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      Forgotten ex-Man Utd star who played under Fergie with Pogba left unemployed aged 30 after club release him

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      RYAN TUNNICLIFFE has been released by Portsmouth following the expiry of his contract at Fratton Park.The midfielder joined Pompey in 2021, and went on to make 69 appearances for the League One side.
      Ryan Tunnicliffe played 69 times in two years at PortsmouthCredit: Getty
      Tunnicliffe, 30, began his career as a hot prospect at Manchester United and was an important figure in their FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2011.
      He starred alongside Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison in that side, and has gone on to have a respectable career in the game.
      After making two first team appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson, Tunnicliffe departed United for Fulham in January 2014.
      He also played for Wigan, Blackburn, Millwall and Luton – prior to signing for Portsmouth.
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      Tunnicliffe started half of Pompey’s 46 League One matches this term, as John Mousinho’s side came eighth.
      Upon announcing his side’s retained list, Mousinho thanked his released stars for their efforts.
      He said: “We would like to thank all those players who are leaving for the contribution they have made – whether that’s those lads who came in on loan in January or those who have been here for longer.
      “All of them have conducted themselves brilliantly ever since I arrived and we would like to wish them well for the future.
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      Ryan Tunnicliffe, front left, was part of Man United’s FA Youth Cup winning side in 2011
      “Part of what we’re trying to build here is making sure that players leave the football club in the right way and I can assure them that they will always be a part of this football club.”
      Clark Robertson, Michael Jacobs, Louis Thompson, Kieron Freeman, Jayden Reid, Alfie Bridgman and Dan Gifford have also been let go.
      While loanees, including Tottenham wonderkid Dane Scarlett, have returned to their parent clubs.
      Tunnicliffe played alongside Paul Pogba in midfield for United’s academy sidesCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd legend John O’Shea ‘in running for first managerial job with EFL club’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend John O’Shea is allegedly in the running to take over at relegated Reading.The Royals, who suffered a six-point deduction, axed Paul Ince last month and named Noel Hunt as interim boss until the end of the campaign.
      John O’Shea is allegedly ‘in the running’ for the vacant Reading jobCredit: Getty
      However, the former Reading striker was unable to stop them from slipping into League One and they are now searching for a new man to try and lead an instant return.
      Meanwhile, the 42-year-old O’Shea this week left his role as coach at Stoke City after just one year.
      He said that was in order to focus on his job as assistant manager to Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland national team.
      But now journalist Darren Witcoop claims that the former defender, who finished his career after a one-season stint at Reading in 2019, could make a surprise return to his old club.
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      He tweeted: “John O’Shea, believed to be among the contenders for the managerial vacancy at Reading, has left his coaching role at Stoke.
      “O’Shea plans to focus on his Republic of Ireland coaching commitments.”
      Although he did also state that another man is ahead of him in the race for the job.
      He added: “Chris Wilder remains favourite to land the Royals job.”
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      Wilder has just left Watford after a short stint ended in him failing to secure a play-off spot in the Championship.
      O’Shea was promoted to the Ireland senior set-up by Kenny in February 2022.
      That was after previously serving as assistant to Jim Crawford with the Ireland U21 squad.
      He told Stoke’s official website this week: “I would like to thank everyone at Stoke City for their help and guidance last season and wish the club good luck for the future.” More

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      Gareth Bale’s agent reveals brutal reason why the Wales legend rejected shock Wrexham transfer after Ryan Reynolds’ plea

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      GARETH BALE rejected Wrexham for the most blunt reason possible.The legend’s agent revealed Bale turned down a plea from the Welsh club’s Hollywood A-list owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney because he’s simply lost his appetite for playing football.
      Bale just doesn’t want to play football anymore, says his agentCredit: Getty
      Wrexham’s co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made overtures to former Real Madrid and Spurs hero Gareth BaleCredit: Rex
      The ex-Real Madrid and Tottenham attacker, 33, retired in January after winning 111 caps for Wales.
      But Deadpool star Reynolds launched a “serious” charm offensive to persuade Bale to help Wrexham on their return to the EFL after 15 years.
      Reynolds has just paid for the Red Dragons to have a lavish break in Las Vegas after they won the National League with a record 111 points.
      And he might be disappointed with the certainty of the statement from Bale’s representative Jonathan Barnett.
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      The agent told Sky Sports: “I think for him, it [retirement] was the right time.
      “He’s achieved everything he wanted to achieve – he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do.
      “And I think he knew his body wasn’t up to it anymore. He’s had a hard time with his body the last few years.”
      Even more emphatically, Barnett added: “He’s had a great career. He’s enjoyed himself, but he is having a great life now. 
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      “He is with his family, which is the most important thing. 
      “He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do.
      “Yes, he’ll do other things, obviously later down the line, but at the moment, let him just enjoy himself.” More

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      Meet Marcus Rashford’s cousin who’s been promoted twice, played against West Ham and represents a different country

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      THE cousin of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is also an international star – but not for England. Lois Maynard is the lesser-known member of the family and has just been released by National League Oldham.
      Lois Maynard is Marcus Rashford’s cousinCredit: Getty
      He claims Marcus Rashford stood out as a youngsterCredit: Getty
      The 34-year-old centre-back and defensive midfielder has bounced around lower league clubs including Tranmere, Halifax Town, Salford City and Stockport in his lengthy career.
      While at Salford in 2019, he helped the side gain promotion to League Two via the play-offs.
      Amongst his achievements, he played the full 90 minutes for Stockport when they lost to Premier League side West Ham 1-0 in the FA Cup in 2021.
      Maynard was also on the books at the club when they won the National League last year, but he did not pick up a winners medal as he was out on loan with Solihull Moors.
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      The versatile ace even has 12 international caps to his name after featuring for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
      Maynard played in World Cup qualifiers and CONCACAF Nations League fixtures for his country.
      In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the Manchester-born player talked about what a young Rashford was like with the ball at his feet.
      Maynard said: “The first time I saw Marcus kick a ball, he was seven or eight, and it was something even I couldn’t do at 15 or 16.
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      “I used to go and watch his games when he was younger, with his older brothers, Dwaine and Dane.
      “I thought ‘this guy’s got a chance.’ He was obviously very, very talented, but talent doesn’t always give you the upper hand.
      “But knowing he had a good family around him, keeping him grounded, he had the best opportunity to make it.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal ace who Arsene Wenger called a ‘special talent’ and pushed the club to sign released by League One side

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      A FORMER Arsenal ace once called a “special talent” by Arsene Wenger is now a free agent.Dan Crowley, 25, is on the hunt for a new club after being released by League One side Morecambe.
      Morecambe have released Dan Crowley after their relegation from League OneCredit: Getty
      The midfielder was once tipped to reach the top by ex-Arsenal boss Arsene WengerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And he is not the only big name to be released by the Shrimps, with ex-Everton forward Oumar Niasse and former Spurs kid Jonathan Obika also leaving.
      Morecambe manager Derek Adams said: “To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.”
      Midfield ace Crowley joined Morecambe on a free transfer In January after leaving Dutch side Willem II.
      But despite scoring twice in 14 games, Crowley was unable to prevent the Shrimps from being relegated to League Two.
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      And he is now hoping for a swift return to football, six years after being let go by Arsenal.
      Crowley joined the Gunners from Aston Villa as a whizkid in 2013 after being watched by Wenger – with the legendary manager then pushing for the club to bring him on board.

      He spent time out on loan with Barnsley, Oxford and Go Ahead Eagles.
      And Crowley even received special praise from Wenger, who said in 2016: “He is a player who has a huge talent.
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      “He’s very creative and he’s very good in the final third. He’s a special talent as well, he can finish and he can do the final ball.
      “What he needs is to develop physically a little bit and already I think he has made a big strides forward there and also cope with the responsibility of being the playmaker.
      “In the Premier League today, maybe it is a bit early for him but to carry that long process through, it’ll be interesting for him.”
      However, Crowley ended up being let go for Arsenal in 2017 and ended up joining Dutch outfit Willem II.
      He blasted the Gunners’ academy in 2019, saying: “The thing with Arsenal is they play a certain way and not many teams play that way – and I think that’s a problem as well.
      “They don’t teach you about going on loan to the lower league clubs – to go from such a big club like Arsenal, playing with great players, to then playing a completely different way in League One.
      “That’s what’s wrong with the youth system in England. That’s nothing against the first team because the first team have to win, they don’t have the time really to worry about the young players. So, I don’t put any blame on them.
      “But something does have to change and that’s why everyone is coming out to Holland and Germany, because they need game time.”
      Crowley then had spells at SC Cambuur, Birmingham, Hull and Cheltenham before rejoining Willem II in 2021, and subsequently Morecambe in January. More

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      Three EFL clubs watching former Liverpool ace with star set for transfer after stunning season in Scotland

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      YAN DHANDA is being watched by Blackburn, Birmingham and Ipswich.The Ross County attacking midfielder, 24, has shone for the Scottish Premiership club this season.
      Yan Dhanda has impressed in his first season in Scotland with Ross County after leaving Swansea last summer.Credit: PA
      The Birmingham-born midfielder started his career at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Dhanda has had nine assists and three goals in 31 games north of the border.
      And he even scored directly from a corner against Hibs in February.
      Dhanda moved to Scotland on a free transfer from Swansea.
      He signed a two-year deal with the SPL side.
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      But the Englishman could be available for a price of £400,000.
      Dhanda started his career with the Liverpool academy before joining Swansea in 2018.
      Since his move to Ross County, Dhanda’s performances have improved as the season has gone on.
      And that has attracted the Championship trio to register their interest in the Birmingham-born player.
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      Ross County travel to relegation rivals Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
      Malky Mackay’s side are bottom of the table but just one point behind Kilmarnock and the Tangerines. More

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      I joined Premier League in a £13.5m transfer but I’ve just been released from my League One club after getting relegated

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      OUMAR NIASSE has been released by League One Morecambe following the Shrimps’ relegation.Boss Derek Adams recruited Niasse back in March, citing the need for an experienced striker in his side’s battle against the drop.
      Oumar Niasse celebrates his only goal for Morecambe alongside Cole StocktonCredit: Rex
      Oumar Niasse with former Everton manager Carlo AncelottiCredit: Getty
      The former Everton man went on to play ten times for Morecambe, only managing one goal with his side going on to experience the first relegation of their 103-year history.
      Adams’ side already had six players under contract for next season, but every other member of the squad have been released.
      Upon confirming the retained list, the former Plymouth Argyle and Bradford manager said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of the players for their contributions across the campaign and for the effort, commitment and dedication they have given to the club.
      “To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.
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      “Ryan Cooney, Liam Gibson and Cole Stockton were all part of our play-off winning side and depart with nothing but my best wishes for everything they have given both me and the football club.
      “My thanks also to the further departures who will always be able to look back, with pride, at the fact they played for Morecambe FC in League One.
      “These players have given as much as they possibly could for the club and created some memorable moments for Morecambe along the way.”
      Niasse, 33, signed for Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow for £13.5m in 2016.
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      Derek Adams confirmed his retained list this weekCredit: Rex
      Things didn’t go to plan at Goodison, as he made just 42 appearances in four years, scoring nine times.
      During this stint he had loan spells at Hull City and Cardiff City.
      Following his Everton release he briefly joined Huddersfield, before scoring three times in 12 outings for Burton Albion last season.
      After the 3-2 defeat at Exeter City on Sunday which confirmed relegation, Adams revealed that it would be difficult to offer deals to out of contract players due to the uncertainty surrounding Morecambe’s playing budget for next season.
      He said: “We’ve got to do a retained list within a certain number of days after the last game of the season.
      “With that in mind, we’re still waiting for confirmation of the wage budget for next season: we understand there’s going to be a big reduction from this season and we’re waiting for confirmation on that.
      “What we weren’t able to do was offer any out-of-contract players deals for next season because, financially, we need to see where we are.”
      In addition to Niasse and star man Stockton, former Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souare was also among those to be released.

      The 32-year-old had been a regular in the Premier League for the Eagles, before a devastating car accident in September 2016 saw him have to be airlifted to hospital.
      Since his recovery Souare has played for Troyes and Charlton, before joining Morecambe in March – for whom he played seven times. More

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      When are the EFL play-offs? Championship, League One, League Two dates, kick-off times and all the details you need

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      IT’S crunch time in the EFL as the agony and ecstasy of the play-offs is almost upon us – and the encounters have been finalised.Every year, in each of the three divisions in the Football League – Championship, League One and League Two – four teams compete in the play-offs with only one earning promotion in the final at Wembley.
      Nottingham Forest beat Huddersfield in last year’s Championship play-off final.Credit: Reuters
      For Championship sides fighting for a top-6 spot, they will be eyeing a place in the Premier League and all the cash that goes with that precious promotion.
      Burnley and Sheffield United have already booked their place in next season’s top flight, but one more space remains to join them.
      Luton Town and Middlesbrough will definitely be involved in the dramatic Championship play-offs this year, despite whatever happens on the final day.
      5th and 6th are still up for grabs with Coventry, Millwall, Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn Rovers all in the conversation.
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      When are the EFL play-off semi-finals?
      Here are all the confirmed dates for this year’s EFL play-off semi-finals:
      Championship:

      Semi-final, first leg – Sunderland vs Luton on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 5:30pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Coventry vs Middlesbrough on Sunday, May 14th – Kick off: 12pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Luton vs Sunderland on Tuesday, May 16th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Middlesbrough vs Coventry on Wednesday, May 17th – Kick off: 8pm BST

      League One:
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      Semi-final, first leg – Peterborough United vs Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, May 12th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 3pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Sheffield Wednesday vs Peterborough United on Thursday, May 18th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley on Friday May 19th – Kick off: 8pm BST

      League Two:

      Semi-final, first leg – Salford City vs Stockport on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 7:45pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Braford vs Carlisle on Sunday, May 14th – Kick off: 7pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Stockport vs Salford City on Saturday, May 20th – Kick off: 12:30pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Carlisle vs Bradford on Saturday, May 20th – Kick off: 3pm BST

      When are the EFL play-off finals?
      All of the EFL play-off finals will be hosted at Wembley Stadium.

      The Championship play-off final will be played on Saturday, May 27 – Kick off: 4:45pm BST
      The League One play-off final will be played on Monday, May 29th – Kick off: 3pm BST
      The League Two play-off final will be played on Sunday, May 28th – Kick off: 1:30pm BST

      What channel is the EFL play-offs on and can they be live streamed?

      Coverage of all EFL play-off games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
      Sky Sports subscribers can live stream all the action via the NOW app.
      The NOW app is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device. More