EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Last straw’ – EFL chief reveals he’s stepping down over ‘VENDETTA’ against his club in lengthy statement

      by

      AN EFL chairman has confirmed they will be stepping down after a “vendetta” against his club.Andy Holt will be leaving Accrington Stanley after Saturday’s home game against Chesterfield.Andy Holt will step down as chairman of Accrington StanleyCredit: RexHe will leave the club at the end of the League Two seasonCredit: GettyThe League Two outfit are safe and are nine points clear of relegated Carlisle.Holt has claimed that he has had enough of a “vendetta” from the local authorities.The club have been hit with a series of sanctions which include the removal of a planning permission and a licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.Accrington Stanley have also been handed a noise abatement order.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis has led Holt to announce his decision to step down from the club at the end of the seasonA statement read: “This is the last straw.”Accrington Stanley Ladies Day, an event that never happened until we started it, was held at Fence Gate during the DAYTIME, whilst our multi-million pound facilities stand empty, silence because of the council and councillors working against their club behind my back, as though I didn’t know what was going on.”The undermining of the club has gone on since day one. And I mean day one, long before I took the club on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The councillors voted to remove our planning permission because of the noise complaints.”Following advice from the head planner, we paid to reapply, only for the councillors to turn it down again. After council advice to appeal and more wasted cash, they did the same.Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash”Not content, the council’s staff snooped on the club to build evidence to put a noise abatement order on us.”Not content with that, they removed our licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.”It’s been a vendetta, with some councillors actively working against THEIR OWN CLUB.”Whether we had planning permission or not, they have powers to stop the club trading.”Whether they stripped us of our licence or not, they still have the power to stop us trading. Now they have imposed conditions on matchdays that cannot possibly be adhered to.”The club has no opportunity to generate income bar putting prices of tickets etc. up. Prices that are high enough already enough for hard-pressed supporters.”We are not Premier League and don’t have the desire or opportunity to rip fans off.”It’s a mistake for the council to think I will continually replace funds, missing as a result of not being able to trade, forever.”I’m not wasting any more of my life arguing with the council, councillors or MPs that should support the best asset in the town. If they can’t see the blindingly obvious, that’s their problem.”Holt continued in his statement to insist that he has had a “great” time at the club.”I have done my ten years after next week’s home finale. We’re safe, and having thrown many points away through naivety this season, we’re a young team that is getting better.”We have a great club, great staff, more organised than ever, run properly by two top managers, a great medical team, and rigid training routines.”I’m so proud of what we’ve done as a team, turning Accrington Stanley Football Club into a professional club. It has the opportunity to feed the town for generations to come, if only the council, councillors and MPs support it.”I’ve had a great ten years, including with Coley [John Coleman] and Jimmy [Bell]. Players like Billy [Kee}, Seamus [Conneeley], Yosser [Mark Hughes], and Seany [McConnville] will always hold a special place in my heart, as will the rest of them. In John [Doolan] and Ged [Brannan], we have two top quality professionals.”Two of my friends. We have a great group of fans, they give everything for their club. I know many of them personally now, a major plus for me.”I will end my time at the club in any executive capacity after the last game on Saturday.”The club must become financially stable if the great future in front of it is to be realised.”Read More on The SunHolt joined the board of Accrington Stanley back in 2015 and assumed control of the club later that year.The club was on the verge of folding when he took over.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham promoted to Championship with wild scenes as fan invade pitch and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively starting party

      by

      WREXHAM have won promotion to the Championship after beating Charlton 3-0.The Red Dragons created history by winning three consecutive promotions after beating rivals Charlton to secure second place.Wrexham have won promotion to the ChampionshipThere was a pitch invasion at full-time as fans held aloft their heroesRyan Reynolds was in attendance to celebrate the occasionCredit: ReutersWrexham have achieved three consecutive promotionsCredit: PAThe actor got into the party spirit ahead of kick-offCredit: APHe mingled with fans and posed for photosCredit: APThe Hollywood actor served drinks to supporters ahead of kick-offCredit: ReutersSam Smith scored twice to seal the three pointsCredit: PASam Smith netted twice after Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring on a momentous day at the Racecourse.Fans celebrated promotion by running onto the pitch before holding up their heroes on their shoulders.Reynolds beamed alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, with the acting pair both flying into North Wales to celebrate the achievement.Reynolds joined the fervent fanzone pre-match and enjoyed a beverage from behind the bar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also served drinks to supporters and took selfies with adoring fans.The Hollywood actor was joined in North Wales by his wife Blake Lively.The actress shared a photo of herself with Reynolds, which she captioned: “Let’s go boys @wrexham_afc.”Reynolds re-shared the post, saying: “Let’s go jet lag. (Never going to sleep).”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSReynolds, 48, is a popular figure at Wrexham and often buys drinks for fans when he attends matches.In December Reynolds bought a round for an entire pub alongside Channing Tatum.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAReynolds has previously watched Wrexham alongside David Beckham and Will Ferrell.He admits the promotion run-in has wreaked havoc on his nerves, claiming he has developed “an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach”.He said: “I have, literally, like an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach right now because it’s the end of the season. “They just can’t do it easy, like just one year let’s do it without having receding hairlines all around. We’re all losing it. Stress [is] killing us.”There was a fervent atmosphere at the RacecourseCredit: ReutersReynolds revealed the promotion run-in has made him a bag of nervesCredit: APReynolds’ wife Blake Lively has also headed to Wales for the game against CharltonReynolds took to the pitch pre-matchCredit: PA More

