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      Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponents

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      FORMER Premier League side Oldham Athletic are on the cusp of an EFL return after a thumping 3-0 victory at York City.They became the first team to have competed in the Prem, of which they were a founding club, to drop into non-league when their 115-year stay in the EFL ended in 2022.Oldham are nearing an EFL return after years in the wildernessCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThey thumped York City 3-0 to seal their spot at WembleyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans invaded the pitch as the goals flew inCredit: X/ DAZN_NationalLgThey also flooded the field after full-timeCredit: The SunNow Micky Mellon’s side are only one game away from League Two after booking their place at Wembley for the National League play-off final on June 1.Only 24 hours earlier York boss Adam Hinshelwood, whose team finished second on 96 points, a whopping 23 ahead of Oldham, was celebrating his son Jack scoring the winner for Brighton over Liverpool.But he was brought back down to earth with a bang as they suffered heartbreak on home turf.York gifted Mellon’s men the lead when goalie Harrison Male’s poor pass to Alex Hunt was pounced on by Joe Garner, and the veteran drilled home from outside the box. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVimal Yoganathan left the hosts with a mountain to climb with a low strike shortly after half time.And moments later Oldham stuck another dagger through the heart of the Minstermen.Joe Pritchard made it three with a near-post header to spark a pitch invasion from the away end.It is now back to the drawing board for Hinshelwood and his shell-shocked squad.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThough Mellon, chasing a sixth promotion as a manager, and Oldham can start planning for their crunch trip to the capital.They’ll face the winners of Wednesday’s showdown between Forest Green Rovers and Southend United.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by securityBoth their meetings this season ended 2-2.But something will finally have to give in their biggest game of the campaign so far. More

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      Reading release two former Tottenham stars as rebuild begins after Rob Couhig takeover saved Royals from extinction

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      READING have released two former Tottenham players after their takeover was confirmed.The Royals narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in League One this season despite being under a transfer embargo for much of the campaign.Reading have released former Tottenham player Tom CarrollCredit: GettyThey have now announced their retainer list, with six senior players set to leave when their contracts expire next month.Among them is midfielder Tom Carroll, who made 56 appearances for Tottenham between 2011 and 2017.Carroll, 32, only joined Reading in March and played eight games after signing a short-term contract.He leaves alongside another former Spurs player, David Button.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goalkeeper, 36, joined Reading following their relegation from the Championship in 2023, and he has since made 49 appearances.Also on the released list is Adrian Akande, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Harlee Dean and Louie Holzmann.While contracts have been offered to Michael Craig, Jeriel Dorsett, Kelvin Ehibatiomhan, Abraham Kanu, Amadou Mbengue, Joel Pereira, Tivonge Rushesha, Michael Stickland, Basil Tuma, Jayden Wareham and Andy Yiadom.Reading are set to begin a new chapter after Dai Yongge finally sold the club to Rob Couhig.Most read in EFLThe Royals were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsAs a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation.The drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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      Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update

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      BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway.All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removedCredit: https://x.com/BlackpoolFCThere are changes being made to this historic groundCredit: GettyThis stadium used to host Premier League games back in the dayCredit: STEVE ALLENThe upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club’s Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans.The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform.The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer.Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade.New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system – both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades.Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch.He said: “I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS “I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I’m assured has at least another 20 years of life.“While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren’t building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won’t have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction.“The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road.“As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home.“When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex.“This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities.“With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been.“For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success.“I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.”Read More on The SunBlackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs.They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign. More

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      Reading takeover finally COMPLETED as crisis club release statement after being saved from brink of going bust

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      THE takeover of Reading FC has officially been completed.Redwood Holdings Limited have finally put pen to paper on a deal that sees them acquire 100 per cent of the League One club.The takeover of Reading has finally been completedCredit: GettyAs a result, Rob Couhig – the owner of the company – will become chairman.Co-owner Todd Trosclair has joined the board with immediate effect.A statement read: “The Club are pleased to announce that Redwood Holdings Limited – a subsidiary company of Dogwood LLC, owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana – has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shareholding in Reading Football Club.”The takeover, which has received EFL clearance, completed very early on Wednesday morning and includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Both Couhig and Trosclair will join the club’s board with immediate effect, with Rob Couhig being named as Chairman.”It concluded: “Redwood is ambitious and dedicated towards the club returning to its rightful place within the English football pyramid, while adhering to clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability.”Further communication from Redwood will follow in due course.”Reading were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Most read in EFLFormer owner Dai Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.As a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation from the Championship in 2023.Reading fans take to the pitch to protest against owner Dai YonggeThe drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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      EFL club in major stadium update amid ambitious plans to nearly DOUBLE capacity

