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      Sunderland appoint ex-Bristol City boss Lee Johnson as manager on two-and-a-half-year deal ahead of Wigan clash

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      SUNDERLAND have announced Lee Johnson as their new manager.
      The former Bristol City boss has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Black Cats.

      Lee Johnson was in charge of Bristol City from 2016 until 2020Credit: PA:Press Association

      Johnson will take charge of Sunderland for the first time during today’s game against Wigan.
      The 39-year-old has been out of work since July when he was sacked by Bristol City.
      He arrives at the club as a replacement for Phil Parkinson, who was sacked at the end of last month.
      After putting pen to paper with the Black Cats, he claimed to see so much ‘potential’ within the club.

      As things stand, Sunderland are seventh in League One with six wins from 14 games.
      Speaking on the club website, Johnson said: “Speaking to Kristjaan, Jim and the owners, I was absolutely blown away by their plans and dreams for the club.
      “I can see so much potential and I see it everywhere. I see it in the league and how we can step up, I see it in the facilities, I see it in the community and the passion the people of Sunderland have, and I also see it in the academy.
      “The feeling I got from the ownership group [made this the right club for me]. There was other interest, but that doesn’t matter now and I want to be successful and to see a brave new Sunderland.

      “I want to be bold in my own decisions, I want to be bold for the team in the way that we play and the philosophy that we play to, but I also want the club to make bold decisions and that is what I’ve truly bought into.
      “We have to connect the team and the fan base because that can be really powerful at a club like this.”
      Johnson became the youngest manager in the EFL when he was appointed Oldham Athletic boss in 2013, aged 31.
      He joined Barnsley in 2015 before making the move to Bristol City in 2016.
      During his playing career, he most notably played for Yeovil Town, Hearts, Bristol City, Derby, Chesterfield and Kilmarnock.

      Sunderland press conference is interrupted by journalist saying ‘you’re very cheeky’ after forgetting to mute mic More

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      Wigan’s future in jeopardy after takeover BLOCKED by EFL as new owners ‘failed to satisfy the league’s requirements’

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      WIGAN ATHLETIC’S future is in jeopardy after their proposed takeover was blocked by the EFL because the new owners ‘failed to satisfy the league’s requirements’.
      Spanish bidder Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo was hoping to close out a deal to purchase the Latics.

      Wigan hit another stumbling block with their prospective new owners failing the Owners and Directors test from the EFLCredit: EPA

      But as revealed by SunSport, the EFL wanted to ask more questions about his business as part of the Owners and Directors test.
      And after ‘significant due diligence’ from the Football League, they have concluded the Spanish consortium do not pass the requirements.
      The EFL said: “The EFL has in recent weeks undertaken significant due diligence on the relevant parties in accordance with its regulations and, based on the information that has been made available, the board confirmed it was not in a position to agree to an application to transfer membership in the EFL to the proposed purchasers as the League’s requirements have not been satisfied.
      “The board reiterated its commitment to working with the administrators to secure a successful and sustainable future for the club and will meet with them to discuss the implications of this decision at the earliest opportunity.”

      Garrido Cristo – the former Albacete and Castellon owner – was planning to put up around £1million from his Eolus Capital group into buying and then running the League One strugglers.
      The EFL demanded bank statements about where Eolus Capital got their funds from.
      Their last accounts showed they have £8.5m.
      Leganes owner Felipe Moreno would have been a major shareholder along with Garrido Cristo’s brother Papadopaulo as the official partner.

      Moreno was passed by the EFL but it is Garrido Cristo who was rejected, leaving Wigan – who will receive £375,000 from the Premier League rescue package – in the dark.
      The club were placed in administration, relegated into League One, lost a number of key players in the summer transfer window and now sit bottom of the table without a manager.
      But with the exclusivity period over the Spanish-backed takeover talks coming to an end, that could open the door for another offer.
      Deal broker Ray Ranson has a rival bid, backed by long-term friend and financier Jonathan Rowland.

