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      First look inside AFC Wimbledon’s new £32million stadium as Dons prepare for emotional return to Plough Lane roots

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      HERE are the first photos of AFC Wimbledon’s new stadium almost in shape just 24 days before it officially opens.
      And the League One club are giving supporters the chance to guarantee their spot for the next ten years as they make an emotional return to their spiritual Plough Lane roots.

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      SunSport’s Justin Allen and AFC Wimbledon CEO Joe Palmer sit inside the club’s new stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Doncaster are the first team to play away at Plough Lane on November 3Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      SunSport was given exclusive access to the £32million ground that will open on November 3 for the League One visit of Doncaster.
      And, unlike arenas such as Twickenham where fans pay as much as £30,000 to guarantee their spots, the Dons’ debenture scheme is affordable.
      In fact, prices have been set as low as £500 and £600, with hospitality spots just £1,000.
      It has been 29 years since Wimbledon last kicked a ball in anger at Plough Lane when they took on Crystal Palace in the top-flight.

      Since then it has been a long road back.
      There was the controversial move to Milton Keynes and the rebranding to MK Dons, the formation of the fans-owned AFC Wimbledon 18 years ago and six promotions.
      But now they have built a new stadium a few hundred yards from the original ground.
      That was ripped down for apartment blocks, which you can see from the upper tiers.

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      The £32million ground boasts an initial capacity of 9,300Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      You can even peer across to Wembley 11 miles away, where the Dons famously beat Liverpool 1-0 in the 1988 FA Cup final.
      The West Stand seating is in place, with the East Stand set to be finished in days along with the North Stand away end.
      A bit like Brentford’s new home seven miles away, they have gone for speckled coloured seating in the Dons’ famous blue and yellow.
      The home South Stand is for standing only to help generate that old-school atmosphere.
      But while the old Plough Lane ground was notoriously unwelcoming, the 2020 version has been designed to be more accommodating.
      Gone are the days of a bobbly quagmire pitch.
      The new one is a carpet, combining real grass with synthetic material to produce a perfect playing surface.

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      AFC Wimbledon currently sit 13th in the League One table after four games playedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Plough Lane is located just a few hundred yards away from the original stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The changing rooms are spacious and, unlike in the Crazy Gang era, the away team will not have cold showers!
      A museum inside the ground will be opened, where items such as Vinnie Jones’ 1988 FA Cup-winners medal and other memorabilia will be on display.
      The club will even house the original Plough Lane gates.
      One of the most impressive features is the stadium’s pub, which will be open seven days a week and has stairs leading down from the concourses, allowing fans to mingle regardless of where they are.
      Supporters are being asked to vote on a name for it, with the choice of two  famous boozers that were near to the old ground, The Sportsman and The Batsford Arms.
      Hospitality has increased greatly from the Kingsmeadow ground that Wimbledon had used since their formation.
      There are eight corporate boxes, two lounges and a huge events space. The hall is one of the crown jewels and includes a mezzanine level.

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      There will be around wheelchair spaces located inside the groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      For a conference it can host 700 people and can easily seat 500 for a dinner event.
      CEO Joe Palmer, who walked us around the stadium, said it will be the biggest conferencing facility in the Merton borough.
      He said: “This really will be a great venue for weddings, concerts, conferences, so many things.
      “We’re installing a huge HD screen in there too and will cater for E-gaming, which is massive with youngsters now.”
      The club plan guided tours for fans to allow them to take a proper look around while matches continue to be played behind closed doors.
      For the Doncaster game, it is hoped they will be able to do a televised build-up, either through Sky Sports or using their own media channels.
      But they are also planning a proper grand opening when fans are eventually allowed in.
      The stadium has an initial 9,300 capacity, but planning permission has been granted for that to increase to 20,000. There will be around 100 wheelchair spaces too.

      And the plan is for it to be alive with activity seven days a week.
      The coronavirus pandemic has not adversely delayed the stadium’s  construction.
      In fact, the biggest problem during the 22 months of work was a fox ruining the new playing surface.
      Palmer added: “It kept coming in at night and ripping up the pitch. The groundsman was pulling his hair out. It can no longer get access.”
      So foxes are not welcome — unless it is of the Leicester City variety!

