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      Former Premier League manager who stopped Man City winning quadruple takes charge of League One side

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      CHARLTON have confirmed the appointment of former Luton and Southampton boss Nathan Jones.The Addicks announced that they’ve hired the 50-year-old on a “long-term contract”.
      Nathan Jones managed Southampton last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Charlton are already on their third manager of the season, having sacked Dean Holden and Michael Appleton.
      Upon joining the South Londoners, Jones said: “I am extremely excited by the challenge in front of me at Charlton.
      “It is a club that I have fond memories of from my time here and I want to play my part in moving the club forward.
      “I have been approached by a number of clubs to get back into management but I have been waiting for the right opportunity.
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      “From my conversations with the Board and given the long-term nature of the contract, I can see there is a real appetite to build something here which I am really looking forward to being a part of.”
      Jones managed Luton with great success across two spells between 2016 and 2022, with a short stint at Stoke in 2019.
      He guided the Hatters from League Two to the Championship before leaving for Southampton.
      The Welshman lasted just 14 games in charge of the Saints before being sacked.
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      Although he did mastermind a Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City, which ended up costing Pep Guardiola’s side the quadruple.
      On the appointment, Charlton chairman James Rodwell said: “We’re really pleased to appoint Nathan Jones.
      “He is a Manager of real pedigree who has a track record of building successful teams over a period of time.
      “We were really impressed with the quality of candidates interested in coming to Charlton. Through our initial research, the in-depth interview process and the references we took, Nathan was the clear stand out.
      “He is a great fit for Charlton given his ability to get his teams playing football on the front foot, with a passion and an intensity.
      “He is an excellent coach, who is tactically savvy and an outstanding developer of talent.
      “The ownership group has a long-term focus of bringing success to Charlton Athletic and Nathan will play a key role as we look to take this club to the next level.
      “Initially that will mean improving on our recent form and looking to finish the season as high up the League One table as possible.”
      The Addicks have endured a poor season and sit 19th in League One.
      They are just three points above the relegation zone, with 21st-placed Reading possessing a game in hand.
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      Jones worked as a development coach within Charlton’s academy during the 2012-13 season.
      His first game as boss will come in next week’s huge clash with Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. More

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      Wrexham announce two transfer Deadline Day signings within 15 minutes as Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney splash cash

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      WREXHAM made two quick-fire deadline day signings with the arrival of Jack Marriott and Luke Bolton to boost their League Two promotion push.Forward Marriott, 29, has signed an 18-month deal from Fleetwood after the Red Dragons beat off interest from Oxford United.
      Wrexham have snapped up Jack MarriottCredit: @Wrexham_AFC
      Luke Bolton joins from Salford CityCredit: @Wrexham_AFC
      Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been busy on Deadline DayCredit: Getty
      And the versatile Bolton, 24, who can play on the wing or at full-back, moves to the Racecourse Ground from Salford until the summer of 2026.
      The Hollywood-owned Welsh club with A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, are second in League Two behind Stockport.
      Ex-Derby and Peterborough striker Marriott said: “I’m really pleased to be here and happy to get the deal over the line.
      “The club’s performances, the way they play as a team is a real key factor for me signing and the trajectory that the club is going in is something that I want to be involved in and I’m absolutely delighted to be here.”
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      Manchester City academy graduate Bolton said: “I’m buzzing to be here and how the club has kicked on in League Two to be second in the table is something I want to be a part of.”
      One fan reacted positively to the deals, tweeting: “Let’s go…League One next stop for the town’s promotion train. Welcome aboard lads, two first class additions. COYR!”
      Marriott has struggled in front of goal this season with just five goals in 24 games for League One basement dwellers Fleetwood.
      But the move to North Wales could reignite his career – Marriott once scored 27 goals in a League One campaign for Posh.
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      Wrexham’s Deadline Day business may not be over either with Rotherham star Jamie Lindsay linked to the club.
      The midfielder could arrive for £300,000 and would add Championship experience to the squad.
      Wrexham are chasing promotion to League One this season and are five points off table-toppers Stockport with a game in hand. More

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      Meet five sacked managers this season who have quickly returned to the game – but will they be a success?

