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      Reading face being thrown out of EFL in 44 days as hated owner Dai Yongge is handed deadline to sell club

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      READING face being expelled from the EFL if Dai Yongge does not sell in the next 44 days.The Royals owner, 56, has failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.Dai Yongge has failed the EFL’s owners and directors testCredit: Rex FeaturesDai’s company, Renhe Sports management, has been in a court battle with former prospective Reading buyer Rob Couhig’s Redwood Holding Ltd.Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed.Couhig, 75, is claiming more than £12m in lost potential profits after claiming that Reading’s current owners broke exclusivity rules.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs the case unfolded, the court was told that, due to debts in China, Dai had failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Former Premier League star sacked by Crawley in 62-word statement with League One side 12 points adrift of safety

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      CRAWLEY TOWN have sacked manager Rob Elliot amid an intense relegation scrap.Elliot, 38, took over as Crawley boss just five months ago.Crawley Town have sacked manager Rob Elliot just five months after he took overCredit: RexElliot leaves with Crawley 12 points away from safety in League OneCredit: RexAnd he leaves with the club a massive 12 points away from safety in League One.The former Premier League ace managed 33 matches but lost 19 and only won six.Crawley released a short statement thanking the ex-Newcastle goalkeeper.The Red Devils also announced that Louis Storey will take over as interim manager, with Anthony Sweeney as an interim assistant.Read More on FootballCrawley released the following statement: “Crawley Town Football Club has today parted company with Manager Rob Elliot.”Louis Storey will take control of the squad as Interim Head Coach, with Anthony Sweeney supporting him as Interim Assistant Head Coach.”The club would like to thank Rob for all of his efforts during his time at the Broadfield Stadium and wish him all the best for the future.”Crawley was the second team Elliot managed as he was also in charge of Gateshead where he also played beforehand.Most read in EFLThis comes after a 20-year playing career for the likes of Charlton, Newcastle and Watford.The former keeper stood out with the Magpies where he spent nine years and amassed 68 appearances.My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One clubThat was after seven years with Charlton where he played 109 times between the sticks.Elliot also registered four caps with the Republic of Ireland before his retirement last year. More

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      Wycombe vs Wrexham stopped for 45 minutes after medical emergency in crowd as players head back to dressing room

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      WREXHAM’S clash away at Wycombe was halted for 45 minutes due to a medical emergency in the crowd. The huge promotion six-pointer was locked at 0-0 with 77 minutes on the clock at Adams Park.Wycombe’s home clash with Wrexham was stopped for a medical emergency in the crowdCredit: GettyThe score was 0-0 when the referee took the players back into the changing roomsCredit: GettyMedics gather around the bottom of the stand where the fan was taken illCredit: SunSportHowever, the referee stopped the game when a fan was taken ill in the away end.Supporters around the stricken Wrexham follower alerted the attention of the referee.Medics rushed into the stand to help deal with the health scare.And as the treatment continued, the referee took the two teams back into the dressing rooms.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStewards held flags and banners around the unwell fan in the away end to give them privacy as they received support. Wrexham tweeted at 4.36pm: “78′ The game has been temporarily halted due to an ongoing medical incident in the crowd.”A later announcement over the tannoy system confirmed the situation was ongoing and an update would be provided in due course.Wrexham then tweeted to state the fan was being taken to hospital and that the match would continue to its completion. Most read in EFLAt 5.07pm, Wrexham posted: “The patient has left the stadium in a stable condition and is on the way to hospital. “We’d like to thank the emergency services and staff for their efforts.”They then added three minutes later: “Play will resume with the clock at 76:25 after both sets of players are given ten minutes to warm up.”Both sets of players applaud the Wrexham fans as they return to the pitch.”And at 5.21pm, the match resumed with a corner for Wycombe. Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made a tremendous save from the set piece – before Wrexham went up the other end and scored a crucial opener through Sam Smith’s sweet volley. That proved to be the matchwinner and could prove decisive come the end of the season – but football was put in perspective by the hospitalised fan. Supporters from both sides sent their best wishes on social media during the lengthy stoppage.One said: “Football comes second in situations like this. My thoughts and prayers are with the fan.”Another wrote: “Really hope they’re okay.”A third added: “Very respectful of the fan and their situation. No announcer filler, etc. Bravo. Prayers everything comes out okay.”And a fourth replied: “Thoughts and prayers with the Wrexham fan.”Second-placed Wycombe went into the home game with Wrexham level on points with the Red Dragons as they battle it out for the second automatic promotion spot. Birmingham are the runaway leaders at the top of League One – although they dropped points with a 1-1 draw at Northampton. There was also a fan emergency in the stands on Saturday afternoon at Bradford during the second half of their home clash with Tranmere in League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisiting goalkeeper Luke McGee gestured to the ref that something was wrong in the Kop end at Valley Parade. Play stopped for approximately 12 minutes as the fan was taken out of the ground by medical staff. More