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      Watch Wayne Rooney score stunning 87th-minute free-kick as Man Utd legend guides Derby to 1-0 win over Norwich

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      THIS is the moment Wayne Rooney scored a stunning 87th minute free-kick to snatch victory for Derby against Norwich.
      The Manchester United legend demonstrated once again that he’s still got it with a wonderful moment of quality to claim a crucial first win of the season for Phillip Cocu’s side in the Championship.

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      Wayne Rooney’s stunning free-kick could not be kept out, despite keeper Tim Krul’s best effortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Rooney’s was mobbed by his teammates after he stole victory at the deathCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was a smash and grab victory for the Rams in a game that required the goalkeeping talents of David Marshall to keep them in it.
      Then it fell to Rooney to provide the moment of magic to ease the pressure on his Dutch manager.
      The 34-year-old, who is England’s all-time top goal scorer, stood over the ball from just outside the D after Jason Knight was hauled down by Lukas Rupp.
      He then whipped an absolute beauty into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance.

      The away side held on until the final whistle to claim a huge three points.
      But the visitors did ride their luck with Teemu Pukki missing a penalty for Norwich and Marshall producing two amazing saves to deny the Canaries.
      Derby’s first three games resulted in a hat-trick of losses to Reading, Luton and Blackburn.
      But Rooney’s magic will lift the club as they head into the international break.

      Social media was filled with praise for the match-winner, with many fans still loving the fact he could still provide such big moments so late in his career.

      Rooney spent 13 years at Manchester United after coming through at Everton.
      In his time at Old Trafford, he hauled in a mass of trophies and struck 183 goals in 393 appearances.
      He returned to his boyhood club Everton for one season, scoring 10 in 31.
      And after a short stint in America at D.C. United, he came back to England to sign for Derby last season.
      He has proven to be an important addition at Pride Park and often pops up with important moments.

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

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      PHIL PARKINSON was left stunned this morning as his Sunderland press conference was ‘cheekily’ interrupted.
      Instead of facing journalists in person like the past, Zoom media calls have now become the new norm.

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      Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson was left embarrassed after a hilarious interruption at his press conferenceCredit: Twitter

      However, as some still struggle to get to grips with the technology, hazards can happen.
      And that is exactly what happened earlier in hilarious fashion.
      Parkinson was taking questions while previewing Sunderland’s upcoming clash with Charlton Athletic.
      Suddenly, a rogue clip started playing as the Black Cats boss sat there looking bemused.

      All you could hear was a female voice saying: “It looks beautiful, you’re very cheeky.”
      As another journalist chimed in to ask what they were watching, the red-faced ex-Bradford and Bolton managed remained sat with a confused look until the voice asked who he was.
      After replying with his name, some more muffled voices came through the mic until the conversation was cut off as everyone else began laughing.
      It seems a journalist who had questioned the North East side’s gaffer earlier on had forgotten to mute their microphone afterwards.

      And whatever they were watching or talking was transmitted to all the rest included in the conference.
      Parkinson will be hoping he still has that smile on his face come Saturday night.
      They travel to the Valley looking to stretch their unbeaten start to League One.
      Sunderland were held to a draw by Bristol Rovers on the opening day but have since beaten both Oxford and Peterborough.

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      Brighton 0 Man Utd 3: Red Devils into Carabao Cup quarters as Dean Henderson puts on another masterclass

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      HISTORY repeated itself inside eight days at Manchester United.
      And David De Gea will once again have been sitting uncomfortably while watching at home.

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      Paul Pogba wrapped up the win ten minutes from the endCredit: Reuters

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      The Frenchman’s free-kick gave United their thirdCredit: Getty – Pool

      United made it through to the last eight of the Carabao Cup with another three-goal away win, following their 3-0 triumph at Luton.
      But once again, almost spookily, goalkeeper Dean Henderson delivered a moment of brilliance to keep his team 1-0 ahead.
      And just like the tie at Kenilworth Road, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thankful for his keeper’s outstanding stop with United then moving up a gear to score a couple of goals.
      Henderson’s outstanding one-handed stop to deny Leandro Trossard not only proved this keeper is one hell of a talent.

