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      Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clash

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      GRIMSBY were aided by a SEAGULL during their clash with Port Vale after the bird deflected a long ball into the path of their player.In the 26th minute, a Grimbsy defender received the ball from a throw-in and hammered it upfield.A long ball by a Grimbsy defender led to a bizarre moment in the 26th minuteA seagull deflected the ball into the path of a Grimsby playerIt continued the home side’s attack as they benefited from the seagull deflectionAs it rose in the air, a seagull swept across the pitch and collided with the ball.Fortunately for Grimsby, it deflected the ball perfectly into the path of one of their players who controlled it before clipping a pass further forward.The moment went viral on social media with many reacting to the bizarre incident.One said: “What a pass by this seagull 🤣🤣.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Great flick on to be fair to the lad.”A third replied: “Chelsea have just bid £5million.”While a fourth responded: “The seagull has been more influential than Man Utd’s midfield.”And a fifth joked: “Can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke though?”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThree minutes after the seagull interference, Grimsby took the lead through Cameron McJannet.Doug Tharme and Jason Daoi Svanporsson extended the hosts advantage late on as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Port Vale.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’The result lifts Grimsby up to fifth in League Two, level on points with Port Vale in fourth. More

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      Stoke SACK manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in ruthless Christmas axing

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      STOKE have sacked manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge.A 2-0 defeat to Leeds on Boxing Day was the final nail in the coffin after Pelach failed to win in nine games.Stoke have sacked manager Narcis PelachCredit: RexPelach was only appointed by Stoke in September following Steven Schumacher’s shock sacking after only nine months in charge.But he has lasted just 19 games with the Potters now 19th in the Championship, and just three points above the relegation zone.Pelach, 34, won just three games in charge and lost five of his last six matches, leading Stoke to make the ruthless decision to sack him just after Christmas.Sporting director Jon Walters said: “Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.“I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.“Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the club.”Stoke have struggled since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and have failed to finish higher than 14th in the Championship.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey have now gone through six different permanent managers in that time and are now on the search for Pelach’s successor.Chairman John Coates also thanked Pelach for his efforts during his short stint, saying: “Narcís has our thanks for his around-the-clock endeavours during his time with the Club.Narcis Pelach talks about his appointment as manager at Stoke City “He is a great person and a talented coach with a relentless work ethic and a bright future. He departs Stoke City with my very best wishes.“I would also like to thank our fans for the outstanding way they got behind the team against Leeds United on Boxing Day, and for their continuing and unwavering support.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson looks in good spirits after Christmas as Man Utd legend is spotted in stands at EFL match

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the only family member with a huge smile as he sat in the stands at PeterboroughThe ex-Manchester United boss wore a festive grin – while son Darren’s expression became more like the Grinch.Sir Alex Ferguson went through the emotions at PeterboroughCredit: AlamyFergie saw his son Darren’s side trail 3-0 at half-timeCredit: GettyThe Scot, 82, was well wrapped up against the coldCredit: GettyFerguson Junior’s League One strugglers were thumped 3-0 at home by Mansfield.Sir Alex might not have been beaming quite so brightly later – as 78 miles down the road the Red Devils slumped 2-0 at Wolves.But his son was focused on a festive beast of a display from Peterborough that he called “unacceptable”.His legendary dad, 82, defied the chilly weather as he wrapped up warmly and watched on attentively, suggesting his love for the game is as deep as ever.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Alex reigned at Old Trafford like none before or since, finally retiring in 1986 after 27 years dripping in trophies.In contrast, 52-year-old Darren has spent most of his managerial career in the EFL, with brief spells in the Championship at Peterborough and Preston.The ex-United midfielder arrived back at Posh for a FOURTH time in charge in January 2023.And he’ll need another happy new year to turn things round as Peterborough sit 17th in the third tier after their Boxing Day beating.Most read in EFLDarren Ferguson labelled his team’s home performance as ‘unacceptable’Credit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Will Evans double and a soaring header from Baily Cargill showed its not just Santa’s reindeer with sparkling antlers at Christmas – as the Stags romped to a 3-0 half-time lead.Posh defender George Nevett. 16, was then given a straight red for a foul five minutes from time.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand By that stage Fergie had switched to a more intense look, no doubt in sympathy with his son.And the big question then was: Would Darren give his flops the junior hairdryer treatment?Ferguson had a relaxing start to the afternoon at London RoadCredit: GettyBut Baily Cargill then put Mansfield on the way with a sixth-minute openerCredit: Alamy More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      Former England international eyed by Hollywood-owned Wrexham for sensational January transfer

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      WREXHAM are planning a January swoop for Patrick Bamford, SunSport can reveal.The Welsh club believe the former England international – who earned his only cap in 2021 – could help propel them to the Championship.Patrick Bamford has not scored in nine games for Leeds this seasonCredit: GettyHe could be looking for a way out of the Championship club in the January windowAnd with the forward out of favour at Leeds, Wrexham are confident they will be able to get a deal over the line.The League One high-fliers are thought to be pushing for a loan deal which would include a clause to sign Bamford permanently in the summer.But owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will have to dig deep to bring the club.Bamford’s wages will impact the structure at the club so the celebrity owners will have to help out to land the striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham certainly need a new striker with recent draws coming because of their failure to take chances.Phil Parkinson would have once called upon Paul Mullin to kill games off, but he has scored just once in League One.Wrexham think a striker who can make a big impact in League One and potentially score goals at Championship level will take them to the next level and Bamford fits that bill when at his best.The only snag could be concerns about his injury record and his lack of game time, and Wrexham will want assurances he is able to play straight away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor Leeds, offloading Bamford from their wage bill is a priority due to his high salary and limited playing time.His current wages represent a significant financial burden, particularly since he has only played in eight of Leeds’ league matches, contributing no goals or assists.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashGiven his injury record and the team’s depth in forward positions, moving him out could free up funds for other squad investments or financial stability. More

