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      EFL club supported by sporting legend set to be saved by mystery US group as buyers scramble to reach agreement in time

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      MORECAMBE are close to a takeover deal with a mystery US group. The hard-up League Two club hope that reaching an agreement before the end of May will save them.Morecambe are close to be taken over by a mystery US groupCredit: GettyMorecambe are boxing legend Tyson Fury’s local football clubCredit: GettyThis comes after the Shrimps, loved by boxing legend Tyson Fury, were hit with a three-point deduction last month.Fury’s favourite club was punished by the FA for “failing to adhere to the terms of an agreed decision”.Morecambe had previously received a suspended three-point deduction last season after failure to pay their player wages in March 2023.That suspended punishment has now been activated after the club failed to keep an account with 125 per cent of the forecast monthly wage bill for its players at a required pre-agreed level.Read More on FootballThe FA released a statement detailing the punishment which also saw the club’s owner Jason Whittingham handed a £10,000 fine.The statement read: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Morecambe Football Club are to be deducted three points from the 2023/24 League Two table for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision.”The Club had previously received a three-point deduction, to be suspended until 30 June 2024, after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023.”The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner was also required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account.Most read in EFL”Following the failure to keep the account at the required levels, the suspended three-point deduction has now been activated.”Owner Mr Jason Whittingham has also been fined £10,000, payable immediately, whilst a suspended fine of £20,000 has also been imposed, to be activated on 31 May 2024.Tyson Fury lands in Saudi Arabia with huge entourage for Oleksandr Usyk fight – but fans notice who is missing”Unless he complies in full with his obligation to replenish the Deposit Account under the terms of the Agreed Decision dated 17 August 2023.”Fury recently sponsored the club’s shorts and previously expressed an interest in buying the historic outfit. More

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      Fans spot what EFL keeper did to rival’s water bottle in epic s***housery that would ‘make Emi Martinez proud’

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      CREWE penalty shoot-out hero Max Stryjek came up with a brilliant piece of gamesmanship to get one over on his opposite number.The Railwaymen produced a stunning comeback to progress to the League Two play-off final, overturning Doncaster’s 2-0 advantage from the first leg.Crewe goalkeeper Max Stryjek picked up Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s water bottle and threw it awayThe bottle contained the Doncaster goalkeeper’s key notesStryjek proved to be the shoot-out hero with two penalty savesCredit: ReutersThey did it in Donny’s own back yard too with Mickey Demetriou getting on the scoresheet before an own goal from James Maxwell.But it was Stryjek who proved the hero as he saved two penalties in the shoot-out, which Crewe won 4-3.He also came up with a cheeky tactic to disrupt Doncaster goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala.Stryjek ran behind the goal and hurled away his rival’s water bottle far into the crowd.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bottle contained a list of instructions on which way to dive for each Crewe player’s penalty.Doncaster’s club photographer managed to still pass on some notes from the coaching staff to Lo-Tutala.But they had no effect as he did not stop a single spot-kick.Fans loved the underhand tactic and praised Stryjek for his ingenuity, though the keeper did receive a yellow card for his behaviour.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne reacted saying: “I didn’t understand why he’d been booked at the time. [Emi] Martinez would be proud of that 😂.”Another added: “Legend.”A third wrote: “Top s***housery from the goalkeeper 👌”And another commented: “This is the kind of tremendous b******ry that you just absolutely love to see. Fantastic stuff.Stryjek only joined Crewe on an emergency loan deal in April but could play a decisive role in their promotion bid, with Lee Bell’s men facing MK Dons or Crawley at Wembley on May 19.Watch never-before-seen Premier League ‘RefCam’ footage of Crystal Palace’s 4-0 demolition of Man Utd More

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      Ex-Premier League star in line to beat his former boss to bizarre managerial comeback

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      MARTIN O’NEILL is reportedly set to be beaten to a new managerial job by one of his former players.The Northern Irishman had been linked with taking over at Rapid Bucharest.Neil Lennon enjoyed successful spells at Celtic both as a player and as a managerCredit: GETTYBut now it is claimed that Neil Lennon is a last minute candidate.Lennon was most recently let go by Cypriot side Omonia in 2022, despite winning the country’s domestic cup competition.O’Neill, meanwhile has been out of the dugout since Nottingham Forest sacked him in 2019.Last month it had also been revealed that O’Neill landed a role at the League Managers’ Association after he was voted in by fellow managers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSO’Neill likely would have turned down the role if he had accepted the position at the Romanian side.However, the Daily Record have claimed that Rapid Bucharest are in talks with Lennon.Lennon, 52, enjoyed a successful playing and managing career.He gained promotion to the Premier League and won two league cups with Leicester City when O’Neill was in charge.Most read in FootballAnd he went on to win the Scottish league title five times along with reaching the final of the UEFA Cup in 2003.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLennon finished his career with 561 club appearances and 40 caps for Northern Ireland.As a manager, he won an additional five Scottish league titles with Celtic, along with four Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup.Neil Lennon’s love child court fight But his brief return to England as a manager was not as successful however.Despite an impressive start at Bolton Wanderers in 2014, he was sacked less than 18 months later with the club at the bottom of the table.Rapid sports director Daniel Sandu highlighted his idea of what he wants for the club going forward: “We have to figure out exactly what we’re looking for.”At the moment we are not in a very good place, but I have faith the new management team will reset us and show what Rapid is all about.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Iconic EFL club saved from extinction just weeks before they were set to fold forever

