EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch former Premier League star, 39, score dramatic winner with first goal for relegation-threatened League One club

      by

      FORMER Premier League star Curtis Davies scored his first goal for Cheltenham Town on Tuesday to keep the club’s survival hopes alive.The Robins came from behind to defeat Burton at the Pirelli Stadium thanks to goals from Davies and Matt Taylor.Curtis Davies scored his first goal for Cheltenham on TuesdayCredit: X / @CheltTweetsDavies joined Cheltenham last summerCredit: GettyCheltenham striker Taylor cancelled out Steve Seddon’s opening goal just after half time.But ex-Aston Villa star Davies sealed the win with less than 20 minutes to play.The centre-back made his presence known in the 71st minute by deflecting Will Ferry’s corner into the net with his head.After wheeling away in celebration, he was surrounded by his team-mates directly in front of the travelling fans.Read More on FootballThe Robins went on to win 2-1, keeping their hopes of League One survival alive.Cheltenham currently sit 21st in the table, two points adrift of safety with a game in hand.Speaking after Tuesday’s match, manager Darrell Clarke said: “Saturday, Tuesday, then away at Stevenage, we have to keep fighting.”The boys deserve the support right to the end and we’re thankful of their support tonight. They were fantastic!”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoalscorer Davies joined the club last summer following a six-year spell with Derby County.The 39-year-old has also played for Luton Town, West Brom, Aston Villa, Leicester City, Birmingham and Hull City.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe made 173 appearances during his time in the Premier League, scoring seven goals. More

    • 263 Shares78 Views

      in Soccer

      Carnage as rowdy Portsmouth team are kicked out of pub after it is trashed and star strips naked in boozy celebrations

      by

      PORTSMOUTH players were thrown out of a pub after their promotion celebrations got out of hand.Pompey secured promotion and the League One title after coming from behind to beat Barnsley 3-2 on Tuesday.Rafferty pulled down his trousers to show off his backsideO’Neill’s was left in a mess after Pompey players and fans departedA fire alarm eventually vacated the premisesGoalkeeper Will Norris cheekily popped up behind the barFans poured onto the pitch in celebration as players, friends and family later continued the festivities at a local O’Neill’s pub.Supporters were invited to celebrate promotion alongside the players, with booze and a sing-song in full flow.The chaotic scenes saw captain Marlon Pack’s promotion speech was rudely interrupted by the bare backside of team-mate Joe Rafferty.While goalkeeper Will Norris popped up behind the bar to dish out drinks to thirsty Portsmouth fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPack then led a sing-a-long of Oasis’ Wonderwall before fans continued singing outside once the pub’s fire alarm went off.The patrons left behind a scene of destruction inside as chairs and tables were scattered around the beer-soaked floor.One fan shared a video of the chaos which he captioned: “O’Neill’s has fallen.”Another fan replied: “Think the club are gonna receive an invoice for O’Neill’s btw. Gaff was absolutely trashed last night.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSome Pompey fans also lost control on the pitch at the end of the game as Barnsley players came under attack.A Tykes star ran off the pitch holding his head as several fans sprinted past.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away The supporters appeared to collide with the player before he was pushed out of the way.Portsmouth’s late win confirmed their return to the Championship for the first time in 12 years.They have led League One all season long and claimed the title ahead of promotion hopefuls Derby and Bolton.A Barnsley player appeared to be attacked by Portsmouth fansSupporters invaded the pitch at Fratton Park after Pompey’s promotion from League One More

    • 238 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL fans say ‘genuinely makes me ill’ after spotting how Bolton star tried to score from two yards out

      by

      BOLTON fans were left distraught after Nathanael Ogbeta came up with a bizarre miss from two yards out.Shrewsbury visited Bolton on Tuesday and pulled off a shock result which put a massive dent in their opponent’s promotion challenge.Nathaneal Ogbeta was slammed by fans after missing from two yards outCredit: GettyThe midfielder tried to turn the ball in with his chestCredit: RexHis effort was cleared off the line by a defenderCredit: RexBolton needed to win to close the gap to second place Derby but could only draw 2-2 after twice falling behind.But they could have got the three points they needed if Ogbeta had turned the ball home with the goal gaping.The chance came after striker Aaron Collins saw his shot saved by Shrews goalkeeper Marko Marosi.The ball bounced up and as it fell Ogbeta weirdly decided to try and chest the ball in instead of heading it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he did not make a strong enough connection so a Shrewsbury defender was able to clear off the line.Bolton did get their equaliser a few minutes later but it was not meant to be for Ian Evatt’s side, as fans fumed with Ogbeta after his miss.One wrote: “Genuinely makes me ill.”Another added: “Why aren’t you just thunder-c***ing it in from there.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Coward he should be heading that in.”And another commented: “That’s disgusting.”The draw leaves Bolton three points off Derby with just two matches left to play.Meanwhile Portsmouth secured promotion and the League One title following their comeback victory over Barnsley.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away More

