EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      League Two club sack manager with stunned fans left saying ‘didn’t see that happening’ after mixed start to season

      by

      GILLINGHAM have sacked manager Neil Harris.The League Two side fell to eighth in the table following their 2-0 defeat at Crewe on Tuesday night.
      Gillingham have sacked manager Neil HarrisCredit: PA
      Harris, 46, joined Gillingham in January 2022 having previously managed Millwall and Cardiff.
      The former striker couldn’t prevent the Gills from League One relegation during his first half-season in charge.
      He subsequently guided them to a 17th finish in League Two amid a takeover last term.
      In a club statement, the Gills confirmed: “Gillingham Football Club has today decided to part company with Manager Neil Harris, who has been in charge at Priestfield for just over 20 months.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “Having joined the Club in February of 2022, Neil nearly kept the team in League One, getting relegated on the last day of the season on goal difference, making up a 10-point deficit in the process.
      “The Club has decided it now wishes to go in a different direction and will begin the process of identifying a Head Coach to take the team forward.”
      Harris’ assistant David Livermore has also departed Priestfield.
      Gillingham have confirmed that Keith Millen will step in as interim boss while they conduct their new manager search.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Millen, 57, has previously managed Bristol City and Carlisle United, as well as Swedish side Orgryte IS.
      He also had three spells as Crystal Palace’s caretaker boss.

      Fans have had a mixed reaction to Harris’ dismissal.
      One tweeted: “Never saw that coming.”
      While a second wrote: “Bit of a dip in form and sacked? Seems a strange one.”
      Another fan replied, however: “Bit of a dip of form? We’ve not played well even when winning.”
      A further social media user commented: “Do feel for Neil but was never going to be anything but a mid table side watching a defensive minded team I do feel he has created a brilliant team that can really achieve in this league but hasn’t been able to execute it I wish him all the best thank you for everything!”
      And a fourth added: “That’s come out of the blue! Not too sad about it though, hopefully a new manager will get the best out of what is a very talented squad.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Harris won 31 of his 90 games in charge of Gillingham, drawing 25 and losing 34.
      The Gills are set to host MK Dons on Saturday.
      Keith Millen has stepped in as caretaker bossCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend SACKED by League Two strugglers after horror spell in charge with club languishing in 18th spot

      by

      BRADFORD have sacked manager Mark Hughes after 20 months in charge of the League Two club.It comes after the fourth-tier side were beaten 2-1 by fellow strugglers Tranmere on Tuesday night.
      Mark Hughes took charge of Bradford in February 2022Credit: Alamy
      Bradford have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions and sit 18th in League Two.
      Midfielder Kevin McDonald will take charge of the team while they look for a permanent successor to Hughes – who took the club to the play-offs last season where they lost to Carlisle.
      Bradford’s CEO Ryan Sparks confirmed the news, saying: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark and Glyn for their efforts and services to our football club over the past 19 months.
      “They made a great impact when they arrived at the club, both on and off the field, and last season came close to delivering on our aims.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Unfortunately, since our defeat at Carlisle in the play-off semi-final, results have been disappointing, and after 11 league games we find ourselves a long way away from where we expect to be.
      “As a result, the decision has been taken to move in a different direction in an effort to get our season on track.

      “On a personal level, I have very much enjoyed working alongside Mark and Glyn, and we go our separate ways on good terms.
      “I would ask supporters to join me in wishing both them and their families the very best for the future, while reflecting on some of the memorable moments they brought us.”
      Most read in EFL
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Hughes had spent more than three years out of work before taking the Bradford job having been sacked by Southampton in December 2018.
      He began his coaching career in 1999 after a storied playing career which saw him enjoy spells with Man Utd, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Everton.
      Since hanging up his boots, he has coached the likes of Wales, Blackburn, Man City, Fulham, QPR and Stoke.
      But Bradford fans seemed to be happy to see him go following a dismal run of form.
      Speaking on social media, one said: “What a disaster of an appointment that was.”
      While another added: “Was a nice guys but the lack of wanting to play the ball forward was bizarre. No idea what happens now, hope there is a plan in for place.”
      And a third replied: “Thank you for last season Hughes, but it was needed.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leyton Orient match ABANDONED after desperate fans run onto pitch to stop game for medical emergency in stands

      by

      LEYTON ORIENT’S clash with Lincoln was abandoned on Tuesday night due to a medical emergency.Orient led 1-0 in the 84th minute when the match was halted.
      Medics rushed to the scene of the crowd emergency
      Leyton Orient’s clash with Lincoln was initially suspendedCredit: Getty
      Fans ran onto the pitch in an attempt to stop the gameCredit: Getty
      The match was eventually halted by the referee – and then abandonedCredit: Getty
      Prior to the game being stopped, supporters invaded the pitch and sat on the field of play in a desperate attempt to halt the match at Brisbane Road so the stricken fan could receive attention.
      Both sets of players were eventually taken off the field as the game was suspended until further notice.
      SunSport understands medics were seen helping a member of the crowd on the side of the pitch.
      Nearly an hour after the game had been stopped, Orient confirmed on social media that it would not be restarting.
      They tweeted: “This evening’s match will not be restarted due to the ongoing medical emergency in the East Stand.
      “All of our hopes are prayers are with the supporter and his loved ones at this incredibly distressing time.”
      And Lincoln shared their best wishes, adding: “Tonight’s match at Brisbane Road will not be restarted due to the ongoing medical emergency.
      “All our thoughts are with the Orient supporter at this time.”
      Most read in EFL
      Orient first tweeted after the emergency had happened, saying: “The game is paused due to a crowd emergency.
      “We’re keeping everything crossed for those involved, and will update with further information when we have it.”
      Nine minutes later, the League One side then provided another update.
      They said: “The players are now being taken off the field of play.
      “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Leyton Orient are with everyone involved.
      “We will update further when we have more information.”
      Messages of support were also posted on social media following the worrying scene.
      One person said: “Hope they’re OK. Forget the football life is more important.”
      While another added: “Wish the O’s fan a speedy recovery.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL club set unwanted record and face another with their last goal coming when Frank Lampard was still a manager

      by

      CHELTENHAM set an EFL record when they failed to score against Stevenage.The League One side’s 3-0 defeat marked a ninth consecutive game in which they failed to hit the back of the net.
      Cheltenham have failed to hit the back of the net in 10 games this seasonCredit: Rex
      It means they now hold the record for the longest run of matches without scoring at the start of a campaign.
      Then, on Saturday, they extended that run to 10 games with a 2-0 defeat away at Lincoln.
      Their last goal came nearly five months ago on May 7 when they played out a 2-2 draw with Charlton.
      In fact, it was so long ago, Frank Lampard was still in charge of Chelsea at the time.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And it could get even worse for the third-tier side.
      Two more games without a goal and they will claim the record for the longest run of matches without a goal at any point in EFL history.
      Cheltenham’s next two matches come against second-bottom Fleetwood on Tuesday and 12th-place Derby on Saturday.
      They have picked up just one point from their scoreless 10 games.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Rather remarkably, that came in a stalemate with table-toppers Portsmouth.
      Cheltenham were promoted to League One after winning League Two a couple of years ago.
      And they have safely avoided relegation in each of the past two seasons, finishing 15th and 16th. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Justin Allen: Guardiola’s comments show everything that’s wrong with the Prem… I’d love to see him try to boss Exeter

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA made two ridiculous comments during the last week that illustrate everything that is wrong with Premier League elites.Don’t get me wrong, Guardiola deserves our respect and adulation for what he has achieved at Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. We all marvel at the exhibition of football his teams produce.
      Pep Guardiola made two ridiculous comments last week
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was not happy with taking a two-hour bus journey home after their Carabao Cup loss at Newcastle
      But I’d love to see him try managing an EFL club to see how he’d get on.
      When he whinged about his precious City lambs forced to make a two-hour 123-mile coach journey home from Newcastle after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie rather than fly, I wondered how he might cope if he was in charge of clubs like Exeter and Carlisle?
      Neither team have the luxury of jetting to matches — like the majority of clubs outside the top flight.
      When the Grecians, managed by Gary Caldwell, travel to deepest Cumbria — and vice versa — both teams face a SIXTEEN-HOUR journey … on a coach! That would have surely sent Pep into meltdown.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      In August for that Saturday game, Exeter broke up their epic trip by taking their team on a five-hour bus ride on Thursday to Mottram Hall in Cheshire where they stayed overnight.
      They then did another three hours to Penrith on Friday to train with another overnight stay before playing the Cumbrians 3pm the next day.
      Exeter boss Gary Caldwell has a far harder job than Pep Guardiola
      Pep Guardiola should try swapping places with Carlisle boss Paul Simpson
      But as soon as the players were showered and changed after the game, they were herded onto a coach to take them directly back to Devon. They arrived into Exeter at almost 2am.
      At least their journey was a happy one after a 2-0 win.
      Most read in Football
      Only Bristol Rovers sit within a two-hour radius for the Grecians in League One.
      Pep would also be sent into a spin if he swapped places with Paul Simpson at Carlisle. They are a geographical outpost in the third tier.
      Championship side Plymouth, another team out on a limb, coach to most games. 
      They did fly to Hull on Friday ahead of their clash on Humberside — although had to take a six-hour bus ride home afterwards, getting back around midnight.
      You didn’t hear Pilgrims boss Steven Schumacher whinging.
      It’s good Guardiola’s chairman isn’t Forest Green’s Just Stop Oil campaigner Dale Vince. He’d never endorse flying.
      And I dread to think how many times the likes of Erling Haaland would have to hang around doing keepie-uppies while waiting for them to charge their soon-to-be-unveiled electric bus!
      But when Pep went on to later say he was “not going to waste one per cent of energy for the Carabao Cup” before complaining about how tired his first-team stars are, I had to laugh.
      Pep backed up his reasoning by saying he couldn’t play stars such as Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias because they were “exhausted”.
      City skipper Walker, who has played most, had clocked 11 matches for club and country this season ahead of being left out at Newcastle — only being substituted once, in the 89th-minute of the Premier League opener against Burnley. 
      Yet Exeter captain Will Aimson has not missed a single minute of THIRTEEN matches — while team-mate Alex Hartridge has also started 13 and played more minutes than the Man City star.
      Kyle Walker has played 12 matches for club and country this tem and is “exhausted”
      But Exeter City captain Will Aimson has played 13 and is not “exhausted”
      I decided to give Aimson a call because I was intrigued to know if he was “exhausted” having played more matches than Walker, who is now up to 12, over the same time period.
      “No, I’m feeling great,” Aimson told me as he was excitedly preparing for game No13 against Northampton on Saturday.
      And how is he finding riding on buses before and after games — especially the huge schlep for Carlisle?
      He laughed: “I had a couple of seasons previously at Plymouth so am used to it!“But we pass the time well — playing a few games, catching the late Premier League kick-offs if they’re on and building a rapport.”
      There are countless lower league footballers like Aimson who play 90 minutes twice a week and must endure long coach journeys to and from games.
      You also must remember clubs in the six divisions immediately below the Premier League play eight extra league games a season.
      And it’s even more difficult when you get into non-league. Imagine being a semi-pro at Dover Athletic and having a job on a building site but having to endure a 10-hour round coach trip to Truro City in the National League South.
      I wonder how “exhausted” some of those players are.
      But, thankfully, not everyone in the golden corridors of the Premier League have such a blinkered view of competitions like the Carabao Cup.
      Take West Ham’s Tomas Soucek for example.
      I had a chat with the Czech midfielder after the Hammers survived a huge scare at League One club Lincoln to win 1-0 on Wednesday thanks to his winning goal.
      Tomas Soucek loves playing lower-league teams and scored the winner at Lincoln
      And he told me: “I love these cup matches against lower league opponents because you can see how excited their players are to face a Premier League club.
      “The atmosphere at EFL grounds like this are sometimes better than it is in the Premier League.
      “It’s not a big stadium but the atmosphere is perfect. I love it because we all know where we came from. It’s great to play in this competition.”
      The atmosphere at EFL grounds like Lincoln are sometimes better than it is in the Premier League.Tomas Soucek, West Ham
      Soucek has hit the nail on the head. These matches are huge for clubs like Lincoln. 
      The Carabao Cup is worth an estimated £50MILLION a season to the EFL — which is a lifeline to clubs in the three divisions below the Prem.
      Yes, I know — it’s small change to Guardiola when you consider he spent £210m on four signings this summer. 
      Let’s hope £78m Josko Gvardiol didn’t get too exhausted playing 90 minutes at Newcastle and having to hop on a coach for that damn two-hour ride home.
      Wednesday are a huge turn off
      I MUST have witnessed the shortest fan attendance of the season at Hillsborough on Friday night.
      A Sheffield Wednesday supporter, looking flustered and out of breath, arrived 10 minutes late for their game against Sunderland. 
      He took to his seat, then looked up at the scoreboard to see his team were already 2-0 down, promptly stood up again and walked out!
      Read More:
      What a sad indictment of how bad things have become for the Owls that fans cannot bear to watch another minute of the shower of rubbish being served up in front of them.
      He would have been better off staying at home to watch Dragons’ Den. Who knows maybe some boffin could invent something new on the show — like a winning Sheffield Wednesday football team! More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed former Premier League star plays match for League Two club after being handed career lifeline

      by

      A FORMER Premier League stalwart who is now unemployed has been offered a career lifeline in League Two.Not many will have paid too much attention to the Cheshire Senior Cup showdown between Stockport County and Tranmere Rovers this week.
      A Premier League veteran appeared for Stockport County on trial this weekCredit: Getty
      But for one ex-Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Burnley ace it was a hugely important night.
      The 34-year-old Matt Lowton was released by Burnley during the summer after eight years at Turf Moor.
      Following his arrival from Villa in 2015, he became a key man under Sean Dyche and helped them to the Championship title in his first season there.
      The right-back went on to make 203 appearances for the club and scored three times but last term he began to fall out of favour after Vincent Kompany took charge.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He moved to Huddersfield Town on loan in January as Kompany led Burnley to the title and back to the Premier League.
      Then Lowton, who helped the Terriers beat relegation, began pre-season on trial at Birmingham.
      However, Brum boss John Eustace opted against offering the veteran a contract, leaving him jobless going into the campaign.
      Despite the transfer window now being closed, free agents are able to sign for a new club outside of it.
      Most read in EFL
      Matt Lowton is on trial with a League Two clubCredit: Getty
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      And it has now emerged that he has been offered an opportunity elsewhere in the Football League.
      Lowton is currently on trial with League Two outfit Stockport as he looks to earn himself a contract.
      And that led to him being handed a start for them on Tuesday in their 2-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the Cheshire Senior Cup. More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Little-spotted change to Carabao Cup draw could explain why Man Utd got yet another home tie

      by

      WEDNESDAY night’s Carabao Cup draw saw a little-spotted change that may explain why Manchester United got yet another home tie.The Red Devils set a new record by landing a 12th home cup tie in a row after drawing Newcastle in the fourth-round of the EFL competition.
      Wednesday’s fourth-round draw saw a little-spotted change to who drew the home teamsCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports Football
      The third-round draw saw the person on the right draw the home teamsCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports Football
      The same can be seen in the second-round drawCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports Football
      United will face the Magpies at Old Trafford – who they beat in the Carabao Cup final last term.
      Despite Eddie Howe’s side’s 1-0 victory against eight-time EFL Cup winners Manchester City at St James’ Park Newcastle fans were ragging.
      They were fuming with their fourth-round fixture and a slight change in the draw could be the reason for it.
      The draw was conducted by SkySports presenter Emma Saunders, Celtic legend Neil Lennon and former Sunderland man Don Goodman.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      In the second and third-round draws the person on the left drew the home teams and the right did the away teams.
      But last night it was ex-Bhoys star Lennon who standing on the right drew the home sides as he pulled out Man Utd No4 to hand them another home game.
      The tie meant United set a new record for drawing the most home ties.
      The odds of the record happening, drawing 12 home ties in a row is 4,096/1 – and left many wondering if the small tweak to the draw could explain why Man Utd will host once again.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Man Utd’s extraordinary run of home fixtures dates back to a defeat at Leicester in March 2021.
      United’s only domestic cup match to be played away from Old Trafford in the last three years was a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest as well as a semi-final and final in the FA Cup at Wembley.
      They will now battle Newcastle in the week commencing October 30 for a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      AFC Wimbledon chief quit after ‘hidden bug caught him calling employee f***ing s**g and saying he wanted to MURDER her’

      by

      AFC WIMBLEDON’S managing director quit after a hidden bug recorded him making vile sexist and abusive comments about a colleague, who he called a “f***ing s**g” he wanted to “murder”.The League Two club confirmed on September 4 Danny Macklin would leave his post four days later.
      Danny Macklin was recorded allegedly using vile sexist and abusive comments before his AFC Wimbledon exitCredit: Twitter @dannymacca81
      Rebecca Markham, works as the ticketing manager at the clubCredit: Twitter @AFCWimbledon
      No reason was given for his sudden departure at the time but they simply thanked him for his “hard work” in the role in a brief 62-word statement.
      But now The Times report Macklin resigned because he was exposed by a hidden recorder placed in his office by a club security officer.
      Macklin, 42, was caught talking about wanting to remove ticketing manager Rebeca Markham from her job.
      He called ex-Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham employee Markham a “f***ing s**t”, a “f***ing b****” and a “f***ing s**g” in a horrendous onslaught.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      In one recording released by The Times, Macklin was heard saying to two female colleagues, “I f***ing want to put her [Markham] through a f***ing window.
      “I’ve never wanted to kill someone, but I’d like to kill her. F***ing slut.
      “I don’t think I’ve ever hated anyone more in my life. Someone has got to punch her in the face.”
      He also added: “Ah, s**t, f***ing b****.
      Most read in EFL
      “I’d like to put her through a f***ing window.
      “I f***ing want to murder her… I f***ing hate her… f***ing s**g.”
      The comments came just two months after Macklin and Markham had been part of AFC Wimbledon’s involvement in the Her Game Too campaign to fight sexism in football.
      Then, Macklin had said: “We welcome initiatives that encourage more girls and women to attend our games, or take part in activities.
      “The repeated use of chants that are not family-friendly will prevent us from attracting new fans.”
      However, the ex-Leyton Orient CEO – who also worked as commercial director at Southend United and Essex County Cricket Club – left his job after the clandestine device caught his expletive-laden, derogatory rant.
      ROYAL THREAT
      British army veteran Matthew Wells planted the bug amid concerns about the alleged abuse of staff at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
      The 57-year-old, who joined the army aged 16 and served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, threatened to take the recording to the Prince of Wales if AFC Wimbledon failed to act.
      Wells met Prince William, president of the Football Association, in the army.
      He told a friend: “I couldn’t believe what I heard. The way he was talking about Rebecca was terrible.
      “I think the club has responded properly. When they had the evidence, they acted quickly.
      “I think Danny was under a lot of pressure at work but that does not excuse the comments.”
      Macklin posted a lengthy parting message thanking colleagues and supporters after ten months at AFC Wimbledon.
      He then posted on LinkedIn that he is going to spend “much-needed time with my young family before taking my next challenge”.
      AFC Wimbledon denied they had covered up Macklin’s alleged disgusting behaviour after The Times revealed the shocking recording.
      ‘UNACCEPTABLE AND UTTERLY INAPPROPRIATE’
      The South-West London club – who returned to Plough Lane in 2020 – said: “AFC Wimbledon strives to be a responsible, inclusive and modern fan-owned club.
      “As such, it takes its obligation to act properly and set an example, as well as its duty of care towards employees and fans, extremely seriously.
      “Behaviour such as that being alleged was and is not tolerated, nor is it representative of the culture at the club.
      “Once we became aware of the matter we acted appropriately in accordance with our responsibilities and values to promptly resolve it. For legal reasons we are not able to say more.”
      A club official added: “What was said would have been unacceptable in any era and is utterly inappropriate for today.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Markham declined to comment while Macklin refused to address the recording when approached by The Times.
      He said: “For legal reasons I make no comment.” More