EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL play-offs 2024: Dates, kick off times, schedule and fixtures for Championship, League One and League Two ties

      by

      THE EFL play-offs are almost upon us as four sides from each tier eye promotion to the division above.15 exhilarating ties will take place across the Championship, League One and League Two.Luton Town sealed promotion to the Premier League in last season’s Championship play-offsCredit: PAAll semi-final fixtures will be played over two legs, with 3rd playing 6th and 4th taking on 5th – the higher-ranking team will host the semi-final second leg.The two teams that are victorious in their respective last-4 ties will meet at Wembley Stadium in a one-off final for promotion to the division above.But what are the dates for this season’s EFL play-offs?EFL play-offs 2024 scheduleChampionshipREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday May 12Semi-final second legsMost read in EFL3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday May 17FinalSunday May 26 (4.30pm)League OneSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (8pm) – Friday May 35th vs 4th – (7.45pm) – Saturday May 4Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Tuesday May 74th vs 5th (8pm) – Wednesday May 8FinalSaturday May 18 (5.30pm)League TwoSemi-final first legs7th vs MK Dons (3pm) – Monday May 66th vs 5th (5.30pm) – Monday May 6Semi-final second legsMK Dons vs 7th (8pm) – Thursday May 95th vs 6th (8pm) – Friday May 10FinalSunday May 19 (1pm)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the EFL play-offsSky Sports will broadcast each semi-final leg from every division in the EFL.The broadcasting giant will also air the play-off final from each tier. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former EFL stadium which hosted Premier League side now an abandoned field with car boot sale the only attraction

      by

      NENE PARK was once the home of an EFL side – but is now an empty field hosting car boot sales.In it’s heyday, 6,431 fans would fill the stadium every other week.Nene Park now sits abandonedCredit: GettyOver 6,000 fans would fill the terraces in the 2000sCredit: GettyBut it is now an abandoned fieldCredit: GettySigns remain showing the site’s former lifeCredit: GettyPremier League sides once played hereThe car park is now used for weekly car boot salesIt was the home of the now defunct Rushden & Diamonds.The ground saw several promotions as the club rose from the fifth tier Conference to as high as League One in 2003.Now Premier League side Sheffield United travelled to Nene Park in 1999 for a FA Cup replay, which the Blades won on penalties.Arsenal and West Ham both played there in pre-season friendlies two years later.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe stadium was also used for England Under-21 and England C matches, as well as becoming a training base for athletes during the London 2012 Olympics.By 2006, Rushden & Diamonds tumbled out the EFL and ran into huge financial problems.The club were kicked out the Conference after being unable to guarantee they could complete the 2011-12 season due to cash flow issues.With debts spiralling out of control and at a reported £750,000, they entered administration and the team dissolved.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDemolition of Nene Park commenced six years later as developers hoped to turn the site into a retail and entertainment hub.But the venue in Northamptonshire remains empty today, with only car boot sales every Sunday giving the abandoned field any sign of life.Eerie Ukrainian drone footage shows abandoned Euro 2012 stadium which hosted England clash in war-torn DonetskMemories of the past are scattered across the site, however.A sign directing fans to the stands and ticket office can still be seen.Tiles in the shape of the club’s badge at the once VIP entrance are smashed but still on the floor.Gates to the stadium are covered in graffiti and the pitch is now an overgrown wasteland but gives some resemblance to the site’s pomp.Phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds were founded soon after the club shut down and they compete in the eighth tier of English football.Nene Park in it’s a heyday in 1999Credit: GettyThe ground was the home of Rushden & DiamondsCredit: GettyDemolition begun in 2017Credit: GettyRushden & Diamonds dissolved in 2011Credit: GettyThey were booted out of the Conference and fell into administration due to financial troublesCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds all but confirms football star to make cameo in Deadpool as striker ‘spotted in bar scene’

      by

      RYAN REYNOLDS has heavily hinted that Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer makes a cameo in the new Deadpool film.The Hollywood A-lister shared a two-and-a-half-minute trailer for the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” in which Reynolds co-stars with Hugh Jackman.Ryan Reynolds, right, stars as Deadpool alongside Hugh Jackman in the new filmWrexham forward Ollie Palmer can be seen in the background of a bar scenePalmer, far left, has all but been confirmed as an extra in the clipPalmer has impressed since joining Wrexham from Wimbledon in 2022Credit: PABut many football fans will be surprised to hear that Wrexham forward Palmer, 32, seems to have been confirmed as an extra.While Deadpool and Wolverine are talking at a bar, a man can be seen loitering in the background of the scene.And when the trailer was shared on Instagram, Palmer, who has scored 39 goals in 115 games for Wrexham, responded: “If you squint.. 😂.”Reynolds then chimed in with his own response to the rumour which was posted on X.READ MORE ON WREXHAMReplying to a tweet stating that Palmer is in the film, Reynolds added: “Keen eyesight.”And Wrexham fans were quick to praise the move as they prepare to see the ex-Leyton Orient and Wimbledon man on the big screen.One supporter said: “I thought I was seeing things when I watched it 😂 xx.”Another added: “There’s a recruiting tool that no one else in the EFL has. Genius.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.