    • 175 Shares136 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds considering replacing manager Daniel Farke mere HOURS after promotion to Premier League confirmed

      by

      DANIEL FARKE is battling to save his job despite leading Leeds back to the Premier League.The German, who guided Norwich to top-flight promotions in 2019 and 2021, has now clinched a hat-trick of successes.Leeds could sack promotion-winning manager Daniel FarkeCredit: GettyBut Farke is now having to convince the club’s US-based owners 49s Enterprises he is the right man to lead the club next season.The Leeds hierarchy have yet to make a final decision – or draw up a shortlist – and they would face major criticism over firing a successful boss.Yet Farke has been unpopular with a section of fans at Elland Road this season over his playing style, his substitutes and until recently, an insistence on sticking with keeper Illan Meslier.Farke took over at Leeds after their 2023 relegation and led them to the play-offs last year, although they lost in the final to Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeeds’ owners are also concerned about Farke’s record in the Premier League, where he has a win rate of just 12%.Norwich finished bottom in 2020 and after bouncing back to the top-flight at the first attempt, he was sacked in November 2021 after the team managed just five points from 11 games.That has led to other candidates being looked at, although Leeds are yet to make a final decision.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThose at the club are aware it would be a bold decision to sack Farke given his success – particularly as they could receive backlash from fans.Most read in EFLSupporters sang Farke’s name as they celebrated promotion outside Elland Road on Monday, with the 48-year-old soaking up the applause and adoration.Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy Leeds could hit 100 points this season if they win their final two matches – they currently have 94.If Farke is axed Leeds could try and lure Carlos Corberan back to the club – the Spaniard was assistant under Marcelo Bielsa and has had success in England with Huddersfield and West Brom.Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira have also been linked, as has Jose Mourinho.FARKE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUETHE German’s record in the top-flight with Norwich was not goodGames – 49Wins – 6Draws – 8Defeats – 35Goals for – 31Goals against – 101Win % – 12 More

    • 250 Shares125 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL club once sponsored by Tyson Fury relegated to non-league after 18 years as Gary Neville’s Salford deal final blow

      by

      TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More

    • 200 Shares170 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL side forced into unusual kit change despite being at home as fans slam ‘nonsense’ decision

      by

      GILLINGHAM were forced into an unusual kit change after being banned from wearing their home shirt versus AFC Wimbledon.The League Two clubs met today and the Kent-based side ran out 1-0 winners.Gillingham’s home kit is this blue jersey with white sleevesCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon’s three strips were deemed too close in likeness to the Gills’ home shirtBut despite the match being played at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, they were not allowed to wear their home shirt.That was because of an “EFL recommendation” over a kit clash that saw all three of Wimbledon’s strips deemed too similar to the Gills’ home look.The club usually wear a blue shirt with white sleeves when playing in front of their own supporters.But they were made to pull on their green third strip today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL chiefs said Wimbledon’s kits were not distinguishable enough as their home kit is blue and their away has black and lighter blue stripes.The Dons’ third strip is white and therefore also clashed with Gillingham’s as their home shirt has white sleeves.It forced the hosts into an unusual change and enraged fans, with one saying: “We have no backbone, we are at home, it’s the other teams fault. We are being a soft touch.”Another added: “The fault is with AFC Wimbledon for not having an away kit which doesn’t clash with any team that wears blue.”Most read in EFLGillingham were forced into wearing their away green kit for their home clash against AFC WimbledonCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “That’s absolutely pathetic to choose to play in green because of their kit issues, make them wear bibs.”More commented: “The fact we’re having to wear green is nonsense.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesGillingham’s official X account tweeted “up the greens” before the game and after the win wrote “doesn’t matter what colour shirt we’re in.”The victory sees new boss Gareth Ainsworth continue his unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge in March. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson’s son makes history at Wembley as Peterborough side shock Birmingham in front of Tom Brady

