More stories

  • in

    Ex-Crawley Town boss John Yems slapped with 18-MONTH ban after being found guilty of 12 racism charges spanning 3 years

    JOHN YEMS has been hit with an 18-month ban from football after being found guilty of 12 racism charges.An investigation was launched into the former Crawley Town boss last April after he was accused of making 16 discriminatory comments towards his own players, breaching FA Rule E3.2.
    John Yems managed Crawley between 2019 and 2022Credit: Getty
    This rule prohibits language referencing ethnic origin, race, nationality, colour, gender or religion.
    Yems, 63, admitted to one of the charges against him but denied the other 15 during a hearing on Friday.
    The allegations against Yems spanned between 2019 and 2022.
    An independent regulatory commission found him guilty of 11 of the 15 further claims, in addition to the one he admitted.
    READ MORE EFL NEWS
    His ban from football related activities will run until June 1, 2024.
    Yems was initially suspended by Crawley on April 23 last year after allegations against him came to light.
    Thirteen days later, with the FA having confirmed that they’d be launching an investigation into their manager, Crawley relieved Yems of his duties.
    Following the FA’s verdict, Crawley released the following statement: “We would like to thank the Football Association for its thorough investigation into these serious allegations and the independent Regulatory Commission for its thoughtful consideration and ruling on the findings.
    Most read in EFL
    “As we have said many times, Crawley Town Football Club will never tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind.
    “We remain eager to partner with our players, staff and supporters as we build a team and community that Red Devils fans can be proud of — both on and off the pitch.”
    Former striker Jason Lee, who now works as the PFA’s senior equalities education executive, commended those that came forward with allegations for their bravery.
    He said: “It takes bravery to come forward to report issues like this.
    “It’s a massive thing for any individual to do, and that’s why it’s so vital that players have confidence that they will be listened to, believed and supported.
    It’s vital that the structures are in place to tackle this kind of behaviour when it’s reportedJason Lee
    “I hope this outcome shows our members that there is a process in place, that it will be followed, and it can result in proper punishment.
    “A person’s behaviour won’t change unless they are held to account. Letting it go unchecked and allowing them to just quietly reappear in other roles at other clubs doesn’t protect the players.”
    He then added: “It’s vital that the structures are in place to tackle this kind of behaviour when it’s reported.
    “But for the process to work everyone needs to be able to recognise discriminatory behaviour when they see it.”
    Jason Lee commended those with allegations for bravely coming forwardCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Watch Bolton fan in away end at Barnsley get a girl’s number from the home end thanks to some help from a steward

    A Bolton fan managed to get a Barnsley supporter’s phone number with the help of a steward during their League One game on Monday.A clip which emerged on social media showed the Barnsley-supporting woman handing her number to the steward.
    The steward could be seen carrying the girl’s number back to the Bolton endCredit: Twitter
    A Bolton fan in the away end asked the steward to get a Barnsley fan’s number during the game the other day…Who said romance is dead? 🤣 pic.twitter.com/qe6YY2Ycq6— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) January 6, 2023

    The Bolton fan celebrated after getting the Barnsley fan’s numberCredit: Twitter
    He then proceeded to carry it back to the away end and walk up the stand to hand it to the man.
    When it was passed over, the Bolton fan could be seen celebrating in comical fashion.
    And both sets of fans got involved as they cheered the brilliant exchange.
    Posting the clip, Football Away Days said: “A Bolton fan in the away end asked the steward to get a Barnsley fan’s number during the game the other day…
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “Who said romance is dead? 🤣”
    Reacting to the video, one person replied: “Did he have binoculars at the match to spot her in the crowd?”
    Another added: “Saw this happen from the back of the stand 🤣.”
    And a third said: “So many questions about this we’ll never get the answer to!”
    Most read in EFL
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The man who received the phone number would have been even happier at full-time as Bolton claimed a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Dion Charles, Jon Daoi Bodvarsson and Kyle Dempsey.
    The result takes Wanderers above Barnsley and up to fifth in the League One table.
    Barnsley sit sixth, below Bolton on goal difference but with a game in hand. More