    • 238 Shares55 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Get a grip’, fumes Gary Lineker as he sends rallying cry to beloved Leicester in race for Championship promotion

      by

      PASSIONATE Leicester fan Gary Lineker urged his boyhood club to “get a grip” as they continue to falter in their race for promotion.The Foxes were on course to break Reading’s Championship record points tally of 108 just a couple of months ago as they looked set to canter to an immediate return to the Premier League.Leicester have gone on a torrid run in their quest for Championship promotionCredit: GettyGary Lineker urged his former club to ‘get a grip’ as they chase a return to the Premier LeagueCredit: YouTube @The Rest Is FootballBut a run of just three wins in ten league games has seen them dragged into a dogfight with Ipswich and Leeds, while Southampton also still hold an outside chance of an automatic spot.Leicester’s 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Plymouth on Friday occurred just 72 hours after they also came away with nothing from a trip to Millwall.But Leeds failed to capitalise as they lost 1-0 at home to Blackburn, before Ipswich could only muster a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.All that means Leicester sit second, one point behind Ipswich with a game in hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeeds are level on points with Enzo Maresca’s men having played one game more, while Southampton are a further six points adrift but with two games in hand on both Ipswich and Leeds.The inconsistent form of the promotion-chasing teams has enraged Leicester fan Lineker – who is keen to see the 2016 Premier League winners return to the top flight.And he took to his podcast The Rest Is Football to voice his frustrations.He said: “Nobody wants to go up. Nobody wants to win a game. Nobody wants to score a bloody goal.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As for Leicester, how are they getting away with it at the moment?”They lost on Friday night, then Leeds managed to lose at home, then Ipswich didn’t manage to win at home.”Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winnersLineker, who won the Second Division with Leicester in 1980, also addressed the boos from some travelling Foxes fans following their defeat to Plymouth.He added: “It was an away game. The last few games have been away and maybe it is the fans who have travelled.”If you have gone to Millwall and then gone all the way down to Plymouth, which is a long way, and your team hasn’t scored a goal or performed at all, then I am sure there will be a few rumbles.”I mean, I have got lots of Leicester fans who are friends and family, including three of my lads, and we are all bloody grumbling.”But, we also know the results have been so favourable, even after they have lost it is still in Leicester’s hands to go up.”They have got three of their last four games at home, but come on lads. Get a grip. Get a grip! Make it happen. Don’t just hope it happens. Get out there, make it happen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Stop trembling, stop being nervous. Get out there, score some goals, have some fun, play some football, entertain the crowd, win the bloody title and get back in the Premier League. There you go, there is my team talk.”Leicester’s final four games of the season see them host West Brom and Southampton, before they travel to Preston and finish with a home clash against Blackburn. More

    • 225 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham warned they face ‘huge problems’ if Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney walk away… days after winning promotion

      by

      WREXHAM have been warned they will face “huge financial problems” if owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney decide to walk away from the club.The Welsh outfit celebrated a second consecutive promotion on Saturday as they clinched a place in League One next season following a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over at Wrexham in 2021Credit: GettyThe club secured a second successive promotion at the weekendCredit: GettyIt ends the club’s 19-year wait for a return to the third tier.But football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson has urged caution regarding the long-term sustainability of Wrexham’s success.Hollywood A-listers Reynolds and McElhenney, both 47, have pumped huge sums into the club.They have also attracted more commercial deals and raised revenue through their documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair seem committed for the foreseeable future after another historic occasion at the weekend.However, Dr Wilson has concerns over what will happen to Wrexham should their celebrity owners pull the plug.He told BonusCodeBets: “Wrexham would face huge financial problems if their Hollywood owners walk away, that’s why Profitability and Sustainability Rules are so necessary.”There was a time when Roman Abramovich owned Chelsea that he could have walked away and even if he didn’t want his money back they wouldn’t have been able to pay their player wages due to insufficient revenue.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You would imagine that Wrexham have learnt some of those lessons, but equally if the owners were to walk away it would plunge Wrexham into kind of deep, deep challenges.”That’s why owner investment can be quite problematic if it’s ever removed.”Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantDr Wilson then went on to cite building a bigger stadium as an obvious way of increasing their revenue for the long-term.He added: “A new stadium will be a necessity for Wrexham the higher they climb up the Football League, even though they have just increased their capacity over 15,000.”But you don’t go from a 15,000-seater stadium to a 40,000-seater stadium overnight.”It costs a huge amount of money and requires a massive amount of financing, notwithstanding all of the permissions that you need in and around the area to to develop.”It would be fascinating to know from the owners where their ceiling is actually, because it does reach a point of no return from small finance that you can get a bigger return on your investment to stuff you’re not going to get your money back on.”Reynolds posted an emotional statement on social media following Wrexham’s second promotion in as many years.He said: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”He claimed back in 2023 that the ultimate ambition is to get the club into the Premier League.Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations followed their promotion to League OneCredit: X @Wrexham_AFC More