      A third replied: “Ollie! Ollie! Ollie! ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.”And a fourth responded: “Paul Mullin better be in it as well.”Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantThe film is set for release on July 25 this year in the UK, before it comes out the following day in the US.It has not yet been confirmed whether or not any more Wrexham players will appear in the film.Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney celebrated Wrexham’s promotion to League One earlier this month.The Welsh outfit clinched a second successive promotion with a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Reynolds was reduced to tears as his club secured their place in the third tier.Reynolds celebrated Wrexham’s second successive promotion earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star forced to answer awkward question live on Sky Sports ahead of huge EFL clash

      by

      LUKE AYLING was forced to answer an awkward question as his Middlesbrough side took on parent club Leeds.The defender spent eight years at Leeds before joining Boro on loan in January.Luke Ayling revealed he wanted football to win between Middlesbrough and LeedsThat meant he was not eligible to play as Leeds visited the Riverside Stadium on Monday in search of three points to help their promotion push.Ahead of kick-off Ayling spoke to Sky Sports and was asked for his score prediction and who he thought would win – leading to a nervy answer.He said: “I want football to win. I love football and if I’m totally honest I really cant call it.”Like I said I haven’t seen Leeds a lot lately but I’ve seen these boys on the training pitch and how we’ve played the last 9-10 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m really confident the boys can put in a good shift today. Who knows but I’m just hoping for a good game of football.”Ayling certainly got what he asked for as Boro raced into an early lead with Isaiah Jones scoring in the seventh minute.But the visitors hit back with two goals in four minutes – only for Emmanuel Latte Lath to equalise.However Wilfried Gnonto fired Leeds back in front to give Daniel Farke’s side a 3-2 lead at half-time.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLeeds are on the promotion hunt but need Ipswich to drop points in their three remaining games to achieve automatic promotion.They ran out 4-3 winners at the Riverside after a late goal from Latte Lath set up a nervy finish.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmare More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Now is the right time’ – EFL club sack manager and appoint interim boss just days before play-offs

      by

      BARNSLEY have sacked head coach Neill Collins just days before the League One Play-Offs.First team coach Martin Devaney has been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season.Neill Collins has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyDirector of Football Mladen Sormaz said: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go.”He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him.”However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change.”We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days.”Read More on FootballBarnsley face Northampton Town in their final League One match before the Play-Offs this Saturday.The Tykes need a win to secure a spot in the Play-off semi-finals.They are currently in contention alongside Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Lincoln City.However, Oxford United and Blackpool are also pushing for a spot.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPortsmouth have already earned promotion to the Championship, with Derby County expected to take the second automatic place.Collins was appointed as Barnsley boss last summer following a spell with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysBarnsley had won just two of their last 12 games prior to his dismissal. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided ground

      by

      OXFORD UNITED have moved one step closer to leaving the Kassam Stadium after reaching an agreement to lease land for a new ground.The U’s have played at their current Kassam home since moving from the Manor Ground in 2001.Oxford United want to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: Oxford United football clubThey have pledged to make their new ground the most eco-friendly in the countryCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_The U’s have played at the three-sided Kassam Stadium since 2001Credit: GettyThey are contracted to host home games at the three-sided stadium until 2026, when their current agreement expires.And Oxford have now launched plans to move to a new site at The Triangle in Kidlington.The ambitious new stadium would hold 16,000 fans, while also incorporating a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and health and wellbeing space.The new stadium has moved one step closer to fruition after Oxford reached a landmark agreement with their local council.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAn Oxfordshire County Council statement has confirmed: “An agreement has been reached on heads of terms for the county council to lease land it owns near Kidlington for Oxford United to develop a new football stadium.”This agreement represents positive progress in helping the club secure a long-term home in the county.”However, while this is an important milestone, it is only one step in a wider process.”Responding to the news, Oxford wrote in their own statement: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWho are these famous footballers?
      “The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clash”This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”In February, Oxford pledged to make their proposed new ground the “most-sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country”.In addition to a slew of modern facilities, the proposed ground is set to become the nation’s first all-electric stadium.Rather than gas and other fossil fuels, Oxford’s new build will rely solely on electricity.The 16,000-seater stadium will also feature 3000m² solar panels along its roof – enough to boil three million three-litre kettles per year.’SOMETHING SPECIAL’On the new project, Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said at the time: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.”We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.”Managed by Des Buckingham, Oxford are currently chasing a League One play-off place.They sit seventh in the third-tier with one game remaining, only behind Lincoln on goal difference.READ MORE SUN STORIESBuckingham’s men could also still catch fifth-placed Barnsley, who are only one point ahead.The U’s go to Exeter on the final day, with Lincoln hosting champions Portsmouth and Barnsley welcoming Northampton.Oxford want to move into their new ground in 2026Credit: Oxford United More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Rotherham United poach new manager from rival club less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson

      by

      ROTHERHAM have announced the return of Steve Evans as manager, less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson.Richardson, 44, only lasted four months at the helm and was dismissed two weeks after Rotherham were relegated from the Championship.Leam Richardson was sacked by Rotherham on Wednesday morningCredit: PASteve Evans has returned to Rotherham, leaving Stevenage with two games of the season remainingCredit: GettyHe departed with the club rock bottom of the second tier, 21 points adrift of 23rd-place Sheffield Wednesday.And they have wasted no time in filling the vacancy as Stevenage boss Evans, 61, has been appointed for a second stint in charge.A statement from the club read: “Rotherham United are delighted to welcome back Steve Evans as the club’s new first team manager.”Evans returns to AESSEAL New York Stadium alongside assistant Paul Raynor, with the duo signing contracts which will run until 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Talks with Steve, Paul and their representatives were opened upon permission being granted by Stevenage and the swift nature in which they were concluded outlines the desire of the club, Steve and Paul to make this move happen.”Evans will return to the club alongside his Assistant Paul Raynor.”Evans spent three years at Rotherham between 2012 and 2015, winning 72 of his 173 games.He secured promotion to League One in his first full season in charge.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd back-to-back promotions were clinched 12 months later as Rotherham beat Leyton Orient on penalties in the play-off final.Evans guided the club to survival in their first season in the Championship, before he left in September 2015 with the team in 20th place.Watch Stevenage star blindside keeper to score cheeky goal and send fans wildHours before Evans’ return was confirmed, Rotherham revealed the search for a new manager was underway in their statement about ex-Wigan head coach Richardson’s exit.It read: “Rotherham United can confirm that the club have parted company with first team Head Coach Leam Richardson with immediate effect.”They went on to add: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Leam and Rob for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”The search to appoint a new first team manager is already under way, with further communication to follow in due course.”Rotherham United will be making no further comment at this time.” More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney blow Wrexham stars away with ‘humble’ attitudes as dressing-room antics revealed

      by

      WREXHAM goalkeeper Mark Howard has opened up about his relationship with “humble” co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney bought the Red Dragons back in 2020 and have since led them to back-to-back promotions.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed Wrexham in recent yearsCredit: PAMark Howard (L) has revealed the duo have helped him off the pitchCredit: PAWith the help of manager Phil Parkinson, the duo guided Wrexham from the National League to League Two last year.And on Saturday the club’s second successive promotion was confirmed following a 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers.Reynolds was left in tears after watching his team secure a spot in League One, while McElhenney shared his joy from Los Angeles.The two Hollywood stars have been heavily praised for their dedication to the club since taking over.READ MORE ON WREXHAMAnd goalkeeper Howard admits their “humble” attitude in and around the Racecourse Ground still leaves players stunned.In an interview with OLBG, he said: “They have shown nothing but respect. They are humble people.”They have taken the pressure off the players with the way they have conducted themselves. They are a pleasure to work with and so are the staff they have brought in. “All hard working and humble people behind the scenes to make sure the players aren’t exposed to things outside of playing football.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tears”The popularity and growth is huge and we can see that but they have ensured we have all taken it in our stride.”They are people of their word. They have helped me massively. I’ve got my own podcast, Yours Mine Away, and Ryan kept to his promise that he would come on.”That has helped me massively to grow. They are the same with all the players, whether they have a clothing brand or other businesses. “I remember we actually had a meeting with Rob and he said anything that you have got going on, come and speak to us. They are good business people and know how to market themselves really well.”They have always been fully open to what we want to do in the background. They help a lot behind the scenes that people just wouldn’t realise. If you need a call or a text, they will answer.”They just get it. They know how to get the best out of people by being good people themselves.”Howard also recalled the time he met actor Will Ferrell, adding: “To meet Will was amazing. I remember myself and teammate Elliott Lee were in the physio room having some treatment and Will came in and we were soon cracking up.”He’s so funny. Hugh Jackman also came in. We are quite used to it now with some A-list movie stars being at the game.”Will Ferrell (R) is among the stars that have visited the team in WalesCredit: Getty More