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      EFL fans slam club’s ‘disgraceful’ 43-word statement sacking manager after 25 years – as owner DELETES his Twitter

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      ACCRINGTON STANLEY fans slammed the club’s “disgraceful” 43-word statement after sacking their long-serving manager.The League Two side were thumped 4-0 away at Wrexham yesterday – conceding all four in the first half in North Wales.John Coleman’s ten-year stint as Accrington Stanley boss ended after defeat at WrexhamCredit: RexCredit: Accrington StanleyThat left the ‘Owd Reds 16th in the table after a third defeat in a row as hopes of securing a play-off spot appear to be fading. And it spelt the end for Coleman, who had been boss since 2014, and his assistant Jimmy Bell.Before this decade-long stint, Coleman had also managed Accrington from 1999 to 2012 taking them from the Northern Premier League to the EFL – totalling nearly 23 years in the What Stadium dugout. But despite his dedicated service to the club dating back to the previous century, the 61-year-old’s exit was announced with a brief, blunt comment from the club. READ MORE ON EFLThe statement said: “Accrington Stanley can today confirm that John Coleman and Jimmy Bell have been informed that their contracts are terminated with immediate effect.”Everyone at the club thanks them for their long-standing service and we wish them all the very best for the future.”However, the ridiculously short press release prompted a furious backlash from raging supporters on social media.One said: “Are you taking the p***? They deserve better than that, after such brilliant and long service.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother wrote: “Is this statement for two people who have given nearly 25 years of service to the club?”A third added: “The manner of this statement is horrendously thought out. Two paragraphs for almost 25 years of promotions from obscurity in non-league to punching their weight in the EFL really does leave a very bad taste. It’s the end of a bloody great era.”EFL clash POSTPONED just an hour before kickoff as fans fume ‘you’re a disgrace’A fourth fumed: “A truly graceless statement. Over two decades at the club, John Coleman has the respect of many in the game and deserved better than this shoddy paragraph.”And a final user simply replied: “Shocking.”To make matters worse, unpopular Accrington owner Andy Holt appeared to delete his X account immediately after news of Coleman’s sacking broke. Holt – who famously put the club up for sale on the social media platform – regularly got into bitter spats online.That included a row with Boris Johnson during Covid and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham over ticket prices.The Hollywood pair’s side were angered that Accrington hiked up prices for their fans’ trip to the Wham Stadium – and responded by reducing the costs for yesterday’s return fixture.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat led to Holt hitting out at Wrexham’s “stupid mistimed statements”. And just two weeks ago, the controversial owner revealed on X he was raising season ticket prices and the cost of beer to fix a “million-pound hole” at the club relegated last season. More

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      EFL clash POSTPONED just an hour before kickoff as fans fume ‘you’re a disgrace’

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      BRADFORD’S clash against Notts County has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Heavy rainfall hit Valley Parade this morning and an inspection was called by referee David Rock at 1pm.Bradford’s pitch was deemed unplayable by officialsCredit: RexBut Bradford had already tweeted at 10:15am that the game was on.However, the official then looked at the pitch as he was joined by both sides’ managers.And they came to a decision that the surface was unplayable and they postponed the game.Fans were left fuming after the news was announced just an hour and 15 minutes before kick-off at 3pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThousands of fans had already begun their journeys to Valley Parade.Angry supporters wrote online: “You’re a disgrace, we’ve paid good money to stay down here, I’m not going to get that money back.”Another added: “That pitch is not fit for Sunday League.”A third said: “I’ve followed this all morning. It was obvious hours ago. What’s the idea of all the ‘it’s on’ tweets throughout the morning.”Most read in EFLHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLMore reacted: “Would not be unhappy for the club to be investigated for the state of this. Laughing stock to all fans in the EFL. Travelling supporters spending money for nothing. It’s utterly shambolic.”It is currently unclear when the League Two game will be rescheduled for.Fans left in stitches at ‘one of the worst penalties you’ll ever see’ during Accrington vs Bradford penalty shootout More

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      Kick-off DELAYED in huge EFL grudge match between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons after team bus held up