    • 225 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham set for huge ‘scramble’ for Arsenal star as they target first transfer since promotion to League One

      by

      WREXHAM are eyeing up a first transfer since returning to League One, according to reports.The Welsh club clinched successive promotions on Saturday following a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Arthur Okonkwo has impressed for Wrexham during his loan spell this seasonCredit: AlamyHe has started 34 of Wrexham’s 44 league matchesIt means they will spend next season in the third tier for the first time since 2005.And they are now understood to be considering a permanent move for keeper Arthur Okonkwo – who has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Wrexham from Arsenal.He has been Phil Parkinson’s first-choice shot-stopper this season, starting 34 of their 44 matches in League Two.Okonkwo, named in the League Two Team of the Season, is set to return to Arsenal in a fortnight following the end of Wrexham’s domestic campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, according to Sport Bible, the Gunners have not offered a new deal to the man who played for them in a pre-season friendly against Hibernian in 2021.His existing contract expires at the end of May.And an exit from the Emirates, that would bring to an end a 15-year stay with Arsenal, is expected to spark a “scramble for his signature”.But Wrexham’s desire to sign Okonkwo, 22, will depend on his wage demands.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Welsh outfit, owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have covered less than half of his wages this season, with Arsenal continuing to pay the majority of his salary.But Wrexham will be keen to bring players in on permanent deals as a number of current players are preparing to see their contracts run down.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantAaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Ben Tozer, Callum McFadzean, Rob Lainton and Matk Howard are all set to become free agents in the summer if they do not pen extensions.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could splash the cash this summerCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds star Crysencio Summerville ‘lined up for dream Euro transfer playing under legendary boss in Champions League’

      by

      NEWLY-CROWNED Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are tipped to join Premier League giants chasing Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville.The Dutchman has amassed amazing Championship stats of 18 goals and nine assists as Daniel Farke’s men press for an instant return to the Prem.Crysencio Summerville is being linked with a string of top clubsCredit: AlamyLeverkusen’s title-winning coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly keenCredit: GettyAnd Bild’s transfer expert Christian Falk believes the 22-year-old is already on the wish-list of Leverkusen’s Treble-seeking boss Xabi Alonso.Caen wonderkid Tidian Gomis is another candidate to freshen up the Germans’ squad.Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have already been linked with Summerville in recent weeks.West Ham and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the Under-21 international.READ MORE EFL NEWSNot surprisingly, it’s claimed Leeds would want more than £40million for a star player who still has two years left on his contract.HITC reckon that at least eight leading clubs are on his trail.But despite playing the whole match, Summerville was unable to prevent Leeds’ surprise 1-0 home defeat against Blackburn on Saturday.Victory would have put the Elland Road side top of the Championship.Most read in EFLInstead they stay third, one point behind Leicester and two off Ipswich.Summerville began his career at Feyenoord from 2018-2020.As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonHowever, he spent a season apiece on loan at Dutch second-tier teams FC Dordrecht and Den Haag.He then joined Leeds in a three-year deal in September 2020 but had to wait 12 months for his Prem debut.But promising progress after that meant he was rewarded with an extended deal in August 2022 until 2026.Now Summerville is poised to be offered another shot at the Prem, be it with or without Leeds.And he could have options abroad too, now that Leverkusen’s reported interest has emerged.Alonso, right, and Leverkusen sports director Simon Rolfes salute fansCredit: GettyLeverkusen star Patrik Schick is engulfed by joyous supportersCredit: GettyAlonso and his players celebrate Bundesliga glory after Sunday’s 5-0 defeat of Werder Bremen dethroned Bayern Munich after 12 yearsCredit: APHow Xabi Alonso transformed Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen are the story of European football this season after being transformed by Xabi Alonso. CHARLIE WYETT looks at this stunning turnaround at the BayArena.

