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      Man Utd legend, 61, in talks over new deal and open to managing in FIFTH tier after relegation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes is in talks over a new contract and is open to managing in the fifth tier, according to reports.Hughes, 61, is head coach of Carlisle United, who were relegated to the National League after a defeat at Cheltenham Town last Saturday.Mark Hughes is open to staying with Carlisle despite their recent relegationCredit: RexSunSport exclusively revealed in April that Hughes would be open to sticking with Carlisle in the fifth tier.He told BBC Radio Cumbria this week that conversations were ongoing.The Welshman replaced Mike Williamson in February on a rolling contract with aims to save Carlisle from the bottom League Two. He said: “Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHughes couldn’t prevent relegation but oversaw a huge upturn in form.Unfortunately it came too late.He won the same number of matches in his 18 in charge as Carlisle did in their 32 games previous this season. The 23rd-placed club are also the only one in the bottom three to have won in the final five games of the season, after triumphing twice in a row in that period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHughes couldn’t avoid relegation but turned Carlisle’s form aroundCredit: RexCarlisle is Wrexham-born Hughes’ ninth managerial stint, having bossed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and most recently Bradford.His love for the role is not restricted to higher league success despite being a two-time Premier League winner as a Manchester United player.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-time”I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford,” he said.”When you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”In a press conference ahead of Carlisle’s final game of the season, Hughes indicated that he thinks a decision will happen “sooner rather than later.”The Cumbrians ended their season with a hard-fought 2-2 home draw to Salford City, costing the visitors a play-off place. More

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      Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-time

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      BRADFORD’S clash against Fleetwood was suspended just seconds before their promotion to League One after fans stormed the pitch.Bradford scored a 97th minute winner to seal third place in League Two and secure a move up the divisions.Bradford fans invaded the pitch BEFORE full-time after a last-gasp winner sealed promotionAntoni Sarcevic’s looked to have sealed a place in League OneBradford players urged the fans off as the game was not actually over yetStewards worked hard as the field was quickly clearedBut with the game being just seconds away from finishing, it was brought to a halt as fans prematurely invaded the field.The supporters were delighted after Antoni Sarcevic’s strike looked to have sealed a place in League One.Sarcevic’s goal was deflected into the goal, sparking joyous scenes as fans joined the players on the pitch to celebrate.However, the game was technically not over as fans continued to flood on to the grass.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBradford players appeared concerned as they urged supporters to return to their seats, knowing the job was not yet done.Stewards also worked overtime to clear the field.The game was held up for more than 10 minutes before the final few seconds of the match were allowed to resume after the last supporters had made their way back to the stands.But there was no late sting in the tail as the final whistle blew moments later.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt allowed Bradford fans to finally celebrate in style.And once again they charged onto the field to toast their success with the club’s players.Match suspended as striker brings digger on to pitch to fill sinkhole after rival swallowed up by the ground Fans went back on the pitch when full time was eventually confirmedThey mobbed players in delightful scenesIt was truly party time at BradfordThe club can now look forward to life in League OneJubilant supporters lit flares as they hugged various Bradford stars.The mood was one of jubilation after their timely late winner.The result saw Bradford move above Walsall into third, with the latter having looked set to go up with a 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra.Walsall will now face Chesterfield in the playoffs, while AFC Wimbledon will take on Notts County.Doncaster Rovers went up as League Two champs, with Port Vale finishing third. More

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      Reading confirm club’s £30m sale to former Wycombe Wanderers American owner Rob Couhig

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      READING has finally been sold which spells the end of Dai Yongge’s controversial ownership.The Royals confirmed in a long-awaited statement on Saturday morning that a deal was finally agreed.Reading’s sale has finally been completedCredit: GettyEx-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig will take overCredit: PAYongge became majority shareholder in 2017 but was given a latest deadline of May 8 by the EFL to divest his shareholding. Redwood Holdings Limited will become the new legal owners of the League One outfit under their parent company Dogwood Football LLC.A Reading statement said: “Reading Football Club is pleased to announce the sale in principle of the club to Redwood Holdings Limited.”The takeover includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The formal completion of the transaction is subject to final legal technicalities but is fully expected to be completed shortly.”Based on the agreement between the parties, the EFL has agreed to extend its deadline for the divestment of Mr Dai Yongge’s shareholding until its next Board Meeting on 8 May.”Redwood Holdings Ltd is a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC, which is owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana.”Couhig – former owner of Wycombe Wanderers – tried to buy Reading for £30million before the deal collapsed in September 2024.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother unnamed potential buyer had come in to try and secure Reading, even entering a period of exclusivity.However, the time period elapsed on April 9, allowing Couhig to re-enter the race, as revealed by SunSport. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Yongge had attempted to secure an injunction against Couhig, alleging the American had blocked his attempts to sell Reading.Couhig denied the allegations and the case was thrown out. The EFL gave Yongge an April 4 deadline to sell up after he was disqualified by failing the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Reading were deducted six points for financial rule breaches last season and finished 17th in League One.They are seventh this season going into the final game of the season with a chance of nicking the final play-off spot. Couhig is expected to be in the 24,000-seater stadium for this afternoon’s clash against Barnsley. The Royals’ women’s team, meanwhile, were playing in the Women’s Super League in 2022-23 – but had to pull out of the Championship in June amid the monetary woes and now compete in the fifth tier. ‘SOLD BEFORE WE DAI’D’Reading fan group Sell Before We Dai welcomed the news of the club’s sale and Yongge’s exit – and hope the arrival of Redwood Holdings Limited will bring a period of stability in Berkshire. The protest group said: “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. “It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.”In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. “The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones. “Those who remained were forced to work with tight budgets and under immense pressure. “Sometimes they weren’t even sure if they’d be paid at the end of the month.”Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”We’ve been sold before we Dai’d.”Fans have repeatedly protested against the controversial Dai YonggeCredit: Alamy More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham break all-time EFL points record in just second season in charge of League One champions

