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    Watch bizarre moment loose DOG is chased off pitch moments before kick-off in League One clash

    A DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!”Fans found the bizarre incident rather amusing and joked in response.One said: “Give him a stadium ban.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Football is a game for all, nice to see the dogs getting involved too.”Unfortunately for Rovers the dog did not bring about a change of fortune as they extended their winless run at home to five matches.Orient raced into an early lead as Ethan Galbraith struck into the bottom corner from outside the box.Rovers equalised from the penalty spot before two more goals either side of the break put the visitors in control.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChris Martin pulled one back and the hosts thought they had an equaliser in bizarre circumstances as the ball twice bounced off the bar before being bundled in by Gatlin O’Donkor – only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.Rovers are now just one place and two points above the relegation zone, with the Os closing on the play-offs after winning six of their last seven league games.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXED More

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    League One clash postponed 22 minutes before kick-off with thousands of fans inside stadium

    CRAWLEY TOWN’S clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponed due a waterlogged pitch.The League One game was due to start at 3pm but poor weather has seen it called off just 22 minutes before kick-off.Crawley’s clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponedAfter a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitchManagers Nathan Jones and Rob Elliot were briefed just before kick-offThe New Years Day match failed it’s second pitch inspection at 2:15pm.Crawley Town’s X account wrote: “Unfortunately, this afternoon’s match against Charlton has been postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch at the Broadfield Stadium. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be back in touch with more communication regarding tickets in due course.”Local reporter Louis Mendez first posted: “The game is off.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReferee Sunny Singh Gill deemed the surface unplayable following a late call this afternoon.Players were warming up as the officials briefed both managers.A new date for the game will be announced once confirmed.Supporters’ tickets will remain valid for the rearranged match.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitch. Groundsman Ben Harwood and his staff worked hard to clear water from the turf as the game was a sell-out.But fans fumed at the late call to abandon the match.Matt O’Riley limps off just minutes into Brighton debut after horror Crawley tackleOne wrote: “What a joke? Could have been decided earlier 😡.”A second said: “That is shocking from the referee what about the fans who have travelled?”Another added: “Disgusting to do it now!”One more replied: “Absolute joke. Gutted for our fans wasting their New Year’s Day.”Crawley beat the Addicks at the Valley 2-1 at the beginning of December but both club’s fortune’s have changed since that night.READ MORE SUN STORIESRob Elliot’s side have got one point from four matches while Charlton have won three and drawn two since.The Addicks, led by former Southampton boss Nathan Jones, are currently ninth in the League One table while Crawley are still in 21st. More

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    I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

    THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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