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      WIMBLEDON’S home clash with hated rivals MK Dons has been delayed 15 minutes.The two sides were due to collide at 12:30 in League Two.AFC Wimbledon’s clash with their bitter rivals was delayedCredit: Olivia WestMK Dons arrived late at Plough Lane to face AFC WimbledonCredit: RexHowever, the kick-off had to be moved back due to the late arrival of the MK Dons team.Their team coach only got to Plough Lane at around 11:45am.That was after it had been delayed in South West London “traffic” .It was then announced that the start of the showdown had been put back by quarter of an hour.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe bad blood between the two clubs has existed ever since MK Dons were formed in 2002 when the owners of the original Wimbledon FC moved the side up to Buckinghamshire.Furious supporters of the old club formed AFC Wimbledon, and they worked their way up from non-league back into the professional game.Since they returned to the Football League, the two teams have faced-off several times.The first competitive fixture between them took place in December 2012 in the FA Cup second round, a game that MK Dons won 2-1.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToday will be the 15th time that the two teams have collided.As well as that FA Cup match, they have met in the EFL Trophy, the League Cup and the Football League.We live in shadow of football stadium – fans fall asleep drunk on our sofas and ‘p*** on walls…we know it will get worseMK Dons have enjoyed eight victories, while AFC Wimbledon have been victorious on just two occasions.Irate fans also believe that the Dons nickname belongs to Wimbledon and that MK Dons is a completely separate club who should have no claim to the history of the original side.That has even led to AFC Wimbledon landing themselves in trouble for refusing to use MK Dons’ full name on their stadium scoreboard.It was MK Dons celebrating in January when they last met as goals from Dan Kemp, an own goal from Ryan Johnson and Warren O’Hara earned a 3-1 win over their rivals, who had two players sent off. More

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      I’m a former Tottenham ace, now I run a footballers’ prayer group led by Champions League star

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      JOHN BOSTOCK has seen it all in football.Boy wonder and big transfer to perennial loanee and out on his ear.John Bostock says he is the happiest he has ever been playing at Notts CountyCredit: RexBostock joined Spurs from Crystal Palace aged 16 back in 2008Credit: AFPPlaying abroad, playing up the English pyramid to wondering, at only 21, if he even wanted to keep playing.It has been one heck of a journey for the South Londoner, 32, who made major news half his life ago when he left Crystal Palace as a teen sensation for Tottenham.Yet after a fascinating career of 15 clubs and five countries, Bostock says he is the happiest he has ever been and still going strong with League Two Notts County.He has become a mentor to other players, particularly those who share his faith after setting up his influential Christian football society ‘Ballers in God’ in 2015.It gives him perspective when reflecting on his headline-grabbing switch in 2008 from Palace to Spurs, who face each other on Saturday.Bostock told SunSport: “I’ve come to a place where I see my career as an instrument I can use to help other people with what they’ve been through.“And maybe I had to go through what I’ve been through for me to understand that.“The move to Spurs made a lot of noise. I remember I would get the train to school, open up the papers and see my face on the back page.Most read in EFL“It had a big impact on how I saw life. “I realised that my identity couldn’t be built on what people think of me, that if I believed everything people say about me, I’d be in trouble. “I believe if you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die by their rejections.”Bostock remembers well the “messy” switch, which saw Spurs initially announce his signing, only for Palace to deny publicly that an agreement had been reached.Then-Eagles chairman Simon Jordan was livid and it eventually went to a tribunal.Bostock understands the frustration felt from the Palace side but explained: “We told the club we wanted to stay and the offer wasn’t what they said it was going to be.Bostock on…After all his years in football, worldly-wise John Bostock gives his verdict on:
      Palace and Spurs starlets: “Eberechi Eze is a player I really love to watch. I don’t know him closely but we’re in touch. It’s wonderful to see a player like that from South London shining on the pitch and also representing Jesus.
      “Micky van de Ven has been colossal at Spurs. I watched him at Wolfsburg because one of our Ballers in God, Felix Nmecha, was his team-mate there.
      “Cheick Doucoure is injured for Palace but I was with him at Lens, he was a young player coming through and had some really good attributes. Palace will miss him.”
      Best player he played with: “Luka Modric. He was incredible. I didn’t know he would go on to win the Ballon D’Or but he was always a step ahead.”
      Favourite coach: “Luke Williams. I’ve never worked under a manager like that. He was very, very rounded tactically, man-management… he’s a very special person.
      Happiest time at a club: “I’m really happy now at Notts County. I love the football we play, the fans are brilliant, where I’m at in life. But get me on a pitch somewhere with a ball, I’m happy. Wherever that is, I’ve learned to be happy.
      One piece of advice for young players: “Learn to deal with disappointments very well. I wish someone had told me, ‘John, you need endurance for this game’, because you do. It’s a tough game and it takes a lot.”

