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      Fans fuming as Sky Sports Football technical glitch sees screens across the country go black during EFL coverage

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      EFL fans were left fuming as Sky Sports suffered a glitch that saw TV screens go black.The broadcaster had Leyton Orient vs Stevenage before Bolton vs Derby on its schedule for this afternoon’s League One action.
      Sky Sports’ feed cut out leaving fans unable to see the EFL actionCredit: Sky Sports
      But as they attempted to show a split screen with footage from both stadiums, all that could be seen were large black rectangles with no camera feeds.
      Supporters took to Twitter to voice their anger at cut-out.
      One furious user blasted: “Absolute farce @SkySports and you wonder why people don’t stay with you.
      “Standard s***e service and coverage of the Football League.”
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      Another raged: “What’s happening with Sky Sports lately? Absolute s***e.
      “Picture quality is terrible. Constant problems with sound and picture.
      “Build-up to games are boring and looks like they couldn’t care. 99 per cent of the time won’t show a game below the Championship.”
      A third posted the TV failure and added: “Paid £18 a month for this?”
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      And a final user complained: “F***ing useless as always I see.”
      Sky hold the TV rights for the EFL and put all their focus on the lower divisions because Amazon Prime are showing all ten Premier League matches for this gameweek.
      The channel recently tried to shake up their coverage with an access-all-areas day at Wycombe as they hosted Portsmouth.
      That included cameras in the dressing rooms, insight into the captains’ chat with the referee and even an interview in a bed.
      However, as revealed by SunSport, the reality is Sky Sports’ viewing figures are falling and they are considering offering less money for fewer games when it comes to negotiating their new contract for 2024 onwards. More

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      National League ‘to be offered THIRD promotion place’ in huge shake up to football league pyramid

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      A HUGE shake up in the Football League pyramid could reportedly see the National League offered an extra promotion place.Only the champions of the then-named Conference used to win promotion to the EFL until 1997.
      Stockport County celebrate winning last season’s National LeagueCredit: PA
      The National League could get an extra promotion placeCredit: National League
      A second promotion spot was then awarded in 2003, which is secured via the play-offs.
      EFL chairman Rick Parry could be about to play a role in a huge revampCredit: Getty
      However a new report in the Daily Mail states an extra one could soon be up for grabs.
      It states that the EFL are ready to offer three promotion places to the National League “as part of their contribution to the financial reset being demanded by chairman Rick Parry”.
      Talks are currently deadlocked between the EFL and Premier League for more funding from the top-flight.
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      However, this claims that there is “an acknowledgement at the EFL that they also have a responsibility to assist clubs further down the pyramid” too.
      And the “best way” of achieving in many eyes is by offering an additional promotion place.
      It is a particular favourite with clubs in the Championship – “not least as it would not affect them”. 
      However, the change will not affect anything during the current campaign.
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      The rules regarding the EFL’s promotion and relegation system needs to be approved via votes from a majority of clubs.
      And it would not be introduced until next season at the very earliest.
      Notts County are currently four points clear at the top of the National League table going into the festive campaign. More

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      Footie fans left drooling as Stockport County offers supporters Christmas dinner in a CUP for £4.50

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      STOCKPORT COUNTY proved they’re no humbugs when it comes to matchday grub.That’s after serving up a festive feast for fans in a disposable CUP.
      Stockport County are selling a stunning £4.50 CUP filled with Christmas dinner favouritesCredit: Twitter
      For just £4.50, the League Two club are offering supporters a delicious Christmas dinner.
      But there’s nothing cold-turkey about this slap-up meal.
      Complete with festive fowl, spuds, sprouts and pigs in blankets, the mouth-watering concoction is delivered to hungry Hatters in a large cup.
      It means gravy-obsessed foodies can douse their meal in all the savoury nectar they want.
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      And fans online have been left drooling over Stockport County’s tasty tuck.
      One certainly didn’t mince-pie their words, beaming: “That’s top tier scran.”
      Another joked: “Pay that for a cup of tea at West Ham.”
      One declared: “Cannot wait to try this tomorrow instead of my usual pie and mash.
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      “This looks like proper scran but that gravy is going everywhere!”
      Another added: “Straight into the top 10 for me, Clive. Tasty, good value, seasonal and would warm your hands up a treat.”
      It’s another win for Stockport County, who have racked up eight victories in their last 11 games across all competitions.
      However, games against Rochdale and Gillingham were postponed due to the recent cold snap.
      And fans won’t be able to sample the Christmas Cup until Boxing Day’s battle against Crewe Alexandria. More