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      EFL club Stockport County have announced plans to expand their stadium.The plans were first made public in 2022 and the club have since undergone a consultation period with the local community.Stockport County have announced plans to expand Edgeley ParkCredit: Stockport CountyThe Railway End will be converted to seatsCredit: Stockport county FCThe capacity of the ground will increase from 10,852 to around 18,000Credit: Stockport county FCStockport will work on three stands in multiple phasesCredit: Stockport county FCThe South Stand, right, could increase in size to sit 5,500 fansCredit: Stockport county FCNow the League One side have unveiled projected images of what the upgraded Edgeley Park could look like.Stockport want to increase the capacity of the ground from 10,852 to around 18,000.The revamp will see an initial 600 seats added to the North Stand, with the Railway End behind the goal to be increased from a capacity of 1366 to around 4500.Work on the two stands could begin this year, while the South Stand could be developed later to sit 5,500 fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew hospitality, food and beverage facilities will also be built as part of the expansion.Once that work is completed, the western side of the North Stand could be expanded to fit in an additional 600 seats.Plans for the new Edgeley Park aim to improve accessibility for disabled supporters and make the stadium more environmentally friendly.Stockport plan to produce a true community stadium with “access to a wide range of spaces” for locals.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNon-executive chairman at Stockport County Ken Knott said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward plans for the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park to create a true community stadium.”We know just how much the ground means to the fans and local community, it has been at the beating heart of Stockport for over 120 years. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder”Ultimately, we want to ensure that the stadium matches our level of ambition so it can continue to provide a first-rate home for the Club and the local community for many years to come.”Following our first round of consultation in 2022, we took our time to review and reflect upon the feedback we received, and we have developed our plans accordingly. “We want to ensure our plans for Edgeley Park provide our fans with the best possible matchday experience, whilst also remaining sensitive to our neighbours and providing the people of Stockport with a range of high-quality new community spaces.”This is a very exciting time for the club as we continue to go from strength to strength, both on and off the field. “We have outlined our ambition to reach the Championship, and we have already taken great strides towards reaching this goal over the past two seasons. “Ultimately, we believe that the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park is crucial in order to support the continued growth of the club and provide a platform for further success.” More

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      ‘The situation is grim’ – Iconic EFL club facing financial oblivion after major issues ‘effectively shut us down’

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      ACCRINGTON STANLEY have confirmed they are facing a “grim” future amid serious financial problems.Stanley finished the season 21st in League Two – just two places above relegation.Accrington Stanley confirmed they are facing a “grim” futureAccrington Stanley are dealing with a dire financial situationBut even though Accrington remained in the EFL, they are still facing some dire economic issues that forced them to close their academy last week.The club also lost its stadium’s live music licence – except on matchdays due to repeated noise complaints.Now the Reds’ chief executive Warren Eastham has issued a serious warning about the cub’s situation and accused the council of providing nothing but “empty words of support”.This comes after Stanley owner Andy Holt announced he would be stepping down last month.Read More on FootballHolt also accused the authority of a “vendetta” due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites built in contravention of planning permission.This situation puts the iconic club, who rose prominence thanks to an unforgettable milk advert in 1989, in a situation where they face financial oblivion.Eastham’s statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service read: “Since joining the club in August last year, I have been in ongoing discussions with the council.“I’ve made numerous phone calls, attended meetings, sent emails, and submitted countless support requests to both the council and their officers. Yet, despite all this, nothing meaningful has come of it. Most read in Football“I will, of course, gladly accept the meeting—one I’ve both requested and attended many times before. I’ve done my best to bring reason to the table, but all I’ve received in return are empty words of support.“What we need now is action, not platitudes. I’ve warned repeatedly about the risks of Andrew Holt walking away, and now what do we have – a letter.“I’ve been given a year to make the club sustainable but this cannot be achieved with temporary fixes. We need real, lasting change. This is a club that lost £1 million in the 2023/24 season, a deficit covered entirely by Andrew Holt.“The 2024/25 season was only balanced thanks to the Liverpool FA Cup draw, but that money is now gone and the mounting costs from the summer remain. The situation is grim: the academy’s March figures revealed a significant financial loss.’Broken promises’“April shows no improvement, worsened by steep increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage across the club, including the players. Right now, Accrington Stanley has no revenue stream until July.“The ongoing issues with planning, noise abatement, and licensing have effectively shut us down.“Now, with the council’s statement out in the public domain, I truly hope this marks the beginning of meaningful collaboration to safeguard the future of this fantastic club.“Let me be clear: the closure of the academy is down to one thing only – a lack of income and mounting financial losses. Andy’s position is clear: he will fund the club to a £250,000 loss next season, but no further.Read More on The Sun“After years of broken promises and a lack of appreciation for the £6million he has invested in this club over the past decade, he has reached his limit. This club belongs to the town and its fans. I will work tirelessly to ensure its future is secure.“Accrington needs Accrington Stanley, and I am determined to see us through this challenging time.” More

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      Stockport star Corey Addai ready to upset Leyton Orient locals as he heads home for League One play-off first leg