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      Birmingham’s League One clash postponed at just nine days’ notice and fans have NO idea when they can play it

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      BIRMINGHAM are facing a fixture congestion nightmare after their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponed.Birmingham were scheduled to take on the Boro on March 22 at the Lamex Stadium.Birmingham announced their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponedCredit: RexHowever, Blues stated the game – which was scheduled to take place in nine days – has been postponed due to international call-ups.The League One outfit haven’t announced a new date in which the game will be played but promised a confirmation will be made “in due course”.Birmingham issued the following statement: “The League One fixture was set to take place at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 22 March, kick-off at 3pm.”A new date for this fixture, as well as Blues’ trip to Blackpool, will be announced in due course.”Read More on FootballStevenage confirmed the postponement was at Birmingham’s request.This raises questions as to when the sides can fit their postponed match in a packed schedule.Birmingham already have to fit in the Blackpool clash, which has to be moved due to their participation in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough on April 13.And, with games already scheduled every midweek between the international break and Easter, there seems to be only be ONE available date to fit in a game before the end of the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat would be between the final two weekends of the campaign, which finishes on May 3.Birmingham appear all-but guaranteed to seal automatic promotion to the Championship, sitting 14 points clear of 3rd-placed Wrexham with 11 games to go.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashAnd fans were convinced the club should have just played the game despite the international call-ups.Fans were left perplexed as they took to social media looking for answers.One fan tweeted: “We should have just played it.”I don’t know when we are going to fit it in now.”Another asked: “Are we gonna have to play one of the postponed games after the final day?”A third wondered: “Genuinely when are we playing this?”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan joked: “We’ll be playing this game in 2028 at this point.”And that one said: “Where are we fitting this in?” More

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      ‘You can’t go to Bluewater’ – Ex-Premier League boss begs stars to ‘sacrifice everything’ in another classic interview

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      NATHAN JONES has revealed an epic list of “sacrifices” he expects from his Charlton players AND their families.Famous for his oddball quotes, Jones has produced one of his best with a selection of do’s and don’ts for the promotion hunters during their run-in.Nathan Jones says Charlton players face eight weeks of sacrificesAnd it’s far worse than more typical demands imposed by some clubs, like avoiding fast-food, being in bed early or forgoing nightclubs.Because the Addicks manager has told his players not to go… shopping or bowling!The ex-Luton chief even claimed it’s time to stop “walking around high-fiving and going to Costa Coffee”.Perhaps Jones’ most notorious comment came when he explained why he took the Southampton job in 2022.READ MORE IN SPORTThe Welshman said: “I could have stayed in a mining community, been a PE teacher and had a nice life, married a nice Welsh girl. “I don’t. I want to test myself on every level and that’s nothing against Welsh women. I want to test myself.”And last year he produced a different type of eye-catching interview.Ecstatic following a 2-1 League One victory over Derby, Jones launched an X-rated boast – then backtracked when realising he was live on the BBC.Most read in EFLJones didn’t pull any punches on how his Addicks must behaveCredit: RexCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe said: “We over-ran them, we f*****g… Sorry – we were aggressive in what we did and I’m really proud of the second half performance.”  This time Jones was explaining to Charlton’s media team the tough time in store – or rather, not in stores – for his players – amid the season’s finale.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideFourth-placed Charlton want a top-two finish or at least to keep hold of a play-off spot.Jones, 51, said: “Going into eight weeks of your life now, where you sacrifice everything.”You’re not shopping tomorrow. Not bowling. Your diet’s good.”However, Jones also left himself open to accusations of stereotyping.He added: “If your wife or your girlfriend wants to go shopping, wants to do that, they have to make the sacrifices.”It’s a massive sacrifice for us – to achieve something – because you can’t now go to Bluewater, walking around high-fiving and going to Costa Coffee when you should be resting.” More

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      Darrell Clarke SACKED by Barnsley as former Premier League star, 34, handed reins until end of the season