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      Bristol Rovers star Nick Anderton to undergo chemotherapy as he reveals rare bone cancer is more aggressive than thought

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      BRISTOL ROVERS star Nick Anderton has announced he will undergo chemotherapy after discovering his cancer was more aggressive than initially thought.The 26-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in his femur in July.
      Bristol Rovers star Nick Anderton will undergo chemo in his fight against cancerCredit: Getty
      The left-back and his club confirmed that he was suffering from Osteosarcoma – a cancer typically affecting long bones, such as legs and arms.
      He had an operation on 5 October to remove a tumour which was successful.
      But the biopsy revealed the cancerous cells are aggressive and require the ex-Blackpool, Preston, and Carlisle ace to have chemotherapy.
      And that bout of treatment is set to last several months.
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      Anderton said in a statement: “Following the recent announcement of my diagnosis with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, I have some further news that I wish to share.
      “I underwent a successful operation on Wednesday, October 5 to remove the tumorous area.
      “After the operation, the tumour was sent off for further analysis, and the biopsy revealed that the cancerous cells were more aggressive than previously thought.
      “Because of this I now need to undergo chemotherapy treatment. This process has not begun and will last for several months.
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      “I would like to thank my family, friends, fans, team-mates and the whole football community for their support – it means the world to me. Nick.”
      Tom Gorringe, the chief executive officer of League One Bristol Rovers, added: “Sadly, the prognosis Nick has received has developed over the past few months.
      “But we are all incredibly thankful that it was uncovered as early as it was and that he has been afforded such great care and support early on.
      “Nick remains an integral part of our squad and everyone has remained in constant contact with him to offer our support and to do what we can to try and help him and his family through this difficult time.
      “Nick’s response and positivity, despite the adversity he is currently facing, is admirable and he is an inspiration to us all.” More

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      League One strugglers Charlton targeted for shock takeover from leading football agency with Addicks’ owner keen to sell

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      CHARLTON are a target for a leading football agency who want to be involved with buying the club and showcasing their players.The business have talent on their books from around the world.
      Thomas Sandgaard would sell Charlton Athletic for the right priceCredit: Alamy
      And they are among the parties keen on the struggling League One outfit.
      The plan would be for them to work with a front man who would be the new owner but using their contacts and clients.
      The group looked at a couple of Championship clubs but they were too dear.
      The Addicks’ current owner Thomas Sandgaard would sell.
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      And the snag of a buyer paying a huge sum for both the club and the land would be removed as this agency only wants the football side.
      The move would need to be cleared by the EFL.
      That is because it is officially against the rules for an agency to have a financial stake in a club.
      But appointing the right team to run Charlton on their behalf could be inside the regulations.
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      Insiders claim a sale is close as Sandgaard is suffering losses.
      Charlton are currently 18th in League One having played 20 games this term. More

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      EFL lift 3pm blackout and fixture times moved so England fans can cheer on Kane and Co against France in World Cup

