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    English manager SACKED by EFL club after leaving side rooted to bottom of League One table

    BURTON have SACKED manager Mark Robinson with the club rock bottom of League One.Robinson, 58, left his previous job as Chelsea’s development squad boss to become Burton head coach in June.Mark Robinson has been sacked by League One outfit Burton AlbionBut Robinson has been dismissed just five months after replacing Martin Paterson, with the Brewers already 11 points from safety.Burton remain winless in League One this season, having lost seven and drawn four of their opening 11 games.Robinson has only won only ONE of his 14 games in charge – beating Leicester City’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy in August.And the club’s Scandinavian owners decided enough was enough following Tuesday’s 3-2 home loss to Wycombe Wanderers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was the first appointment made by Burton’s new owners – the Nordic Football Group – when the Sweden-based consortium took control of the east Staffordshire club in the summer.Sporting director Bendik Hareide said: “During our time working together, we’ve all got to know and appreciate ‘Robbo’, which is why we have great regret over the fact that this has not worked out in the way any of us would have wanted.He told the club website: “We have to be objective with our decision-making, and we feel we have reached a point where a change is necessary to improve the team’s results.“We believe we have a talented squad, and we remain committed to our football strategy. Now is the time to re-group and look to deliver a positive season for our fantastic supporters.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAssistant manager Tom Hounsell will step up as interim head coach until a permanent successor is named.But coaches John Brayford, Jake Kean and Elliott Axtell will continue in their first team roles.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Burton have conceded 24 goals this season, second behind Peterborough, who have sunk 25 – but also scored that many as well.After joining Chelsea’s development coaching set up in May 2022, Robinson steered the Under-21s to third place in a league of 26 teams during his second season.During his time at Cobham, Lewis Hall progressed to the first team with several appearances as well as Bashir Humphries and Omari Hutchinson making their debuts.Before Chelsea, Robinson spent 19 years as a coach at AFC Wimbledon before being announced as the permanent first-team manager in 2021. But AFC Wimbledon parted company with Robinson by mutual consent in March 2022 after a poor run of form.Meanwhile, Burton narrowly avoided relegation from League One last season – finishing 20th in the table. More

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    ‘John Terry tipped me to replace him at Chelsea but I only played 16 minutes in the Premier League’

    JAKE CLARKE-SALTER was  tipped by Chelsea legend John Terry to replace him at Stamford Bridge.And he even went on to win a World Cup for the England Under-20s back in 2017 alongside the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.John Terry thought he found his replacement at Chelsea after his departureCredit: ReutersJake Clarke-Salter trained with Terry but played just 16 minutes in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyClarke-Salter underwent a series of loans before settling at Queens Park RangersCredit: GettyBut while his centre-back partner in that tournament, and ex-Blues team-mate, Tomori has gone on to play Champions League football for AC Milan, Clarke-Salter is battling at the bottom of the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.The defender recently signed a new four-year deal at Loftus Road and hopes his team can win only their second game of the season  when fellow early strugglers Portsmouth comes visiting on Saturday.Clarke-Salter, 27, only had 16 minutes of Premier League action in six years as a pro at Chelsea — coming on as a sub for Pedro in 2016 against Aston Villa.Terry was so impressed, he said at the time: “Jake reminds me of myself.Read More on Football“He’s doing great and I hope he goes on to take my position in the team.”Clearly that did not work out. Clarke-Salter did the hard yards in the EFL on loan with Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse in the Netherlands, Notts County, Birmingham and then Coventry.But he ended up leaving two years ago to sign for the Rs.The centre-half said: “You can say I didn’t live up to what people thought.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That’s something I’ve had to reflect on over the years.“I’m happy now at QPR because I’ve found my home again. I enjoy my football, which is the main thing.”’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Clarke-Salter believes going out on too many loans was what ultimately hindered his progress.And asked what advice he would give to any youngster in a similar  position at a top Premier League side, he said: “In all honesty, be patient.“I had an opportunity to stay around the Chelsea first team and train every day and learn a bit more — but I just wanted to play games.“So I went out at a young age, at 18 to 19, and then ended up breaking and dislocating my elbow while at Bristol Rovers.“At Chelsea, I was  training with some of the world’s best players, people like Eden Hazard, JT and Cesc Fabregas.“So I should’ve shown more patience rather than try to rush off.Looking back at Chelsea stint“Everyone has a different path. I should’ve stuck around, rather than play somewhere else as quickly as possible.“It was never like I thought I deserved to start. I had JT, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger all ahead of me.“You should be spending time learning from them and not taking that kind of experience for granted.”Yet Clarke-Salter did have the privilege  of playing with a then 16-year-old Jude Bellingham at Birmingham.And he admitted: “Everyone knew from day one that he was going to be a world beater because of  his mentality.“We could see all the talent he had  but his willingness to work, as a 16-year-old, I’ve never seen anyone  that age do that.QPR hopes“Every day in training, he’d put his foot in and tell people who weren’t doing it right to  get on it. It’s no surprise he’s one of the best players in the world.”Boss Marti Cifuentes performed a near miracle keeping QPR in the Championship last season after inheriting a side that looked dead certs to go down.And there were high hopes in West London that the team would progress this season and push up the table.But, so far, they have only  beaten Luton Town and are yet to win at home.Yet despite this, Clarke-Salter firmly believes the Spanish coach is the  right man to take QPR to the next level — which is why he committed to a new long-term contract.The defender explained: “The new  manager has been massive for the club and myself.Happy at QPR“I suit the style he wants to play. Hopefully there’s  a good future here.“We’ve got a lot of new players and  a new way of playing — so it’s just about gelling now.“Everyone is trying to implement the gaffer’s ideas. It’s a long season.“What I like about the gaffer is his ideas and the way he sees football — his philosphy, his calming presence, the way he speaks to the players.“He has a good understanding and is a great man-manager.”Newly-promoted Pompey are one spot and two points behind 22nd-placed QPR in the table —  and are the only side in the Championship yet to win a game.But Clarke-Salter said: “The table is so tight right now. One win can just shoot you up the table.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got  great players in this squad and now it’s just about getting that  consistency.”  CopyBet is  official betting partner of Queens Park Rangers. Visit CopyBet.comWho are these famous footballers? More