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      BARNSLEY have sacked manager Darrell Clarke following a horror run of form.The League One side have won just two of their last 11 games and slipped to tenth in the table.Darrell Clarke has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyConor Hourihane takes over until the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyClarke has lasted just ten months in the job and leaves the club eight points off the play-off places. Former Premier League star Conor Hourihane will now take charge until the end of the season.The 34-year-old ex-Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland midfielder rejoined Barnsley in a player-coach role before the start of the season.He officially hung up his boots in December and became assistant manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJon Stead, who played for the likes of Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United in the Prem, will be Hourihane’s right-hand man.On the sacking of Clarke, Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh said: “We would like to thank Darrell for his efforts in a season which has been difficult for various reasons. “Darrell has worked extremely hard to try and get the team competitive and pushing for promotion, unfortunately, we find ourselves eight points away from the play-offs and feel that a change is needed.”Sporting director Mladen Sormaz said: “Darrell is someone I respect and have enjoyed working with and I’d like to thank him for his efforts this season. Most read in EFLCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Whilst a list of replacements has been identified, we will take some time to ensure the next appointment is the right one with a focus on playing identity, returning to high pressing and attacking football.”We believe that Conor can help to create enough bounce to keep us fighting for the top six until the end of the season. “We will also be working in parallel to have a new Head Coach in place over the summer.”Wayne Rooney is back in football management as Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside Tyson Fury More

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      Millwall fans sing foul chants over Jean-Philippe Mateta injury after goalkeeper Liam Roberts slapped with huge ban

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      ALEX NEIL called on Millwall and their fans to move on from Liam Roberts’ horror tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta.Lions keeper Roberts is serving a six-match ban after smashing  Mateta in the head with a flying kick in last weekend’s FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace.Millwall fans celebrate scoring in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Watford – but some visiting supporters were also heard singing inflammatory chants about Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: PALiam Roberts was given a six-game ban for this challenge on Crystal Palace attacker Mateta in the FA Cup the previous weekendCredit: GettyThe French striker was given oxygen before being taken to hospital and needed 25 stitches for a severe gash to his left ear, with Palace chairman Steve Parish describing the challenge as the ‘most reckless’ he had ever seen.Roberts’ original suspension was for three games, but it was doubled after the FA demanded stronger action.But Millwall fans were in no mood to back down during yesterday’s 2-1 win at Watford.Every time a home player went down injured, they chanted: “Let him die.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also backed their keeper with: “One Liam Roberts, there’s only one Liam Roberts.”There was also: “It isn’t enough, it isn’t enough – 25 stitches, it isn’t enough.”The abuse piled on with: “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, Mateta’s in A and E.”There was also a minute’s applause for Roberts from the Millwall fans in the eighth minute – the time he was sent off at Palace.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe hate mob finally piped down to join in the celebrations when Josh Coburn headed Millwall’s 81st-minute winner.Lions boss Alex Neil said after the Watford match: “Now we can draw a line under the Liam stuff.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”You know, we’ve supported Liam. Liam’s made a bad decision. He’s mistimed the challenge.”I think it’s then been trial by media at that point afterwards, which we are not in control of.”We’ve spoken to Liam. He’s fine. He understands. He spoke to me, and it’s done. Draw a line under it. “Liam will serve a suspension. That’s the way it is, and then we just move on to the next game.”Neil insisted that the controversy over Roberts had not affected the team.”We don’t really get sort of caught up in that sort of stuff. Social media is not something I get involved in whatsoever.  I get feedback  so I’m conscious of what’s happening.”But the last thing I need is to scroll through and know what some 14-year-old who lives at the bottom of the road thinks of me. I’m past that stage. So yeah, I’m not fussed.” More

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      MK Dons SACK manager Scott Lindsey after less than six months in charge as they release 56-word statement

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      MK DONS have sacked their manager Scott Lindsey following a horror run of results.The League Two side have won just one of their last 11 games.Scott Lindsey has been axed as MK Dons bossCredit: RexThe poor form has seen them slump to 17th in the table after initially being hopeful of promotion.They sat third in the table in early December but are now 13 points off the relegation zone.In a short statement, the club confirmed the sacking, saying: “Milton Keynes Dons have parted company with head coach Scott Lindsey.”Everyone at MK Dons would like to sincerely thank Scott for his efforts during his time in Milton Keynes and wish him every success in the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club will be making no further comment at this time and will update supporters in due course.”Lindsey left Crawley Town to become MK Dons boss in September – just months after guiding the club to promotion to League One.They went up via the play-offs, beating The Dons 8-1 on aggregate in the semi-final.Former Rotherham and Wigan boss Leam Richardson has been tipped to take over at Stadium MK.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEx-Barrow and Gillingham gaffer Stephen Clemence is another linked with the job.Paul Hurst, who previously took charge of Ipswich and Shrewsbury is also a contender.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back More