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      EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own goal

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      EFL fans joked Carlisle deserved “automatic relegation” for a hilarious own goal.The Cumbrians hosted Cambridge at Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon.
      A Cambridge cross from the right looked to be simple to deal withCredit: EFL
      Goalkeeper Harry Lewis dropped the ball against the head of Samuel LavelleCredit: EFL
      But it was a nightmare for League One’s bottom side as they were thumped 4-0 at home.
      And they did not help themselves as the goalkeeper and defender combined for their baffling blunder.
      Already trailing, Carlisle fell 2-0 down on 69 minutes.
      Cambridge whipped in a cross from the right – but it looked like there was no danger as it bounced inside the six-yard box towards ‘keeper Harry Lewis.
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      Lewis, though, inexplicably let the ball slip through his fingers and it inadvertently cannoned off the head of nearby centre-half Samuel Lavelle.
      And Lavelle, Lewis nor covering defender Ben Barclay were able to do anything as the ball bounced slowly over the line and into the back of the net for a bizarre own goal.
      The accidental goalscorer and his goalkeeper looked at each other perplexed as Cambridge celebrated somewhat sheepishly.
      And supporters piled in with brilliant reactions online.
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      One said: “Sorry Carlisle but this should mean automatic relegation.”
      Another wrote: “That is Sunday league.”
      Peter Crouch and Joe Cole in stitches on live TV at reporter’s cheeky question
      A third added: “I’d be embarrassed by that in our kickabouts on a Tuesday lunchtime.”
      A fourth commented: “I appreciate that, when you’re going down, nothing goes right, but this is just a dumb, dumb goal conceded by Carlisle.”
      And a final user simply blasted: “Unacceptable.”
      The afternoon only went from bad to worse for Carlisle as Elias Kachunga and Ryan Bennett completed the rout and secured what could be three crucial points in their fight to avoid relegation.
      Carlisle, however, have now lost seven in a row and remain 24th on 20 points, 13 from safety with 14 games remaining. More

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      EFL club’s stadium looks unrecognisable in bold futuristic plans to have UK’s first all-electric ground

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      OXFORD UNITED have outlined plans to build the “most-sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country”.The U’s are contracted to play at their current Kassam Stadium home until 2026.
      Oxford United have unveiled their new stadium plansCredit: Oxford United football club
      The League One side plan for their new ground to be the first all-electric stadium in the countryCredit: Oxford United football club
      Rather than extending their agreement, they are looking to build a new ground at The Triangle in Kidlington.
      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.
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      On the new project, Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said: “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.”
      Oxford recently signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
      The Framework aims to help tackle the climate crisis.
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      On the thinking behind Oxford’s green new stadium, Clarke added: “The stadium design has sustainability and visitor experience at its core.
      “We’ve maximised modern technology, design and progressive thinking to create the benchmark for future design of stadiums with the protection of our planet in firm focus.
      Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
      “By avoiding natural gas usage on site and by using highly efficient equipment to serve a high-quality building, the carbon emissions associated with this unique venue will be radically reduced resulting in a very low impact home.”
      Oxford’s new facility is also set to include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant and conference centre.
      There will also be a heath & wellbeing space, gym and community plaza.
      The League One side have confirmed that they are preparing their full planning application in preparation for submission.
      Oxford’s chief executive Tim Williams said last October: “With our right to use the Kassam Stadium coming to an end in 2026 and no option to renew the lease, we must find a new home.
      “The club is committed to developing a proposal which is highly sustainable and community focused whilst providing a state-of-the-art destination for all.
      “The further detail we have released today shows how seriously we take these principles, and I am delighted to share the first glimpse of our stadium with the whole of Oxfordshire.
      “I hope everyone from Kidlington, the surrounding areas and across the county will come to the exhibition and take a look at the plans.
      “We want to hear all your feedback.”
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      Oxford want their new stadium to incorporate a tight bowl – a far cry from their current three-stand Kassam home.
      They also plan for both their men’s and women’s team to play at their stadium, which they feel will be better connected by public transport.
      Oxford’s current Kassam Stadium home only has three sidesCredit: Rex More