      But also that he is oven-ready to replace De Gea in an instant the moment he makes mistakes on a regular basis.
      Judging by last season, that time could come any time soon.
      And the same goes for Jordan Pickford with England even though, for the time being, Nick Pope looks to be Gareth Southgate’s unofficial number two.
      Henderson, who arrived at United as a teenager before being farmed to various clubs out on loan, will not forget his United debut at Luton.

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      United had Henderson to thank for keeping them in the gameCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Scott McTominay put Man Utd ahead at BrightonCredit: Getty – Pool

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      The midfielder’s header put United 1-0 up just before half-timeCredit: Reuters

      And on a rotten night on the south coast, the 23-year-old proved that his levels of concentration are supreme because for periods – like at Luton – he had little to do.
      This skill is the sign of a top keeper, rather than one who makes nine decent saves before conceding a soft one.
      Otherwise, this was not a game United fans will care to remember but they will not care if they end up winning their first trophy since 2017.
      But they will not do it if they keep playing Odion Ighalo.
      He delivered a laboured 79 minute performance at Kenilworth Road and was no better against Brighton before thankfully being taken off after Henderson’s save.
      Earlier, he wasted the first decent chance as he rounded Jason Steele but stuck his effort into the side netting.
      Juan Mata played the clever pass and it came after an impressive but patient United build-up.
      Brighton improved though.
      Bernardo caused some problems down the left and their first chance came when Alireza Jahanbakhsh forced Henderson into a low save to his right
      Yet a thoroughly disappointing opening half ended with a goal from Scott McTominay.
      Mata discovered a burst of pace from somewhere and cruised past Dan Burn before being cynically fouled by the home defender, who deservedly earned a yellow card.

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      Juan Mata doubled United’s lead midway through the second-halfCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Mata shone for the Red Devils on a rainy night at the AmexCredit: Reuters
      But Mata got some revenge as his outstanding free-kick was met by McTominay who was allowed a clear run on goal by Bernardo, who appeared to have completely switched off.
      The only player anywhere near McTominay was Eric Bailly but he was effectively brushed away by the Scotsman who nodded hoime.
      Brighton manager Graham Potter will have been annoyed as his team had defended really well until that moment, when they were guilty of completely switching off.
      The fine set-piece from Spanish midfielder Mata also meant he has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last 15 starts for United with four goals and eight assists.
      With Brighton improving and United looking subdued – with Ighalo hopeless up front – Henderson delivered that fine stop from Trossard in the 67th minute.
      And like that game at Luton, United improved once they brought on the cavalry from the subs bench.
      Paul Pogba’s pass was met with a brilliant backheel from Donny van de Beek with Mata steering a shot through Lewis Dunk’s legs.
      And the Frenchman sealed the tie with a well struck free-kick which seemed to take a slight deflection off Joel Veltman before hitting the net via the post.
      But once again, the man United were thankful for was at the other end.
      Henderson has still only played twice for United but he has delivered one hell of a statement of intent.
      For the time being at least, we will still only see Henderson play in the next round of the Carabao Cup and maybe the odd Champions League game.

      But quite clearly, this is a keeper with incredible self esteem who, putting it politely, is bloody confident.
      Yet he is proving he can walk the walk as well as talking a good game and United’s long-time number one keeper now faces one hell of a battle for his place.
      At this rate, Henderson could be United’s new No 1 by Christmas.

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      Wigan administrators claim Spanish bidder has agreed to buy cash-strapped League One outfit

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      WIGAN’S administrators say a Spanish bidder has agreed to buy the beleaguered League One outfit.
      The Latics were relegated last season after being deducted 12 points for going into administration – just weeks after a takeover.

