EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      I managed Luton in the National League, I never cry but I’ll shed a tear if they get to the Prem

      by

      JOHN STILL is not a man who gets emotional but admits he may shed a tear at Wembley if Luton win promotion to the Premier League.For the legendary lower-league boss set the Hatters on a journey from non-league to within 90 minutes of the top flight in NINE years.
      John Still was the man who put Luton back on the upward curve
      When Still took charge at Kenilworth Road in 2013, the club was not a happy place. They were about to start their fifth season in the National League.
      But the East Londoner — who has managed Leytonstone, Dartford, Maidstone, Redbridge Forest, Dagenham, Peterborough and Barnet — led them to the title and promotion back into the EFL.
      Still said: “The club was on its knees. They felt wronged by the football authorities after having all those points deductions that saw them slide from the Championship.
      “The National League is a hard division to get out of and everyone was losing heart.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “It was clear after a few games the fans were not with us. There was no unity at the club. That was the first thing I had to rectify.
      “People told me when I took over if Luton were not 1-0 up after 15 minutes, the crowd would turn.
      “And we had a few episodes where I had to speak out about that. I asked the supporters, ‘What would happen if the crowd didn’t turn on us?’
      “The opposition were always waiting for supporters to go against us. It hadn’t helped the team. We only won two of our opening eight games.
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “We gradually changed that and the fans kept with us.
      “After a game, I’d get the players around the centre circle and have a fan out there with us to listen in. These sort of things helped unite everyone.”
      Still points to the fact Wrexham have just managed to escape from the National League after 15 years — and Luton had to overcome the trauma of no longer being an EFL club to stand a chance of becoming one again.
      He said: “You must accept you’re no longer a League club, embrace the division and play a different way than what you’ve been used to.
      “Otherwise you’ll struggle like teams such as Scunthorpe and Oldham!”
      Still spent almost two-and-a-half seasons at Kenilworth Road and not only did he put them on their upwards trajectory but also midfielder Pelly Ruddock and defender Dan Potts too.
      Ruddock, 29, was just 19 when he played for the club in the National League, on loan from West Ham before the move was made permanent.
      And Still said: “We paid just £25,000 for him. It’s amazing he’s gone from non-league to within a play-off final away from the Premier League with one club. That’s unique.
      “Sometimes when you change managers — from me to Nathan Jones then to Mick Harford, back to Nathan and now Rob Edwards — they will have different ideas. 
      John Still is surrounded by jubilant Hatters fans after their promotion in 2014
      ”So to be there through various managers, to have to take on their ideas which might be different is a fantastic testimony for him.
      “I’ve always had this thing for young, hungry players and Pelly fits that bill and was maybe someone who wouldn’t get an opportunity in the Premier League. I thought he might do well for us.
      “He was ambitious and has fallen into the category of being the right player at the right club at the right time. He’s grown with the club.
      “Pelly has developed his skills as well as his mentality. Having a good attitude, working hard, listening, taking information, you can’t be taught that. That’s down to you and takes zero skills. You must have those ingredients and, in Pelly’s case, he did.”
      Potts, meanwhile, was 21 when he made the move from the Hammers when Luton were in League Two eight years ago.
      John Still wearing his Conference winners medal in 2014
      He said: “I knew Dan’s dad, former West Ham defender Steve Potts. I lived close to Chadwell Heath where they trained. I knew Dan. He had to overcome leukaemia when he was a kid and got himself going again.
      “I thought he was an ideal person to come to us and rebuild his career. I knew he had the same mentality as his dad so thought it was no gamble.”
      Still will be at Wembley as a club guest on Saturday.
      I ask the legendary boss if he will shed a tear if the Hatters win promotion?
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “I’m not that sort of person but I think there will be because when I look back at where the club was when I went there to where it is now it’s extraordinary.
      “At Wembley I will be watching alongside wonderful Luton legends such as David Pleat and Mick Harford — and if I am seen as having played just a fraction of a part of their history then I’m delighted to have been that fraction.” More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield Wednesday star’s playoff final saved as fan finds missing mask after club’s desperate appeal