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      I’m in top 3% of OnlyFans stars & dubbed ‘Wrexham’s sexiest fan’… I’m treated worse than drug dealers for X-rated pics

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      WREXHAM’S sexiest fan has claimed she has been treated worse than a drug dealer by online trolls.Alaw Haf is one of the most followed content creators on adult site OnlyFans – but her popularity does not stretch across the internet.
      Alaw Haf has been dubbed Wrexham’s sexiest fanCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      She is in the top three per cent of OnlyFans creatorsCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      Alaw has been trolled online for her lifestyle choiceCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      But she said she is always treated well at Wrexham matchesCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      The Wrexham supporter is reportedly in the top three per cent of OnlyFans stars, with fans flocking to her page in search of racy content.
      Alaw, 25, is happy to show off and is understood to have made as much as £5000 some months.
      But her lifestyle has been met with a fair share of backlash as Alaw revealed he has been targeted with abuse.
      Alaw told the Fearless In Devotion podcast: “I don’t know why people get so bothered about it [saucy content]. I’m not affecting anyone’s lives apart from me.
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      “It’s an honest living. Drug dealers don’t pay tax, I do but I’m seen as worse sometimes than them. That’s what it used to feel like but now I don’t get as much stick.”
      However Alaw has received no such treatment at Wrexham games and instead praised the warm welcome she has received at the Racecourse Ground.
      She continued: “Do you know what, it has been so nice because anytime I go [to the Racecourse Ground], people just look after you. Everyone takes care of me whenever I’ve gone.
      “Obviously what I do for a living is controversial and I did expect to get a lot of stick and hate, but so far everyone’s been really nice.
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      “There has been no seediness or anything like that, just genuinely people being nice, and I’ve loved it.”
      Wrexham announce two Transfer Deadline Day signings within 15 minutes as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney splash cash
      Alaw is also an avid Wales fanCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      She boasts more than 100,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram / @alawpx
      Alaw has raked in up to £5000 a month thanks to her racy contentCredit: Instagram / @alawpx More

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      My dad is a Premier League cult hero.. now I’m following in his footsteps playing for club who adored him

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      A MALIAN international who starred in the Premier League is now watching on proudly as his son follows in his footsteps at his former club.Former midfielder Mamady Sidibe, 44, was a huge favourite at Stoke City after previously playing for Swansea City and Gillingham.
      Mamady Sidibe was a huge fan favourite at Stoke City under Tony PulisCredit: PA:Press Association
      Now his son Sol is playing for the Potters after graduating from their academyCredit: Getty
      After being signed in 2005, he went on to become a key player for the Potters under Tony Pulis.
      Sidibe, who was capped 14 times for his country, appeared to love life at Stoke and settled down roots there for the long-term during his eight years at the club.
      He played over 250 times, scoring 24 goals, in the league and celebrated promotion to the Premier League with them in 2008.
      After loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Tranmere Rovers, he left Stoke in 2013 for a brief spell in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia.
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      The following year he retired from football and along with Bineta, his wife, he opened a patisserie in the Potteries Shopping Centre near to Stoke.
      But these days there is another Sidibe making a name for themselves at his father’s former stomping ground.
      Mamady’s son Sol penned a long-term deal with Stoke last summer after turning pro and impressing on the pre-season training camp in Costa Blanca.
      He was born in 2007, right when his dad was helping the club to promotion from the Championship, and joined their academy at the age of eight.
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      And his progress was rewarded at the start of the season when the ace, who turned 17 on Saturday, signed his three-year contract.
      Speaking at the time, Sol said: “It is a really proud moment for me and my family.
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      “I know this is a football club where you can earn the opportunities to progress.
      “I have enjoyed – and been grateful for – the chance to play for the Under-21s and be in the first team environment in recent times.
      “My immediate focus is on training hard and preparing myself for the new season but, of course, my long-held ambition is to represent the first team and that is what I will be giving my all to achieve.”
      Despite his young age, Sol has gone on to achieve that dream already this season.
      He came off the bench during Stoke’s 4-1 victory over Rotherham on the opening day of the Championship season to make his senior debut.
      And he has gone on to make six further appearances for the club, including outings in both the League Cup and FA Cup.
      However, it is not only at club level that he is catching the eye.
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      Despite his African heritage, Sol has already represented England on the international stage.
      He made his debut for the U17s in a 3-2 defeat to Portugal in September and has gone on to add another cap to his collection since.
      Sol made his senior debut this season and has appeared a further six timesCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney donate £10,000 to fan, 4, with rare condition in touching gesture

