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      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

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      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

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      Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advert

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      CHANNING TATUM teamed up with Wrexham to film a hilarious Super Bowl commercial.Tatum, 44, was drafted in by the Red Dragons’ Hollywood celebrity owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as well as the club’s sponsors Stok Cold Brew.Channing Tatum was drafted in by Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan ReynoldsTatum linked up with Wrexham sponsor Stock Cold BrewTatum tried to teach the Wrexham players how to celebrate goalsWrexham aces watched Tatum’s dance moves in aweTatum and the Wrexham players got groovy Magic Mike styleThe Step Up star was filmed barging into the Welsh giants’ dressing room revealing to the players that McElhenney and Reynolds are unhappy with their celebrations before sipping the sponsor drink.That is when the American actor puts the cult hit Everybody Dance Now on full blast and he channels in his inner Magic Mike to show off some moves to the players who are left absolutely stunned.Tatum says: “Alright boys! Your bosses are not happy with your celebration dances. So, drink up. Try to keep up.”Most important thing: Eye contact! Come on, champ. They saw you score, but now let them feel you score. Alright, you guys got it?”Read More on FootballThat is when all the Wrexham players join Tatum in the groove and the actor’s phone starts to ring.A voice is heard sounding a lot like Reynolds, with whom the 21 Jump Street star appeared recently on Deadpool & Wolverine.The voice asks: “What’s up doc?”Tatum responds: “They’re ready!”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is when Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson walks in and watches in shock as the players and Tatum get too excited.So much so that the commercial ends on a hilarious note suggesting that Parkinson’s aces went full Magic Mike.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawA shirt is thrown towards Tatum, who gasps: “No, no! I promised Ryan and Rob I’d keep it classy! Everyone put your clothes back on!”The commercial will be shown on FOX Sports during Sunday’s Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.Tatum becomes the latest celebrity to link up with Wrexham, who are reaching superstar status despite playing in League One.The likes of Anthony Hopkins, Eva Longoria, Will Ferrell, Jason Sudeikis and Kit Harington have linked up with the club one way or another since McElhenney and Reynolds’ takeover in 2020.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson makes a funny cameoTatum got the players to dance along with him in the dressing roomCredit: Instagram / stokcoldbrew More

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      Major overhaul to EFL promotion and relegation proposed as league gives plan unanimous backing

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      THE NATIONAL League has urged EFL clubs to back a promotion and relegation switch.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.A major change to the EFL’s promotion and relegation system has been proposedCredit: HandoutBromley won promotion to the EFL via the National League play-offs last seasonCredit: GettyNational League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.READ MORE EFL NEWSPearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.  “In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.  “An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below.  We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe top SEVEN clubs in the current National League table are ex-EFL clubs, with another six who have been in the top four tiers further down the standings.He added: “We have been consistently told that the EFL support our 3UP position in principle but are reluctant to progress any changes whilst they are consulting with the IFR and Premier League regarding their own redistribution of football income.  EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex “However, we believe the campaign goal is vital to the overall health of the game and the government’s objectives – therefore it should be as high on the agenda as any other matter this year.“Rick Parry, the EFL Chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.” More

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      Wrexham reveal plans for new 5,500-capacity Kop stand with incredible pictures showing off unique design

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      WREXHAM have revealed plans for their new Kop stand.Plans have been in place for several years to give the STōK Cae Ras stadium a revamp.Wrexham’s new Kop has been designed by PopulousCredit: GettyIt pays homage to the city’s terracotta historyCredit: GettyIt will have a capacity of 5,500 with potential to be increasedCredit: GettyThere is a hospitality section and player facilitiesCredit: GettyIt will feature two dragons as seen on the club crestCredit: GettyThe Kop could be ready before summer 2026Credit: GettyThe old Kop was knocked down in January 2023 and replaced with a temporary structure, but a new stand is finally on the way after a couple of setbacks including planning permission being denied by the council on environmental grounds.Designed by world-renowned firm Populous, who worked on Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the new stand will embody Wrexham – the city and the club.It will have a 5,500 capacity with potential to increase further, and includes safe standing.There will also be accessible seating, hospitality and include player and official facilities, so fans will be able to welcome their team onto the pitch through a player tunnel in the stand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt will also be built in compliance with Uefa Category 4 stadium requirements, which means it will be able to host European Under-19 Championship matches in 2026, with the tournament hosted by Wales.Wrexham state the design of the stand will amplify noise created by supporters and it will be high enough for fans to see it from the city centre.The exterior pays tribute to the city’s “Terracottapolis” nickname, with the brickwork reminiscent of the red brick used in the local are.It will also feature two dragons carved into the brick, representing the two dragons on the Wrexham crest.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMichael Williamson, Wrexham CEO, said: “The new Kop Stand marks a special moment in the history of the STōK Cae Ras, allowing us to restore the traditional four-sided enclosure of the stadium, providing new and improved facilities and experiences for our fans and visitors to the stadium alike.“The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham – rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks. Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city giving it a true sense of place.“The stand reflects the key role the football club can play in the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the city through its role in the Wrexham Gateway Project.“The upgrading of facilities to meet UEFA Category 4 specifications are central to our wider vision of bringing international sport back to Wrexham and the benefit this will bring to the local community of hosting these events in North Wales.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former Premier League star, 41, sacked by Carlisle after just 25 games as they release blunt 56-word statement

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      A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games.Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015. Mike Williamson has reportedly been sacked as Carlisle boss after just 25 gamesCredit: GettyBut after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, he has been relieved of his duties.That is despite being allowed to make 12 signings in the January transfer window including former Magpies team-mate Paul Dummett.Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.Carlisle said in a brief 56-word statement: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.”The club will give a further update in the coming days.”That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.Fans chanted “out, out, out” as Williamson trudged down the tunnel.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd they got their wish with his dismissal as the club face back-to-back relegations. Williamson left his role at MK Dons in September to take over from Paul Simpson at Carlisle. Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersSimpson was in charge when they were relegated last season and oversaw three defeats in the club’s first four league games of the 2024-25 campaign. Mark Birch was interim boss for three weeks before the deal was struck with MK Dons for Williamson’s arrival. However, the ex-Wolves, Wycombe and Watford centre-back struggled to make the impact he wanted in Cumbria.In his 25 games in the dugout, Williamson managed just five wins, six draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of a mere 20 per cent. That included a nightmare run of five defeats out of six in 2025. Williamson started his managerial career with Gateshead as player-manager in 2019. He led the Tynesiders to promotion from the National League North before a 14th-place National League finish and a run to the FA Trophy final in 2022-23.Williamson left Gateshead sixth in the National League when he joined MK Dons in October 2023 but missed out on promotion in the play-offs last term. READ MORE SUN STORIESWilliamson made 134 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring one goal and keeping 33 clean sheets for the Toon Army. He was even named the Toon’s Player of the Year in 2013-14 before finishing his playing days by dropping down through the EFL and into non-league. Mike Williamson racked up 134 Prem appearances for NewcastleCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      EFL manager says sorry to Ange Postecoglou and Spurs in statement after ‘I made a stupid comment about Tottenham’

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      LEYTON ORIENT manager Richie Wellens has apologised to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham over a “stupid comment”.The Os boss quickly retracted the comment which he made in his post-match press interview after a 1-0 defeat to Stockport.Richie Wellens apologised for a comment he made about Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou’s squad has been hit by injuries this seasonCredit: AlamyWellens bemoaned the officiating in the match after his side saw a penalty appeal waved away by the referee late on.Orient were also without Sean Clare and key defender Omar Beckles – the latest casualties in an injury-strewn season.Asked if injuries were to blame for the defeat, Wellens responded: “I’m not Ange Postecoglou and keep using it as an excuse.”Orient have since taken the comment out of the video and Wellens has issued an apology to Postecoglou and Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn an official statement on the club’s website, he said: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”Tottenham and Orient have had a close relationship in recent years with Spurs youngsters Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley on loan at the east London club this season and performing well.Tottenham Women also regularly play their home games at Orient’s Brisbane Road, while the League One side borrowed a heated dome for their pitch from Spurs in 2022.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSStatement in fullWellens apologised for his comment with the following statement:“After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. “Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries this season with ten players out of action.Radu Dragusin was the latest player to be struck down after picking up a knee injury against Elfsborg on Thursday. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange Postecoglou More