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      I WAS watching that hilarious episode of hit TV comedy Alan Partridge this week where he had written his autobiography Bouncing Back.It charted a so-called comeback from his disastrous broadcasting career and break-up from his wife.
      Tony Mowbray is hoping to help Birmingham recover from their failed Wayne Rooney experiment
      That got me thinking about football managers who have been sacked but bounced back.
      And this season there have been five bosses who have been shown the door – but have quickly returned into management.
      Here I take a quick look at those managers who are bouncing back.
      MICHAEL BEALE (Sunderland)
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      Michael Beale was axed by Rangers and is now under pressure at Sunderland
      IF you’re managing Rangers, and Celtic are above you in the table, you’re always standing on quicksand and he was duly slung out of Ibrox.
      But the Londoner – who walked out on QPR last season just weeks after pledging his devoted loyalty to them – took over at the Black Cats in December.
      Like Alan Partridge, his story might be quickly pulped if he loses his job at the Stadium of Light.
      Mackems fans were not impressed with the three straight defeats which was halted by Saturday’s vital 3-1 win against Stoke.
      TONY MOWBRAY (Birmingham)
      Talking of Sunderland, what the hell were they playing at in the first place by sacking Tony Mowbray?
      This affable man was doing a superb job for the Black Cats, getting them into the play-offs last season against the odds and had them punching around those spots again this time around.
      But he has landed himself into the self-inflicted chaos at St Andrew’s after they decided the Wayne Rooney project was not a good idea after all. No s**t Sherlock, John Eustace had them flying.
      Mowbray has won one and drawn the other of his two league games so far with his priority simply to just keep Birmingham up.  Groundhog Day for Blues fans.
      DARREN MOORE (Huddersfield)
      Darren Moore was axed on the eve of the season by Wednesday
      MADCAP Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri decided to get rid of the manager who inspired his team to promotion on the eve of the season.
      Darren Moore had even helped his side come back from 4-0 down against Peterborough in the play-offs semi-finals en route!
      The ex-West Brom boss took over at Huddersfield but is hardly bouncing back and is on dodgy ground, managing three wins from 23 games so far.
      MATT TAYLOR (Bristol Rovers)
      HAVING done a decent job with Exeter, he got a big Championship break by being named Paul Warne’s replacement at Rotherham last season.
      Despite keeping the Millers in the second tier, they struggled this time around and he was booted out of the New York Stadium in November with the club third bottom. 
      But he swiftly replaced gobby Joey Barton following his sacking and had an instant impact with four wins and a draw from his first six games. However, it’s been tough since and their 3-1 win over Oxford on Saturday halted a five-game losing streak.
      GRAHAM ALEXANDER (Bradford)
      THE Bantams boss has had some bad luck when it comes to losing his jobs at previous clubs.
      Scunthorpe decided to get rid of him after he led them to the brink of the Championship, they’re now in the National League North.
      Numbnut Gary Neville crazily dismissed the Burnley legend when they were unbeaten after five games and fifth in League Two … all this after taking Salford into the EFL and guiding them to an EFL Trophy final.
      And this season MK Dons wielded the axe after just 16 games – showing little patience.
      Yet he has arrived at Valley Parade and despite a decent start they have gone off the boil, failing to win in their last seven League Two games. They need to let him have a summer to sort it all out and go again next season. 
      Newport ‘builders’ work on a Sunday?
      THERE must have been some timely structural repairs going on in Rodney Road, Newport, this week.
      Some houses along the street which runs parallel to County’s Rodney Parade suddenly needed scaffolding erected.
      It’s incredible that those ‘builders’ not only were prepared to do overtime by working on a Sunday – but also stayed on site until a good couple of hours after 4:30pm.
      That’s what you call dedication. They must have great ratings on Checkatrade.
      Alfie, 10, gives Walsall team talk
      WALSALL boss Mat Sadler let 10-year-old fan Alfie Donnelly do his team-mate before their League Two game with Sutton.
      Alfie has multiple, complex heart conditions that have left him needing four lots of open heart surgery.
      The Saddlers invited the youngster to the training ground to meet and interview his favourite player Joe Riley as well as go to the Bescot Stadium to rile up the players before kick-off as well as read out the teams over the PA system.
      Boss Sadler said: “We all love Alfie. He’s always smiling and is an inspiration to us all.”
      Little Alfie Donnelly, 10, gives his Walsall heroes a team talk
      Elokobi is just what the EFL needs 
      SURELY any EFL club looking for a new manager should be on the blower to Maidstone United’s George Elokobi. 
      I suggested, tongue in cheek, that maybe even Liverpool should look at him!
      But, seriously, what he did before the FA Cup game against Ipswich at the gates of Portman Road on Saturday was incredible – giving the Maidstone fans a passionate from-the-heart motivational speech alongside the players.
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      This is exactly the sort of thing football needs. There are too many dullards working at bigger clubs who would stop this sort of raw passion being allowed to happen or seen.
      We need less of them and more of George Elokobi.  More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney face axing five Wrexham stars as EFL rules risk wreaking havoc