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      NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH side Torquay United look to have been saved from extinction by a consortium of fans.It comes just weeks before the club was set to fold after going into administration.Torquay are set to be saved from extinction by a consortium of fansCredit: GettyThe Byrn Consortium have agreed a deal to buy the club, subject to creditor approvalCredit: RexA statement from the administrators of Torquay revealed the Bryn Consortium had been named as the preferred bidder after a sale agreement was reached between the two parties.The group consists of Gulls fans Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson and is subject to creditor approval.It comes following failed talks with a previous preferred bidder. A statement shared on Torquay’s website said: “A sale agreement for Torquay United AFC Limited has been reached with The Bryn Consortium of Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson, subject to creditor approval.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The proposed company voluntary arrangement would see all tax debts and trade creditors paid in full within six months.”Under the terms of the agreement, Torquay United AFC Limited would continue to operate the football club with the new owner becoming the controlling shareholder.”Former owner Clarke Osborne announced in February that he and his partners could no longer fund the club after failing to find a buyer.Torquay, who were in League Two as recently as 2014, were formally put into administration in April after Osborne’s loans to the club rose to £5.28million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Gulls were deducted ten points by the National League in March – dropping them from 12th to 17th in the table – before being docked an additional point for fielding a suspended player.They finished the season in 18th place – their lowest ever finish in the football pyramid, but crucially avoided dropping into the seventh tier by seven points.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonOn the deal, joint administrator and partner at Begbies Traynor’s Exeter office, Scott Kippax, said: “This proposal is the best possible outcome for creditors, the club, and the fans. “We are delighted to have reached the point of a conditional sale agreement, which would see all tax debts and trade creditors settled in full in a relatively short period of time. “It is good news for the long-term future of the club, and we are pleased to be able to present such a favourable proposal to creditors.”Bryn Consortium lead Wescott added: “We are delighted to have provided a positive outcome for all creditors and provided a future for our beloved football club.  “There is much work to be done in the coming days and weeks, and we will issue a series of updates to supporters next week on the preparations and plans for the forthcoming season.”Torquay United Supporters Trust (TUST) welcomed the move, saying in a statement: “TUST is delighted that the Bryn Consortium are the new custodians of Torquay United, heralding a new era for the long-term future of our football club.”Nick Brodrick of TUST added: “Like the club statement says, there is obviously going to be a lot of work now. There has been a lot of work but it is going to intensify as we go through the next few weeks.”Despite not being part of the club’s ownership structure, TUST played a role in the change of ownership and will hold a meeting with the Bryn Consortium on Monday to formalise their involvement.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have not released its retained player list and are yet to decide on their manager for next season, with Aaron Downes in interim charge after Gary Johnson left in February.The Bryn Consortium will be the fourth group to have owned the Gulls since 2007.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      EFL club granted permission to build new 16,000-seater stadium on 250-YEAR deal.. with shock plan for current ground

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      OXFORD UNITED have been granted permission to build a new 16,000-seater ground on a staggering 250-year deal.According to BBC Radio Oxford Sport, the U’s and Oxfordshire County Council have signed the legally binding agreement on a lease at Triangle site near Kidlington.Oxford United have been granted permission to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: XThe club, though, must honour pledges to the community on social, environmental and economic benefits. And the agreement currently hinges on planning permission being granted by Cherwell District Council.This comes after recent news suggesting Oxford’s current ground the Kassam Stadium will become a driving school for kids.Parts of the Kassam are set to be transformed into a realistic road for learner drivers to practice on.Read More on FootballYoung Driver will change a section of the club’s car park into a road equipped with roundabouts, junctions as well as traffic signs.It will also include areas for prospective drivers – some of whom will be as young as 10 – to practice on their manoeuvres.And the EFL club is now set to be on the move within the next few years.An excerpt of a club statement read last month: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players “This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Norwich defender Shane Duffy arrested and charged with drink-driving after two-vehicle smash