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      RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have made an incredibly touching gesture to help a young supporter battle a rare genetic condition.The Hollywood actors have become big hits with English football fans since they bought Wrexham in November 2020.
      Wrexham’s Hollywood owners have made a huge contribution to help a young fanCredit: Getty
      They have since led Wrexham to National League promotion and they are currently riding high in League Two following their return to the EFL.
      One of those who has been cheering the Welsh side during their remarkable rise under the American duo is four-year-old Louis.
      He has been a regular at the Racecourse Ground but his family have now launched an appeal for help.
      They are looking to raise £40,000 in order to adapt their home to help the youngster, who also has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, with his TUBA1A condition, that severely limits his mobility.
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      Now Reynolds and McElhenney have made a huge contribution to ensuring that Louis gets what he needs by making a £10,000 donation on his JustGiving page.
      The pair sent the money on Friday as a message from “Ryan & Rob” read: “Up the town, young man.”
      Wrexham Police FC had brought the appeal to the attention of the chiefs.
      They are running a fundraiser for Louis which includes a charity match against the North Wales Dragons on March 23.
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      Reynolds messaged them and said: “It’s our third anniversary of becoming stewards of the club. Today! Thanks for all your help bringing attention to great causes around town. Happy Anniversary!”
      The huge sum donated by Reynolds and McElhenney has now moved the fund over the £17k mark.
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      Louis’ family, who hope to build a wheelchair-accessible bedroom on the ground floor, as well as a wet room for his care, said in their appeal: “Currently the need for constant support in the home has a detrimental effect on Louis’s happiness.
      “He is frustrated by his dependence on others.
      “He cannot access his bedroom, move around, and play like his brother and friends. By helping fund adaptations, you are helping Louis stay in a safe and happy home with our family.” More

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      Huge EFL clash CALLED OFF after 9 mins over fears for players as weather wreaks havoc after away fans travelled 400miles

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      BOLTON’S clash at Cambridge was postponed after just NINE MINUTES due to the weather.The promotion chasers and their supporters had made the 400 mile round-trip south in the grim and wet conditions for tonight’s League One clash.
      Cambridge’s clash with Bolton was called off after just nine minutesCredit: Rex
      Heavy downpours made the pitch unplayable despite work from ground staffCredit: Rex
      Ground staff had been working on the pitch right up until kick-off as they shovelled dry soil to an area pointed out by the concerned ref.
      He had also inspected the same spot just before starting the game with the rain lashing down.
      However, inside the opening five minutes there was standing water beginning to pop up in several places on the playing surface.
      Then, in the ninth minute, the ref whistled to stop the game and after a short consultation with both dug-outs, the teams headed down the tunnel.
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      But the heavy water on the surface forced the referee to stop play after just nine minutes.
      The game started as scheduled at 7.45pm but it did not take long for the effects of today’s heavy downpours to show.
      Bolton’s social media account then reported that the referee ran to speak with both Cambridge boss Neil Harris and Bolton’s Ian Evatt.
      The official then “called the players into the tunnel with the pitch deteriorating in the rain”.
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      That was then followed by a further update that read: “There will be a ten minute wait to assess the pitch.
      “The ground staff are attempting to clear the standing water off the surface.
      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
      “We will provide more information when we have it.”
      Then came the news that the game had been officially abandoned due to the waterlogged pitch.
      Fans were left furious earlier when Burton Albion’s clash with Cheltenham Town was postponed less than 90 minutes before kick-off.
      And that was followed by the news that the League Two game between Walsall and Morecambe was also off due to a waterlogged pitch. More