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      COREY Addai hopes to be the local lad done even better after already becoming the one come good, even though it will mean heartache on his doorstep.And the Stockport ‘keeper does not have to look far for the inspiration that has seen him rise from an area where he could easily have taken the wrong path in life.Hackney-born Stockport star Addai is heading home to East London for the play-offCredit: AlamyTo say the 6ft 8ins stopper is on familiar turf at Leyton Orient is underplaying it – his parents live just two-and-a-half miles away in Hackney and big mate Thomas Jordan is an Os supporter.Listen to many and that borough is a write-off – rough, crime-ridden, a place where no-one prospers.But Addai is a firm believer in ‘life is what you make of it’ and the tattoo on his arm of Martin Luther King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech makes sure he does not waver.He said, while giving door-to-door directions from Leyton Orient to home: “It’s not who you are in a convenient situation, it’s who you are in controversy. That’s the real you. It’s on my arm and I live and die by that quote.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Can you be the same person? It’s about humility and being kind and caring for yourself and other people. If you can give when you have nothing, that tells the kind of person you are.“Being a young black boy from London, you come across a lot of situations and things you see.MOST READ IN LEAGUE ONE“I could say so much about growing up in London and what I’ve seen but I’m now in a position where I don’t have to see that anymore.“At the start of the season, we did a thing called ‘Six Pitches’ about why you play football – I put the London Borough of Hackney because I don’t want people to view where I come from as this bad place.Most read in Football“Google Hackney and it’ll say, ‘the worst place, the top five worst places to llve in London.’ That’s not what Hackney is, it’s my home and I want to represent it in the best possible way.“Also, my mates and family and say, ‘This is what we are. This is what we can achieve when things are done right.“’Live the right way. Do the right things. Work hard.’’ Ultimately, that’s what’s got me into this position. ‘You’ve got a chance to get out of here, so go and do it.’ That’s what I represent.Addai has Martin Luther-King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech tattooed on his armCredit: GARY CARTER“But what do I do to have humility, do the right things and see good in people? That’s how I want to live my life.”Addai is the biggest thing in Orient’s way in this play-off semi-final and is used to success after being part of Crawley’s League Two triumph last season.Life at Stockport started shakily for the 27-year-old as he found himself dropped for Ben Hinchliffe before the latter’s injury saw him back in and prospering.But given the calibre of team-mate he had in Arsenal’s junior ranks, it is little surprise to see him doing well.He can then maybe attempt to emulate another of his heroes, Thierry Henry.Addai was part of Crawley’s League Two Play-Off triumph last seasonCredit: PAThe Gunners fan told SunSport: “That team was unbelievable. Eberechi Eze played in it – but I can’t remember if he took penalties then like he does now!“He’s the biggest star who’s come through and I still speak to him.“I’m friends with his family. He’s a wonderful human being and I’m so proud to see where he’s got to from where he’s come from.Read More on The Sun“But as an Arsenal fan, Thierry Henry is the best player the Premier League’s ever seen and how he conducts himself now makes him someone you aspire to be like.“If someone goes the season unbeaten, they can have words with me. Until then, I don’t want to hear anything!” More

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      Wrexham stars jet to Las Vegas AGAIN as they continue promotion tradition bankrolled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      WREXHAM players have jetted off to Las Vegas for the third year running after once again winning promotion.The Red Dragons secured second place in League One by thrashing Charlton 3-0 at the Racecourse.James McClean is excited to return to Las Vegas with his team-matesThe Wrexham squad are heading to Sin City for the third year in a rowWrexham finished second in League One to secure promotionOwners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded the trip in previous yearsCredit: PAWrexham’s visit to Vegas is now a promotion traditionThey ended up on 92 points to reach the Championship – a record third consecutive promotion.Now the squad has flown out to Las Vegas, continuing their tradition of visiting Sin City after bagging promotion.Hollywood’s A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded the excursion in recent years and look set to do so again.Several stars shared snaps from the plane and they appeared in a party mood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Premier League ace James McClean posed for a photo alongside Paul Mullin, with Sam Smith, Andy Cannon and George Evans also featuring.McClean captioned the post: “Vegas again, ole ole ole.”(Be s***e to be in the play offs right now).”George Dobson, Ollie Palmer and League One team of the year member Ryan Barnett also posed for pics.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Viva Las Vegas”, read another caption as the Wrexham heroes prepare for another promotion party.Reynolds, 48, is reportedly splashing out £500,000 to send the squad to Vegas.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advertLast year the owners put on a “monster” all expenses paid trip that saw the players stay at a fancy hotel overlooking the strip.The squad also chilled out poolside with bikini-clad girls, dined at the exclusive Hakkasan restaurant and partied in Sin City for FOUR days straight.They were even invited into world-famous DJ Steve Aoki’s booth to celebrate with some music on one evening.The players stayed at a luxury hotelThey enjoyed pool parties as they soaked up the sunCredit: Instagram / @ryanbarnett38Stars hung out with bikini-clad womenCredit: The Mega Agency More