EFL

A FORMER Premier League captain has been left unemployed after his EFL club released ten players.Huddersfield finished the 2024-25 season tenth in League One after a horror run saw them drop out of play-off contention.Jonathan Hogg has been left unemployed after his release by HuddersfieldCredit: RexThe midfielder captained the Terriers in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsAnd less than 48 hours after the end of the campaign, the Terriers announced their retained list.But, crucially, club cult hero Jonathan Hogg has been let go after 12 years with Huddersfield. Hogg, 36, captained the Yorkshire club during their stint in the Premier League.The news of his departure at the end of his contract had already been confirmed.READ MORE ON EFLThat allowed him to bid farewell to his adoring Huddersfield supporters after the final game of the EFL season at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday. The club also let a further nine first-team stars go as their deals expired while goalkeeper Chris Maxwell retired. Huddersfield said: “As previously disclosed, club captain and legend Jonathan Hogg will wave goodbye to the club this summer following 12 distinguished years in blue and white. “Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has also departed the club following his recent retirement.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now at the conclusion of their contracts, we will also part ways with nine other players with senior appearances for the club across our First Team and B Team, with Danny Ward, Tom Lees, Matty Pearson, Ollie Turton, Josh Ruffels, Josh Koroma, Scott High, Loick Ayina and Conor Falls all set to depart with our sincere thanks for their service, and best wishes for the future.”Having unfortunately had his season cut short by an ACL injury, Ward will have the opportunity to continue his rehabilitation with the club until he is fit to move elsewhere.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final “Conducting a full review of our footballing operations following the 2024/25 campaign, the club retains a desire to refresh the complexion of our First Team squad having fallen short of our targets this season. “Looking to head into the 2025/26 season reinvigorated, decisions have been made to allow full flexibility and freedom to any incoming Head Coach.”Huddersfield sacked manager Michael Duff in March after a run of four defeats in five league matches as the Terriers dropped out of the play-off places. Jon Worthington took interim charge for the remainder of the season to replace Duff, who came in after relegation from the Championship last May. More

A FORMER Cambridge United striker has died aged 45 after a battle with MS.The Us confirmed the sad news that Tom Youngs passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.Ex-Cambridge forward Tom Youngs has died aged 45Credit: GettyThe former footballer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014Credit: X/ TomYoungs1979Youngs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 – 11 years after he left the club.He spent six years in Cambridge’s first team from 1997 to 2003 – scoring 48 goals in 180 appearances – having joined the academy aged ten. Youngs went on to have spells with Northampton, Leyton Orient, and Bury, playing for the Shakers while also studying a sports journalism degree. He also played for Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, St Albans City, Norwich United and Mildenhall Town – where he was a player and assistant manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoungs was forced to retire in 2011 aged 32 due to a serious hip injury.After hanging up his boots, the ex-footballer worked as an accountant for the brewery and pub company Greene King. In 2013, he noticed problems with his vision while watching a match as Mildenhall assistant.And the following year came his MS diagnosis. Most read in EFLYoungs is survived by his wife Chelle and two daughters. Cambridge released a statement on Monday to announce the tragic news.The League One club wrote: “The news of the death on Sunday of former Cambridge United forward Tom Youngs, at the tragically early age of 45, came as a shock to all connected with the club.”Tom, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, will be remembered as a gifted player who, with probing, darting runs, intelligent positioning and poise in front of goal, graced the Abbey Stadium between 1997 and 2003.”He signed YTS terms in 1996 while staying on at school to study for A levels, but showed such promise that a year later, at the age of 17, he bypassed the rest of his YTS stint and signed a two-year professional contract.”Rest in peace, Tom.”What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres. This disrupts the flow of electrical signals and causes a range of symptoms that can vary wildly from person to person. The good news? MS isn’t a death sentence, and with advances in treatment, many people live full and active lives.In the UK, over 130,000 people are living with MS, and around 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It’s typically diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. Despite its challenges, many with MS find strength and resilience they never thought possible.Common symptoms of MS are:Fatigue: Not your average tiredness—this is bone-deep exhaustion.Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or even temporary vision loss.Numbness and tingling: Often in the face, arms, or legs.Muscle weakness: Making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain.Mobility issues: Trouble walking or balancing.Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses or a “foggy” brain.Spasms and stiffness: Muscles that just won’t cooperate.Bladder and bowel problems: A less glamorous but common challenge.MS is unpredictable—you might have periods of remission where symptoms vanish, followed by flare-ups when they return. This “on-again, off-again” nature can be frustrating and means people can be in anticipation of a flare. While there’s no cure yet, treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow progression. Fans and former team-mates took to social media to express their sorrow at Youngs’ passing and send best wishes and condolences to his family and loved ones.One said: “Very sad to read this. Played with Tom at Bury & he was a nice, very likeable fella. Even when he was at Bury, I remember him speaking very fondly about his time at Cambridge and how much he loved it there.”Another wrote: “That’s so sad. RIP Tom, thoughts with his family.”A third added: “Absolutely devastated, you will always be in our hearts.”Read More on The SunA fourth replied: “A bright intelligent young man and a bloody good footballer that wore our shirt with pride… sleep well ‘Tommy Youngs’ once a U…”And a final user commented: “That’s dreadful news – thoughts with his family and friends at this sad time.”Youngs joined the academy at Cambridge aged ten and made 180 first-team appearancesCredit: GettyHe was diagnosed while working as an accountant for Greene KingCredit: X/ CambridgeUtdFC More

