EFL

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Storm Darragh football postponements LIVE: Liverpool and Everton release statement after two AXED Championship matches

      by

      STORM DARRAGH is causing chaos among the footballing leagues – forcing Liverpool and Everton to release joint statements ahead of their Merseyside derby.Two Championship matches have already been postponed.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth side will not be able to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.And Watford’s thrilling away fixture against Cardiff has now been called off too.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…Liverpool and Everton joint statementLiverpool and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Copy linkCopiedSunday and Monday Prem fixturesFulham vs ArsenalIpswich vs BournemouthLeicester vs BrightonTottenham vs ChelseaMonday, December 9West Ham vs WolvesCopy linkCopiedSaturday Prem fixturesPremier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.Everton vs LiverpoolAston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Manchester CityManchester United vs Nottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedEverton vs Liverpool in jeopardyLiverpool will be looking to bounceback from their draw against Newcastle with a win over Everton – but the weather might have other plans.The Reds dropped two points against the Toon courtesy of Fabian Schar’s 90th minute strike.While Everton thrashed Wolves midweek meaning their tails will be up.But there has been reports that the final ever Merseyside Derby at this Goodison Park is under threat due to Storm DarraghCopy linkCopiedStorm BertThe last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm BertStorm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.Copy linkCopiedNot so wellSteve Sidwell was a do-anything midfielder for Fulham and Brighton.But even he must have been surprised when he nearly added Mary Poppins to his repertoire.The Amazon Prime pundit was at Craven Cottage to see Fulham blow away the Seagulls 3-1, mainly thanks to an Alex Iwobi double.But Storm Darragh nearly did the same to the ex-Aston Villa ace.And when a huge gust flung his umbrella up – with Sidwell struggling to hold on and not go the same way – viewers reckon he almost emulated the super-power of the movie world’s most famous flying nanny.One fan posted: “Stevie Sidwell loses his brolly – nearly did a Mary Poppins down the river Thames!”Copy linkCopiedEmptinessStorm Darragh continues to reign its terror, leaving a lot of the pitches in the UK looking like the one below.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedTorquay vs Horsham POSTPONEDAnother one bites the dust with Torquay’s Trophy game against Horsham now postponed.The club statement said: “With South Devon bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Darragh this weekend, and following consultation with both the Safety Advisory Group and Horsham FC, Saturday’s Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Plainmoor has been postponed.”Although the hard work of our ground staff had given the pitch every chance of remaining playable, the prospect of winds of up to 80mph hitting the area has provided serious cause for concern, especially for those making the journey down from West Sussex.”With the safety of both sets of players, supporters and officials remaining everyone’s number one priority, the decision has been made to postpone this game, with the match now taking place on Tuesday 10th December instead (7.45pm KO).”Supporters are advised that all tickets purchased for Saturday’s fixture will remain valid for the rearranged date.Copy linkCopiedBlessing in disguise for RooneyStorm Darragh may have kept Wayne Rooney in a job at Plymouth for a little while longer.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow due to the 90mph wind speed.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.And another loss tomorrow could have potentially saw Rooney get the sack despite the Pilgrims’ chairman quotesCopy linkCopiedWhat other matches could be affected?Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth.Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed.Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011.The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage.Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible.There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh statement Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.”It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.”Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.”Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”Copy linkCopiedNewport County vs Carlisle United POSTPONEDNewport’s huge fixture against Carlisle is the next match that has been scratched off the list.A statement read: “The decision comes due to the severe weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow, with an Amber warning for rain and winds extending beyond the Red warning, which is in place tomorrow. These factors, combined with concerns over fan travel, the ability of emergency services to respond to potential incidents, and possible structural impacts, have led to the postponement.The safety of travelling fans, staff, players, and officials is the top priority, and this is considered the best decision given the circumstances.A new date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course.”Copy linkCopiedCardiff vs Watford POSTPONEDCardiff have now confirmed they will not face the Hornets “in the interest of supporter safety” after receiving advice from the Met Office.A statement on Cardiff’s website read: A new date for this fixture will be confirmed in due course.All match tickets purchased for this game will remain valid for the rearranged date. Season Tickets will also remain valid for the re-arranged fixture.If you have purchased a match ticket for this fixture, please wait for the re-arranged date to be confirmed, after which point if you still require a refund, please email tickets@cardiffcityfc.co.uk with proof of purchase and a member of the team will contact you at the earliest opportunity.Copy linkCopiedPlymouth vs Oxford United POSTPONEDThe first major match to get called off was Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth vs Oxford.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh is terrorising footballGood afternoon football lovers!This is not a blog I would like to be doing as a football lover myself, but Storm Darragh is unfortunately ripping through the country.And as a result, several football matches have been called off.Including TWO matches from the Championshp and one involves Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.Keep scrolling to find out about all of the postponed fixutres due to Storm Darragh.Copy linkCopied More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’

