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      Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

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      THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

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      EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

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      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.“We will now be and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

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      Carnage as rowdy Portsmouth team are kicked out of pub after it is trashed and star strips naked in boozy celebrations

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      PORTSMOUTH players were thrown out of a pub after their promotion celebrations got out of hand.Pompey secured promotion and the League One title after coming from behind to beat Barnsley 3-2 on Tuesday.Rafferty pulled down his trousers to show off his backsideO’Neill’s was left in a mess after Pompey players and fans departedA fire alarm eventually vacated the premisesGoalkeeper Will Norris cheekily popped up behind the barFans poured onto the pitch in celebration as players, friends and family later continued the festivities at a local O’Neill’s pub.Supporters were invited to celebrate promotion alongside the players, with booze and a sing-song in full flow.The chaotic scenes saw captain Marlon Pack’s promotion speech was rudely interrupted by the bare backside of team-mate Joe Rafferty.While goalkeeper Will Norris popped up behind the bar to dish out drinks to thirsty Portsmouth fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPack then led a sing-a-long of Oasis’ Wonderwall before fans continued singing outside once the pub’s fire alarm went off.The patrons left behind a scene of destruction inside as chairs and tables were scattered around the beer-soaked floor.One fan shared a video of the chaos which he captioned: “O’Neill’s has fallen.”Another fan replied: “Think the club are gonna receive an invoice for O’Neill’s btw. Gaff was absolutely trashed last night.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSome Pompey fans also lost control on the pitch at the end of the game as Barnsley players came under attack.A Tykes star ran off the pitch holding his head as several fans sprinted past.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away The supporters appeared to collide with the player before he was pushed out of the way.Portsmouth’s late win confirmed their return to the Championship for the first time in 12 years.They have led League One all season long and claimed the title ahead of promotion hopefuls Derby and Bolton.A Barnsley player appeared to be attacked by Portsmouth fansSupporters invaded the pitch at Fratton Park after Pompey’s promotion from League One More

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      EFL fans say ‘genuinely makes me ill’ after spotting how Bolton star tried to score from two yards out

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      BOLTON fans were left distraught after Nathanael Ogbeta came up with a bizarre miss from two yards out.Shrewsbury visited Bolton on Tuesday and pulled off a shock result which put a massive dent in their opponent’s promotion challenge.Nathaneal Ogbeta was slammed by fans after missing from two yards outCredit: GettyThe midfielder tried to turn the ball in with his chestCredit: RexHis effort was cleared off the line by a defenderCredit: RexBolton needed to win to close the gap to second place Derby but could only draw 2-2 after twice falling behind.But they could have got the three points they needed if Ogbeta had turned the ball home with the goal gaping.The chance came after striker Aaron Collins saw his shot saved by Shrews goalkeeper Marko Marosi.The ball bounced up and as it fell Ogbeta weirdly decided to try and chest the ball in instead of heading it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he did not make a strong enough connection so a Shrewsbury defender was able to clear off the line.Bolton did get their equaliser a few minutes later but it was not meant to be for Ian Evatt’s side, as fans fumed with Ogbeta after his miss.One wrote: “Genuinely makes me ill.”Another added: “Why aren’t you just thunder-c***ing it in from there.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Coward he should be heading that in.”And another commented: “That’s disgusting.”The draw leaves Bolton three points off Derby with just two matches left to play.Meanwhile Portsmouth secured promotion and the League One title following their comeback victory over Barnsley.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away More

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      Who won the EFL Awards? Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna picks up top gong as ex-Man Utd coach closes in on promotion