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      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip

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      BURTON ALBION’S clash with Cheltenham Town has been called off less than 90 minutes before kick-off.And furious supporters were left raging at the decision after some had made the 90 mile trip for the League One showdown.
      Burton’s game with Cheltenham Town at the Pirelli Stadium has been postponedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Cheltenham’s social media account broke the news just 90 minutes before kick offCredit: X

      An afternoon downpour left the pitch at the Pirelli Stadium waterlogged and unplayable – which was also the case at nearby Walsall as their home game to Morecambe fell victim to the wet weather.
      But it was visitors Cheltenham who actually announced the news on social media before their hosts.
      A statement from them read: “After consistent heavy rainfall in the area this afternoon, the surface at the Pirelli Stadium has been deemed unplayable.
      “A pitch inspection was carried out by the match officials on arrival shortly before 6:00PM this evening and the decision was made to postpone the match.
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      “Information regarding tickets and the rearrangement of the fixture will be announced in due course.”
      However, those that had already begun the four-mile round-up were absolutely raging after “no communication” from Burton regarding the pitch inspection.

      One slammed it is “absolutely disgraceful” as another declared it was a “f***ing shambles from Burton”.
      “Feel for you guys that were travelling,” said one home fan before adding: “I wouldn’t be happy if it was the other way round.”
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      While a fourth replied the Cheltenham’s post with: “Announced before the home side. Burton are a joke.”
      Remarkably, it is the THIRD time that the fixture has been postponed between the two clubs this term.
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      The match was a vital one for both clubs in their respective battle to beat the drop.
      Gary Mills’ Burton are currently 18th in the third tier, four points above the drop zone.
      Third-bottom Cheltenham, managed by Darrell Clarke, are seven points away from safety. More

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      Inside Charlton turmoil as Nathan Jones is latest manager drafted in to try and restore crisis club to former glory

