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      EFL club granted permission to build new 16,000-seater stadium on 250-YEAR deal.. with shock plan for current ground

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      OXFORD UNITED have been granted permission to build a new 16,000-seater ground on a staggering 250-year deal.According to BBC Radio Oxford Sport, the U’s and Oxfordshire County Council have signed the legally binding agreement on a lease at Triangle site near Kidlington.Oxford United have been granted permission to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: XThe club, though, must honour pledges to the community on social, environmental and economic benefits. And the agreement currently hinges on planning permission being granted by Cherwell District Council.This comes after recent news suggesting Oxford’s current ground the Kassam Stadium will become a driving school for kids.Parts of the Kassam are set to be transformed into a realistic road for learner drivers to practice on.Read More on FootballYoung Driver will change a section of the club’s car park into a road equipped with roundabouts, junctions as well as traffic signs.It will also include areas for prospective drivers – some of whom will be as young as 10 – to practice on their manoeuvres.And the EFL club is now set to be on the move within the next few years.An excerpt of a club statement read last month: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players “This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Norwich defender Shane Duffy arrested and charged with drink-driving after two-vehicle smash

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      NORWICH star Shane Duffy has been charged with drink driving.The former Premier League star is due to appear before magistrates in Norwich in July.Shane Duffy is due to appear in court charged with drink drivingCredit: AlamyDuffy, 32, was arrested in Hethersett, near Norwich, late on Monday after a collision involving two vehicles.A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday May 6, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.”Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”No one was injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuffy has responded through a spokesperson who said: “[Duffy has been] charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg.”A Norwich City spokesman said: “Norwich City Football Club is aware of an incident involving one of its first-team players.”The club is in the process of considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure.”Duffy is due to play for Norwich against Leeds United in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg on Sunday.Most read in EFLThe Republic of Ireland star has featured in 36 league games for the Canaries this season.He signed for the club last season after a short-lived spell at Fulham where he made just seven appearances. More

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      EFL club forced to apologise after sending letter to supporters about ‘disabled fans and normal fans’

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      BRISTOL ROVERS have apologised for an almighty own goal after the club sent a letter to supporters that referred to ‘disabled fans and normal fans’.The League One club hit the headlines over the Bank Holiday weekend as they faced a huge backlash and calls to “do better” and to say sorry.Bristol Rovers have been forced into an embarrassing apology to supportersCredit: GettyRovers have now issued a statement on the controversial matter and apologised “for any offence caused” for the “error in wording”.The embarrassing gaffe was made in a private email from the Pirates to their supporters’ club that was clarifying details of the new electronic season ticket system coming in next season.The club said in it that disabled fans who still preferred a physical season ticket card instead of one on their mobile phones could have one for free.However, it then added that “normal fans” will have to pay an extra £15.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe letter was quickly shared on X as anger erupted over the use of the word “normal” to describe those non-disabled supporters.The club have continued to receive flak on social media ever since, even though the original post showing the letter has now been deleted.And eventually that has led to them addressing the matter today with an official statement.It read: “Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to apologise for any offence caused by an error in wording in a recent communication regarding disabled supporters.Most read in EFL“No harmful intention of meaning was ever intended in the wording, which was included in a private email exchange between the Club and a representative from the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.“The Club is proud of our ongoing commitment to provide the best experience for all supporters of Bristol Rovers FC, in particular our work with the Club’s Disabled Supporters Association to ensure fans with accessibility or additional needs are able to enjoy each and every match at The Memorial Stadium.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan“In addition, the Club were recently commended by the EFL by achieving Bronze in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.“Bristol Rovers Football Club is committed to making sure our Club is a safe, welcome and inclusive environment for everyone.”Rovers finished the season 15th in League One, 13 points clear of the drop zone.Joey Barton was sacked by the club in October after a poor start to the campaign.He had been in charge of Rovers since February 2021 and led them to promotion from League Two the following year.Matt Taylor took over the job in December and still has three years remaining on his contract. More

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      Former Premier League stadium given bizarre new name but there’s a heartwarming reason why