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      GOODNESS knows what the bill was for hiring the swanky Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane on Sunday night for the EFL awards.Some guests were paying as much as almost £500 a head just to get a seat before being stung even more at the bar for overpriced bottles of beer, wine and fizz.Kieran McKenna was the Championship’s Manager of the SeasonCredit: RexBut all the great and good of the EFL were suited and booted — or wearing their best frocks — at the black tie event for the annual extravaganza.And here I break down all the winners as well as the runners and riders who they beat as well as the much-anticipated divisional teams of the yearCHAMPIONSHIPMANAGER OF THE SEASONWINNER – KIERAN McKENNA (Ipswich)Read more football newsTHIS was the worst-kept secret of the night with the Northern Irishman a shoo-in to win the top gong on the managerial front.What McKenna has achieved at Ipswich is nothing short of miraculous.Despite having a budget that is a fraction of those enjoyed by the three relegated Premier League clubs Leicester, Leeds and Southampton, the newly-promoted Suffolk club have been punching with them in what has been one of the most exciting races at the top in Championship history.McKenna – who cut his teeth coaching at Tottenham before climbing the ladder at Manchester United to assistant coach — took over the Tractor Boys just two and a half years ago when they were mid-table League One fodder.Most read in FootballAfter grabbing promotion as runners-up to Plymouth, he has only tweaked slightly with the squad, bringing in George Hirst, Jack Taylor and Ali Al-Hamadi, who have mostly been used as subs.Ipswich legend Tommy Miller believes Ipswich have the tools to make the Premier League and see off the challenge of Southampton and LeedsEven his loan signings Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea) and Jack Taylor (Man United) have been deployed off the bench — and he beefed up his attack by bringing back Kieffer Moore to the club on loan from Bournemouth.It is incredible to think the Tractor Boys are yet to lose two league games on the spin under his management and they have also broken the highest points total record for a newly-promoted club to the Championship.A popular man at the club, he has built a superb culture based on hard work, following a clear plan and a hunger to learn and develop.If he gets Ipswich promoted, he should win the main manager of the year award across the entire English football spectrum.RUNNERS-UPDANIEL FARKE (Leeds)THE German is chasing a perfect hat-trick of Championship titles — having won with Norwich in his only other two previous seasons managing in English football’s second tier.He walked into chaos at Elland Road after their relegation with players queuing up for the exit.It was not until after the transfer window closed in September that he had a settled squad bedded down. If the team fails to go up, it will be that first month that will have ultimately cost them.LIAM ROSENIOR (Hull)A bright young coach who cut his teeth as Wayne Rooney’s No2 at Derby, who decided to get rid of him and go for Paul Warne instead.But he has done a great job back in the Championship with his former club instead.Liam Rosenior has impressed as Hull bossThe swanky Grosvenor Hotel was the scene for the EFL AwardsCredit: RexHowever, if the Tigers fail to make the play-offs after the investment put in by the club’s Turkish owner, the season will be seen as a failure.A surprise nomination.PLAYER OF THE SEASONCRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE (Leeds)HAS been scintillating for the men from Elland Road but then he should be in the Championship.His 17 goals and eight assists have been crucial in giving Leeds a puncher’s chance to win an instant promotion back to the Premier League.The Dutchman knuckled down after any possible move out of Elland Road did not materialise following relegation.Aged 22, he can get better – but at times he is unplayable.Until Saturday’s loss against Blackburn, he had played a huge part in making Elland Road a fortress.RUNNERS-UPSammie Szmodics (Blackburn), Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester)The EFL Championship Player of the Season was awarded to Crysencio SummervilleCredit: RexArchie Gray celebrates winning at the EFL AwardsCredit: RexYOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASONARCHIE GRAY (Leeds)WHAT an incredible season for the academy graduate.The midfielder only broke into the side this season and at the age of just 18 has started 38 of Leeds’ 43 Championship games, and came off the bench for three others.He is one of the first names Daniel Farke puts on his team sheet every week.Had his first senior goal against Leicester taken off him and awarded as an own goal – but scored on his England Under-21s debut instead.LEAGUE ONEMANAGER OF THE SEASONWINNER – JOHN MOUSINHO (Portsmouth)WHEN Pompey announced John Mousinho as their new manager last season to replace Danny Cowley, fans were so underwhelmed.Some even thought they had misheard or that