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      NATHAN JONES takes over today at Charlton – but what the hell is going on with that club right now?They enjoy one of the most fiercely-loyal fan-bases in the country, have a stadium fit for the Premier League and a club that is respected throughout the game for its history as well as family and community values.
      Nathan Jones has been handed the task of steering Charlton away from the relegation zoneCredit: PA
      But the Addicks being involved in a RELEGATION scrap to avoid dropping into League Two is a complete disgrace for a club that size.
      Their 1-0 loss to Derby at The Valley on Sunday means they have now gone 14 games without a win and, alarmingly, are just three points above the drop zone.
      Welshman Jones is worthy of a Championship job after the superb work he did twice with Luton.
      But the lure of managing a club the size of the South Londoners proved too good to turn down.
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      Yet on the pitch they have been sleepwalking and if they are not careful during the next few months could crash into the bottom tier of the EFL.
      And if that happened it would be a complete travesty. They shouldn’t even be as low as League One, never mind League Two.
      This is their SEVENTEENTH season outside the Premier League.
      Fans were so happy when controversial Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet sold the club just over four years ago but they have only stagnated. They have had so many false dawns.
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      There was the reign under ex-owner Tahnoon Nimer and former chairman Matt Southall that turned into a civil war between the pair – with the latter renting an expensive River Thames apartment and driving fancy Range Rovers, all at the club’s expense.
      Then there was Thomas Sandgaard, the US-based Danish businessman and part-time rock ’n roll guitarist, who came in promising to take the club back into the Premier League.
      My flat looks into a former Premier League football stadium – you don’t need a ticket but have to put up with big issue
      He passionately meant what he said – but soon found out that owning an English football club is not as easy as you think.
      Sandgaard is a good man and without his takeover the club would have certainly gone into administration.
      I spent a fair amount of time with him. There was no doubt he was sincere and believed he could fire up Charlton.
      Yet he had the misfortune to lose boss and club legend Lee Bowyer to Birmingham early into his stint.
      But Nigel Adkins’ appointment seemed sensible. After all, this was a man who had taken Southampton from League One to the Premier League. He had the CV.
      However, the game doesn’t always work out the way you want it. Adkins struggled to get the team motoring, the fans didn’t like his style of football and Sandgaard wielded the axe.
      However, his decision to not stick with club legend and Bowyer’s former assistant Johnnie Jackson was a mistake. He had scrambled the team that were teetering on the brink of League Two safely clear of trouble and deserved a chance.
      Jackson knew the club inside out and what it took to get back into the Championship, having been Bowyer’s No2. 
      But Ben Garner’s appointment was naïve. I couldn’t understand how a big club like Charlton were bringing in a coach who couldn’t even get former Premier League side Swindon promoted out of League Two. So what made anyone think he could get Charlton up from League One?
      I’m not saying Garner won’t go on to become a half-decent manager – but he lacked a CV suitable for a club of Addicks’ size and standing. It was a job that came too early for him.
      His final appointment was Dean Holden, who ended up getting sacked by the new owners SE7 Partners.
      Michael Appleton came and went and Charlton are back to square one.
      A manager I know who would have been a perfect fit for Charlton was telling me he turned the job down when Appleton got it because the whole ownership structure was complicated. He felt there were too many voices above and that put him off.
      But right now there are a lot of despair coming from the Valley terraces and it’s time for people to start delivering for Charlton Athletic to get the club back on the up.
      Step forward Nathan Jones. No pressure.
      Racism at Hawthorns
      IT’S sickening to see that racism reared its ugly head this weekend in the EFL.
      Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna claims he was subject to abuse at West Brom – the second time he has reported such an incident.
      While AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel says he also received racist abuse at Bradford.
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants teams who fans are guilty of racist abuse to forfeit the match in a bid to deter such behaviour.
      My only concern is that when you’re dealing with racist morons like this, do they actually care? If they are vile enough to spout such disgusting things, are they capable of comprehending the consequences of their actions on the majority of well-behaved fans?
      They are scum and a big blotch on our game. 
      Juninho Bacuna pointed out a fan who allegedly racially abused himCredit: Reuters
      Cooking up a storm
      DAVID WAGNER’S Norwich press conference was interrupted by some rowdy people at the back of the room at Carrow Road.
      When his media officer appealed for them to quieten down they were left red faced when it emerged that the two individuals were none other than Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones.
      The co-owners apologised before heading off to enjoy the rest of their evening.
      Reds Wine
      NEWPORT boss Graham Coughlan finally got his hands on the booze he loves – rather than the expensive bottle of red Erik Ten Hag presented him last week.
      The Manchester United boss kindly handed over some plonk picked out by Sir Alex Ferguson after the FA Cup tie at Rodney Parade.
      But there was one problem: Coughlan hates red wine.
      And after revealing he only drinks Budweiser, the American beer giants spotted a great PR opportunity and delivered a load of the amber stuff to the Irishman.
      But the Bud execs didn’t stop there… they sent out their trucks onto the streets of Newport to dish out beers at half price to fans ahead of their League Two clash with Swindon. 
      So there were plenty of sore heads in the Welsh city yesterday morning.
      The Man Utd manager handed him a £230 bottle of 2013 Antinori TignanelloCredit: Getty
      On the box
      ROLL on next season when the new EFL broadcasting deal with Sky Sports kicks in … because right now League One and Two fans are being short changed.
      Sky have been the league’s preferred broadcasting partner for many years and have just signed a lucrative new five-season deal.
      The income generated from this is vital to all 72 clubs… but what has been missing is more exposure of League One and Two spread across the season.
      This month and next, there is not a single game being televised from the bottom two rungs of the EFL.
      Look at some of the clubs that play in the third tier – there are EIGHT former Premier League clubs in that division alone.
      You’ve got the likes of Portsmouth, Bolton, Derby and Charlton just for starters.
      They have even snubbed what is a League One blockbuster when the top two, Pompey and Peterborough, clash on March 26.
      And on the same day, promotion chasers Bolton and Derby also go toe-to-toe. Those two games are no-brainers to be televised.
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      From next season, though, Sky Sports will be broadcasting a minimum of 248 League One and 248 League Two games across the next five years – and the Championship will have 328 games televised. 
      And for EFL fans the start of that deal cannot come soon enough.  More