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have smashed the record for the most points scored in a single EFL campaign.The club’s 2-0 win over Blackpool on Wednesday evening took their overall points total up to 108 – two more than the record previously set by Reading (106) in the 2005-06 Championship season.Birmingham have broken the EFL points recordCredit: PAIt is a successful end to Tom Brady’s second season as co-owner of the clubCredit: ReutersEthan Laird broke the deadlock in the 39th minute before striker Alfie May secured the win at the start of the second half.Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, still have one more game left to play – against Cambridge United.The Blues were promoted back to the Championship earlier this month and clinched the League One title just days later.They have lost just three games all season and now remain 19 points clear of second-placed Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter lifting the trophy on home soil at St Andrew’s last week, manager Chris Davies said: “It’s an incredible achievement.”I really have to reiterate that. I don’t want people to start taking this for granted and thinking that we just won another game.”We just got the most points any team in the history of English football have got in this league.”It’s an incredible achievement of how consistent the players have been, with all the ups and downs you have through a season, and injuries and everything else.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They’ve done exceptionally well, so it’s an achievement that will be hard to match, 105 points in a season and I’m very, very proud of everyone.”We’re unbeaten in the league at home, so I wanted to finish strong today.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”We scored some good goals, it was a dominant performance – a really good way to finish.”Birmingham now have the chance to hit a record-extending 111 points if they beat already-relegated Cambridge on Saturday. More

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      ‘Last straw’ – EFL chief reveals he’s stepping down over ‘VENDETTA’ against his club in lengthy statement

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      AN EFL chairman has confirmed they will be stepping down after a “vendetta” against his club.Andy Holt will be leaving Accrington Stanley after Saturday’s home game against Chesterfield.Andy Holt will step down as chairman of Accrington StanleyCredit: RexHe will leave the club at the end of the League Two seasonCredit: GettyThe League Two outfit are safe and are nine points clear of relegated Carlisle.Holt has claimed that he has had enough of a “vendetta” from the local authorities.The club have been hit with a series of sanctions which include the removal of a planning permission and a licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.Accrington Stanley have also been handed a noise abatement order.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis has led Holt to announce his decision to step down from the club at the end of the seasonA statement read: “This is the last straw.”Accrington Stanley Ladies Day, an event that never happened until we started it, was held at Fence Gate during the DAYTIME, whilst our multi-million pound facilities stand empty, silence because of the council and councillors working against their club behind my back, as though I didn’t know what was going on.”The undermining of the club has gone on since day one. And I mean day one, long before I took the club on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The councillors voted to remove our planning permission because of the noise complaints.”Following advice from the head planner, we paid to reapply, only for the councillors to turn it down again. After council advice to appeal and more wasted cash, they did the same.Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash”Not content, the council’s staff snooped on the club to build evidence to put a noise abatement order on us.”Not content with that, they removed our licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.”It’s been a vendetta, with some councillors actively working against THEIR OWN CLUB.”Whether we had planning permission or not, they have powers to stop the club trading.”Whether they stripped us of our licence or not, they still have the power to stop us trading. Now they have imposed conditions on matchdays that cannot possibly be adhered to.”The club has no opportunity to generate income bar putting prices of tickets etc. up. Prices that are high enough already enough for hard-pressed supporters.”We are not Premier League and don’t have the desire or opportunity to rip fans off.”It’s a mistake for the council to think I will continually replace funds, missing as a result of not being able to trade, forever.”I’m not wasting any more of my life arguing with the council, councillors or MPs that should support the best asset in the town. If they can’t see the blindingly obvious, that’s their problem.”Holt continued in his statement to insist that he has had a “great” time at the club.”I have done my ten years after next week’s home finale. We’re safe, and having thrown many points away through naivety this season, we’re a young team that is getting better.”We have a great club, great staff, more organised than ever, run properly by two top managers, a great medical team, and rigid training routines.”I’m so proud of what we’ve done as a team, turning Accrington Stanley Football Club into a professional club. It has the opportunity to feed the town for generations to come, if only the council, councillors and MPs support it.”I’ve had a great ten years, including with Coley [John Coleman] and Jimmy [Bell]. Players like Billy [Kee}, Seamus [Conneeley], Yosser [Mark Hughes], and Seany [McConnville] will always hold a special place in my heart, as will the rest of them. In John [Doolan] and Ged [Brannan], we have two top quality professionals.”Two of my friends. We have a great group of fans, they give everything for their club. I know many of them personally now, a major plus for me.”I will end my time at the club in any executive capacity after the last game on Saturday.”The club must become financially stable if the great future in front of it is to be realised.”Read More on The SunHolt joined the board of Accrington Stanley back in 2015 and assumed control of the club later that year.The club was on the verge of folding when he took over.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wrexham promoted to Championship with wild scenes as fan invade pitch and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively starting party