READING has finally been sold which spells the end of Dai Yongge’s controversial ownership.The Royals confirmed in a long-awaited statement on Saturday morning that a deal was finally agreed.Reading’s sale has finally been completedCredit: GettyEx-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig will take overCredit: PAYongge became majority shareholder in 2017 but was given a latest deadline of May 8 by the EFL to divest his shareholding. Redwood Holdings Limited will become the new legal owners of the League One outfit under their parent company Dogwood Football LLC.A Reading statement said: “Reading Football Club is pleased to announce the sale in principle of the club to Redwood Holdings Limited.”The takeover includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The formal completion of the transaction is subject to final legal technicalities but is fully expected to be completed shortly.”Based on the agreement between the parties, the EFL has agreed to extend its deadline for the divestment of Mr Dai Yongge’s shareholding until its next Board Meeting on 8 May.”Redwood Holdings Ltd is a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC, which is owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana.”Couhig – former owner of Wycombe Wanderers – tried to buy Reading for £30million before the deal collapsed in September 2024.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother unnamed potential buyer had come in to try and secure Reading, even entering a period of exclusivity.However, the time period elapsed on April 9, allowing Couhig to re-enter the race, as revealed by SunSport. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Yongge had attempted to secure an injunction against Couhig, alleging the American had blocked his attempts to sell Reading.Couhig denied the allegations and the case was thrown out. The EFL gave Yongge an April 4 deadline to sell up after he was disqualified by failing the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Reading were deducted six points for financial rule breaches last season and finished 17th in League One.They are seventh this season going into the final game of the season with a chance of nicking the final play-off spot. Couhig is expected to be in the 24,000-seater stadium for this afternoon’s clash against Barnsley. The Royals’ women’s team, meanwhile, were playing in the Women’s Super League in 2022-23 – but had to pull out of the Championship in June amid the monetary woes and now compete in the fifth tier. ‘SOLD BEFORE WE DAI’D’Reading fan group Sell Before We Dai welcomed the news of the club’s sale and Yongge’s exit – and hope the arrival of Redwood Holdings Limited will bring a period of stability in Berkshire. The protest group said: “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. “It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.”In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. “The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones. “Those who remained were forced to work with tight budgets and under immense pressure. “Sometimes they weren’t even sure if they’d be paid at the end of the month.”Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”We’ve been sold before we Dai’d.”Fans have repeatedly protested against the controversial Dai YonggeCredit: Alamy More