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      TWO Championship games will be streamed live on Saturday as the EFL lift the 3pm blackout to enable fans to watch England’s World Cup quarter-final with France.English football’s second tier returned for the first time since the start of the World Cup last weekend as Sunderland beat Millwall.
      The country will come to a stand still for England’s clash with FranceCredit: Rex
      But the first full set of fixtures since mid-November takes place this Saturday, beginning with Blackburn’s home game against Preston at midday – one of three televised Championship matches.
      That clash and the 12.30pm game between Rotherham and Bristol City have both been moved to earlier in the day.
      As has Reading vs Coventry which will take place at 2pm.
      And according to BBC Sport, the nationwide televised blackout ordinarily put in place for football at 3pm will be temporarily lifted for two of the afternoon games.
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      Huddersfield’s trip to Sheffield United and Stoke’s clash with Cardiff will be streamed by the EFL, the report states.
      This and the earlier kick-off times mean supporters do not need to worry about getting back in time for England’s crunch clash with France.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions take on the reigning world champions in Qatar at 7pm.
      The huge match is being aired on ITV1, with coverage getting underway from 6pm.
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      Meanwhile, Burnley sit top of the Championship table as they get their domestic action back underway away at QPR.
      A defeat for Vincent Kompany’s men would see Sheffield United leapfrog them into top spot if they can beat rock bottom Huddersfield.
      Blackburn, Watford, Norwich and QPR currently make up the play-off places, while Wigan and Blackpool join Huddersfield in the relegation zone. More

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      From Ajax to Millwall, how Zian Flemming is bringing some Dutch courage to the Lions’ play-off push

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      ZIAN FLEMMING is adding some Dutch courage to Millwall’s attempt to finally make it to the promised land. Dubbed the ‘Bermondsey Bergkamp’, the 24 year old is already a fan favourite down at The Den since his £1.7m club-record move from Fortuna Sittard in the summer. 
      Flemming is raring to go again in the Championship after scoring a hat-trick against Preston before the World Cup breakCredit: Focus Images
      SunSport’s Frankie Christou speaking with Flemming at Millwall’s training ground ahead of their clash with SunderlandCredit: Startraks
      Flemming’s eight Championship goals – including a hat-trick away at Preston before the World Cup break – has Millwall in with a chance to move up to 4th tomorrow with a win at Sunderland. 
      And after snubbing European clubs to join the Lions, the Amsterdam-born attacker believes Gary Rowett’s side are ready to stay in the playoffs.
      He told SunSport: “Millwall are a club with authenticity with raw crowds. 
      “It is an old club with passionate fans and you can see it at the training ground and the stadium. 
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      “It is all just simple and I feel like it is a club built on passion and hard work.
      “I joined because there was a solid foundation of 8th- and 9th-placed finishes and the plan is to make that step into the top six and I am part of that plan. 
      “With my help and the other signings, as well as the rest of the team, I want to get in the top six.”
      The Amsterdam-born attacker was coached by Bergkamp alongside the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Donyell Malen in Ajax’s academy. 
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      The comparisons with Arsenal legend Denis Bergkamp come from Flemming also not being considered a traditional number 10.
      Yet, despite having a football education most other Championship players could only dream of, Flemming’s physical nature has seen him thrive in just five months in England. 
      Flemming explained: “When you leave Ajax you realise how special it was, but I was a kid just enjoying myself. 
      “Bergkamp was my gaffer at the U12s. I knew his name but I was too young to really know him. 
      “So when he became our gaffer our parents had to tell and show us how big he is. 
      “We needed some education because it was before our time. 
      “I have seen a lot of his goals because luckily we have YouTube.
      “He is a different kind of player who was extremely stylish and technical, whereas I am more physical and goal oriented.” 
      Flemming starred in Ajax’s academy before winning the second division with Jong AjaxCredit: Getty
      He was a fan favourite at Dutch side Fortuna Sittard before moving to Millwall in the summerCredit: Getty
      Despite a fast start to life at Millwall, it was not all plain sailing for Flemming after growing issues halted his progress as a teenager. 
      But after fighting his way back into Ajax’s second side, he adopted his famous arm flex goal celebration which sees him adopt Millwall’s ‘We Fear No Foe’ mantra by paying homage to UFC bruiser Nate Diaz. 
      He said: “I was not growing but at 17 I started growing quickly which caused problems with my body. 
      “In the end I was not able to train for some weeks. I was struggling for like two seasons in a row. 
      “I grew like 20cm and when I got back I tried to do what I was doing before but I could not do it. 
      “I had to learn how to use my body again. I worked hard on my coordination. I was ready to go again but they kept picking other players. 
      “When I finally got my chance and started scoring I started doing the celebration symbolising Nate Diaz in the UFC. 
      “I remember his face was all bloodied and he won. So I saw it as a metaphor and a symbol for me.” 
      Flemming’s fighter mentality was also moulded by his decision to leave Ajax’s prestigious academy to kickstart his career. 
      After excelling in Ajax’s second team, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances as the side won the Dutch second league for the first time, he secured a free transfer to Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle in 2018.
      A tough start saw him loaned back down to the second division where he became NEC Nijmegen’s top scorer which secured a permanent move to Fortuna Sittard.
      He notched 12 goals and seven assists in his debut season, leading the club to an 11th-place finish before signing off last year with a final-day goal to keep them up. 
      Flemming said: “I could tell there was no space to move up to the first team at Ajax, so it was logical to make that step because otherwise you are just stuck in the second team. 
      “Being in the second division was a step up to the real world because it is very physical but I was still at Ajax. 
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      “At my other clubs I had to think more defensively, because at Ajax you would always have possession.
      “But my mindset has not changed, I want to be the whole package. My main focus is scoring goals.” More