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    TNT Sports commentator reveals struggle of new life as a manager where ‘people would like me to fail’

    ROBBIE SAVAGE has one huge regret about his move into football management.“I should have done it earlier as I love it,” declared Savage who celebrates a landmark 50th birthday on Friday.Robbie Savage was appointed as the new Macclesfield boss in JuneCredit: The TimesEx-TNT Sports pundit Savage revealed people want him to fail as managerCredit: GettyIt has been a seamless switch from radio and television pundit to the dugout for Savage who was appointed head coach at Macclesfield FC in June.The unbeaten Silkmen moved four points clear at the top of Northern Premier League, Premier after their 4-1 midweek win at home to third-placed Hebburn Town.And in 17 league and cup games there has only been one loss which was at Tamworth, a team two divisions higher up the pyramid, in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.He said: “I am delighted with the start with 10 wins and two draws and being unbeaten in 12 league games – the best start to a season Macclesfield have ever had since 1874.Read More on Football“I believe we can do even better – that is the frightening thing about this squad.”Savage, who is also a director having bought a stake in the phoenix club which was born in 2020 after Macclesfield Town was wound up in the High Court, believes he was destined to move into management.He said: “When I was working as a pundit for TNT, I was like a sponge listening to Glenn Hoddle, Rio [Ferdinand], Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes and managers like Harry Redknapp.“I always noted things down when I was listening to them as I did with the managers I worked under.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSavage admitted it is an even tougher gig because of the colourful character he is.He continued: “There are a lot of people, as you know, who would like me to fail, and I know there is a lot of pressure on me.Ferrari owned by Robbie Savage sold for bargain £54,000 at auction“I am new to management and still learning. I am trying to control my emotions which is hard when your side is missing chances.“I don’t try to get too high or too low. It is hard because you care and because a win here means more because of the responsibility.”On management, Savage said: “I enjoy being on the grass and around the lads and enjoy the management side and the tactics.“We played 3-4-1-2 against Hebburn with the wingers high as we take risks at the back.“I wanted to create an exciting brand of football which is why I was brought in, but also a winning one. I also believe we should be able to score over 100 goals this season.”’We can win the league’Striker Danny Elliott is in a red-hot scoring streak with eight goals in the last five matches.“Danny is an example of where we are because we have the capabilities to invest in a great squad, a together squad and the players enjoy playing. We also have the fans on board,” said Savage.Since Macclesfield FC was formed in 2020, they have won two promotions in three seasons – they narrowly missed making it three out of three when they were beaten in the Northern Premier League, Premier play-off final by Marine in May having finished runners-up to Radcliffe.This season Macclesfield and Worksop Town are vying for top spot and Savage said: “I think only Worksop and ourselves can win the league, and it is a two-horse race already.“We have to play them at home on January 6 which will be a huge, huge game, especially for who wins it.“Our goal is to finish first as we don’t want to put ourselves through the play-offs like last season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were the second-best team, but you know anything can happen in the play-offs and in the final we didn’t play to our capabilities and Marine deserved to go up.“We have to win the league because the team which finishes second could have a record points total for second and then lose out in the play-offs.” More