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      WREXHAM could be forced to sell up to five players this month due to EFL registration rules.The Red Dragons have already signed goalkeeper Luke McNicholas this month.
      Wexham could be forced to sell several players this monthCredit: Alamy
      McNicholas initially joined the club on loan from Sligo Rovers in the summer, but his deal was made permanent earlier this week.
      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney also want to bring in a centre-back and a striker.
      However, they are limited due to strict EFL regulations.
      Rules state that teams can only register 22 players at one time, with exceptions for those under the age of 21 and goalkeepers.
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      According to The Athletic, several players could leave to make way for new signings.
      Callum McFadzean and Bryce Hosannah could all be sent out on loan having already missed the squad cut earlier in the season.
      Forward Billy Waters has already been loaned out to Doncaster Rovers.
      Liam McAlinden, Luke Young and Jake Bickerstaff could also move on.
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      Wrexham currently sit second in the League Two table, two points behind Stockport.
      They face Championship side Blackburn in the FA Cup on Monday. More

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      Premier League cult hero SACKED by League One strugglers Shrewsbury after overseeing worst attack in entire EFL

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      FORMER Premier League star Matt Taylor has been sacked as Shrewsbury boss.The League One side were beaten 2-1 by Peterborough yesterday to leave them 19th in the table.
      Matt Taylor has been sacked as Shrewsbury managerCredit: Getty
      Matt Taylor played for four Prem clubs during his careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Shrewsbury have the worst attack in the EFL after scoring just 18 goals in 28 games.
      A club statement on Taylor’s sacking read: “Matt arrived at the Croud Meadow in June and has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity.
      “But following a run that has seen us lose seven of our last eight games, the club feels a change is needed to improve results and performances on the pitch.
      “Alongside Matt, assistant head coach Marcus Bignot has also left the club.
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      “Town would like to wish both Matt and Marcus the best of luck for the future.
      “We will now begin the search for a new head coach.”
      Taylor, 42, previously managed Walsall from 2021 to 2022 and Swindon as a caretaker gaffer six years ago.
      He also managed Tottenham’s Under-18s after hanging up his boots.
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      Taylor featured for Luton, Portsmouth, Bolton, West Ham, Burnley and Northampton during his playing days.
      He won promotion to the top-flight with both the Hammers and the Clarets. More

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      Son of outspoken TV pundit being blocked from playing for Reading and could be sold after just six months

