnock said: “I wanted the lads to score more goals but I don’t know about conceding like that.
      “We have to score more goals. I hate being the lowest scorers.
      “It’s nice to get a win at last at home and let’s take it forward.

      “It’s great to score four but disappointing to concede like we did.”

      Boro were stunned after a strong start on 13 minutes when 19-year-old Scott High unleashed a piledriver into the top corner from long-range.
      But any hopes of holding on to their lead ended quickly thanks to a howler from Town goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne.
      Marvin Johnson’s shot from Lewis Wing’s cross looked to be a routine save for the stopper, but he somehow allowed it to squirm over the line at his near post.

      And just after the half hour mark they were trailing as Boro’s scorer turned provided for Ashley Fletcher to rifle home.
      Burgoyne was to suffer the wrath of his team-mates again moments after the break when his clearance from wide on the right fell straight to Wing.

      5

      Neil Warnock was delighted to end Boro’s long home winless runCredit: PA:Press Association
      The midfielder struck it from 30 yards past the scrambling goalie only for his effort to rebound off the post, but Fletcher reacted quickest for his second.
      Jason Cummings pulled one back for the Shrews with a great left-footed finish after collecting the ball at the back post from a corner.
      Marcus Tavernier’s deflected strike from 18 yards appeared to have ended their hopes of a comeback.
      But Pyke finished off a well-worked move to set-up a tense final 15.
      Sub striker Daniel Udoh was thrown on and almost made himself the hero late on only to be denied by ‘keeper Dejan Stojanovic.
      After guiding the Teessiders to safety last term, Warnock is now looking ahead to Friday’s league opener at Watford.

      But he warned his men they will be embarrassed unless they improve.
      The experienced veteran added: “It will be different at Watford next week and we will have to defend a lot better than that.
      “If we play like that they will get double figures.”

      5

      Marvin Johnson quickly levelled for Boro in the Carabao Cup clashCredit: PA:Press Association

      5

      Fletcher grabbed a second during the second halfCredit: Alamy Live News More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Roma snap up 16-year-old Cambridge United wonderkid Mbunya Alemanji in shock £70,000 transfer

      by

      ROMA have signed 16-year-old Cambridge United whizkid Mbunya Alemanji for £70,000.
      The teenage star has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Serie A giants but insists he is trying to “keep humble” after the mega move.

      1

      Roma have signed Cambridge United whizkid Mbunya Alemanji
      The Italian side have never seen the young forward play in the flesh but have signed him based on video footage.
      Alemanji will initially play with Roma’s Under-17s side but will eventually move up to the first team.
      Having completed the transfer, Alemanji said: “It is a big move but I’m just trying to prove why I’m there.

      “My friends have been saying to me: ‘Do you realise you’re at AS Roma?’ I’m just trying to keep calm.”

      Alemanji was born in Germany but moved to England when he was three.
      The teenager had only been with Cambridge for three years after an intial six-week trial as a 13-year-old.
      Alemanji shares an agent with former Manchester United and current Lyon star Memphis Depay.
      And thanks to highlight videos sent to Roma’s interim sporting director Morgan de Sanctis earlier this year the move has gone through.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe

      Alemanji added: “It was during lockdown – my agent contacted me and said: ‘Roma are interested in you.
      “They are such a big team that I didn’t really think much of it.
      “The next week he contacted me again and said you might have to travel to Rome in two weeks.
      “I was like, ‘Wow.’ It took longer for it to happen but I eventually signed.”

      Bayern Munich are now the joint-fifth-most successful team in Europe
      Alemanji’s deal will see him spend one year as a scholar before he turns professional.
      He will live at Roma’s training ground, where he will be surrounded by their first-team stars, which has already stunned the young star.
      He added: “I came out of my room – we had to do Covid tests – and I saw [former Chelsea winger] Pedro. I was shocked.”

      Neymar ‘tests positive for coronavirus’ after Ibiza holiday as PSG confirm three cases just eight days before season More

    • 163 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd keeper Joel Pereira completes season-long loan move to Championship side Huddersfield

      by

      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN have sealed a season-long loan deal for Manchester United keeper Joel Pereira. 
      The 24-year-old stopper, who faced an uphill battle for an Old Trafford starting place, has completed a medical with the Championship side. 

      2

      Joel Pereira, who has made just two senior Man United appearances, has completed a loan move to Huddersfield TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Pereira, who is a Portugal Under-21 international, has made just two senior appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
      And the young stopper is likely to face stiff competition at Old Trafford with rising star Dean Henderson signing a new five-year deal with United to compete with David De Gea.
      Henderson enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at Sheffield United last season and is earning £120,000 a week as part of his new contract.