      by

      BLACKPOOL goalkeeper Harry Tyrer conceded a shocking goal against Shrewsbury Town that almost cost his team.The Seasiders picked up a 2-1 win in a League One clash with Shrewsbury on Wednesday at New Meadow.Blackpool goalkeeper Harry Tyrer conceded a shocking goal against ShrewsburyCredit: YouTube/Shrewsbury TownThe ball bounced in front of Tyrer, who made a wrong estimationThe ball then went over Tyrer, leading to Shrewsbury’s opener in the fifth minuteBlackpool fans were left furious with that blunder as they took to social mediaHowever, the visitors had to put together a major comeback as they found themselves trailing just after four minutes into the match.Shrewsbury defender Mal Benning delivered a long ball from his own half towards the Blackpool area.Everton loanee Tyrer, 22, made an awful estimation as the ball bounced over him and into his own net.That blunder saw Blackpool trailing within the first five minutes of the match.Read More on FootballAnd it left the Tangerines’ fans seething as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “I’m sorry. That actually might be the most embarrassing goal I’ve ever seen. What on earth are we doing?”Another commented: “Get Tyrer off that pitch now.”A third wrote: “That’s dreadful, what on earth?”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis fan said: “F*****g hell lads.”And that one stated: “GET THAT KEEPER OUT.”Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponentTyrer’s blushes were saved in the second half when Blackpool equalised with Aaron Pierre’s own-goal in the 52nd minute.And Steve Bruce’s side turned the game on its head just five minutes later with ex-Tottenham ace Josh Onomah’s strike. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      National League club to build history-making 5,000-seater stadium made almost totally of WOOD as council approves plan

      by

      FIFA already call them the “greenest team in the world”.Now they have got the go-ahead to make history with the ultimate “environmentally friendly” development.The club have got the all-clear to build Eco ParkCredit: Forest Green/SDCThe stadium will be on a site landscaped by 500 treesCredit: Forest Green/SDCCouncil planners have approved Eco Park – a unique new 5,000-seat stadium made almost entirely of wood.And it comes from a National League side who are bidding for an instant return to the EFL.The venue will be in landscaped parkland, with space for 1,700 cars.And along with two extra football pitches, around 500 trees and 1.8km of hedgerows will be planted – to promote biodiversity.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany fans will have quickly guessed the identity of the club – thanks to its high-profile owner and the innovations he has brought in.Fifa dished out its “greenest team” accolade after the club began wearing kits made of recycled plastic and coffee grounds.Football’s world rulers also pointed to the team’s vegan-only menu.Meanwhile, shinpads and some kits have been made from bamboo.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe United Nations chipped in with a huge compliment too – describing the whole set-up as the world’s first carbon-neutral football club.Green energy businessman Dale Vince has been the man with the vision and Forest Green Rovers has been his sporting outlet – since his take-over there 14 years ago.Britain’s greenest football club Forest Green Rovers create eco-friendly kit made from coffee beansRovers’ current ground, the New Lawn, will be replaced by 95 homes.That’s because Stroud Council have now approved the layout, scale and external look of a replacement stadium.Councillors heard the site will be extra resilient against extreme weather – as it will be built to tackle climate change and be energy efficient.Vince said the “ground-breaking” stadium will be “the first made almost entirely from wood which is beautiful, natural, durable and sustainable”.He added: “We’ve taken a step closer towards the world’s greenest sports complex and a fabulous facility for the local community.”Forest Green currently play at The New LawnCredit: RexRovers’ owner Dale Vince has turned the club greenCredit: Reuters More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Danny DeVito celebrates Wrexham’s injury-time winner over Barnsley in virtual stadium in LA