      by

      LEE GREGORY’S play-off final dream has been saved after his missing face mask was found by a supporter.The Sheffield Wednesday striker has been wearing the protective mask since suffering a facial injury in training ahead of the final game of the regular season.
      Lee Gregory has been wearing a protective face mask during the play-offsCredit: Rex
      Gregory’s mask was found on social mediaCredit: TWITTER
      Gregory helped the Owls to their sensational League One play-off semi-final comeback against Peterborough on Thursday – getting on the scoresheet as they overturned a 4-0 deficit.
      Wednesday’s 5-3 penalty shoot-out triumph prompted pandemonium, with fans invading the pitch to celebrate.
      Amid the bedlam, Gregory’s protective mask went missing – putting his final participation in doubt.
      In a desperate social media appeal, Wednesday pleaded: “Can you help!?
      READ MORE SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY NEWS
      “In the aftermath of our stunning comeback win on Thursday, Lee Gregory’s mask is missing!
      “The custom-built protective cover was near the dugout. Due to a short turnaround, we cannot replace in time for next week. Any ideas where it might be!?”
      Just five minutes later, fan Louie Hodkin appeared to come up trumps.
      The season ticket holder wrote: “Yes , my dad picked it up after the game! Dm me ill get it to him before monday!”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Hodkin accompanied his response with a picture of the mask.
      Seeing Hodkin’s tweet, another fan wrote: “Not all heroes wear capes.”
      While a second added: “This kind of stuff only happens in the efl and I couldn’t love it more.”
      Wednesday will take on Barnsley at Wembley on May 29 with a place in the Championship up for grabs.
      Darren Moore’s side came third in League One on 96 points, missing out on automatic promotion to champions Plymouth Argyle and runners-up Ipswich Town.
      Sheffield Wednesday’s comeback sparked a pitch invasionCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Football fans slam Sky Sports as ‘absolute shambles’ feed cuts out deep into extra-time of League Two play-offs semi

      by

      FANS were left fuming at Sky Sports as their play-off feed cut out deep into extra time.Carlisle’s dramatic win over Bradford vanished from screens near the end of the League Two semi-final second-leg.
      Fans were left fuming as Bradford’s defeat to Carlisle cut out on Sky Sports late on
      Carlisle beat Bradford 3-2 on aggregate to seal their place in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty
      And supporters quickly piled on social media to slam the “absolute shambles.”
      One said: “Sky Sports lost the the picture for the Carlisle Bradford game with 2 mins of extra time left. You’d be fuming.”
      Another declared: “Watching the Carlisle Bradford game and its just switched off completely. Nice one Sky.”
      One noted: “The blank screen of Carlisle vs Bradford is exactly why we’re playing Sky a criminal amount per month – didn’t want to watch it anyway.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Another added: “Are Sky Sports taking the p**s with the Bradford game?! Absolute shambles.”
      One said: “Bradford Carlisle coverage has been a shambles on Sky, went to an ad break 3 minutes early in normal time, and now this went on for a good 5 minutes in extra time.”
      Another added: “You’d be sick if you were a Carlisle or Bradford fan watching this on Sky. Absolute shocker.”
      One noted: “Watched that game for 118 minutes for you to get a technical fault now. F**k off Sky. Imagine being a Bradford fan who couldn’t go.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Bradford were left heartbroken at full-time as Carlisle sealed a 3-1 win to win 3-2 on aggregate.
      Bradley Halliday’s own-goal put Carlisle ahead in the 21st minute.
      And after the game went to extra time, they took a 98th minute lead through Callum Guy.
      Bradford then levelled eight minutes later thanks to Matt Derbyshire’s strike.
      But Ben Barclay pounced in the 112th minute to put Carlisle ahead again and seal their place in the League Two play-off final. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL chairman found guilty of fraud and facing prison and losing club ownership after five-year investigation

      by

      FLEETWOOD TOWN Chairman Andy Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraud following an eight-month trial.BES Utilities – the firm owned by Pilley – stood accused of multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy supply contracts to small businesses. 
      Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraudCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      And on Friday, the 52-year-old was found guilty on all the charges, which include two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representations, and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
      Pilley’s sister, Michelle Davidson, 49, as well as Lee Qualter, 52, and Joel Chapman, 38, were also found guilty of a number of fraud offences.
      The Fleetwood Chairman was remanded in custody after the jury delivered their unanimous verdict.
      The presiding judge, Judge Knowles KC, has indicated that he will likely face a prison term when he is sentenced on May 23. 
      Read More on Football
      After the verdict was announced on Friday, Fleetwood Town released an official statement which read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the verdict in the court case involving club Chairman, Andy Pilley.
      “The Chairman would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal.
      “Today’s verdicts will not affect the running or future of Fleetwood Town Football Club. 
      “The club is already in talks with the EFL regarding the next steps and will be making no further comment at this time.”
      Most read in EFL
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      An additional statement read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the Club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
      “The Club’s Senior Management Team and directors have been planning for a number of months for the event of a verdict of this nature.
      “A meeting of the Club’s management has taken place this evening and plans are already in operation to ensure its business as usual.
      “We’d like to reassure supporters charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group.
      “Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”
      Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
      The Fishermen finished the 2022-23 campaign 13th in the League One table. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans love Barnsley manager Michael Duff drinking Stella while being interviewed by BBC after huge win over Bolton