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      A FORMER Premier League stadium has received a bizarre new name – but there is a heartwarming reason behind it.Wigan Athletic won promotion to the top-flight in 2005 under Paul Jewell.A former Premier League ground will be is now known as The Brick Community StadiumCredit: RexThe 24,000-seater ground’s new name starts from May 13Credit: GettyAgainst all the odds, the Latics managed to defy the odds and stay up for eight years before finally suffering relegation in 2013.However, even that year saw the club make history as they famously beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.The 25,138-seater DW Stadium, which opened in 1999 and is also home to Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors, hosted all of the ups and downs throughout that period, including Europa League matches after their Wembley success.However, things have continued to go downhill since and they now find themselves in League One.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, under boss and former midfield star Shaun Maloney, hopes are high that years of struggles are coming to an end and they can try and push for promotion next term.And that will all be done at their newly-named home – The Brick Community Stadium.Fans were initially in shock at the news, but now the club have explained the reason behind the switch.A statement explained: “The renaming of Wigan’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick, whose work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need. Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.”It added: “The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis. Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby“The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025 with further support for local charities to be announced in the coming weeks.“Both clubs will also continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.”Both clubs have also vowed to work closely with The Brick to explore other ways that the partnership can benefit the town.Wigan Athletic chairman, Ben Goodburn, said: “The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick.”The ground has hosted Premier League and Europa League action over the yearsCredit: RexWigan’s ground will be called ‘The Brick Community StadiumCredit: Instagram @laticsofficial More

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      Gary Neville and co bring in forgotten ex-Premier League star, 40, as Salford City look to recover from dismal season

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      SALFORD CITY have appointed a former Premier League ace as their new Under-18s manager.Manchester United’s Class of ‘92 Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and brother Gary and Phil Neville purchased a stake in the club in 2014.Ex-Burnley star Dean Marney has joined Salford City as under-18 lead coachCredit: GettySince then they have enjoyed great success as Salford climbed up the non-league pyramid and into the Football League.But they have been stuck in the fourth tier since winning the National League play-offs in 2019.Gary Neville, who says he has become “disconnected” from Salford due to a change in role, worked as the club’s CEO for eight years before stepping down in October 2022.That was just prior to Salford sacking former Man Utd youth coach Neil Wood, the fifth boss they had axed in five-and-a-half years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe experienced Karl Robinson arrived in the dug-out in January and he managed to guide them to safety with a 20th placed finish.Now the former MK Dons chief will be hoping to bring in recruits and add his stamp on the club over the summer, and that may even include their youth set-up.Salford have today confirmed that Dean Marney is the new lead U18s coach.The former England U21 international made nearly 400 appearances as a midfielder in the Premier League and Championship.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe came through the ranks at Tottenham, where he ventured out on loan to Swindon Town, QPR, Gillingham and Norwich before departing permanently despite two goals in his eight appearances for Spurs.He headed to Hull City and was part of Phil Brown’s team which won the Championship play-offs in 2008 and then stayed up the next term.Roy Keane in touching moment with Gary Neville as he tells Man Utd pal ‘you deserve better’Marney, 40, signed for Burnley in 2010 and he helped them to win the Championship in 2016.He then had a two-year stint at Fleetwood before hanging up his boots in 2020 and starting his coaching journey.He has completed his Uefa A and B licences and spent last season coaching Burnley’s U15 and U16 teams prior to taking up his new job.Marney said: “I am looking forward to the opportunity, there are some really good players at the club, some of whom have already made it through to the first team, so hopefully there will be more to follow soon.“I have already taken a few sessions with the lads, and they went well, the team trained really well. “I think in the current under-16s who will be full time next season, there are some good players, and it is a good group.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is just about trying to create the right mentality, because it is all very well having the ability, but you also have to have the other side too, so that is something that I can help bring.”Marney added: “This feels like the right time to be joining the club, with the new manager and with the academy moving up to a category three level, it looks like everything is moving in the right direction towards looking to push players through from the academy, so to be part of that is great and is the next step in my own coaching development, so I am very grateful for the opportunity.”DEAN MARNEYAll you need to know about his playing days:
      Position:
      Midfielder
      Clubs:
      Tottenham, Swindon (loan), QPR (loan), Gillingham (loan), Norwich City (loan), Hull City, Burnley, Fleetwood Town
      Career league total:
      378 apps, 21 goals
      International:
      England U21 (1 cap)
      Honours:
      Championship play-offs (2008)
      Championship title (2016) More