      by

      DANNY DEVITO celebrated Wrexham’s stoppage time winner against Barnsley last night as he watched the game at a bar in Los Angeles.The League One side are co-owned by DeVito’s long-time It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia colleague Rob McElhenney.Danny DeVito celebrates Wrexham’s late winnerCredit: XDeVito high-fives another fanCredit: XOliver Rathbone celebrates his late Wrexham winnerCredit: AHPIX.comLast night, the gang headed to Cosm Los Angeles to watch the game.Cosm features an astonishing 87-foot, 12K resolution screen that offers fans an immersive view of whatever game they are watching.The bar is located in Inglewood, California – by the Los Angeles Clippers’ new state-of-the-art Intuit Dome arena.McElhenney and DeVito were joined by co-stars Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton for the game, as well as several supporters.READ MORE ON WREXHAMThe match remained goalless until the 92nd minute, when Oliver Rathbone secured all three points for Wrexham with a perfect finish.Upon Rathbone’s winner, DeVito could be seen rising off his seat and pumping his fists in celebration.The 80-year-old also high-fived fellow fans in delight.Cosm posted the footage to their social media accounts, with fans loving DeVito’s reaction.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCosm offers fans in Los Angeles an immersive view of the gameCredit: InstagramOne wrote on X: “Just Danny DeVito celebrating a Wrexham last-minute winner. Just when you thought you had seen it all.”While a second added: “It’s always sunny with these guys around.”I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester NFL stars Cameron Dicker and Josh Harris also came along to Cosm to watch the game.Wrexham’s win sees them remain second in the table, two points behind leaders Wycombe but having played a game more.Phil Parkinson’s side are four points above Birmingham, although Blues possess three games in hand.Wrexham will be back in action this Saturday, when they travel to Burton Albion.Cosm features an incredible 87-foot 12K resolution screenCredit: Instagram More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Reading owner sued for £10m by ex-EFL chief after takeover bid collapsed despite lending League One side £5m

      by

      READING have been hit with a £10.3million compensation claim by former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig.The American lawyer told SunSport he lodged a claim in the High Court against Renhe Sports Management — the company through which Chinese businessman Dai Yongge owns Reading.Rob Couhig is seeking £800,000 in costs and £9.5m in potential lost profits after Dai Yongge withdrewCredit: RexCouhig is seeking £800,000 in costs and £9.5m in potential lost profits after Yongge withdrew from a £30m agreement to sell the League One club in September.After agreeing a purchase price last summer, Couhig lent the Royals around £5m to help with running costs.All the paperwork required to seal the deal was completed — other than Yongge’s signature.And Couhig was stunned to receive an email from the club in September telling him the deal was off.Read More on FootballYongge went on to enter exclusive negotiations with another buyer, whose identity has never been revealed.RSM have been approached for comment.Couhig insisted he had the interests of the League One club’s boss Ruben Selles and his squad at heart.He added: “I would much rather do a deal to take over the club than win these damages.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I really want the club to transact before January so we can get down to business. But no one at Reading has had the courtesy to pick up the phone to me and say, ‘We don’t like X, we want Y’.“I made it clear from day one I am not a bank. I was only lending them money to buy the club.Reading fans are angry as owner sells training ground to EFL rivals Wycombe “I feel terrible for Ruben and the boys.“I’ve tried not to be a distraction, which is why I’ve not said anything.“But enough is enough. I’m at my wits’ end and had to act.”Couhig has insisted all along his offer remains on the table.Ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee revealed Yongge has also rejected his bid to buy the club. More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL could have managers’ ‘challenge’ system introduced in low-cost alternative to VAR

      by

      LOWER division clubs could see a “challenge” system in operation to overturn refereeing bloopers.Lawmakers on the International FA Board have agreed to extend the trials of their new “Football Video Support” system on a global basis.Lower league matches could get an alternative to VAR with a new ‘challenge’ systemCredit: PAIn a variation of VAR, the VS system is designed for competitions with only a handful of cameras.Coaches are allowed to call a challenge, with the referee then reviewing the incident on a pitch-side monitor, with the footage supplied by a video technician.As in cricket and tennis, successful challenges are retained with each team allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.The system was trialled at the recent under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where England finished fourth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland coach Natalie Henderson successfully challenged a goal awarded to Mexico in their second group match, with the referee agreeing the ball had not crossed the line after a video review.And now Ifab bosses want to roll out what they view as a “low cost alternative to VAR” to both smaller countries and lower tier competitions in wealthier nations.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray said: “It is mainly designed for competitions where you’ve only got one, two, three or maximum four cameras.“So Leagues One and Two could be in that, or the National League, or whatever.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“And what it does emphasise – and away from VAR – is the clear and obvious concept.“Because when you’ve only got one camera it’s got to be pretty clear and obvious for the decision to be changed.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seems“So it’ll either be at the top end of smaller countries or lower down in bigger countries.“FIFA have tested it, it’s working very well and therefore we will now explore where else it could be trialled, probably for next season.”EFL clubs have so far been resistant to bringing in VAR, with cost one issue.Many fans, though, have compared the EFL match-day experience favourably to the situation in the Prem when supporters frequently complained of feeling “in the dark” over VAR reviews.But Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA who will host Ifab’s formal AGM in March that will confirm the policy, said: “We need to emphasise that it’s not VAR.“It’s different from VAR but it’s an alternative to it. And it relies upon the challenge system being promoted by the coaches.“In countries who have got VAR, three or four levels down the pyramid you might again have leagues with only one or two cameras.“We’re talking about two challenges per coach per game and it’s up to the coaches to determine when they want the referee to come over to the side and to take a look at something.“So we’re extending the trials on it and we’re trying to learn more about it. And as the price will come down, it will get democratised and hopefully it will get rolled out further.”But Ifab pushed back at the idea that the introduction of the system could eventually see a “hybrid” version of VAR, with video refs determining offside and line calls and subjective decisions open to challengeElleray added: “There’s no reason to have challenges with VAR because the video match officials check every single incident.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there’s no need for the coach to say ‘please will you check if that was a penalty?’ because that happens automatically.“But with Video Support, because there’s no VAR checking, then  nothing is looked at until somebody asks you to look at it – so it’s completely different.” More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney slams ’embarrassing’ players after ‘complete collapse’ and admits ‘nothing’s getting through to them’