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    FA Cup first round draw LIVE: Latest updates as Wrexham to face Harrogate, Wimbledon travel to rivals MK Dons

    THE FA Cup first round draw has been completed and there are some cracking ties. The pick of the bunch is AFC Wimbledon’s visit to MK Dons, while Wrexham will travel to Harrogate. While the Premier League and Championship giants join the iconic competition from the third round.Draw start time: 7pm BSTTV channel: BBC TwoFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the FA Cup first round draw with our live blog below…Pick of the tiesIn case you missed it, here are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFourth qualifying round replaysThere are still six clubs left to confirm their place in the first-round in Tuesday night’s fourth qualifying round replays.All 12 clubs involved were included in tonight’s draw.Here are tomorrow’s replays:Maidenhead vs TauntonBoston vs GainsboroughSolihull Moors vs AltrinchamBrackley vs HartlepoolPeterborough Sports vs RushallGateshead vs HednesfordCopy linkCopiedFirst-round datesThe FA Cup first ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.A select number of matches will also be chosen for live broadcast by BBC Sport and ITV.Copy linkCopiedPick of the tiesIn case you missed it, here are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFourth qualifying round replaysThere are still six clubs left to confirm their place in the first-round in Tuesday night’s fourth qualifying round replays.All 12 clubs involved were included in tonight’s draw.Here are tomorrow’s replays:Maidenhead vs TauntonBoston vs GainsboroughSolihull Moors vs AltrinchamBrackley vs HartlepoolPeterborough Sports vs RushallGateshead vs HednesfordCopy linkCopiedFirst-round datesThe FA Cup first ties will take place between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.A select number of matches will also be chosen for live broadcast by BBC Sport and ITV.Copy linkCopiedPick of the tiesHere are the standout ties from this evening’s FA Cup first-round draw:Worthing vs MorecambeTamworth vs HuddersfieldCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedFirst-round draw in fullFA Cup first-round drawRotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs PeterboroughCopy linkCopiedNewport vs PeterboroughCopy linkCopiedSutton vs BirminghamCopy linkCopiedTonbridge vs HarboroughCopy linkCopiedGillingham vs BlackpoolCopy linkCopiedWoking vs CambridgeCopy linkCopiedHarrogate vs WrexhamCopy linkCopiedTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyCopy linkCopiedNotts County vs AlfretonCopy linkCopiedSouthend vs CharltonCopy linkCopiedChesterfield vs HorshamCopy linkCopiedChesham vs LincolnCopy linkCopiedPort Vale vs BarnsleyCopy linkCopiedCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgeCopy linkCopiedSalford vs ShrewsburyCopy linkCopiedSwindon vs ColchesterCopy linkCopiedRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonCopy linkCopiedNorthampton vs KetteringCopy linkCopied More

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    Inside EFL giants’ abandoned stadium plan to build 40,000-seater new home next to infamous PRISON