      FROM RELEGATION BATTLERS TO CHAMPIONS-IN-WAITING, IS THIS ALL DOWN TO ALONSO?In a nutshell, yes. He was appointed on October 5, 2022 when Leverkusen were second from bottom in the Bundesliga with five points from their opening eight games but incredibly, they ended up finishing sixth.Now, they are 16 points clear of Bayern with six games left.WHAT ARE HIS TACTICS?A hallmark of Alonso teams is a commitment to a fast-paced approach. With the ball, he likes to dominate possession and play in compact triangles but, a bit like Jurgen Klopp, he likes to get the ball up early into the final third.This season, 3-4-2-1 has become his preferred formation, with three centre-backs, wing-backs, a double-pivot in midfield and three forward players.WHAT ABOUT HIS TRANSFER BUSINESS?All eyes in Germany last summer were on Harry Kane’s arrival at Bayern Munich but Leverkusen delivered some clever work in the transfer market.They lost last season’s 14-goal top scorer Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa for £43million but spent the money wisely.Granit Xhaka arrived from Arsenal and is known as The King. Germany winger Jonas Hofmann joined for just £8.5m and left-back Alejandro Grimaldo was snapped up from Benfica on a free tranfer.Victor Boniface, top scorer in last season’s Europa League with six goals, signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for just £17.2m.SO WHAT ARE LEVERKUSEN’S STRENGTHS?They have been scintillating up front. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, 20, has been outstanding, along with Xhaka, centre-back Jonathan Tah and joint top-scorer at Euro 2020 Patrik Schick.Nigerian Boniface was a huge success until his injury at the Africa Cup of Nations but he has just returned.WHAT WAS THE REACTION WHEN ALONSO CONFIRMED HE WOULD STAY FOR NEXT SEASON?As you would expect, the club’s fans — fearing their manager was off to Liverpool or Bayern Munich — were absolutely delighted. But inside the club there was not much surprise.Sporting director Simon Rolfes enjoys a great relationship with Alonso, who earns £5m-a-year.DID HE EXPECT TO DOTHIS WELL?In his first press conference of the season, Alonso was asked whether he was aiming for the Bundesliga title. He surprised the journalists by saying: “August is not the time to speak about medals but let’s see in May . . . ”WHO WILL THEY SELL NEXT?The club have a remarkable record of nurturing and selling top talent, including Kai Havertz (Chelsea) and Son Heung-min (Tottenham).Now, it looks as though Wirtz could be next, although he would cost over £100m. Arsenal full-back target Jeremie Frimpong, 23, has a £34m release clause. More

    • 188 Shares54 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Jacob Murphy’s identical twin brother Josh in six-way transfer battle after wowing scouts

      by

      JOSH MURPHY’S red-hot form has attracted interest from five Championship clubs and the MLS.The twin brother of Newcastle ace Jacob scored and set up two in Oxford United’s 5-0 thumping of Peterborough on Saturday – and is available on a free transfer this summer.Oxford’s wanted wideman Josh Murphy celebrates scoring vs PoshCredit: RexBrothers Josh and Jacob began their careers together at NorwichCredit: Rex FeaturesScouts from Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland and Hull along with Minnesota were present at the Kassam Stadium, with the 29-year-old out of contract at the end of the season.The winger has netted six times in his last 12 League One matches to fire Oxford into the play-off spots.U’s boss Des Buckingham said: “He’s a wonderful player. I’m delighted to see how happy he is enjoying his football.”But unless Oxford win promotion to the Championship, they are braced for talisman Murphy to move on in the summer.Buckingham added:”He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.”Murphy once cost an £11million transfer fee when Cardiff paid Norwich that sum of money in 2018.He arrived at Oxford on a two-year deal in July 2022.And his scintillating form is a major reason they are so well-placed to win a play-off place.Most read in EFLThe U’s sit sixth, having a three-point advantage and a game in hand on Blackpool just below them.Meanwhile, brother Jacob missed 19 games with a shoulder injury this season before returning for Newcastle in January.Newcastle reveal incredible new hi-tech shirt that allows deaf fans to experience atmosphere for first timeHe was an unused sub in Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of Tottenham.But he will hope to get more game time as the sixth-placed Magpies push to clinch a place in Europe for next season. More