EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL fans say ‘postpone the game’ after statement released before play-off tie due to ‘circumstances beyond our control’

      by

      CREWE ALEXANDRA fans were left devastated when the club announced a change to the food menu ahead of the play-off semi-final against Doncaster.Crewe are scheduled to face the Rovers in a crunch first leg later today at Gresty Road before Friday’s return fixture at the Eco-Power Stadium.Crewe Alexandra announced there will be a change to the food menuCredit: GettyCrewe fans were left devastated ahead of the play-off with DoncasterCredit: GettyHowever, there will be a change to the selection of pies and pastries during that key encounter.The club apologised to fans and insisted that last-minute alteration is down to “circumstances beyond their control”.Crewe issued the following statement: “There has been a change to the selection of pies and pastries on sale during today’s game.”We thank supporters for their understanding.”Read More on FootballThe fans were left so heartbroken that some even jokingly suggested they should “postpone” the important fixture against Doncaster.One fan tweeted: “May as well just call it off lads.”Another commented: “Postpone the game lads.”A third said: “Joke this, no room at all for it in the modern game!”Most read in EFLThis fan posted: “Thought the game was off then!”And that one stated: “NOOOOOOOO! The most important part of a football game.”Brentwood keeper deliberately ‘slipping over’ in his side’s 3-1 win against Bury TownThe winner of the play-off tie will go on to face either Crawley Town or MK Dons in the final on May 19 at Wembley. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge EFL playoff clash POSTPONED due to waterlogged pitch as furious fans blast ‘absolute joke’

      by

      CRAWLEY’S League Two play-off clash with MK Dons has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.A club statement read: “Crawley Town Football Club is disappointed to announce that this afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final first leg has been postponed due to a waterlogged surface at the Broadfield Stadium.”Crawley vs MK Dons has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitchCredit: PATorrential rainfall has caused flooding around the stadiumCredit: RexThe match has been rearranged for TuesdayCredit: PAFans are not happy with the postponementCredit: RexThe fixture was pencilled in for 3pm today but has now been re-arranged for Thuesday night – when the second leg was meant to take place.The return leg at MK Dons has been moved to Saturday instead, with the League Two play-off final taking place on May 19.Fans are up in arms over the postponement and made their feelings towards Crawley clear.One reacted saying: “Absolute joke.”Another added: “This has grumpied me.”A third wrote: “Never heard of covers? Embarrassing.”And another commented: “Calling off a play-off fixture in May, gotta be as tinpot as it gets. Absolute embarrassment.”Crawley sneaked into the play-offs on the final day of the season after beating Grimsby to pip Barrow to seventh place.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf they beat MK Dons they will face Doncaster or Crewe for a place in League One next season.Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for Ipswich More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside rise of Bromley as Football Manager competition & Arsenal icon’s son sees 132 year wait for EFL football ended

      by

      BROMLEY secured promotion to the Football League for the first time ever on Sunday.The Ravens dramatically beat Solihull Moors 4-3 on penalties at Wembley following a thrilling 2-2 draw.Bromley secured promotion to League Two on SundayCredit: GettyCaptain Byron Webster scored the winning penaltyCredit: GettyThey victory booked them a spot in League Two for the first time in the club’s 132-year history.Speaking at full-time, Bromley boss Andy Woodman told BBC London: “I’m delighted, it hasn’t really sunk in. I’ve been here a few times and no one wants to speak to you when you lose.”We’ve got heart, we’re not the best team. We’re the hardest grafting team and the most honest team, we’ve got players who will fight for each other and that showed today.”I was alright with the penalties because I’ve got the best goalkeeper in the league, I knew he’d save one, maybe two and take care of business.Read More on Football”I was really chuffed that Grant [Smith] got the plaudits he deserved because he’s been brilliant for us all season.”This has been an unhealthy obsession for me. It was about changing history at this football club and about making sure that when we’re long gone, me my team and my staff, we’ll be forever the people that got us in the Football League.”Bromley has been a non-league club since it was established back in 1892.In recent years the Ravens have come close to EFL promotion.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey missed out to Hartlepool United in the Play-Offs at the end of the 2020-21 campaign and lost to Chesterfield in last year’s semi-finals.However, some significant steps were taken this season to ensure the jump was possible.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiEarlier this season, Nathan Owolabi was appointed as Bromley’s Support Performance Tactician after winning a FOOTBALL MANAGER competition.The avid gamer has since spent the last five months learning from and assisting Woodman’s coaching team.When advertising the job at the end of last year, club officials announced they were looking for “a talented Football Manager gamer to test their skills in the real world”.Woodman was quick to insist that it wasn’t a “gimmick” and instead revealed he thought it was a “brilliant” idea.Alongside the addition to the club’s coaching staff, Bromley also signed several players such as goalkeeper Grant Smith and loan stars Alex Kirk from Arsenal and Kamarl Grant from Millwall.Dennis Bergkamp’s son, Mitchel, became another star to join the Ravens last year.However, the 25-year-old has was limited to just 13 minutes of football this season.Premier League boundIn a show of the quality on show at the south London club, academy star Ben Krauhaus was snapped up by Premier League side Brentford in January.The Bees agreed to loan him back to Bromley for the remainder of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESKrauhaus went on to play a crucial role in the club’s fight for promotion, making 43 National League appearances.Bromley will now join fellow promoted team Chesterfield in League Two from next season.Nathan Owolabi was appointed as the club’s Support Performance Tactician after winning a Football Manager competitionCredit: TNT SportsDennis Bergkamp’s son, Mitchell, joined Bromley last summerCredit: AFP More