      “We asked for another offer and they said, ‘Well, this is it’. So we said this is what we’ve got elsewhere. We moved on.“I would have loved to have played for the club for longer. I’m very grateful I was able to play for them at all.”Expectations were high at Tottenham given Bostock had made his Palace debut at 15.But ultimately he only made four appearances for the Lilywhites across five seasons where he was loaned out to Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and MLS side Toronto.When his deal expired, his confidence was low and with no offers coming in, he questioned if the game was even for him anymore.But his love for the sport was recaptured with a season playing under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the second tier of Belgium football with OH Leuven.Further stints abroad followed to Lens – where he played with current Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure -, Turkish side Bursaspor and then back to France with Toulouse.He returned to England due to family reasons and for the last two years has been with County, where he is preparing for a hostile trip to Bradford on Saturday.In 2015, he set up Ballers in God which has grown significantly and has a following of over 300,000 people on Instagram. The organisation provides support for believing players, with Zoom prayer meetings every morning, weekly online catch-ups and end-of-season retreats. It is international too, with Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha one of many ‘group’ leaders.Bostock was not religious growing up but had “an encounter with Jesus” at 15 – just before his move to Spurs – after his sister Tara found God and invited him to church.Hearing the Gospel for the first time had a profound effect. He recalled: “I said a very simple prayer that day and my life has never been the same since.”Palace star Eberechi Eze offered unsolicited praise last month to Ballers in God, writing on Instagram that the organisation work was “truly incredible and inspiring”.A touched Bostock said: “He didn’t need to do that but it was very encouraging. “I love watching Eze play, and I’m not just saying it because he’s a fellow believer. He’s like a throwback, the way he glides past players and plays without fear.“To know his journey, the rejection he’s had, and to see him thrive now at a Premier League club, it’s really wonderful to see.”Bostock’s mentoring really came to the fore during Covid, when so many players lost their purpose as football ground to a halt.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I talk to players about everything I’ve faced because I’ve been the wonderkid, I’ve been the traveller, I’ve been without a club, I’ve been injured, I’ve had surgery, I’ve had a lot of noise about me, I’ve had no noise about me.“I feel like I’ve faced it all in some capacity. That has really equipped me to help others who go through stuff.” More

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      ‘Just doing my job’ – EFL referee reveals how he dealt with star being racially abused as he’s praised for interview

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      AN EFL referee says he was “just doing my job” after revealing how he dealt with the disgusting Omar Bogle racist abuse.The disgraceful incident occurred in a League Two match on October 28 at Gillingham.Newport star Omar Bogle was racially abused during a game at Gillingham by a fanCredit: X @SkySportsNewsEFL referee Tom Reeves has opened up on how he dealt with the situationCredit: X @SkySportsNewsEFL referee Tom Reeves discusses handling an incident of racism involving Newport County striker Omar Bogle and a Gillingham supporter. pic.twitter.com/epsSL8Vu0m— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 29, 2024