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY ruthlessly ripped into his Plymouth players yet again following their 4-0 defeat to Bristol City on Saturday.Argyle conceded three times in 13 second-half minutes as they continue to leak goals away from home.Wayne Rooney raged at his players following another heavy defeatCredit: RexPlymouth disintegrated in the second half against Bristol City on SaturdayCredit: RexIt came just four days after they were thrashed 6-1 by Norwich at Carrow Road.Plymouth are yet to win away from home this season and have conceded 38 goals in just 18 league games.They now sit just two points above the Championship relegation zone.Following the Norwich loss, Rooney gave a scathing assessment of his side by claiming his academy team could have performed better.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in the wake of the Bristol City defeat, he criticised them in similarly blunt fashion by insisting they showed a “lack of character and fight”.He said: “From there [in the second half], the players collapsed.”Again, this is not something I haven’t told the players. They completely collapsed. It was the same at Norwich away, it was the same at Leeds away.”When you want to have a career in football you need to dig deep at times, and dig deep within yourself.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s something I have done many times as a player, and I feel the players showed a real lack of character and lack of fight after we conceded the first goal, and that is very disappointing.”Of course, we have got injuries – and that’s certainly not me making excuses – but those players who have come in have all had the game time. I have tried different ways, different systems.Wayne Rooney teases shock I’m a Celeb appearance as he praises wife Coleen for jungle stint in TV appearance”I have gone at them, I have tried to encourage them. I have tried to find the right balance between both.”Worryingly, Rooney, who only took over in May, also revealed he has “simplified the game as much as I can” for his players but they continue to not understand his instructions.He added: “Up to now, away from home, nothing is getting through to them.”I think the biggest thing is when we concede a goal it looks like the game is over and you are looking at hopefully keeping it down to one goal, which is not a good place to be.”I’m talking a lot on the players and I never like doing that but I think it is at a point now where the players need to understand that they need to give more and show more character, more fight, more desire.”I have simplified the game as much as I can today for them, to not over complicate things.”Rooney has won five, drawn five and lost 10 of his 20 games in charge.And his next two matches could prove crucial in determining his future.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey face back-to-back home fixtures against 17th place Oxford and 12th place Swansea.Since beating Portsmouth 1-0 on November 5, they have drawn two and lost two, conceding 13 in the process.Rooney is under increasing pressure at the Championship clubCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Portsmouth vs Millwall POSTPONED after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darkness

      by

      PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Millwall has been POSTPONED after a power cut at Fratton Park.The Championship game was due to kick off at 7.45pm on Wednesday evening.Fratton Park suffered a power cut before Portsmouth’s clash with MillwallCredit: RexThe game was postponed after one hour of darknessCredit: RexBut the lights went out minutes before play was due to get underway, which forced fans to sit in darkness for nearly an hour awaiting any developments.Eventually, Portsmouth announced to supporters that the game was being postponed.A statement released on X read: “Tonight’s match against Millwall has been postponed for safety reasons due circumstances beyond the club’s control.”We will update fans further in due course.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the second Portsmouth match in a row to be postponed after their clash with Blackburn was called off on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.Non-league side Gosport Borough, who are neighbours with Portsmouth, also saw their game postponed on Wednesday due to a problem with their floodlights.Meanwhile, Pompey fans mocked their own club’s misfortune after they posted on social media two hours before the game a video of the ground and the caption “Under the lights”.One said: “This tweet didn’t age well.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPompey’s clash with Blackburn was postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitchCredit: RexWhile another added: “Poor choice of words there.”Pompey, who were promoted last season, are languishing in 23rd in the Championship.Portsmouth stars get trapped in lift and ration water between TEN players after win over QPRThey have won just two of their 15 league matches, but do have two games in hand on the teams around them.Meanwhile, Millwall are four points outside a play-off place in eighth.Neil Harris’ men are on an eight-game unbeaten run which has included wins over Burnley and Leeds. More