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      Sky Sports pundit left stunned and says he’s ‘not too sure about this’ with what Bolton players did after play-off win

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      SKY SPORTS pundit Jobi McAnuff was left stunned by Bolton’s antics after their play-off win against Barnsley.The two sides went into last night’s League One semi-final looking to cement a spot in this month’s final at Wembley.Bolton were criticised for their post-match celebrations after reaching the League One playoff finalCredit: RexFans flooded the field after the 5-4 aggregate win over BarnsleyCredit: RexSome players went into the stands and drank beers to celebrateCredit: Sky SportsHosts Bolton won the first leg 3-1 but lost 3-2 in a dramatic second tie on Tuesday.However, the result saw them emerge overall winners over Barnsley with a 5-4 aggregate score.And they will now play either Peterborough or Oxford United to claim a spot in next season’s Championship.At the final whistle, Bolton fans flooded the pitch to celebrate reaching the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut instead of taking their celebrations inside, the players bizarrely stayed on the pitch to party too.Several swigged beers and even climbed into the stands to toast their win alongside supporters.And the scenes were reminiscent of a side that had already done the business in the upcoming final.Former Championship star McAnuff was certainly not impressed with Bolton’s premature antics.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe claimed it sent out the wrong message to their next opponent, showing that their minds were already one step ahead of the showpiece game at Wembley.And McAnuff urged Bolton to play a more cautious hand in the future to avoid potential embarrassment.Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derbyJobi McAnuff explained how Bolton’s antics could be a huge boost to their final opponentsCredit: Sky SportsMcAnuff told Sky Sports: “I’m not too sure about this, I’ve got to say. My thing with this, and you might want to call it old school, you’ve still got work to do.“Absolutely, go into the changing room, celebrate getting to the final. “But not up in the stands with beers in your hands. There’s still a massive game to come. “It just seems it feels that they have already got promoted. I personally would have liked to see that confined to the dressing room.“A pat on the back, one step further than last year, which is a slight improvement on where they were.“But the big job’s still to come and I’d be really wary and conscious of the message I’m sending out to my potential opponents who I play next.” More

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      How little-known rule led to Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham culling eight promotion winners including former captain

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      WREXHAM have released eight promotion-winning stars as they prepare for life in League One.The Red Dragons will compete in the third tier for the first time since 2005 after coming second in League Two under boss Phil Parkinson.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham have had to make some tricky decisionsCredit: PAExperienced midfielder Luke Young has not had his contract renewedCredit: GettyStalwart Ben Tozer has also been releasedCredit: GettyFollowing back-to-back promotions, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s men are set to retool in order to compete as best they can.In the days following the conclusion of the League Two season, Wrexham made eight players aware that they would not be having their deals renewed.These included former captains Ben Tozer and Luke Young, with the Plymouth-born duo departing having made 377 appearances between them.Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Owen Cushion have also been let go.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSExplaining the difficult decisions, Parkinson, 56, said: “People are not completely aware of that rule.”We have got to work towards the 22-man squad and inevitably, the only way we can bring players in is by letting people go.”The aim has always been to improve what we have got in each transfer window but also maintaining our key players.”That’s what we will be aiming to do this time. It is going to be an interesting summer, we have got ideas how we would like to see the squad shape up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPhil Parkinson has explained Wrexham’s decision making processCredit: Rex”We will take our time and hopefully get a squad which can be competitive.”Clubs in League One must submit 22-man squad lists, featuring a minimum of eight homegrown players. Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘absolute idiocy’ Wrexham gaffe that cost him and Rob McElhenney a fortuneGoalkeepers or players under 21 do not need to be registered on the list.Wrexham have offered new deals to Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard and Aaron James.While Irish international and former Premier League star James McClean is among the players that have been retained.The Red Dragons’ executive director Humphrey Ker is hopeful of a top half finish upon his side’s return to the third tier.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.
      Released:

      Aaron Hayden
      Rob Lainton
      Callum McFadzean
      Ben Tozer
      Jordan Tunnicliffe
      Luke Young
      Owen Cushion
      Dan Davies

      Offers:

      Steven Fletcher
      Mark Howard
      Aaron James

      Retained:

      James McClean
      Harry Ashfield
      Callum Edwards
      Liam Hall
      James Rainbird

      Decision Pending:

      Scott Butler
      Harry Dean

      ‘Stranger things than promotion have happened’He told the Independent: “I think we’ve often talked about the idea that it takes three transfer windows to really build a squad into what you need to compete in any one division and next season will be one window shorter than that.”But I think the core of this team is very strong. They’re very strong personalities, good players and they love each other, so that’s a great basis to build from.”We’ll be adding players in the summer and sadly saying goodbye to one or two, which is sort of just the nature of football, and then we’ll sort of see where we wind up.”Inside the building, we’re like, ‘Look, our objective is get up and stay up, stabilise and build a good platform and go again the following year.’”But stranger things than promotion have happened – we might go through the division again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To be honest, that would probably be too fast for us. It wouldn’t actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we’d just be going so quickly.”Then we’d be trying to catch up with infrastructure and our facilities and everything would be a big, big challenge. So I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I’d be very happy with that.”Humphrey Ker has outlined Wrexham’s ambitions for next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid, 30, who lifted Champions League trophy wakes up unemployed days after winning League Two title

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      EX-CHELSEA whizkid Todd Kane has suffered another of football’s brutal twists of fortune.The full-back, 30, who once lifted the Champions League trophy, helped Stockport clinch the League Two title last month but has been released.Todd Kane was with Coventry from 2021-23 and has now left StockportCredit: PANathaniel Chalobah, Todd Kane and Jamal Blackman helped Chelsea celebrate beating Bayern in the 2012 Champions League FinalCredit: GettyIt’s the latest blow for a player who had EIGHT loan spells while at Stamford Bridge from 2012-2017.He was a non-playing squad member as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win Europe’s top club competition in his first year but never made a senior appearance for the Blues.Yet the London giants rejected bids from Premier League rivals plus Ajax and Borussia Dortmund during that crazy seven-season stint.And that lengthy period of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge left Kane advising youngsters regularly loaned out by Chelsea to quit the club.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe only joined Stockport in March – after spending most of the season with  Gibraltan club Manchester 62.County beat Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham to the L2 crown by four points.But Kane was one of seven Stockport players freed and rendered unemployed at the end of their contract.However, if anyone is used to the ups and downs of football, it’s Kane.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn his seven years with Chelsea, he was offloaded for temporary spells with Preston, Blackburn, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Nijmegen, Groningen, Oxford United and Hull.His career then seemed well set after his first permanent move to Championship side QPR in 2019 but he left for two years at Coventry in 2021.Chelsea icon’s daughter flashes underwear on camera before going braless in elegant black dress to leave fans speechlessAfter that, he’s even had a ninth loan time – at Charlton.And now he looking for a new club.Kane exclusively told the Sun three years ago how he wished he’d departed from Chelsea earlier.And he dished out astonishingly blunt advice for Stamford Bridge academy starlets who find themselves being constantly farmed out.He said: “Leave. I’ve had numerous bids from clubs coming in for me down the years but Chelsea would always just say ‘no’.“I’d tell any young lad now to move on if anyone is interested in you because if you’re good enough to play for someone else, you’re better off taking that opportunity.“When I was 19, I was rated as one of the best young right-backs in the country – and had I been at any other Premier League club back then I’d have been playing. Plenty of teams wanted to sign me.” More