      Huddersfield, who survived a Championship relegation battle last term, made their move for the 6ft 5’’ Pereira following an injury to their number two keeper Ryan Schofield. 

      And Leigh Bromby, the Terriers’ head of operations, believes the side are in need of another goalkeeping option who “fits” the team’s style of play. 
      Bromby said:  Following the injury to Ryan Schofield, we felt it was important to have another senior goalkeeper in the group.
      “Being able to attract a player with Joel’s ability shows the direction we are going in and that players believe they can develop under Carlos.
      “Joel is a really interesting option for us and fits the way we want our goalkeepers to play.

      Terriers head coach Carlos Corberan echoed Bromby’s views. 

      2

      Pereira would have faced stiff competition for a starting place at Man United with Dean Henderson signing a new five-year deal with the club
      And the 37-year-old Spaniard says the goalkeeper’s skill in “dominating” the penalty were key factors in the club’s loan move for the player. 
      Corberan said: “Joel Pereira is a player that covers all the demands we have from our goalkeepers. In terms of his reflexes, domination of the box, covering spaces and distribution of the play – all of these abilities are something that aren’t easy to find in a ‘keeper.
      “For me it’s a very positive reaction from the Club, in terms of getting a replacement from Ryan Schofield’s injury.” 
      Huddersfield have so far made one permanent signing with Danny Ward returning as a permanent Terriers signing after leaving Cardiff City as a free agent.

      And club officials may consider further loan moves following the successful temporary spells for several players including Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.
      The Gunners starlet was among a batch of loan players who helped the Terriers to avoid relegation last term. 
      The club finished in eighteenth place in the Championship table.

      Former Leeds assistant manager Carlos Corberán speaks about leaving Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion heroes to take over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Peterborough chairman MacAnthony calls on EFL chiefs to get fans back into grounds for first game of the season

      by

      DARRAGH MACANTHONY wants football fans back inside grounds for the START of the season.
      The Peterborough chairman has become frustrated by the government which looks set to wait until October to allow stadiums to partially reopen.

      1

      Darragh MacAnthony believes the time is right for fans to returnCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Non-League fans from the seventh-tier of English football will be allowed back today while some test events in the Premier League and EFL will be held next month. In Scotland, fans could be back on September 14.
      But England’s clubs – including League One side Posh – stand to lose a fortune by having the first few matches behind closed doors as the EFL campaign begins on September 12.
      MacAnthony, 44, said: “It was great to get live football back on TV.
      “Now it is absolutely vital we get supporters back inside grounds in the Premier League and EFL. Football without fans is terrible.

      “But we should not be waiting for some time in October. This is ridiculous.
      “The Government and football authorities should be making sure fans are on our terraces for the start of the season on September 12. I don’t know what we are waiting for.

      “It is good news that from today, some non-League clubs can have fans back for friendlies.
      “Although we desperately need the money, at least we get some TV cash. Non-League football clubs at that level get absolutely nothing.

      “If people are sensible going out to shops and restaurants, they will be sensible at football grounds. In the end, they realised there was no need for Premier League games to be played at neutral grounds. We have to trust football fans.
      “Do I want to go to our ground for the first few games and see loads of Posh fans over 60? Of course I don’t. They should be at home protecting themselves.
      “But do I want to see other fans who are being careful and wearing masks? Of course I do. We are all quite far down the line with Covid and we know how to behave.
      “Football is a massive part of the economy. With football fans, the British Government would lose a lot of money as lots of people would lose their jobs. So I don’t know what we are waiting for.

      We need to be told to do this now because clubs need two or three weeks to organise and prepare.
      Darragh MacAnthony

      “For the start of the season, we should be able to use between 30 and 40 per cent of our capacities.
      “If you can have bowling alleys open now, we should have football stadiums open. It is not as though we have any indoor football grounds.
      “At Peterborough our capacity is 15,000. So with season ticket holders and a few casual ticket fans, we could get 4,000 inside self-distancing.”
      Yet MacAnthony, whose side were cruelly denied a play-off place last season, says it is important they are given a date as soon as possible.

      The Irish businessman said: “We need to be told to do this now because clubs need two or three weeks to organise and prepare. Don’ just drop this on us at the last minute. Don’t expect we can sort all this out in 24 hours.
      “We need to get portable toilets for outside the ground. We need to know how many stewards we will need.”
      MacAnthony is also hoping Posh can heal the wounds of last season as they were sixth when the season was suspended – but Wycombe took their place on points per game and ended up getting promoted.
      He added: “Our aim is to do our best to win promotion and repay all our loyal fans who now more than ever have supported us through this horrible pandemic.”