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      Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clash

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      WREXHAM and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawl after their League One clash came to an end.The Red Dragons and Rovers played out a 1-1 draw after Promise Omochere cancelled out Elliot Lee’s opener at the Memorial Stadium.Wrexham and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawlCredit: RexWrexham and Bristol Rovers played out a 1-1 drawCredit: RexAn intense altercation between Steven Fletcher and James Wilson led to a fiery rowCredit: RexThankfully the fracas between the two sides didn’t last longCredit: RexWrexham ace Lee opened the scoring after just 18 minutes but the hosts managed to find an answer four minutes before full-time.However, an intense altercation between the visitors’ Steven Fletcher and Bristol Rovers’ James Wilson led to a fiery row between both teams.Both sides tried to separate the two players and for a moment tensions flared up.But thankfully the fracas didn’t last long and the two opponents made their way down the tunnel.Read More on FootballWrexham are now third in the League One table after their draw in Bristol.Phil Parkinson’s men are tied in points with second-placed Birmingham and trail leaders Wycombe by two.Bristol Rovers, on the other hand, are 19th with five points off the bottom three.This is Wrexham’s second consecutive draw after playing out a 2-2 tie with Cambridge United last week.Most read in EFLThe game with Cambridge brought an end to a winning streak of five games across all competitions.Wrexham are looking for an immediate Championship promotion under Hollywood superstar owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThe Welsh outfit made it to League One just a year after their return to the EFL. More

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      EFL club receive update on new £130million stadium that would see capacity boosted by thousands

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      OXFORD UNITED have received an update on their new £130million stadium.The Championship side are set to leave the Kassam Stadium in 2026 after 25 years at the ground.Oxford are planning to move into a 16,000 capacity groundCredit: Oxford UnitedThe complex would also include new restaurants and a gymCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_A planning application for a 16,000-capacity ground was submitted to Cherwell District Council at the end of February, but it was announced that the application would not be considered until early next year.Oxford then submitted a pre-application request to the council over a transport matter – with the local authority now responding.A note on their website stated that the council will undertake a period of statutory reconsultation ‘following the receipt of additional environmental information, pursuant to the council’s request for further information’.It read: “The council is awaiting receipt of further information relating to alternative site assessment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Upon receipt of this additional information, there will be a further period of reconsultation, which is likely to be in the new year.“Please be advised that whilst there is no statutory obligation to take late comments into account, we will exercise discretion in a positive manner and accept late comments, as far as it is reasonably practicable to do so, up until the application is ready to be determined.“Late responses may only be made via email or letter.”Oxford are planning to move to land known as The Triangle north of the city which would also see a restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza created.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe plans include a potential stunning complex, which would include a 180-bed hotel and a gym.The club is also keen to improve the ecology of the stadium.Oxford sign forgotten Chelsea wonderkid and aim sly dig at John Terry in stunning announcement That means a transport model has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions.A footpath and cycleway has also been proposed to provide “additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options”. More

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      Bristol Rovers sack manager Matt Taylor weeks after he was forced to step away due to ‘ongoing family emergency’

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      BRISTOL ROVERS have sacked manager Matt Taylor following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Birmingham.Taylor’s assistant, Wayne Carlisle, has also been relieved of his duties amid the staff shake-up.Matt Taylor has been sacked by Bristol RoversCredit: GettyFormer Sunderland star Lee Cattermole has been announced as one of two interim replacementsCredit: Getty – ContributorA statement from Bristol Rovers on Monday morning read: “Bristol Rovers FC can confirm that Manager Matt Taylor and Assistant Manager Wayne Carlisle have been relieved of their first team duties.”The Club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Matt and Wayne for all their hard work during their time with Bristol Rovers, and we wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”David Horseman and Lee Cattermole will take interim responsibility for first-team football duties while the Club undertakes a thorough recruitment process for a new first-team manager.”Taylor joined Bristol just over one year ago following spells in charge of Rotherham United and Exeter City.READ MORE FOOTBALLDuring his time at the club, the 42-year-old took charge of 57 games.Out of those he won 19, drew seven and suffered 31 defeats.Bristol Rovers now sit 20th in the League One table following a 2-0 loss to Birmingham at the weekend.After the match, Taylor admitted he had concerns about the future of his job.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told BBC Radio Bristol: “I can’t control that. Whoever is in charge of this football team the same patterns will occur.”The manager went on to add: “People will say ‘Just kick it and chase it’ but we haven’t got the physicality to do that.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex “So in terms of the plan at the start – slightly younger profile, slightly different in terms of using the ball and manipulating the ball – we have to believe they can still improve.”Confidence is now a big factor and you can’t hide away from it, so you need the ones who will stand up and be counted.”It’s my team and results haven’t been good enough. There are players coming back but something has to change in our direction.”Taylor was forced to temporarily step away from the job last month due to a family emergency.He went on to miss two fixtures before returning.Former Premier League star Lee Cattermole will take charge on an interim basis following Taylor’s departure, alongside David Horseman.Cattermole joined the club’s coaching staff just last week.Upon his arrival, he said: “I am delighted to join the coaching team at Bristol Rovers.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having spoken to the guys here and George Friend, I very quickly got excited about the project being developed here at the Club.”Everything I’ve heard about Bristol Rovers tells me it’s an exciting time to be part of things here, and I’m looking forward to getting going.” More