      Bogle, 30, scored two first half penalties to earn Newport County a 2-0 victory away to the Gills.However, it was not the striker’s brace that was the main talking point from the game.After slotting home the first spot-kick, Bogle was racially abused by a Gillingham supporter as he celebrated.The fan ran over in front of him in the stands and made a monkey gesture.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBen Burchell, 28, who has learning difficulties, admitted a charge of racially aggravated breach of public order at Medway Magistrates court.He escaped a football banning order but received 40 hours of community service and was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to Bogle after pleading guilty to racially abusing the star.Burchell was also told that he cannot attend professional football matches on his own for a period of 12 months without a carer.Tom Reeves was the referee on that day, and now the court case has been held, he has discussed his handling of the shocking incident with Sky Sports News.Most read in EFLHe revealed how it was the first time in his career he had dealt with a fan racially abusing a player but explained how he felt equipped to handle it following his training.Reeves said that “alarm bells” rang when he noticed several Newport players running over to a particular section of the home end.Shocking moment referee is CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clashHe was then informed about the racial abuse, which led to him approaching Bogle to get a statement from him and give it to his fourth official to make sure it was recorded and make the police and Gillingham safety officer aware.Reeves then said that the fan had been removed from the stadium already by the time he spoke to them, allowing the official to reassure Bogle that it was being dealt with and encourage him to work with him for the remainder of the game.Before the second penalty, Reeves also spoke with Bogle as it was in the same spot as his first.The ref said: “I didn’t want him to celebrate in front of the same group of fans because there could be potential further problems.“I just said to him to think about it if he scores, where he celebrates.”He then explained how he did not want the forward’s emotions to get the better of him as he praised the forward for “working really well” with him.Reeves went on to explain the protocol for such incidents, revealing he checked with Bogle that he was still “OK to continue” and to reassure him again just before the start of the second period.He then got full statements from Bogle and a member of Newport’s team, who on this occasion was the assistant manager, after the game.Reeves said: “The reason we do that is so I can report it to the FA for a full investigation.”Ben Burchell pleaded guilty to racially abusing the forwardOmar Bogle scored two goals during the game, both from the penalty spotCredit: GettyHe said: “We have a particular protocol in place that we follow and there’s certain steps that we go through from the moment the player lets you know about it all the way through to the full time whistle.”Reeves added: “We as referees go there to referee a game of football and don’t expect anyone to go through what Omar had to.“Actually, that night I had messages and phone calls from various people just checking up on me to make sure that I was OK.“But for me, it was ensuring Omar was OK to get through the game, I made sure my report could be reported to the FA so a full investigation could take place.“I was just doing my job, being professional as possible to ensure the game was fully under control and Omar was OK.”After Sky Sports News released the interview, fans rushed to heap praise on Reeves for how he handled the ordeal.One posted on X: “Respect to referee Tom Reeves for the brilliant interview on @SkySportsNews regarding the Newport striker Omar Bogle incident.“Handled the racism incident perfectly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “Effective refereeing when the racists are in town. Well done Tom Reeves.”And a third added: “A horrible incident handled expertly by Tom Reeves. Well done, Tom.” More

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      ‘I will take that to the grave’ – Wrexham star Elliott Lee reveals moment ‘deeper than football’ that changed his life

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      WREXHAM midfielder Elliott Lee has described seeing the emotions of the club’s fans to their National League promotion as something he will “take to the grave”.The Welsh side ended their 15-year wait to return to the Football League with a 3-1 win over Boreham Wood in April of last season.Elliott Lee has described in detail the feeling of Wrexham’s promotionCredit: GettyRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club in 2021Credit: GettyIt was a thrilling campaign which saw them accumulate 111 points, finishing as champions ahead of Notts County.The scenes of jubilation were led by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – who bought the club back in February 2021.But it was the joy of the fans that gave ex-West Ham man Lee, 29, more pride than anything else.Speaking on the Men In Blazers podcast, he said: “I get goosebumps because we knew how much it meant to people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Yes, Ryan [Reynolds] and Rob [McElhenney] have been incredible and everyone knows how good they have been but it’s also for the community and that is ingrained in us by the gaffer [Phil Parkinson] and Rob and Ryan as well.”These people have been here before and they have been through so many bad times with the club and they still all come in their numbers.”I remember on the bus parade seeing genuine tears of happiness and joy; we got to do that for people.”That is a feeling I will take to the grave with me because that’s something I am so proud of.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It goes deeper than football, it’s people’s lives.”This club is people’s lives and I don’t ever take that for granted when I go out on the pitch.”Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘all kinds of weird and unexpected horrors’ after ‘incredibly stressful’ Wrexham takeoverLee scored 15 goals in 51 games from midfield last season and was an integral part of Wrexham’s sensational campaign.And they have continued their impressive form into League Two as they sit fourth in the table, just one point adrift of the automatic promotion places. More

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      Former Premier League manager Nathan Jones forced to apologise live on BBC moments after Charlton win