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      WREXHAM have won promotion to the Championship after beating Charlton 3-0.The Red Dragons created history by winning three consecutive promotions after beating rivals Charlton to secure second place.Wrexham have won promotion to the ChampionshipThere was a pitch invasion at full-time as fans held aloft their heroesRyan Reynolds was in attendance to celebrate the occasionCredit: ReutersWrexham have achieved three consecutive promotionsCredit: PAThe actor got into the party spirit ahead of kick-offCredit: APHe mingled with fans and posed for photosCredit: APThe Hollywood actor served drinks to supporters ahead of kick-offCredit: ReutersSam Smith scored twice to seal the three pointsCredit: PASam Smith netted twice after Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring on a momentous day at the Racecourse.Fans celebrated promotion by running onto the pitch before holding up their heroes on their shoulders.Reynolds beamed alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, with the acting pair both flying into North Wales to celebrate the achievement.Reynolds joined the fervent fanzone pre-match and enjoyed a beverage from behind the bar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also served drinks to supporters and took selfies with adoring fans.The Hollywood actor was joined in North Wales by his wife Blake Lively.The actress shared a photo of herself with Reynolds, which she captioned: “Let’s go boys @wrexham_afc.”Reynolds re-shared the post, saying: “Let’s go jet lag. (Never going to sleep).”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSReynolds, 48, is a popular figure at Wrexham and often buys drinks for fans when he attends matches.In December Reynolds bought a round for an entire pub alongside Channing Tatum.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAReynolds has previously watched Wrexham alongside David Beckham and Will Ferrell.He admits the promotion run-in has wreaked havoc on his nerves, claiming he has developed “an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach”.He said: “I have, literally, like an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach right now because it’s the end of the season. “They just can’t do it easy, like just one year let’s do it without having receding hairlines all around. We’re all losing it. Stress [is] killing us.”There was a fervent atmosphere at the RacecourseCredit: ReutersReynolds revealed the promotion run-in has made him a bag of nervesCredit: APReynolds’ wife Blake Lively has also headed to Wales for the game against CharltonReynolds took to the pitch pre-matchCredit: PA More

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      Leeds considering replacing manager Daniel Farke mere HOURS after promotion to Premier League confirmed

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      DANIEL FARKE is battling to save his job despite leading Leeds back to the Premier League.The German, who guided Norwich to top-flight promotions in 2019 and 2021, has now clinched a hat-trick of successes.Leeds could sack promotion-winning manager Daniel FarkeCredit: GettyBut Farke is now having to convince the club’s US-based owners 49s Enterprises he is the right man to lead the club next season.The Leeds hierarchy have yet to make a final decision – or draw up a shortlist – and they would face major criticism over firing a successful boss.Yet Farke has been unpopular with a section of fans at Elland Road this season over his playing style, his substitutes and until recently, an insistence on sticking with keeper Illan Meslier.Farke took over at Leeds after their 2023 relegation and led them to the play-offs last year, although they lost in the final to Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeeds’ owners are also concerned about Farke’s record in the Premier League, where he has a win rate of just 12%.Norwich finished bottom in 2020 and after bouncing back to the top-flight at the first attempt, he was sacked in November 2021 after the team managed just five points from 11 games.That has led to other candidates being looked at, although Leeds are yet to make a final decision.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThose at the club are aware it would be a bold decision to sack Farke given his success – particularly as they could receive backlash from fans.Most read in EFLSupporters sang Farke’s name as they celebrated promotion outside Elland Road on Monday, with the 48-year-old soaking up the applause and adoration.Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy Leeds could hit 100 points this season if they win their final two matches – they currently have 94.If Farke is axed Leeds could try and lure Carlos Corberan back to the club – the Spaniard was assistant under Marcelo Bielsa and has had success in England with Huddersfield and West Brom.Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira have also been linked, as has Jose Mourinho.FARKE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUETHE German’s record in the top-flight with Norwich was not goodGames – 49Wins – 6Draws – 8Defeats – 35Goals for – 31Goals against – 101Win % – 12 More

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      EFL club once sponsored by Tyson Fury relegated to non-league after 18 years as Gary Neville’s Salford deal final blow

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      TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More