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      READING could be forced to sell 20-year-old midfielder Charlie Savage this month – just six months after signing him.Savage, son of ex-Premier League star Robbie Savage, joined Reading on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer.
      Charlie Savage could be forced to leave Reading as the club look to cut costsCredit: Getty
      And despite making 28 senior appearances across all competitions so far this season, he could now be forced to move on again.
      According to The Guardian, under-fire Reading chief Dayong Pang is set to sanction the sales of several players, including Savage, in a bid to cut costs.
      Savage is currently stuck on 14 League One starts because if he makes another he will trigger a £2,000-a-month pay rise.
      The Royals have already sold Tom Holmes to Luton, with a bid for Nelson Abbey also accepted.
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      However, Abbey has reportedly declined to leave the Madejski Stadium.
      Ex-Liverpool star Ovie Ejaria had his contract terminated before Christmas, saving the club around £200,000.
      Tyler Bindon is also understood to be on the chopping block.
      Reading staff have been told to alter training plans in recent weeks as club officials look to cut costs.
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      Players trained on the one pitch with undersoil heating on Thursday, but they have been told to minimise usage.
      Manager Ruben Selles has even been asked to adjust training schedules or use the gym to save on the cost of undersoil heating.
      A number of suppliers have also lost patience with the club, with data company StatsPerform catering firm Levy pulling out.
      Reading’s League One clash with Port Vale was abandoned last week following a mass pitch invasion at the Madejski Stadium.
      Fans poured onto the pitch in the 16th minute to protest the club’s ownership.
      Owner Dai Yongge is now attempting to sell the club. More

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      Troy Deeney SACKED by Forest Green after only six games in charge following ‘babies’ rant at players

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      TROY DEENEY has been sacked by Forest Green after just SIX matches in charge.The Watford legend, and SunSport columnist, was only appointed head coach of the League Two side on December 20.
      Troy Deeney has been sacked by Forest Green RoversCredit: Rex
      The Watford legend had only been in charge of the League Two club for six gamesCredit: Rex
      Deeney, 35, made 18 appearances for Forest Green this season following his arrival as player-coach in the summer, scoring four times.
      But he has not featured since he was named boss last month, and Sun Sport exclusively revealed that his time at the New Lawn Stadium was over.
      After Sun Sport exclusively broke the news, Forest Green confirmed it with a club statement at 9:38pm.
      Dale Vince, Chairman of Forest Green Rovers said: “These are decisions nobody likes to make, but we have acted this way to give FGR the best possible chance of improving results and climbing the league table. We wish Troy all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts.”
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      Dan Connor will take charge of Forest Green for Saturday’s match at Gillingham.
      Forest Green have drawn three and lost three of his six games at the helm.
      They are bottom of the fourth tier, seven points from safety.
      The strugglers were beaten 2-0 at home to Harrogate on Saturday, leading to the ex-Birmingham City forward to lay down a few home truths to the team.
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      Deeney claimed that there were “too many babies” in his squad and stated that he would rather watch Antiques Roadshow.
      He also called defender Fankaty Dabo’s performance “awful”.
      But the passionate star would later apologise to his players for criticising them, claiming that his emotions “can get the better of him”.
      Deeney has been working tirelessly around the clock to try and transform the fortunes of the EFL’s bottom club.
      He was set to bring in John Terry as part of his staff to help him as there was only one coach at Rovers.
      And that meant that he was also unable to offer his experience on-field in his player-manager role.
      He said this week: “If I come off the bench, who’s going to make the subs? Because we’ve only got one coach.
      “We’re working hard at getting another striker in, but I did join in training [on Monday] and I’ve still got a little bit left, so we’ll see.”
      Meanwhile, Deeney’s day had already got off to a poor start after he was hit with a four-match touchline ban by the FA.
      He was also fined after using “improper language” and receiving a red card during last month’s 2-1 loss at Swindon. 
      An FA statement said: “Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been charged by the FA for two alleged breaches of its rules on language and behaviour as he was sent off during their game against Swindon Town.
      “Deeney, who took over at Forest Green last month, was sent off in the 85th minute of the 2-1 away defeat on December 29.
      “The FA alleges that Deeney’s language and behaviour were ‘improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening’ as he was sent off by referee Scott Simpson. “Deeney’s language towards a match official was also allegedly ‘improper and/or abusive and/or insulting’ after he received a red card.”
      Now that will be held until he lands his next role in the dug-out.
      Writing exclusively for The Sun ahead of his first game, Deeney explained why he could not turn down the opportunity despite relegation seemingly looming.
      He said: “Some people have asked why I wanted to take over a club next to bottom in League Two for my first job in management — but I have never been one to turn down a challenge.
      “I remember Paul Ince and Sol Campbell taking over at Macclesfield in similar circumstances and leading them to safety.
      “It’s also true that there aren’t enough black and ethnic minority managers in English football.
      “We’re still under-represented and we are less likely to get opportunities — even though I’m not sure how many black guys are applying for jobs at League Two level.”
      And he also revealed his plan to try and bring out the nasty side of the renowned Vegan club.
      The former Premier League star exclusively writes for Sun SportCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      The striker joined the League Two club as player-coach in the summerCredit: Getty
      He said: “The one thing everyone knows about us is that it’s a vegan club — and while it might have been funny the first time an opposition fan asked me if I wanted a steak bake or thrust a sausage roll at me, it soon wears off.
      “We need to find a bit more nastiness. Without wanting to turn us into 80s Wimbledon, I want us to become horrible to play against.
      “I’m going to keep playing until January, when Dale hopes to invest more in the squad and then I hope to gradually fade into the background as a player, rather than retiring altogether.
      “Everyone has told me it will  be extremely tough to be a player-manager but, for the time being, it’s ‘needs must’.”
      But despite the warnings – not even Deeney would have expected it to be as ruthless as having just six matches to try and bring his plan to fruition.
      Now Forest Green are searching for their third boss of the campaign having sacked Dave Horseman four weeks ago and replacing him with the ex-Premier League forward.
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      He had arrived in July after a rollercoaster start to pre-season following last term’s relegation from League One.
      Duncan Ferguson left the club in the summer, which saw Hannah Dingley’s historic interim spell in charge, before that was ended when Horseman was appointed on July 17. More