  • in

    League Two side Crawley Town ‘offered bonus every time defender won a HEADER as part of bizarre contract offer’

    CRAWLEY TOWN reportedly tried to persuade a player to sign for them by offering them a bonus for every time they won a HEADER.Cryptocurrency company Wagmi United bought the League Two side in April and have attempted to rebuild the squad in bizarre fashion.
    Crawley failed to sign a player they offered a bonus to for each header they wonCredit: Rex
    And a new report has now revealed just how weird their incentives to potential new recruits are.
    The Guardian are claiming that Wagmi United, who are led by “crypto bros” Preston Johnson and Eben Smith, offered a defender a bonus every time he headed the ball per game.
    Perhaps even more amazingly, the player in question allegedly snubbed the offer despite the potential opportunity to rack up a huge amount each match.
    But not every one of their unique offers has been rejected.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    In fact, it also adds that when they signed Dominic Telford from Newport, not only did they double his wages, they also included a bonus in his deal for every time he wins the ball back in the opposition side’s half.
    The 26-year-old was top scorer in the fourth tier last term but even his arrival has been unable to stop the chaos at Crawley this season.
    The Red Devils are currently 20th and searching for their fourth manager of the campaign.
    Kevin Betsy was axed after just four months before his interim replacement Lewis Young was sacked with ex-Tottenham and West Ham winger Matthew Etherington coming in.
    Most read in EFL
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    However, Etherington was sacked by Crawley after just 32 days and three games at the helm.
    Crawley’s crypto owners also told the 41-year-old that he could not play striker Tom Nichols during one of his games as he had been sold to Gillingham without his knowledge.
    Nichols confirmed the news last month, saying: “I got told after training they had accepted an offer for me from another club and I couldn’t play anymore.” More

  • in

    Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Darren named Peterborough manager for FOURTH time after Grant McCann exit

    DARREN FERGUSON is the Peterborough manager… for the FOURTH time.Sir Alex Ferguson’s son replaces Grant McCann in the dugout at London Road, who himself was in his third stint as boss after taking over from Ferguson last February.
    Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has brought Darren Ferguson, right, back as manager againCredit: Rex
    Posh confirmed McCann’s exit this morning with the club sitting eighth in League One following relegation from the Championship last term.
    McCann – who was caretaker gaffer in 2015 and then on a permanent basis from 2016 to 2018 – returned to the club last February alongside assistant Cliff Byrne.
    But after failing to keep Peterborough up, their final game in charge was Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Wycombe.
    However, Posh wasted no time in appointing his successor with Ferguson, 50, back at the club once more.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Sir Alex’s kid was Peterborough manager from 2007 to 2009, then again for four years from 2011 and then a further three years from 2019 before his departure 11 months ago.
    But the 1993 Premier League winner with Manchester United under his dad is back in Cambridgeshire having been out of work since choosing to leave the club in early 2022.
    Ferguson’s geographical proximity and knowledge of the club were key to him getting the job.
    The former Preston and Doncaster chief has signed a contract until the end of the season – and the club were quick to confirm this is only a short-term solution.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The club’s board, led by Darragh MacAnthony, said: “When you look for a manager in January, it is an impossible time to get someone in, so if you were to write down what you would want in a manager, someone who identifies with how you work was a football club, someone who has had multiple promotions on their CV, someone with a style of football that gets people off their seats, where would you find a manager like that?
    “It just so happens we have one that lives nearby and has agreed to come and help us until the end of the season.
    “We are not talking a long-term appointment, it has been agreed between ourselves and Darren that the best way is for him to come in and work with the squad.
    “He has won five promotions in his career – he will be going for number six and we are delighted that he has agreed to return.”
    Ferguson’s 518th match as Posh manager, and first of this latest stint, is against Port Vale on January 16 in front of the Sky Sports cameras. More

  • in

    Charlie Austin, 33, completes free transfer to Swindon Town as he rejoins old club two weeks after Brisbane Roar release

    CHARLIE AUSTIN has rejoined Swindon Town more than a decade after leaving the club.The 33-year-old striker left Brisbane Roar two weeks ago due to family reasons following a brief six-month stint with the Australian outfit.
    Charlie Austin’s return to Swindon Town has been confirmedCredit: Instagram / Swindon Town FC
    He spent two seasons with the English outfit between 2009 and 2011Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    Now he is back in England with fourth-tier side Swindon – who he previously played for in League One between 2009 and 2011.
    Austin scored a superb 37 goals in 65 appearances for the Robins before leaving for Burnley.
    Since then, he has gone on to play for QPR twice, Southampton and West Brom.
    Just 11 games for Brisbane Roar preceded the return to Swindon – who currently sit fifth in League Two, 14 points behind table toppers Leyton Orient.
    READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
    And Austin, who was called up to the England squad back in 2015, is excited to return to the Wiltshere club.
    Speaking about his comeback, he tweeted: “Delighted to finally get the deal sorted and be able to announce it, a new chapter in the footballing book but also a revisit to another one.
    “Look forward to get started in a couple of weeks time.”
    Manager Scott Lindsey added: “I’m delighted to have Charlie onboard and this is a really top signing for the football club.
    Most read in EFL
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “His career speaks for itself and he’s a natural goal scorer with a lot still to offer.
    “His experience both on and off the pitch will be invaluable and play a key part in driving us forward for the remainder of the season.”
    The completion of Austin’s return is subject to EFL approval and international clearance.
    Austin will be hoping to hit the ground running upon his return to SwindonCredit: Instagram / Swindown Town FC More

  • in

    Wycombe striker Tjay De Barr rushed to hospital for tests after collapsing on pitch at full-time in worrying scenes

    WYCOMBE WANDERERS star Tjay De Barr was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch at the end of his side’s 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.Fans and players were left shocked as the striker fell to the ground with no-one around him moments after the final whistle.
    Wycombe Wanderers star Tjay De Barr collapsed after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Plymouth ArgyleCredit: Getty
    The Gibraltarian striker was treated by paramedics before being stretchered off the field
    De Barr, 22, was a second-half sub for the visitors in their League One loss at Argyle’s Home Park stadium.
    Paramedics rushed over to the player as he lay on the floor as team-mates gathered around him.
    Thousands of concerned fans watched on from the stands.
    De Barr was treated on the pitch by medics before being covered in a foil blanket and placed onto a stretcher to be carried off the pitch.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    He was taken to hospital and was accompanied in the ambulance by Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth.
    Tweeting after the game, Wanderers said: “There was a medical incident at full-time involving Tjay De Barr.
    “We thank the staff for their swift action and await news of his condition.”
    It is unknown what caused De Barr to collapse, but during the match he was reportedly left puffing after a collision with an opponent.
    Most read in EFL
    Wycombe later added: “Tjay De Barr has been treated on-site by medics and is in a good condition, but will go to hospital for further tests.
    “Thank you to everyone for their well wishes, and to the medical staff for their swift and expert assistance.”
    Wycombe’s assistant manager Richard Dobson said: “He is up and talking but obviously you don’t want to see that at the end of the game.  
    “There is obviously great concern about for him and his wellbeing. Tjay is a real fighter so for him to go down in the manner he did is totally out of character. 
    “So something is clearly not right but he is in good hands and in the right place.” 
    Plymouth manager Steven Schumacher said: “It was a brilliant result but obviously our thoughts with their player Tjay De Barr. You never want to see that on a football pitch. 
    “The games are hard fought and everybody wants to get through them and speak about the football but when something like that happens the result pails into insignificance.” 
    Fans were quick to send messages wishing the Gibraltarian well on social media after the distressing scenes.
    One said: “All thoughts this evening with Tjay De Barr.”
    Another wrote: “Argyle fan here hoping to hear good news, felt sick walking home.”
    One noted: “Not nice to see , hope he makes a speedy recovery.”
    Another added: “This is the main thing that matters most tonight, best wishes on behalf of me and all Argyle fans to the lad.”
    De Barr joined Wycombe on a free transfer in August 2021 and scored once in eight games last term.

    He spent the second half of the campaign on loan at National League side Eastleigh, playing four times.
    De Barr’s cameo against Plymouth was his fifth appearance of the current season, and the ace also has three goals in 30 games for Gibraltar. More

  • in

    Matthew Etherington SACKED by Crawley Town after just three games as ex-Spurs star struggles in first managerial role

    FORMER Tottenham star Matthew Etherington has been sacked by Crawley Town just three games into his first managerial job.The 41-year-old was appointed boss by the League Two strugglers on November 27.
    Matthew Etherington has been sacked by Crawley TownCredit: Rex
    The ex-Spurs ace was only in charge for three matches at the League Two clubCredit: Rex
    He named former Peterborough and Tottenham teammate Simon Davies as his assistant and went on to beat Swindon Town 2-0 in his first game.
    A 2-0 home defeat to Hartlepool followed on December 9 before another setback on home turf followed on Boxing Day as they were downed 2-1 by Sutton.
    Now his stint has been ended by the Red Devils, who sit 20th in the table, before tomorrow’s trip to Stevenage.
    A statement confirmed: “Crawley Town Football can confirm that First-Team Manager Matthew Etherington and Assistant Manager Simon Davies have left their roles at Crawley Town Football Club with immediate effect.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “The club will appoint a new permanent manager as soon as possible.”
    Crawley’s Director of Football and interim CEO Chris Galley added: “It has become clear to all involved parties that this partnership is not the right fit to carry the club forward and achieve our goals.
    “As a result, we have mutually decided to move in a different direction.
    “We wish Matty and Simon well in their future endeavours.”
    Most read in EFL
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Etherington retired from playing in 2014 after an impressive playing career with Peterborough, Spurs, Bradford, West Ham and Stoke City.
    The ex-England U21 winger battled a gambling addiction while at the Hammers, with the club lending him £300,000, after he accumulated huge debts.
    Etherington also spent time at Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance Clinic.
    He began his coaching career in charge of Peterborough’s U18s in 2018 before he was promoted to assistant manager of the first-team in November 2021. More

  • in

    Watch ‘worst corner routine ever’ with fans in hysterics after Crawley vs Sutton clash

    FOOTBALL fans witnessed a contender for the worst corner ever in the League Two clash between Crawley Town and Sutton United on Boxing Day.And an ironic shout from the Sutton goalkeeper left supporters in stitches.

    Football fans have been left in stitches by this Crawley Town cornerCredit: SKY SPORTS
    The ball ended up nearly on the halfway line, rather than in the boxCredit: SKY SPORTS
    With the game delicately poised at 0-0 in the 56th minute, a corner was sent in the direction of the Sutton box.
    However, the ball failed to make it anywhere close to the goal.
    Instead it somehow sailed to near enough the halfway line.
    From there it was played back to Crawley goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe, who hammered the ball straight off the pitch.
    Read More In Football
    While the corner delivery itself raised eyebrows, a shout believed to be from Sutton goalie Jack Rose had fans in hysterics.
    A huge cry of “Away” could be heard from the box, with Rose motioning for his defenders to push up.
    The ironic bellow came despite the fact that the ball never went anywhere near the box.
    And League Two fans were left in stitches by both the corner itself, and the ironic shout.
    Most read in EFL
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    One wrote on Twitter, followed by laughing emojis: “The keeper.”
    Another joked: “Straight off the training ground!”
    A third added: “The most incredible corner routine you will ever see, from Crawley Town yesterday.”
    While a Sutton fan account quipped: “Today we have mostly been eating Pringles and watching the clip of that Crawley corner on repeat.”
    To make matters worse for Crawley, they went on to lose the game 2-1. More