      Oliver Dowden says the Premier League and EFL should work together to support themselves More

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      Premier League agrees £250m rescue package to help cash-strapped EFL clubs with Championship sides receiving £200m loan

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have finally agreed a bail out deal for the lower leagues.
      After months of wrangling, the 20 top flight clubs have unanimously agreed to change the terms of their initial £50m offer to Leagues One and Two.

      Prem chief Richard Masters and top-flight clubs have agreed an EFL bail out package Credit: Getty

      Rick Parry and his EFL clubs turned down the first Prem offer which was solely to the lower two tiersCredit: Rex Features

      And they have also formally agreed to a £200m loan package for Championship clubs suffering financially as a result of the Covid crisis.
      EFL clubs turned down the first offer which was solely to the lower two tiers.
      They then agreed in principle to the full offer, which included the Championship money, but urged the Prem to alter the terms.
      And now that has happened, bringing to an end a long-running dispute which saw the Government turning on football and accusing the Prem of failing to do its duty.

      The new offer will see £30m up front as a pure grant to ensure clubs in League One and Two can meet their looming financial commitments.
      And while the second tranche of £20m remains in the form on loans at zero interest, there is the possibility of that money also being converted into grants if certain criteria are met.
      In addition, Championship clubs can still take advantage of the separate £200m loan offer to cover Covid-related losses.
      The Prem clubs voted through new protocols to cover the re-opening of turnstiles to allow up to 2,000 fans to return to grounds in Tier two areas from this weekend.

      These include social distancing measures inside grounds, with fans having to sign undertakings about both their health and conduct inside the stadium.
      Clubs remain hopeful of a rapid escalation of supporter numbers in the coming weeks, with the possibility of full grounds before the end of the season.
      Tottenham confirmed last week that every Prem game without fans has cost the club £5.85m in revenue, with Manchester United also missing out on a similar amount across each of the matches they have played at Old Trafford since  the June restart.

      Oliver Dowden says the Premier League and EFL should work together to support themselves More

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      Charlton work out how long it takes for male football fan to go to LOO during game as they prepare for return of crowds

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      LEAGUE ONE Charlton have determined how long it takes male fans to use the loo during games as they prepare to welcome supporters back safely. Precise calculations are being implemented as fans return to games this week amid a raft of coronavirus protocols. That includes ensuring supporters can safely leave their seat and use the […] More

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      Fans can have booze at stadiums under Tier 2 lockdown rules without a meal but clubs must build new seats for them first

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      FOOTBALL fans return to stadiums this week with clubs given the opportunity to allow the sale of alcohol.
      But the long-standing ban on pints being drunk by the pitch means socially-distanced drinking areas need to be set up inside stadiums.

      Tier 2 club Tottenham will have to set up a seated drinking area if they want to sell boozeCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Fans are set to return to venues but a pre-game pint is not guaranteedCredit: PA:Press Association

      A number of loopholes have been spotted in the Government’s pandemic guidelines.
      Live events have been given the green light to sell pints without a ‘substantial’ meal – as is required for pubs and restaurants.
      Instead, alcohol can be sold to punters in Covid-secure venues, so long as the person has a ticket and consumes their beverage at their seat.
      Football fans in Tier 1 and Tier 2 non-league grounds are, as before, allowed to have a pint while watching the game.

      However, EFL and Premier League venues are subject to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol, etc) Act 1985.
      That means alcohol cannot be consumed within sight of the pitch – ruling out fans being allowed to carry their pint to their seat.

      A number of clubs are planning on selling food and drinks from their concourses upon fans’ return.

      For pints to be added to the menu, a socially-distanced area with seats and tables is required for supporters to follow guidelines.
      Discussions have taken place among some Government ministers about repealing or adjusting football’s ban on pitchside alcohol.
      The Premier League is said to be pulling together medical experts, Government figures and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to discuss its options.
      However, there is no sign of an immediate change to the law.
      Arsenal host Rapid Vienna on Thursday night to become the first Premier League side to welcome back their supporters for a competitive match.