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      EFL clash CANCELLED a day before kick-off as extreme weather takes its toll on footie schedule

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      AN EFL clash has been cancelled the day before kick-off due to the extreme weather.Salford City were due to host Colchester in League Two under the lights tomorrow night.
      Salford City were due to host Colchester at the Peninsula Stadium tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      But the freezing temperatures and snow mean the pitch is unplayable.
      And with the cold snap here to stay giving no chance of the pitch clearing and defrosting, the hosts have made the early decision to postpone the match.
      Salford shared the news on Twitter at 11.15am on Thursday, a full 32-and-a-half hours ahead of Friday’s 7.45pm start.
      And they accompanied the post with a photo of their Peninsula Stadium pitch completely covered in snow.
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      Salford, owned by a host of Manchester United Class of ’92 legends, said: “Friday night’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Salford City and Colchester United has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.
      “A pitch inspection was held on Thursday morning by a match official, and with temperatures not due to increase significantly before the game they recommended a postponement.
      “Both clubs will now liaise with the EFL and arrange a new date for the fixture.
      “Supporters who had purchased match tickets should keep hold of these because they will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.
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      “Once a new date has been decided, if you can no longer make it to the game then you will be able to claim a refund from your point of purchase.”
      Colchester supporters would have been getting ready for tomorrow’s 500-mile, ten-hour round trip to and from Salford.
      So despite the disappointment at the cancellation, fans appreciated getting the news in plenty of time.
      One said: “Oh well, at least away fans got a day’s notice.”

      Another wrote: “Well done Salford for saving fans and players the trip. Others in the league should take note.”
      A third added: “Sensible to make an early decision for travelling fans, both sets of staff, players, catering etc.”
      And a final user replied: “Shame but sensible decision given what the forecast looks like!!”
      The fixture that will be rearranged is an important one at the bottom for the EFL.
      Salford – now managed by new boss Karl Robinson – currently sit 21st in League Two, one place and two points above Colchester.
      Salford currently sit 21st in League TwoCredit: Getty More