      by

      FANS took to Twitter to hail Barnsley boss Michael Duff after he celebrated their play-off joy by supping a beer in his post-match interview.The Tykes defeated Bolton Wanderers 1-0 last night at Oakwell to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory.
      Michael Duff has led Barnsley to the brink of a Championship returnCredit: Reuters
      He celebrated the win over Bolton with a bottle of StellaCredit: BBC via Twitter
      Liam Kitching’s strike proved enough to book their place at Wembley.
      And they are now just one game away from making an instant return to the Championship as they prepare to take on Sheffield Wednesday in the League One final on Monday 29 May.
      And just when supporters thought that they could not love their manager anymore, they fell even more for Duff as a clip of his interview went viral online after the triumph.
      While being questioned by a BBC reporter, the 45-year-old quenched his thirst with a bottle of Stella, and fans absolutely loved it.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And it was not just the Barnsley faithful that were big fans.
      One rival supporter wrote: “So annoying….I want to dislike the bloke but I can’t!”
      Another said: “Tbf I really like this bloke ,can see them struggle to hold on to him in future.”
      A Tykes fan declared: “Love this bloke turned our club around !! 10 year deal !!”
      Most read in EFL
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      A fellow fan said: “Top gaffer this bloke.”
      As another added: “He’s just so good.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barnsley 1 Bolton 0 (2-1 agg): Kitching strikes winner to set up all-Yorkshire final against Sheffield Wednesday

      by

      BARNSLEY threw the Kitching sink to set up a South Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off final next weekend.Liam Kitching rose highest to head home a 24th-minute winner at Oakwell to send Bolton’s promotion dreams down the plughole.
      Barnsley edged past Bolton in a nervy semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Michael Duff could take the Tykes back up to the Championship at the first time of askingCredit: Reuters
      Barnsley will play Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off finalCredit: Getty
      Michael Duff has done a fantastic job since taking the Barnsley job in the summer.
      Not only has he managed to build a team that has rediscovered the knack of winning after relegation but rebuilt bridges between the club and fans.
      And this was a trademark performance from a Duff team — well organised, lots of energy and hard work — while Ian Evatt’s Bolton were slow and ponderous.
      They had a golden chance to take an early lead after Bolton lost possession in their own area but Slobodan Tedic was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Ricardo Santos.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But, down the other end, Dion Charles chested down a long Bolton ball before firing an effort from distance which Harry Isted kept out.
      Devante Cole then smacked a low shot from the edge of the box that keeper James Trafford got down well to keep out.
      In a breathless start, Herbie Kane drove forward before Kitching’s thumping effort was saved by Trafford.
      Bolton were almost punished after being careless in possession. Kane overturned the ball and again produced a powerful run but his shot was kept out by Trafford.
      Most read in EFL
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Barnsley moved in front with two pieces of quality – the cross and the header.
      Luca Connell swung the ball in from the right and Kitching rose highest to bullet the ball past Trafford.
      It was a piece of lousy defending from Bolton, who failed to get out of their box quick enough after they had defended an initial ball into the box and Kitching had so much time to set himself to meet the cross.
      Bolton tried to probe for a leveller but were struggling to create anything meaningful.
      And Trotters fans had hearts in mouths when after nice play from Kane and Connell, Kitching was through but his shot was saved by Trafford — although the assistant flagged offside.
      Bolton did not do enough in the first half and needed to put more pressure on their hosts after the break.
      They started dominating possession and seemed to have found an extra yard of pace.
      Dion Charles charged into the Barnsley box and cut the ball back for Conor Bradley, who took a tumble under pressure from Mads Anderson — but ref Michael Salisbury waved away the protests.
      Aaron Morley drove forward and fired a 30-yard effort high and wide and then George Thomason saw an effort charged down.
      Barnsley had struggled to get out of their own half but Bolton were just lacking a cutting edge in the final third.
      And the hosts almost punished them when Adam Phillips struck a cracking volley from 25 yards that crashed back off the bar.
      But a moment of foolishness from Barnsley keeper Isted put his team under the cosh. He rashly handled the ball in his box after his team-mate Andersen attempted to play a pass to a team-mate.
      Read More on The Sun
      An indirect free-kick was awarded but Morley smashed it over the bar.
      Jordan Williams almost grabbed a second at the death but they did not need it. Barnsley are going to Wembley where they will face Sheffield Wednesday. More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wigan hit with 8-POINT deduction after failing to pay players for a fifth time as they prepare for life in League One