      Spectators were banned from professional matches in March and the Government cancelled plans for their return despite a number of trials in the summer.
      Tier 1 areas are allowed to welcome back 4,000 fans or reach 50 per cent of stadium capacity – an honour only bestowed upon clubs in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
      A wealth of teams can open their doors to as many as 2,000 supporters in Tier 2, including top-flight sides Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
      Half of the Premier League remains under Tier 3 restrictions, whereby fans are not allowed to enter stadiums.

      Parliament votes on new Tier system as UK comes out of second national coronavirus lockdown More

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      We can see you sneaking back as EFL clubs are the first to welcome up to 2,000 supporters into their stadiums this week

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      EFL clubs will be the first to welcome fans back through their turnstiles on Wednesday.
      And those lucky to get tickets are urged to help make the evening a resounding success and send a clear message to the government … watching football outdoors is safe.

      Fans will be allowed back into stadiums at a social distance this week

      Luton, Wycombe, Shrewsbury, Charlton, Cambridge and Carlisle will all play in front of crowds.
      But while this is exciting for fans that haven’t seen their clubs play in the flesh since February or March, most teams will make a LOSS welcoming them back.
      It has been incorrectly assumed the return of supporters will give cash-strapped clubs outside the Premier League a financial boost.
      But not all of them will get the go-ahead to host the 2,000 fans allowed in tier two areas by their local Safety Advisory Group and the costs of hiring staff and adapting stadiums for social distancing will cost more than any gate revenue generated.

      Cambridge United were one of the clubs to pilot return of fans in September
      Although profits will finally be made, once their area is moved into tier one by the government, allowing them up to 4,000 supporters.
      Some SAG authorities prefer clubs to stage smaller pilot events first before granting them permission to allow larger numbers – while others do not.
      Championship sides Luton and Wycombe will be hosting just 1,000 fans for their games against Norwich and Stoke respectively.
      But Brentford, who have not held a trial event, will be allowed 2,000 for the first match at their new Kew Bridge ground in front of supporters against Blackburn on Saturday.

      League One clubs Charlton and Shrewsbury – along with League Two sides Carlisle and Cambridge – staged pilots in September so have been given the all-clear.
      The costs of staging games in front of socially-distanced crowds are high.For example, the Chairboys will be required to recruit a whopping 65 stewards – one for every FIFTEEN fans – as well as hire portable loos and pay for their Adams Park stadium to be deep cleaned before and after the matches.
      Cambridge must have 91 stewards for their game with Mansfield – one for every 22 supporters.
      However, there is a general consensus that making a loss now is a price worth paying.

      Carlisle’s Brunton Park are ready for 2,000 fans for the visit of Salford
      Wycombe spokesman Matt Cecil told me: “This is the first season in the Championship in our history and no-one has seen us kick a ball at that level in the flesh yet.
      “We’ll be letting in the first 1,000 people who bought season tickets in good faith expecting to see football in October.”
      Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens added: “We did a pilot against Southend as a stepping stone to larger crowds and expect that to be the case again here as we edge towards increasing to 3,000, 4,000, etc.
      “It’s important clubs don’t jump from having no fans to 2,000 without testing it first.

      WHAT THE GUIDELINES SAY …

      At all times observe two metre distancing & avoid any close contact with anyone outside your social bubble
      Arrive earlier than you would usually to allow time for entry procedures to take place
      Your temperature may be taken and you could be refused entry if it is too high
      Try to remain in your allocated seat or spot on the terrace wherever possible throughout
      Maintain good hand hygiene by using sanitiser dispensers provided and avoid touching your face, handles and railings whenever possible
      Always cover your mouth if you are to cough or sneeze and wear a face covering throughout
      When passing other spectators avoid face-to-face contact with others by passing back-to-back
      Take care when singing, chanting or celebrating. Avoid hugs, handshakes and high fives with anyone outside your social bubble
      Above all enjoy the match, have fun – but stay safe and don’t put your or others’ health at risk