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son Darren made history as Peterborough shocked Birmingham in the Vertu Trophy final.Stunning strikes from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou sealed a 2-0 victory for The Posh today.Darren Ferguson made history by winning the trophy for a third timeCredit: PAThe Posh shocked Birmingham at Wembley in front of their co-owner Tom BradyCredit: RexThe NFL legend was on the edge of his seat throughout the gameCredit: ReutersGlory for Peterborough at Wembley saw them become the first team to ever win the competition twice in a row after they beat Wycombe last year.And the club’s manager Ferguson also made history as the first boss to get his hands on the trophy three times.The Scot, who is into his fourth spell as Peterborough gaffer, first won the cup in 2014 against Chesterfield.Meanwhile, it was disappointment for Birmingham this afternoon, who were looking to make it a double after securing the League One title as Wrexham dropped points yesterday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNFL legend and Blues co-owner Tom Brady had jetted from the US to London for the game.The American sat next to fellow co-owner Tom Wagner for the game and Hollywood actor Glen Powell was in the stands.As the Birmingham team came up the Wembley steps to collect their runners-up medals, Wagner delivered a surprise pep talk to them.The squad turned from fans and looked at the owner as he began to passionately lecture the players.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBefore the game, Brady and Wagner serenaded Blues supporters from the top of a bus in the fan park.They sang “championes” in reference to their League One title.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWagner also mingled with supporters and posed for photos with them before heading to his VIP seat. He said the club’s trip to Wembley was “just the beginning” of their reign and they are trying to create a “culture of winning”.Wagner added that Brady will play a “huge part” of this via his “conversations with players and coaches”.Blues chief Tom Wagner lectured the players as they came to collect their medalsCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s been s***housed so so hard’ – Moment EFL stars celebrate in face of devastated ace who scored last-minute own-goal

      by

      THIS is the devastating moment Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute OWN GOAL winner for a 5-4 scoreline – prompting rival Swindon players to celebrate in his face.The stunning moment occurred at the end of a brutal League Two clash between the rival sides.Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute own-goal against SwindonCredit: EFLThe goal handed Swindon a stunning 5-4 winCredit: EFLSwindon’s players celebrated in Shepherd’s faceCredit: Rob NoyesBradford had already shipped a 90th minute goal, sending Swindon back on level terms at a mind-boggling 4-4.But there was more drama to come as the game entered its final stages.As a loose ball went in, Bradford defender Shepherd got a foot in.However, the ball took a crazy deflection and ended up sailing into his own net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShepherd collapsed to the floor in agony as Swindon’s players began celebrating.But instead of partying amongst themselves, a number of them ran over to Shepherd before screaming in his face while jumping up and down in jubilation.This then prompted a scuffle between players before the referee blew the final whistle.The devastating goal saw Bradford fall three points off League Two leaders Port Vale.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to react on social media.One said: “He’s been s***housed so hard.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother declared: “What did bro do.”One noted: “Game’s never been more back.”Another added: “This is so peak.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt

      by

      BIRMINGHAM CITY have been promoted from League One.Chris Davies’ side have led the way for months and sealed their return to the Championship at the first time of asking after beating Peterborough 2-1.Birmingham City have won promotion from League OneCredit: PABlues secured their return to the Championship with a 2-1 win over PeterboroughCredit: ©MI News & SportPlayers celebrate jubilantly after sealing a place in the top twoCredit: PAAlfie May opened the scoring as Birmingham won 2-1Credit: GettyBirmingham are two points away from becoming championsCredit: PAChris Davies’ side have led the way all season longCredit: PABlues knew a win would guarantee promotion, even if rivals Wycombe won at Huddersfield, which they did.Birmingham are now just two points from becoming champions, but could have their name on the trophy without playing another league game.That is because they play in the final of the EFL Trophy against tonight’s opponents Peterborough at Wembley on Sunday.If Wrexham fail to win at Wigan, Birmingham will be crowned champions, with the promotion winners still capable of reaching an astonishing 113 points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf they do so they will set a record number of points in League One, surpassing Wolves total of 103 which they managed in the 2013/14 campaign.They could also set an EFL record, which is held by Reading who got 106 points in the Championship in 2005/06.Birmingham were relegated from the Championship last season – Tom Brady’s first season at the club.Promotion was a forgone conclusion however with Birmingham losing just three of their 40 league games so far.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey were favourites for top spot after spending an eye-watering £34million on transfers.Striker Jay Stansfield was brought in for a League One record fee of £15m, and he is the club’s top scorer this season with 18 goals. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder More