EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares153 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle lead transfer chase for EFL wonderkid who can run 100m just 1.4 seconds slower than Usain Bolt’s world record

      by

      NEWCASTLE lead the Premier League chase for Peterborough winger Ricky-Jade Jones.Top scouts will watch Jones at Wembley in the EFL Trophy final against Wycombe.Peterborough ace Ricky Jade Jones (left) is wanted by NewcastleCredit: AlamyThe lightning-quick forward, 21, has scored 11 goals and provided five assists this season.Jones has been on the radar of bigger clubs since making his first-team debut aged 16.He runs 100 metres in 10.9 seconds and has added intelligent pressing and high work-rate to his game as he has matured.Usain Bolt holds the world-record for the 100m after running it in 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle are among the top-flight clubs now forced to be creative with their recruitment in response to tough new financial regulations.And Jones is regarded as one of the stars of the lower leagues.He has just over one year left on his current contract.Posh director of football Barry Fry will seek £2million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJones’ impressive displays have helped Peterborough close in on silverware and stay in the hunt for promotion to the Championship.Darren Ferguson’s, son of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex, side are fourth in League One and look set to battle it out in the play-offs.Steve Bruce declares interest in shock international job as ex-Newcastle boss, 63, says ‘they have a hell of a team’WHAT IS FFP?SunSport’s Martin Lipton breaks down what it is all about…

      FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
      Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
      The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
      Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
      But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
      The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
      Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
      Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge League One title clash STOPPED after fox invades pitch and scampers round the box

      by

      A FOX halted Portsmouth’s League One top-two clash with Derby.Fans were stunned as the intruder emerged from nowhere to delay the game as County led 2-1 at Fratton Park in a thrilling 2-2 draw.The fox thwarted attempts to grab itCredit: PAJoe Ward struck twice for Derby before the Fox intervenedCredit: PAThe fox was too fast as it whipped across the boxCredit: PAThe Fox held up the Rams as it showed the fastest two pairs of legs on the pitch – racing from the penalty box to the corner flag.Players from both sides could only stand and watch before the unexpected invader was finally cleared from the pitch.Many observers pointed out that the Foxes – Leicester – had been playing 24 hours earlier.And one jobsworth fan warned the animal on X: “You can’t run there mate.”READ MORE TOP STORIESBut other viewers noted the poor condition of the fox’s fur.”Poor thing needs a vet,” commented one fan.The match resumed with leaders Portsmouth desperately searching for an equaliser.Derby winger Joe Ward had struck twice in 12 minutes before the break, with Pompey frontman Abu Mamara netting inbetween.Most read in EFLAnd after a fox on the pitch it was Moxon on his best best shooting form who brilliantly earned a draw.Namely, it was sub Owen Moxon who thumped a stunner on 77 minutes to restore Portsmouth’s five-point advantage at the top.However, Derby are still four points clear of third-placed Bolton.Sky Sports Soccer Saturday crew burst out laughing after mascot’s hilarious reaction to being shoved in EFL clash More

    • 238 Shares142 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clash POSTPONED just 90 minutes before kick-off as fuming fans rage ‘surely this is an April Fool’s joke’

      by

      MANSFIELD’S League Two clash with Accrington Stanley has been postponed.Fans were left furious when the match was called off just 90 minutes before it had been set to go ahead at 3pm.Mansfield’s pitch was deemed unplayableCredit: – pic by : Richard ParkesThe match was postponed 90 minutes before kick-offCredit: PARefs waited until afternoon to call the game offCredit: PAFans had already congregated at Field MillCredit: PATravelling Stanley supporters will have already been well on their way to the game when news filtered through at 1:30pm.Accrington to Mansfield takes a minimum two hours to drive.Confirming the decision, Mansfield wrote on social media: “Mansfield Town expresses its disappointment in announcing that today’s Sky Bet League Two encounter at home to Accrington Stanley has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.”The match referee deemed the pitch unplayable following a routine inspection of the playing surface.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccrington added in their own statement: “Having conducted a pitch inspection, the match referee has deemed that the One Call Stadium playing surface is unplayable.”One disbelieving Stanley fan wrote on social media: “Good one.. April Fools’ day ends at 12….”Although a second joked: “Oh well… at least we won’t get beaten today!”Other were furious, with a third commenting: “90 mins before kick off? Absolute joke.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd a fourth reasonably suggested: “Could have said something this morning about possible pitch inspection and let people make a decision on whether to travel or not…”Another blasted: “Should be deducted points for that.”Mansfield went into the day second in the table, a point behind leaders Stockport.Stanley, meanwhile, are having a miserable campaign, sitting 18th in League Two.The postponement came hours before a non-league clash between Weymouth and Yeovil was abandoned because of a fan emergency in the crowd.An air ambulance landed on the pitch to assist the supporter. More

    • 300 Shares164 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a former EFL star who retired at 25 to make my way in TV – I’ve produced Love Island and dated Holly Valance

      by

      FORMER Brighton forward Jonny Dixon has gone on to produce Love Island and date actress and singer Holly Valance.The Spanish-born attacker retired from football at the age of 25 as he sought out his dream career in the entertainment industry.Jonny Dixon retired from football at the age of just 25Credit: GettyHe played for Wycombe, Aldershot, Brighton, Grays and EastleighCredit: PADixon reportedly dated Australian actress and singer Holly ValanceCredit: GettyIt was a shock decision which came just one year after he joined Brighton from Aldershot for £55,000 in 2008.But he quickly began to make a name for himself in Hollywood.And in August 2009 he was spotted in Los Angeles with Australian actress and singer Valance, 40.While their reported romance did not last long, Dixon’s career in TV and film was only just beginning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside running a music management business, which he had kept going since 19 when he was still playing football, he has gone on to produce a host of well-known shows.They include Come Dine with Me, Jodie Marsh on Mail Order Brides, Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents, Don’t Tell the Bride and The Valleys.But perhaps the most successful programme he has been a part of was the third series of Love Island.Dixon worked behind the scenes for the edition which earned 2.52million viewers per episode.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat was an increase of more than one million from series two.And in 2019 he revealed why he ditched football for the entertainment business.Football icons’ strange hobbiesHe told Football365: “It came to a point at Brighton where it just felt like I wasn’t happy in what I was doing, I wasn’t really given a chance by the manager at the time and it just felt like there was something else for me.”I didn’t know what it would be but I knew I wasn’t happy and when you’re not happy doing what you do then you’re not happy with life, whatever job you do.”So for me, I decided it was time to move on and try to do something else.” More

    • 275 Shares126 Views

      in Soccer

      Barnsley star Mael de Gevigney scores ‘goal of the day’ but his side still manage to lose 2-0 to dent promotion chances

      by

      BARNSLEY star Mael de Gevigney endured a moment to forget during his side’s Good Friday clash with Cambridge.The promotion-chasing Tykes hosted the relegation-threatened U’s in a match with huge repercussions for both sides at Oakwell.By heck, de Gevigney with a smart finish, unfortunate for him it’s at the wrong end as the back pass wrong foots Roberts. Not much created by either side in this first quarter. Barnsley 0-1 Cambridge pic.twitter.com/mSJK6UCbEW— Chris Mann (@The_Mannster) March 29, 2024

      Mael de Gevigney attempted to play the ball back to his goalkeeperCredit: iFollowLiam Roberts was unable to control the wayward passCredit: iFollowThe ball ended up fizzing into the back of the netCredit: iFollowDespite going into the game as favourites, Barnsley got off to a nightmare start.After successfully winning the ball back on 13 minutes, centre-back De Gevigney turned back to face his own goal.He attempted to pass the ball to keeper Liam Roberts, only to get it badly wrong.To De Gevigney’s horror, his backpass fizzed beyond Roberts, who could not control it, and into the back of the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Frenchman’s fellow defender Jamie McCart was left with his head in his hands after witnessing the unfortunate own goal.Barnsley dominated possession, but could not find a route back into the game.And their defeat was confirmed 18 minutes from time, when Gassan Ahadme added a second for Cambridge.The surprise result saw fifth-placed Barnsley fail to narrow the gap on the teams above them.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey are now 10 points behind second-placed Derby, albeit with two games in hand.Cambridge, meanwhile, moved three points away from the dreaded drop zone with their impressive triumph.Alan Pardew calls out the EFL amid controversial situation at Reading football clubUnfortunately for De Gevigney, his nightmare moment didn’t go unnoticed online.One fan wrote: “By heck, de Gevigney with a smart finish, unfortunate for him it’s at the wrong end.”A second moaned: “Someone tell de gevigney wrong p***ing net!”While a third joked: “Great strike by the Barnsley lad / cool finish past the keeper. Goal of the Day…”Another added: “Mael de Gevigney with an Easter gift for Cambridge United.”After the game, disappointed Barnsley boss Neill Collins said: “For all that I felt we should have won the game today, I think there’s still definitely signs that we need more.”We need more from everyone. Individual performances maybe haven’t been at the level that they have been previously today.”So there’s going to be opportunities for people between now and the end of the season, who want to take the spot.”Just because you’ve played really well up to this point, we’re at the point where you need to be in form, so the competition for spots is going to be tough.”De Gevigney joined Barnsley from Nimes last summer.He has been a regular for Collins this term, appearing 33 times in League One and even laying on five assists from centre-back.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarnsley return to action on Monday, when they travel to Burton Albion.Cambridge, meanwhile, will host Wigan Athletic. More

    • 213 Shares167 Views

      in Soccer

      Rivals fans offer EFL club ‘condolences’ after two horror blunders that made supporters ‘squirm’ lead to goals

      by

      FANS have offered their “condolences” to Notts County after they made two embarrassing blunders leading to goals.It was not a Good Friday for the Magpies as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Swindon.A poor pass back from Scott Robinson hit his own post and set up Swindon for the openerKeeper Sam Slocombe made a horror error and gifted Swindon another goalPaul Glatzel chipped it into an empty net to make it 2-0Notts County gave their League Two rivals the opening goal via a shocking pass back.Scott Robertson tried to give it to No1 Sam Slocombe and his awful ball hit his own post.It rolled out to Aaron Drinan, who converted the easy chance.Trailing by a goal Notts County gave Swindon another Easter gift with Slocombe at fault this time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the goalkeeper tried to play out from the back, he dallied in possession on the edge of his box and was closed down by attackers.He ended up passing the ball straight to Swindon’s Paul Glatzel, who had the simple task of chipping the ball into an empty net.The horror gaffes left fans with their heads in their hands, one said: “If you don’t laugh you’ll cry.”Another added: “My condolences, that’s hard to watch.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Comical.”Slocombe made an infamous blunder in last season’s play-off final, conceding a penalty for a rash tackle on Andrew Dallas.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtNotts County went on to win the game and secure promotion but fans were reminded of the error today.One supporter reacted: “It’s laughable for sure. Reoccurring mistakes. Almost makes me squirm as much as the Wembley final.”The loss to Swindon leaves Notts County 16th in the table amid pressure mounting on manager Stuart Maynard. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Hated EFL owner in advanced talks to sell club after abandoning plans to flog training ground to local rivals

      by

      READING owner Dai Yongge has begun “exclusive talks” with a potential buyer as he looks to sell the League One side.Fans of the third-tier outfit have been in crisis under the Chinese businessman, 55, who bought 75 per cent of the club in 2017.Dai Yongge is in talks to sell Reading after seven years as ownerCredit: Rex FeaturesReading fans are eager to see the back of YonggeCredit: GettyThey were relegated from the Championship last season during which they were crucially deducted six points for various off-field breaches.They were then docked a point in August for breaching EFL regulations, with a further three suspended.The following month they triggered their extra three-point deduction, after failing to deposit 125 per cent of their monthly wage bill into an account by a date agreed to by the EFL.They then received their third points deduction of the season in February after they were docked an extra two points to take the total to six and overall total since Yongge’s takeover to 18.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEarlier this month, reports emerged that Yongge was attempting to sell their Bearwood Park training ground to League One rivals Wycombe.But, after that was put on hold due to “planning limitations”, Reading supporters have finally received some positive news.Yongge is entering into a “period of exclusive negotiation to agree final terms” with the potential buyer.The identity of the other party has not yet been disclosed, but will be revealed when the deal is completed – which could take “up to two months”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:

      May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield
      2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages
      2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six points
      May 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 years
      August 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulations
      September 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggered
      February 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breaches
      March 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side Wycombe
      March 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitations

      A statement released on Tuesday afternoon read: “The Club can confirm Mr Dai has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of Reading Football Club.”The parties will now enter a period of exclusive negotiation to agree the final terms. The completion is expected to take up to two months, at which time the purchaser will be announced.Reading vs Port Vale POSTPONED after mass pitch invasion as furious fans run on field in protest”The transaction would include the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park training ground.”The club will communicate with further updates when appropriate.”The Club can confirm Mr Dai has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of Reading Football Club.”The parties will now enter a period of exclusive negotiation to agree the final terms. The completion is expected to take up to two months, at which time the purchaser will be announced.”The transaction would include the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park training ground.”The club will communicate with further updates when appropriate.”Despite the off-field turmoil and deductions amassing to six points this season, Reading still sit 18th in League One, six points clear of the relegation zone with seven games remaining. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League stadium doubles up as HOTEL with fans able to watch matches from bed for £115 a night

      by

      FOOTBALL FANS are able to watch games at this former Premier League stadium from the comfort of a BED.The Toughsheet Community Stadium opened its doors in 2007 and is the home of Bolton Wanderers.A former Premier League ground is doubling up as a hotelCredit: Booking.comFans have a unique opportunity when visiting Bolton WanderersCredit: Booking.comYou got watch the Trotters live from the comfort of your bedCredit: Booking.comRooms are available from just £115-a-nightCredit: Booking.comIt was home to a host of stars in the early 2000s such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo and Nicolas Anelka during Sam Allardyce’s time in charge.The ground holds over 28,000 supporters and even staged European football back in 2007/08 – including a famous victory over Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Cup.However, after Big Sam’s departure, the club’s form dropped dramatically and they were eventually relegated from the Premier League in May 2012.They have failed to return to the top-flight since and even dropped all the way down to League Two after years of financial chaos caused havoc at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLuckily for the Trotters they now appear to be on the way back and are pushing for promotion back to the Championship as they ride high in League One.And they have come up with a way of generating some extra income through a hotel that is built into the Toughsheet Community Stadium.The Bolton Stadium Hotel is fully integrated into the ground and offers rooms that “are modern and spacious with en-suite bathrooms” plus all the facilities that you would expect for making a brew.But the best feature of all is that many of the rooms come with a pitch-side view.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey are priced from £115-a-night – giving you the incredible opportunity to watch Bolton play live and in-person without even having to take off your PJs.The hotel, which is located just 500 yards from junction 6 on the M61,  also boasts a number of other features, including a glass atrium lobby and glass lifts.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd it has a sweeping staircase that leads you to what they describe as “an elegant brasserie and bar”.It offers guests light meals, drinks and coffee as well as a menu for lunch and dinner.But even if football is not your thing, the Middlebrook Retail Village is close by to keep you entertained.And you are only a quarter of an hour’s walk away from 10-pin bowling, a cinema and a variety of shops. Bolton, who are managed by Ian Evatt, are currently pushing for promotion from League One.They are third in the table, four points outside of the automatic spots and nine behind leaders Portsmouth.Fans could watch a promotion party in bed this MayCredit: Booking.comThe hotel also features a bar and restaurant to toast a Trotters victoryCredit: Booking.comThe Toughsheet Community Stadium is located just 500 yards off the motorwayCredit: Rex More