      “Lower down the pyramid, a lot of the restrictions you must adhere to are not easily dealt with.
      “For example, there are rules on how many toilets you must have in a certain area and the space needed for entry and exit aisles to get fans in and out. You can plan it but until you see how fans move you don’t know.
      “After our trial game, we were able to see pinch points that were causing us problems and how people would react to wearing facial coverings but in the end that didn’t prove a problem.
      “We found people would stay put for enough space before they left the ground at the end. So there was a lot of self-policing.”
      Fans will be required to wear face coverings throughout, unless medically exempt.
      Cambridge will be unable to stage games in front of more than 2,000 regardless whether the city is in tier one or two due to the logistics of implementing social distancing at the Abbey Stadium.

      Facial coverings must be worn throughout the entire time spent in grounds
      The U’s – along with Charlton – worked in September with crowd experts Movement Strategies, who helped with their planning.
      Chief executive Ian Maher says the club will be offering tickets to their 1,535 season ticket holders first – bar the 31 who live in tier three – and the remainder will be put on general sale.
      But he is urging supporters who can’t make it to let the club know so they can reallocate tickets.
      He said: “We want a full 2,000 in so our slogan is, ‘Don’t waste a space.’”Wycombe, meanwhile, will allow their season ticket holders to reallocate their places to a mate.

      Fans are being urged to turn up to games earlier than normal as it is likely to take longer to get them in.
      The Chairboys say there will organise staggered arrival times while fans may be asked to remain in their parked cars before being allowed to proceed to the entrance to avoid crowding.
      Temperature checks will be taken before entry while some clubs will be unable to provide food and drink – but some like Wycombe will allow supporters to bring their own.
      Fans will be socially distanced or placed into bubbles on the terraces.Wycombe will not open their terracing on Wednesday but hope to for the visit of Coventry on December 12.

      Fans are asked not to hug, high five or shake hands with anyone outside their social bubble
      And they plan to paint dots on the terracing and will ask supporters to find a vacant one and remain there throughout the match.
      Fans are not allowed to make any close contact with anyone outside their household bubble – such as hugging, high fiving or shaking hands.
      And, in the EFL’s code of conduct, fans are asked to “take care when singing, chanting or celebrating.”
      Government concerns about how fans travel to and from games on public transport were found to be unfounded during the EFL’s pilot matches.
      Research by the University of Edinburgh – who surveyed supporters – found that 90 per cent walked or travelled by car and adhered to all government Covid safety guidelines.
      Until we get on top of this wretched virus, going to matches will not be the same experience as it once was.
      But finally there is light at the end of the tunnel.

      It’s not a fair Klopp for the EFL, Jurgen

      LET’S put Jurgen Klopp’s rant into the perspective of the real world.
      While the Liverpool boss moans about fixture scheduling, lower league clubs are having to also deal with short turnaround in matches with smaller squads. And those teams, inching closer to financial disaster, are STILL awaiting the promised Premier League rescue package.

      Thomas Frank is happy in Legoland
      BRENTFORD had a hilarious comeback after being trolled by West London rivals QPR ahead of their game on Friday night.
      The Rs tweeted: “Friday night from the Lego Brentford Community Stadium.”
      After their 2-1 win, the Bees replied by tweeting a picture out of a Lego man’s head smiling.

      Brentford staged a great comeback for the trolls of London rivals QPR

      Potty-mouthed Paunovic swears to secrecy

      READING boss Veljko Paunovic was asked by journalists about his fiery exchange with Bristol City opposite number Dean Holden.
      He said: “What happens on the touchline stays on the touchline.”Er, not while there are no fans, Veljko.We all heard you shout at him: “Shut the f**k up!”Don’t worry, your secret is safe with a group of hacks!

      Auntie doesn’t like handbags
      ROUND of applause to the BBC for suspending local football pundit Steve Thompson for using the word “hangbags” during Lincoln’s recent 0-0 draw with Accrington Stanley.
      Notwithstanding that in the Collins dictionary it defines handbags as “an incident in which people, especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm.”A few loony politically-correct snowflakes complained to ‘Auntie’ apparently. So what? Tell them to get a life. More

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      Nicky Hunt stopped breathing TWICE after horror head injury but Darlington star to play just three weeks later in FA Cup

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      HE MAY not remember a thing but Nicky Hunt feels simply lucky to be alive.
      On November 10, the Darlington defender fell backwards during a game against Boston and was out cold.

