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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      “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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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.”
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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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