    QUEENS PARK RANGERS were once close to leaving their iconic ground and moving to a stunning new home next door to a prison.Loftus Road has been the Championship club’s home since 1917 and they remain there today.Stunning images show what the ground would have looked likeCredit: QPRThe new home was going to be up the road from an infamous prisonCredit: QPRQPR remain at their iconic Loftus Road homeCredit: PABut back in 2013, QPR chiefs had plans drawn up to ditch the 18,439 capacity stadium for a new 40,000-seater.At the time, the Hoops were in the Premier League and managed by legend Harry Redknapp.QPR wanted to increase their revenue and then-chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build a new stadium.The local council were eyeing a major regeneration project in the Old Oak area – just two-and-a-half miles from Loftus Road.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes was keen to seize the opportunity to move across West London, unveiling plans for a stadium dubbed New Queens Park.Incredible computer-generated photos were released to show fans what the ground would look like.One stand has three tiers and there are several new-build apartments overlooking the stadium.The plot of land used would have seen QPR move just up the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandes said at the time: “Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity.”Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR’s needs as the club progresses and grows over the years ahead, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepair”This will be the catalyst for the regeneration of a forgotten area.”However, the plans never made it any further after the club were relegated to the Championship in 2015.Yet they did look at moving grounds again in 2018, when they looked at redeveloping the Linford Christie Stadium.The local running track and football pitch is a mile away from Loftus Road and is also next door to Wormwood Scrubs, as well as Hammersmith Hospital.But a year later, QPR announced they were abandoning plans to modernise the Linford Christie Stadium.The club remain keen on replacing Loftus Road and are reportedly looking for investors to pump cash into “Project Big Ben”.They want to “produce a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium, as part of a major regeneration in West London.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    I’m an ex-EFL boss… club owner kicked me up the backside for goading fans before running off to do same thing

    EFL legend Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on the craziest moments of his career.Hessenthaler, 59, starred for Watford, Hull and Gillingham during his playing career. Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on some of his stunning experiences from the EFLCredit: GettyAfter hanging up his boots in 2007 he then moved into coaching, and has managed Gillingham, Dover, Leyton Orient and Eastleigh.His experience across the football pyramid has churned up some remarkable stories, ranging from furious managers to wild owner antics.The icon lifted the lid on some of his experiences as part of SunSport’s “What the EFL series?”Best ever player?Kevin Phillips would be the standout player for me in the EFL because the amount of goals he scored and he had a fantastic career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost annoying EFL fans?Got to be Millwall. (Laughing) Has to be.Maddest dressing room tale?Lindsay Parsons, bless him he’s passed away now. We was losing a game – I can’t remember who it was against – and he lost his head. He kicked the door and as he’s kicked the door his foot got stuck in the door. Everyone was trying to keep a straight face but he actually couldn’t get his foot out of the door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCraziest transfer story?I signed Paulo Gazzaniga from Valencia and we ended up, within a year once he got in to the team, we were selling him to Southampton.But the craziest thing for me was I got to Southampton with him and another agent turned up out of the blue. Ex-owner of Rangers Craig Whyte reveals HMRC top brass told him they should have struck a deal before club’s administration in 2012There were two agents saying they represented the lad so we couldn’t do the medical. Fortunately for the lad it went through and he signed for Southampton.Wildest owner antics?Old Leyton Orient chairman [Francesco Becchetti]. We were playing on boxing day against Portsmouth. We were losing the game, and the manager was getting a little bit of stick from the fans but at half-time the owner had come down and sat behind our dugout. I kept looking around, the subs were looking. I was like ‘what’s up with this guy? Has he been drinking? What’s happening?’ All he kept shouting was ‘Andy, Andy’. We won the game and the guys who were giving Ian [Hendon] the manager a little bit of abuse, I sort of cupped my ear a little bit, to say you’re not going to give him any stick now. And as I did that and we come out of the dugout and stood up somebody kicked me up the backside.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’ve turned round and it’s the owner, the next minute the owner just ran off down the side of the pitch, took his coat off, ran past the Orient fans clapping them, went over to the Portsmouth fans and started goading the Portsmouth fans. I couldn’t believe it, I’ve just been attacked by the owner.Leyton Orient chairman Francesco Becchetti and Andy Hessenthaler had a bizarre exchange on boxing day 2015Credit: Sky SportsBecchetti kicked Hassenthaler after a comeback win before goading rival fansCredit: Sky Sports More

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    My brother’s a Love Island star and musician, I’m making my way in the EFL and scoring unstoppable headers

    SOME families just have talent in their DNA and the Nelson family are certainly one of them.Derby County defender Curtis Nelson has become an EFL star over the years, while brother Wes has been starring on TV screens and releasing UK Top 10 hits.Brothers Wes and Curtis Nelson are both succeeding in wildly different fieldsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLCurtis Nelson has made his name as a professional footballer and is currently playing for Derby CountyCredit: GettyWes Nelson made a name for himself on Love IslandCredit: ITVNow he’s a top music artistCredit: GettyCurtis, 31, has made over 500 EFL appearances across five different clubs and helped Derby earn promotion to the Championship last season – earning the Rams’ Player of the Season award in the process.While brother Wes rose to fame on reality show Love Island in 2018 – a springboard for a successful music career that has seen him collaborate with huge artists such as Clean Bandit and Craig David.Despite the bright lights of the stage being a world away from Pride Park, Wes claims that brother Curtis has always been his inspiration to achieve big things.Speaking to the EFL, Wes said: “When people say ‘who’s your biggest idol in your career’, they act a bit shocked when it’s my brother in football.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdding: “Behind the scenes, I’ve personally never met anyone that is more dedicated to their craft.”When it comes to drinking, you [Curtis] are not drinking, you’re not going out and doing this. You’re putting in the hours and you’re always running.”I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone hit a ball against a garage ball so many times when I was younger.”The practice really does seem to make perfect for Curtis who has been playing some of his best football since joining Derby in 2023.Most read in FootballNelson was named Derby County Player of the Season last term and has already got this campaign off to a flying startCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd for the former Blackpool and Cardiff man, it’s the pair’s parents that have been his biggest inspiration.He said: “Mum and dad did a lot for us didn’t they, especially growing up.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!”Even now they take you [Wes] around and come and see you at shows and in the studio.”They’ve done so much for us and for me, my idol would have been our parents.” More used to scoring bullet headers – as he did for the Rams against QPR on Saturday – than being an internet sensation, Curtis has had to step out of his comfort zone to support his brother.The former England youth international was actually the brains behind Wes’ social media during the 26-year-old’s stint on Love Island.Perhaps success really does run in the Nelson blood with the pair not the only familiar faces in the family.The pair are the cousins of Ashleigh and Alexander Nelson, a brother and sister sprinting duo who represented Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably, Wes and Curtis aren’t the only Love Island and professional football brothers around in the English game at the moment.Manchester United and England star Kobbie Mainoo is the brother of fellow Love Islander Jordan Hames. Curtis and Wes aren’t the only Love Island and footballer duoCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLKobbie Mainoo and Love Island star Jordan Hames are also brothersCredit: InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

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    EFL side slapped with fresh TRANSFER BAN as years-long nightmare goes from bad to worse

    READING have been plunged into further crisis after being hit with a new transfer embargo by the EFL.The Royals are more than familiar with nightmare transfer bans after being slapped with their THIRD different market restriction since 2021.Reading have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargoCredit: GettyOwner Dai Yongge has suffered a tumultuous seven-year financially stricken reignCredit: Rex FeaturesIn fact, Reading were already under an embargo until 2025 as a punishment for last year’s financial misdemeanours. But the latest ruling relates to the late filing of accounts to Companies House for the 2022-23 financial year.The stricken club were hit with a second embargo just last year for failing to pay taxes on time.That came after Reading were punished with a two-year transfer ban in the summer of 2021 for an outstanding tax debt.read more football newsThe League One outfit had only been able to sign players from other clubs on loan or if they were free agents.A Reading FC statement read: ” The Club can also confirm that – alongside the requirement to operate under the terms of its business plan – it has today been placed under a formal registration embargo by the EFL.“We are working closely with our auditing partner to finalise these accounts at the earliest opportunity – at which point the embargo will be lifted immediately.”Reading have not purchased a player for a transfer fee since signing Ovie Ejaira from Liverpool for around £3million in August 2020, but the winger is now a free agent after agreeing to leave in December.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crisis club are currently in the midst of a long ongoing takeover saga after hated current owner Dai Yongge put it up for sale earlier this year.American business Couhig were expected to complete a deal, however talks broke down late in the process and the club moved on.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew Reading were relegated from the Championship in May 2023 after ten years in the second tier. The club would have escaped relegation if it hadn’t been hit with a six-point deduction for various off-field breaches.The Royals finished the season on 50 points, which would have left them 19th and one point above the drop.The club were again docked six points from the League One table last season after failing to pay a HMRC bill within a specified 80-day window.Yongge has seen Reading get deducted a total of 18 points since his 2017 takeover.Reading currently sit 16th in League One, with 13 points from nine games under manager Ruben Selles.Reading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six pointsMay 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 yearsAugust 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulationsSeptember 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggeredFebruary 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breachesMarch 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side WycombeMarch 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitationsOctober 2024 – Reading hit with third transfer embargo since 2021 More