      Darlington star Nicky Hunt will play just three weeks after a horror head injury saw him stop breathing TWICECredit: ANDYFUTERSPHOTOGRAPHY 2020

      The night game at Blackwell Meadows was abandoned and Hunt, 37, drifted in and out of consciousness during a 69-minute wait for an ambulance.
      He was eventually taken to hospital at 11pm before being released at 5am.
      But if it was not for the quick reactions of physios from both sides, the ex-Bolton favourite knows how it could have ended.
      Speaking to SunSport, Hunt said: “I spoke to our physio, Danny, the day after and he was like, ‘Your pulse was always there but you stopped breathing twice’. It was a scary time.

      “Because the ambulance took so long, if the medics weren’t there then I would have been in a whole heap of trouble.
      “The first week was bad. I was on tablets, painkillers, everything. I had swelling on my neck so I had to get that down.
      “I’ve just got to thank them from the bottom of my heart and I see myself as lucky to be ready to play today.”
      Hunt trained for the first time again on Thursday and has been passed fit to face Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup second round.

      Hunt, 37, was asked by his dad whether it was time to retireCredit: Steve Halliday
      Quakers officials had feared they were losing him overnight — and his dad asked whether now was the time to retire.
      But Hunt said: “I am itching to get back. I know myself, I know my own body and I know my mental state.”
      Back-pedalling to meet a header, Hunt did not see Darlo team-mate Tony McMahon’s challenge with an opponent.
      He went over, with all of the impact on his neck.
      Ex-Middlesbrough defender McMahon said: “We had both ended up on the floor and it looked as if it was nothing.
      “But it became clear it was and I didn’t leave his side until the ambulance came. It was really scary.”
      Hunt has no recollection of the match and has only recently started to feel normal again.
      He added: “I remember driving to the game and then I remember waking up in hospital with shining lights in my face.
      “It puts a lot of things into perspective. Enjoy things in life and enjoy football as long as you can because you don’t know when it’s going to be taken away.”
      “The video of the incident is so innocuous, it was next to nothing.
      “I go up for a header, pull back awkwardly and yeah, you wonder how I ended up in such a state.

      Ex-Bolton defender Nicky Hunt in action against Cristiano Ronaldo Credit: AFP
      Before the incident, Hunt was loving life with the Quakers in the National League North.
      A semi-pro for the first time, the veteran is eyeing up life after football – which he hopes is a year or two off yet.
      Coaching is an option, with just his Pro Licence to complete.
      But a life in property or as a football agent appeals to the former England U21 international who reached the FA Cup quarters with Bolton in 2005 under Sam Allardyce.
      Adam Campbell’s brace against League One Swindon put sixth-tier Darlington in the third round for the first time since 2003.
      And Hunt, who won promotion from League Two with Crewe last season, reckons Alun Armstron’s side have it in them to cause another shock at the Memorial Stadium.

      He added: “I thought that non-league was nowhere near league standard, but it’s a very fine line now. A lot of non-league clubs would do well in League Two.
      “They will be out to impress new manager Paul Tisdale but we are under no pressure and it’s a free hit. The onus is on them.
      “A lot of the lads are from the North East so want Newcastle away if we win.
      “I’ll take anyone. I’ve been lucky enough to play at all the Premier League grounds, but I’d love to have another crack at the whip against world-class players.
      “I supported Bolton as a kid but I was in a school in Manchester so all my friends tried to convert me to Manchester United.
      “I caved into them but in my heart I’ve always been a Bolton fan.
      “They were beaten by Crewe so that fairy tale has gone – though possibly only until next season!”

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo shred on the guitar in Christmas-themed advert for Portugese telecom company MEO More