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      ‘I truly hate this part’ – Rob McElhenney heartbroken as ‘major part of Wrexham journey’ leaves after four years

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      WREXHAM owner Rob McElhenney posted an emotional farewell to James Jones after he signed for Burton Albion.The American actor runs the League One club alongside fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.Rob McElhenney said an emotional goodbye to James JonesCredit: PAJones has joined fellow League One side Burton AlbionCredit: PAWrexham confirmed that Jones departed yesterday to join Burton on an 18-month deal.McElhenney penned a touching tribute to the much-loved midfielder on X, writing: “I truly hate this part. James and his beautiful family are such a major part of our journey. They will be greatly missed.”Burton Albion you are getting a class player with a huge heart and wonderful family.”Jones replied: “Thank you Rob, we really appreciate the message, it was a privilege to be part of something special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the best to you and your family.”Jones had been at Wrexham for three-and-a-half years and made 138 appearances.The Scot joined from Lincoln City and played a crucial role in the Welsh club’s back-to-back promotions, going from the National League to League One in two years.Jones leaving the Racecourse Ground paved the way for the arrival of ex-Premier League star Jay Rodriguez.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old striker has one England cap to his name and is best remembered from his time at Southampton, West Brom and Burnley.He joins James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Matty James among the former Prem stars in Wrexham’s squad. More

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      Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe’s crisis hits new low as EFL not certain club will be funded to end of season

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      MORECAMBE’S board slammed the club’s ownership group as they confirmed that they cannot make any further January transfers.The cash-strapped Lancashire side are 23rd in League Two amid serious financial issues.Morecambe have endured a torrid few yearsCredit: RexBoss Derek Adams has had to work in difficult circumstancesCredit: RexMorecambe are owned by the Bond Group, whose director is Jason Whittingham.They have been up for sale since September 2022 and have since been relegated from League One.The Shrimps were placed under a transfer embargo last March due to the non-payment of a VAT bill.After the matter was settled with HMRC, boss Derek Adams was forced to cobble together a squad – signing 15 players on July 12 after the embargo was lifted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was later claimed that Kuljeet Singh Momi had agreed a deal with Whittingham to buy the club.But the credibility of Singh Momi’s bid is yet to be ratified by the EFL.Earlier this month, Morecambe co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse were asked about the status of the club’s takeover during a fans’ forum.During the evening, Howse said: “The share capital which came in at the end of November is ring-fenced for the January budget.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”We have allocated that figure in the last couple of days and Derek (Adams) has been informed of that.”We believe he has a decent sum of money to do well in the market. We are looking at loan (players) predominantly.”Tyson Fury spotted filming series 2 of At Home With The Furys in Morecambe as Gypsy King takes break from Usyk training Morecambe have so far recruited Ryan Schofield and Callum Cooke this month to help bolster their survival bid.But in a fresh twist, a statement from directors have confirmed that they are “currently prevented from making further signings in the January transfer window, despite recent cup successes and capital injections”.They add that this due to the fact that “written assurances from Bond Group that the club will be funded to the end of the season have not been supported by sufficient proof of source and sufficiency of funding”.The statement goes on to claim: “Bond Group had assured the Club that it would meet these requirements and support additional player recruitment in January, but when proof of funding was requested, it failed to provide it.”Bond Group has informed the Club today that it is working on sourcing additional funds, but there is no guarantee that these will land in time to impact the rest of the transfer window.”Morecambe’s board of directors then took an incredible swipe at the Bond Group.’THE CLUB HAS BEEN LET DOWN BY ITS OWNER’Their statement added: “The board wishes to place on record that once again the club has been let down by its owner, undermining the efforts and hard work of the manager, staff, and directors at this critical time.”The EFL declined to comment on the matter when contacted, but SunSport understands that they remain in dialogue with Morecambe regarding adhering to league regulations.Shrimps were slapped with a suspended two-point deduction last month – having been deducted three last term.Morecambe are five points from safety with 21 games remaining.The Shrimps are former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s local club.The Gypsy King has sponsored the club’s shorts in the past, and even claimed in 2022 that he was considering buying them.He told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows?”You might be looking at a football club owner.”Tyson Fury has worked with his local club beforeCredit: Morecambe FC More