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      Francis Joseph dead at 62: Footballer who became first black player to represent Wimbledon dies as tributes flood in

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      FRANCIS JOSEPH has died aged 62, former club Wimbledon have confirmed.A striker by trade, Joseph made history in 1980 by becoming the first black player to represent the Wombles.
      Francis Joseph has passed away aged 62Credit: Rex
      Joseph became a distinguished figure at Plough Lane, banging in the goals to earn their Player of the Year award after the 1980-81 campaign.
      He left Wimbledon for Brentford in 1982, but would return for a loan spell five years later.
      In total he played 50 times for the Wombles, bagging 16 goals.
      Joseph would also become an iconic figure across London at Brentford – scoring 44 times in 110 appearances between 1982 and 1987.
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      He later played for Reading, Sheffield United, Gillingham and Fulham during a prolific career.
      Posting a tribute to their Twitter account, AFC Wimbledon wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph.
      “Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.
      “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.”
      We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph. Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/p47IQtXFHT— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) November 18, 2022

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      After finishing his playing career in non-league, Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone.
      Upon the news of Joseph’s passing, the National League side wrote: “Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened to hear the news that former Wealdstone coach Francis Joseph has passed away.
      “RIP, Francis.”
      Brentford also paid tribute, posting: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Francis Joseph.
      “Francis joined Brentford in the summer of 1982 and scored 44 goals in 110 league appearances. The thoughts of everyone at #BrentfordFC are with his family and friends at this time.”
      Former England striker Brian Deane posted: “Sad news this morning hearing Francis Joseph has passed away.
      “Another one I’m grateful to for some early memories in football. What a guy 😞. Joe I’ll be having a sensible Bacardi and Coke for you this weekend. RIP big guy.”
      Chesham United, another former club of Joseph’s, tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news that Francis Joseph has passed away, as well as being the father of current Chesham forward Zak Joseph, Francis played for the club in the 95/96 season
      “Our thoughts are with Zak and his family at this difficult time.
      “RIP, Francis.”
      SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr wrote: “Francis Joseph was a wonderful monster of a man who my family really loved.
      “He was hugely & rightly proud of his boy Zak. Spoke to him last month when he called to talk boxing & we laughed for about an hour. He was still ready & willing to fight absolutely everyone. Real Crazy G.”
      Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone in his latter yearsCredit: Rex More