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      The Latics could land a takeover from Spain after being relegated due to a 12-point penalty for entering administrationCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The development shocked football as the International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) had only handed over control to fellow Hong Kong-based company Next Leader Fund on May 29.
      The resulting EFL penalty sent a Wigan side who had risen to mid-table plummeting back down – ending in demotion on the final day of the delayed campaign.
      Fans raised nearly £700,000 to support the club and now an unnamed bidder has stumped up a “substantial” deposit, as well as agreeing to pay non-football creditors.
      ‘BIDDER HAS EXPERIENCE IN FOOTBALL’
      That means Wigan avoiding an extra 15-point penalty.

      A statement from the Latics’ administrators read: “We are now working with our lawyers and the bidder to produce all of the necessary paperwork to submit to the EFL so that successful transfer of the football share can be made at the earliest opportunity.
      “The preferred bidder who has experience in football has made it plain that they do not wish for their details to be made public until such time as the sale is completed and we are respecting this anonymity.”
      Paul Cook resigned at the end of last season after three years as manager, with John Sheridan taking charge for this term.

      Administrators Begbies Traynor set an August 31 deadline for the club to be sold – but that date passed without a takeover.

      So the Latics needed permission from EFL chiefs to even start this league season.
      But they won 2-1 at Portsmouth last Saturday for their first points from their three league games.

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      Premier League clubs vow NOT to bail out EFL after filling Championship sides’ coffers with £170m in transfer fees

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      FURIOUS Premier League sides have vowed NOT to bail out the cash-strapped EFL.
      The 20 top-flight clubs snubbed Government pleas to fund a £250million rescue package being demanded by EFL chairman Rick Parry.

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      Rick Parry issued a dire alert over the future of EFL teams but Prem clubs feel they have already given a huge amount of financial helpCredit: PA:Press Association

      As football battles against the financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic, top-flight clubs claim they have bailed out Championship teams enough

      Parry warns his 72 sides face going to the wall without   Government   help.
      But SunSport can reveal top-flight giants feel they have ALREADY given Championship clubs in particular plenty of cash.
      And at yesterday’s virtual meeting of  Prem clubs there was only a brief chat over the bailout plea due to growing anger.
      The clubs were told that Championship sides have banked some £200m in transfer fees this summer.

      And £170m,  two-thirds of the amount Parry wants, has come from Prem clubs.

      They do not need any more from us and we have our own businesses to protect.
      Premier League club source

      A senior club executive also claimed he knew of some 11 situations in which Championship clubs were offered multi-million pound transfer fees.
      These offers had either been rejected — or were still being discussed.
      One leading club told SunSport: “The numbers tell the truth and the facts.

      “We have already given plenty of help to the Championship.

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      “They do not need any more from us — and we have our own businesses to protect.”
      The Prem clubs remain furious at Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden’s comments over the weekend.
      Asked if they should be saving the EFL rather than spending on new strikers, he replied: “That’s exactly what we’re saying.”
      Prem chiefs also say they  were “led down the garden path” by the  Government over the issue of getting fans  back into grounds.

      Ministers scrapped  plans for reduced capacities, from October 1 without warning — after clubs  spent  time and money working out how to do it.
      That would have meant some £7.5m in weekly gate income  for the 20 clubs.
      Unless there is a Government U-turn over this, Prem clubs are unlikely to  reach out to the  EFL.

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      How Premier League and Government can work together to give EFL £250m bailout and save it from decimation

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      TO BAILOUT or not to bailout — that is the question.
      As the Government flip-flops (go, don’t go, stop, no, start… no, I meant stop!), there’s now two football landscapes: BC (Before Covid) and AD (After Disease).

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      Simon Jordan reckons the Premier League and Government can work together to save EFL clubsCredit: PA:Press Association

      To get back to somewhere like life was in BC is going to require significant support for the game.
      Our national sport is bloated with overpaid players, the majority of which aren’t willing to help their own industry.
      Premier League clubs – irrespective of loss of gate receipts and broadcaster reclaims into the hundreds of millions – are still spending money like drunken sailors.
      Look at clubs like Chelsea ponying up £230million in transfer fees.

      The Government are under pressure to help, despite the pandemic only really condensing a problem into five months that would likely have arrived in five years anyway.
      So, should an industry that seemingly has self-harm hardwired into its governance be deserving of taxpayers’ money to bail it out?
      The Premier League can’t be entitled to any bailout but where the argument becomes critical is in the EFL.