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      CHARLTON manager Nathan Jones was forced to apologise after swearing midway through an interview with BBC Sport.The 50-year-old was in high spirits following his side’s 2-1 win over Derby County on Tuesday, so much so that he accidentally dropped the f-bomb during a post-match interview.Nathan Jones accidentally dropped the f-bomb during an interviewCredit: PAWhen asked by BBC Sport London how he would summarise Charlton’s performance, Jones responded: “It was a game of two halves.”First half I think we were nowhere near the level I demand from these players.”We were tentative, we were not aggressive enough and we allowed Derby to do certain things that we didn’t want them to do.”We had a few words at half-time and in the second half I think we were outstanding. Absolutely outstanding.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We over-ran them, we f*****g… Sorry, we were aggressive in what we did and I’m really proud of the second half performance.”Charlton fans have fallen in love with Jones since he arrived earlier this month.One person took to X to write: “This #cafc squad has been transformed under Nathan Jones. The team worked so hard for that result tonight – loving the passion & commitment!”Another added: “Nathan Jones. The passion. The hard work. It’s amazing what graft can get you. That result could be the difference come May.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Nathan Jones’ passion got me falling in love #cafc.”While a fourth commented: “Look at the passion from Nathan Jones 😍.”Fans in disbelief at Nathan Jones interview as former Southampton manager makes bold claim on Sky SportsCharlton came from behind to defeat second-placed Derby in the League One clash.Eiran Cashin fired the Rams ahead in the 39th minute, but Alfie May equalised from the penalty spot in the 65th.Karoy Anderson then scored the winner with ten minutes left to play.Charlton now sit 19th in the league table with 37 points from 35 games.Meanwhile, Derby are on track to earn Championship promotion, seven points behind leaders Portsmouth.Jones was handed his start in management by Luton Town in 2016 and spent three years with the club before joining Stoke.However, he was dismissed after ten months and returned to Kenilworth Road in May 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Welshman was appointed manager of Premier League side Southampton in November 2022 but was sacked after just three months.He spent one year out of work before joining Charlton at the beginning of this month. More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney warned of ‘trouble afoot’ at Wrexham after latest dismal result

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      WREXHAM boss fans are worried that trouble is looming after manager Phil Parkinson was spotted having a heated disagreement with his coaches.The argument followed Wrexham’s disappointing 1-1 draw with League Two relegation-strugglers Forest Green Rovers.

      Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson engages in heated exchange with his backroom staffCredit: EFL iFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Before walking off in a mood as his side salvaged a 1-1 drawCredit: EFL iFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought Wrexham for £2m in 2020Credit: Getty
      The Welsh side scraped a point on Tuesday thanks to a stoppage-time penalty scored by Paul Mullin, after going 1-0 down in the third minute.
      Wrexham’s frustrations were personified by a visibly furious James McClean, who booted the ball away at the half-time whistle.
      The result means Wrexham are without a win in three games, after drawing with MK Dons and losing to Gillingham.
      And that the frustration also seems to be getting to Parkinson, who was spotted having a barney with this staff following their most recent draw.

      Loyal assistant Steve Parkin seemed to be the one bearing the brunt of Parky’s frustrations.
      He was then seen walking off with a stern look on his face, before acknowledging the away fans.
      They’ve since dropped to fourth in the table but remain in good stead to challenge for an automatic promotion place.
      However, their recent form is a cause for concern.
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      Wrexham have won just two of their last seven games, and are winless in their last three outings.
      Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may need to keep a close eye on their situation as the club bid for back-to-back promotions.
      Cameras at The New Lawn spotted the argument and the clip was quickly shared on social media.
      Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘all kinds of weird and unexpected horrors’ after ‘incredibly stressful’ Wrexham takeover
      One captioned the video: “Trouble afoot?”, while tagging the club’s official account.
      A second fan added: “I’m glad they’re angry. It’s a test of their management to get back on track now. It’s still very much their for the taking.”
      A third wrote: “Robust exchange of views on how we get out of this funk. I don’t mind that.”
      A fourth said: “They eeked out a point after nearly getting dunked on the team in 23rd place in the table. If my manager wasn’t mad, I would be very concerned.”
      Parkinson is known for his passionate outbursts in the dug-out.
      Episodes of the behind-the-scenes TV show Welcome to Wrexham depict plenty of X-rated dressing room rants and fury with officials on the side lines. More