      English football ‘will cease to exist as we know it’ due to coronavirus crisis, warns Huddersfield owner More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Charlton fans protest over takeover shambles by storming club boardroom and refusing to leave

      by

      CHARLTON fans have stormed the club’s boardroom at The Valley in protest against EFL rules on club ownership.
      SunSport exclusively revealed how the Addicks face being booted out of the EFL unless current owners ESI sell the League One side.

      Protestor inside the Charlton boardroom tells me “Louis, we will not be leaving until demands are met from the letter issued to the police and media, some are leaving due to other commitments but majority are digging there heels in” #cafc pic.twitter.com/9bWDEIJnGR
      — Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) August 22, 2020

      Been sent this photo from within the boardroom and given permission to share it. The protesters are currently enjoying wine and cheese during their peaceful occupation #cafc pic.twitter.com/Vn8paf4EAO
      — Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) August 22, 2020

      Danish businessman Thomas Sandgaard, who is worth more than £350million, has registered an interest in buying the Londoners.
      Yet current chairman Paul Elliott wants to take legal action against ESI majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer after insisting he had a written agreement the club would be sold to him.
      He is currently seeking an injunction to stop any sale – despite having failed the EFL’s owners and directors’ test.
      That all comes months after ex-chairman Matt Southall was removed from his post by Nimer in March and club lawyer Chris Farnell sacked last week.

      And Charlton remain in danger of going into administration if a takeover deal is not completed by the time the season kicks off on September 12.

      If this direct action does not bring about change for football clubs then we are left with no choice to attend the EFL Headquarters and in turn take direct action against them

      An estimated 500 supporters then gathered for a peaceful protest outside the club’s home on Saturday.
      Elsewhere, other fans were seen eating cheese and wine in the boardroom while displaying a notice that read: “Our pound is bigger and better than yours, #ESIOUT”.
      Some were even flashing £1 coins in reference to Roland Duchatelet’s infamous sale of Charlton earlier this year.

      The group Fans4Fans issued a statement to say some Charlton supporters “will not be leaving [the boardroom] until the current owners of Charlton Athletic Football Club formally request, in person, that we vacate the premises with immediate effect.

      “We also request an extensive update on why Paul Elliott has been able to formally lodge an injunction preventing the sale of Charlton Athletic Football Club and when this case is to be heard.
      “In addition, how can a man who has failed the owners and directors test, appeal the sale of a business he will not be able to sufficiently control or finance?
      “If this direct action does not bring about change for football clubs then we are left with no choice to attend the English Football League Headquarters and its sponsors offices and in turn take direct action against them.”
      Meanwhile, US-based businessman Sandgaard recently admitted he was desperate to avoid administration.

      He told SunSport: “I’m trying everything I can to get a deal done before the start of the new season to avoid a scenario of the club going into administration.
      “I’d rather pay more money now, than picking it up cheaper later, because there would be too many negatives involved.
      “We’d have a 12-point deduction and much more rebuilding would need to be done. I want to avoid that and we can.”

      US-based Danish businessman Thomas Sandgaard is in talks to buy Charlton

      Charlton fan manages to take out one of their players in celebrations of winning goal against Accrington Stanley More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL seal groundbreaking Sky Sports deal allowing fans to stream ALL games next season – including 3pm kick-offs

      by

      THE EFL have agreed a deal with Sky Sports that will see ALL of next season’s games streamed online.
      Clubs from the Championship, League 1 and League 2 can now stream their matches live on their websites.

      1

      Sky Sports will allow EFL clubs to stream their own matches online next season
      Season ticket holders will be able to watch their club’s home games for free while anyone else hoping to tune in will be charged £10 per game.
      It is understood 3pm kick-offs will also be included in the deal for the first time.
      The move has been made in the hope of offsetting the loss of EFL clubs’ gate receipts while matches are played behind closed doors.
      Sky Sports pay £119million per season for exclusive rights to live EFL action, as well as the Carabao Cup, but are understanding of the financial difficulties many clubs are facing without ticket revenue.

      Consequently, Sky will allow clubs to stream all games due to be shown live on TV for as long as fans are shut out of stadiums.
      The Mail claims this arrangement will be reviewed regularly but is expected to last until stadiums can be filled to 50 per cent capacity.
      An October return date has been mooted as the earliest fans can expect to be allowed back into stadiums but this would be at 20 to 30 per cent capacity initially.

      In the Championship, the money raised through streaming matches will be retained by the club selling the service.

      Due to the varying sizes of clubs’ fanbases, a different revenue-sharing formula will be used in League 1 and League 2.
      Premier League clubs this week rejected the opportunity to stream their own matches next season.

      English football ‘will cease to exist as we know it’ due to coronavirus crisis, warns Huddersfield owner More