      The 72 clubs, the runts of football’s litter, have no long-term future and some could be in real danger within months without a rescue package.

      Match-day revenue accounts for 30 per cent of Championship clubs’ turnover, while that figure rises to 40 per cent in League One and 60 per cent in League Two.
      That means £50m was lost last season, with a further £20m a month being lost every month this season.
      The EFL needs a £250m bailout or it will be decimated, with a slew of clubs going bust.
      The only beneficiaries will be ghastly administrators whose fees are often so extortionate and disproportionate to the work undertaken, it veers towards legalised larceny.
      The Government is resisting the idea because the feeling is that this is a sport awash with money.
      When the EFL proposes salary caps, the PFA’s response is to consider that unlawful, so perhaps that explains the Government’s rather ill-informed view.
      The insistence is the Premier League, as a result of Project Restart, now assumes the mantle of bailing out the EFL, rather than the taxpayer.
      If you’re in the Premier League, which is losing potentially £1.5BILLION, you now have £12m extra per club to give to leagues that, as far as your concerned, are little to do with you.

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      Simon Jordan has a plan to save EFL clubs from the financial woes of coronavirusCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It’s unlikely they will receive this request well.
      I believe there is a simple solution to all this.
      The Government can become the bank of last resort, ensuring community assets are protected by underwriting funding that’s available.
      The Premier League can then pick up the interest tab for three years.
      That means they don’t have enormous money to cough up, yet honour their obligations.
      EFL clubs get interest-free loans, time to recover from the decimation and can introduce a raft of new controls ensuring sustainability going forward, as well as factoring in repayments.
      The ‘football family’ can  put up the image that it’s a caring one.
      And the Government gets to do more than simply pay lip service to the importance of sport in this country — and at no cost!
      While it may be argued that football isn’t the most deserving of causes, it is part of the social fabric of this country and must be preserved.
      *Listen to Simon Jordan and Jim White on talkSPORT at 10am, Monday to Thursday.

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      Macclesfield expelled from National League just four days before start of season after being hit with winding-up order

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      MACCLESFIELD TOWN have been expelled from the National League just four days before the start of the season after being hit with a winding-up order.
      It was revealed nearly two weeks ago the Silkmen owed debts of over £500,000.

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      Macclesfield Town have been expelled from the National LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association

      And after being relegated from League Two last season after a points deduction for failing to pay their players, Macclesfield now find themselves out of the National League as well.
      A statement from the National League read: “Further to the company owning Macclesfield Town Football Club (“The Club”) being the subject of a court winding-up order, the Board of The National League has passed a Resolution pursuant to its Articles of Association that a Notice of Expulsion be served on the Club taking effect on Monday 12th October 2020.”
      “The National League has served that Notice of Expulsion on the Official Receiver responsible for dealing with the Club’s affairs.
      “As the Club’s expulsion will be effective on Monday 12th October, in the meantime, the Club is suspended from The National League competition and its three fixtures during that period are postponed. 

      “The matches affected are 3rd October (home v Bromley), 6th October (away v Boreham Wood) and 10th October (away v Aldershot).”
      Macclesfield were slapped with a winding-up order at the High Court over their £500k debt on September 16.
      Judge Sebastian Prentis revealed the club owed £190k in tax during an Insolvency and Companies Court hearing.
      A former solicitor for ex-club boss John Askey and a financial lender were also told they were owed £173k apiece.

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      Macclesfield had only just been relegated from League Two after a points deductionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sadly for the Silkmen, that took the club’s debt to over half a million pounds as Covid-19 crippled the club.
      All-in-all, Macclesfield are now £536k in debt.
      Last season, Sol Campbell quit as Silkmen manager, while players were left furious after not being paid their wages.

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      Sol Campbell quit the Macclesfield hot seat last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Macclesfield had endured financial strife for some time – even before the financial repercussions of the coronavirus lockdown.
      And after failing to pay their players, the club were immediately slapped with a six-point deduction by the EFL.
      They were relegated with the season just 37 games in after sitting 23rd out of 24 teams when the lockdown was enforced.

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