      by

      WIGAN have been handed a four-point deduction for next season after failing to pay players for a FIFTH time.The Latics will also trigger a further suspended four-point deduction should they fail to pay players again.
      Shaun Maloney’s side will begin next season with a points deductionCredit: Getty
      Shaun Maloney’s side were relegated from the Championship this term amid a backdrop of financial difficulties.
      Owner Abdulrahman Al Jasmi has consistently failed to pay players and staff in recent months.
      According to the Mail, Al Jasmi must deposit a total amounting to 125 per cent of Wigan’s wage bill each month next season to avoid the Latics being docked a further four points on top of the four they will already lose at the start of the campaign.
      He has also been fined £10,000 for breaking league rules, while Wigan have also been deducted a further three points from their final 2022-23 tally.
      Read More Football Stories
      An EFL statement read: “In addition, the Club has also had a further three points deducted from its 2022/23 Championship total for the late payment of players’ wages in March 2023 resulting in their final total being 39 points.
      “Mr Al Jasmi was also charged with Misconduct and fined £10,000 for failing to comply with the terms of the Agreed Decision.
      “Both Mr Al Jasmi and the Club have accepted the sanctions, which have been ratified by an independent Disciplinary Commission, and have agreed to pay all associated costs.
      “In January, the Club was charged with Misconduct after it paid its players late on three occasions in June, July and October 2022.
      Most read in EFL
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “Accordingly, it was sanctioned with a suspended three-point deduction and entered an Agreed Decision with the League.
      “The suspended sanction was activated in March when the Club failed to meet its contractual obligations with its players and breached the terms of the Agreed Decision when Mr Al Jasmi failed to deposit 125 per cent of the Club’s forecast of its monthly wage bill into a designated account.”
      Wigan are likely to have to offload numerous players this summer, with the club facing an uncertain start to life back in League One.
      Without their points deductions during the 2022-23 campaign, Wigan would have finished on 45 points – more than Blackpool and Reading.
      The Royals were also handed a six-point deduction for their own rule breaches.
      Wigan were relegated from the Championship this seasonCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher aims cheeky dig at boss Darren Ferguson after Peterborough lose play-off thriller in ‘Fergie Time’

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER brutally mocked Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson after his side’s astonishing play-off defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.The Posh went into the second leg of their semi-final tie with a 4-0 lead over Darren Moore’s men.
      Darren Ferguson watched his Peterborough side unravel against Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA
      Jamie Carragher couldn’t help himself as he handed out a Fergie-related digCredit: Getty
      The Liverpool legend jovially tweeted following Sheffield Wednesday’s late goal
      But a remarkable turnaround at Hillsborough saw Sheffield Wednesday send the game to extra-time thanks to a 98th-minute Liam Palmer strike.
      It then went to penalties after finishing 5-1 at the end of 120 minutes.
      And Wednesday clinched a 5-3 victory in the shoot-out to book their place at Wembley where they will face Barnsley or Bolton.
      Carragher tweeted his excitement when Palmer’s stoppage-time goal brought the tie level, taking to Twitter to simply say: “OMG!!!!!!!”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He then followed that up moments later with a cheeky dig, adding: “Fergie time!”
      The post was in reference to the dad of the Peterborough boss, Sir Alex Ferguson.
      The ex-Manchester United manager was famous for clinching games in added time during his 27 years at Old Trafford.
      It was such a regular occurrence that the phrase “Fergie time” was coined.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But on this occasion that very same “Fergie time” came back to bite son Darren as Peterborough suffered play-off heartbreak.
      They were hoping to return to the Championship at the first time of asking following relegation from the second tier last season.
      But despite sneaking into the play-offs on the final day, they came up short against Wednesday in an all-time classic tie.
      Ferguson returned to the club for a FOURTH spell in January, just 11 months after his third stint came to an abrupt end.
      Ferguson is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest ever managersCredit: PA More