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      NORWICH star Shane Duffy has been charged with drink driving.The former Premier League star is due to appear before magistrates in Norwich in July.Shane Duffy is due to appear in court charged with drink drivingCredit: AlamyDuffy, 32, was arrested in Hethersett, near Norwich, late on Monday after a collision involving two vehicles.A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday May 6, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.”Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”No one was injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuffy has responded through a spokesperson who said: “[Duffy has been] charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg.”A Norwich City spokesman said: “Norwich City Football Club is aware of an incident involving one of its first-team players.”The club is in the process of considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure.”Duffy is due to play for Norwich against Leeds United in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg on Sunday.Most read in EFLThe Republic of Ireland star has featured in 36 league games for the Canaries this season.He signed for the club last season after a short-lived spell at Fulham where he made just seven appearances. More

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      Superfan Ed Sheeran belts out iconic Ipswich chant alongside players at ‘beautiful’ Premier League promotion party

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      ED SHEERAN was joined by Ipswich players as the Tractor Boys continued their celebrations after reaching the Premier League.Kieran McKenna’s team secured back-to-back promotions on the final day of the Championship season, avoiding the play-offs.After performing in Miami and appearing at the Met Gala, Ed Sheeran invited the Ipswich players to a night outCredit: X/EDSHEERANThe singer was surrounded by Ipswich players as they sang about “Super Kieran McKenna”Conor Chaplin (left) demanded to be given the mic at the end of the videoCredit: X/EDSHEERANIn the video, Sheeran plays his guitar as the players join him in singing songs such as “We’ve got Super Kieran McKenna.”Everyone continues to jump up and dance, celebrating this momentous occasion.Sheeran, who is the club’s shirt sponsor, has prominently shown his support to his boyhood club throughout the season.In October, he joined the celebrations in the changing room after a huge win against Hull City.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe singer was unable to watch the final-day victory at Portman Road because he was scheduled to perform at the Miami Grand Prix.But that did not stop him from joining in the celebrations when he returned back home.The official Ed Sheeran account posted on X: “Ed and Ipswich Town players last night…😅”Celebrating their Premier League promotion 💙🍾.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKieran McKenna had arrived at Portman Road in December 2021 with the club in mid-table but managed to turn things round to gain automatic promotion.And despite expectations of a relegation scrap this season, the club repeated their success and secured promotion to the Premier League.Ed Sheeran has been seen at Portman Road on a number of occasions but was unable to come to the final game of the seasonCredit: REUTERSIpswich celebrated their promotion with an open-top bus paradeCredit: REUTERSWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Inside Ipswich’s multi-million pound Premier League plan with ‘non-negotiable changes’ and ‘hell of a lot to do’

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      IPSWICH TOWN are set to splash out “several million pounds” after earning Premier League promotion.The Suffolk side were automatically promoted to the top flight after securing 96 points in a remarkable 90-goal Championship campaign.Ipswich’s Kayden Jackson led the celebrations after his club earned back-to-back promotionsCredit: RexBut the club are set to spend millions in order to host Prem football next yearCredit: PAVAR will need to be installed at Portman Road ahead of it’s return to the PremCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt will be the first time in 22 years that the Tractor Boys will be in the top tier after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield, who were relegated to League One.But chief executive Mark Ashton said there was “a hell of a lot of work to do” to ensure the club’s facilities met league standards.He said a planning application for a “big build” at the Playford Road training ground was to be submitted imminently.It followed Premier League officials visiting the club in January and handing over a list of work that would need to be done if Kieran McKenna’s side were promoted.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRegulations show all top-flight teams need to have installed goal-line technology in order to compete.They must also facilitate the installation of equipment that would enable the use of video assistant refereeing.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “There’s several million pounds worth of works to do.”That’s going to mean some quite big infrastructure changes at Portman Road over the summer.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 52-year-old said builders had already been on site at Playford Road to plan the impending improvements.He added: It’s going to see some changes, it’s things we have to do that are non-negotiable from the Premier League.EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League football”Once I’ve had time to breathe, I’ll talk to the fans so they know what’s going on.”But Ipswich’s promotion will bring millions to the area.Terry Baxter, who represents local businesses in Ipswich Central Business Improvement District, said the financial and emotional benefits will be “massive”.He told ITV: “We’re talking about somewhere between £500 and £600 million worth of economic benefit to the area and that’s huge for a town like Ipswich.”Similarly, Luton Town had to splash out similar amounts of cash after they were promoted to the Premier League following last season’s play-off final victory over Coventry.The Hatters were forced into paying out £10m on a new stand to meet the league’s broadcast requirements at Kenilworth Road.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of their historic home – particularly the away end that requires fans to walk over local residents’ back gardens.However, Ipswich will likely not have to fork out as much, given that their tier structures do meet the standards, after the Sir Alf Ramsey was rebuilt in 2001, and Sir Bobby Robson stand in 2009.Luton were forced into delaying home fixtures this seasonStairs lead up to the Oak Stand, running above residents’ gardens More