the South Coast club had littered the new manager’s name with typos … because surely they meant Jose Mourinho was the new boss, not Mousinho?But Mousinho, who gave up his job as chairman of the PFA to take the role, is quickly emerging as one of the bright sparks in the EFL.Porstmouth manager John Mousinho won League One Manager of the SeasonCredit: RexKenny Jackett and the Cowleys could not get the club across the line in their bid to get back into the upper divisions of English football.Made some clever signings this season. Keeper Will Norris has been superb along with the likes of Conor Shaughnessy, Abu Kamara was a great loan capture from Norwich.Plays good football and only needs a point to secure Championship football for the first time in 12 years.RUNNERS-UPDARREN FERGUSON (Peterborough)SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son is like a boomerang for Posh … they throw him away and he keeps coming back.Now in his fourth spell as boss he is hoping to secure his fourth promotion to the Championship with the club to add to his other to League One.Has led the team to Bristol Street Motors Trophy glory … and nurtured some incredible talent at London Road.Local lad Harrison Burrows, who netted the two goals in their Wembley triumph against Wycombe, is the best left-back in League One and very much in the Leif Davis mould at Ipswich.Defender Ronnie Edwards has also developed under Ferguson. The club turned down bids worth millions in the January window.Darren Ferguson holds the Bristol Street Motors Trophy Final aloftCredit: RexSTEVE EVANS (Stevenage)One of the EFL’s characters. Evans is one of the best managers in the lower divisions and to have had Stevenage in with a shout of making the Championship having saved them from relegation to the National League is nothing short of remarkable.Unfortunately Borough look like they’re going to just fall short of making the play-offs but that does not take anything away from the job Evans has done.PLAYER OF THE SEASONHARRISON BURROWS (Peterborough)LEFT-BACK Harrison Burrows is going to have a bright future in the game and has been the standout player in the division this season.His two-goal match-winning performance for Posh in the EFL Trophy final against Wycombe was Roy of the Rovers stuff.The local boy is a lifelong Peterborough fan and his first trip to Wembley was to watch his heroes lift the same trophy when he was 12 ten years ago.His 13 assists and six goals have put Posh in with a shout for promotion and it’s no surprise Celtic tried to tempt the club to sell him in January with a bid.Great footballer and bloke too.Harrison Burrows has been a standout for Peterborough this seasonCredit: RexRUNNERS-UPNathaniel Mendez-Laing (Derby), Marlon Pack (Portsmouth)YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASONRONNIE EDWARDS (Peterborough)The 21-year-old defender has been a sensation for Posh.Already he has clocked 138 games and is almost certainly going to be on his way soon with Premier League clubs set to pounce this summer.Is a mature head on young shoulders, very solid, great in the air and an extremely confident passer of the ball.Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and teams from Germany and Belgium have been tracking the wonderkid.LEAGUE TWOMANAGER OF THE SEASONWINNER – NIGEL CLOUGH (Mansfield)FORMER England, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool ace Nigel Clough has understandably never got anywhere near the heights of his famous late day Brian.But Clough is certainly one of the best managers in League One and Two. The work he previously did with Burton is testament to that.Nigel Clough has got Mansfield punching above their weight in League TwoCredit: RexAnd this season up against big clubs like Wrexham and Stockport — who secured promotion at the weekend — he has managed to get the Stags punching in with them. One more win from their last three games will see them also promoted to the third tier.I reckon he’ll do well with the Stags in the higher division too. Can he get them into the Championship like he did with Burton?RUNNERS-UPLEE BELL (Crewe)THE ALEX boss has had his team punching well and truly above their weight this season.When I visited Bell at Gresty Road some weeks ago, he told me the club had the third lowest budget in the division … yet they are in the play-offs.MIKE WILLIAMSON (MK Dons)FORMER Newcastle defender took over in October after the Dons sacked Graham Alexander.He has done an admirable job getting MK into the automatic promotion picture but they will almost certainly have to contend with the play offs.PLAYER OF THE SEASONJODI JONES (Notts County)THE assist king of the EFL. He set up a County goal for the 23rd time this season in their 3-1 win at Walsall.It is just a pity that his efforts have not been enough to keep Notts in the promotion hunt.League Two Player of the Season Jodi Jones is the assist king this campaignCredit: RexThe 26-year-old has also fired six goals this term too.RUNNERS-UPDavis Keillor-Dunn (Mansfield), Elliot Lee (Wrexham)YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEARROB APTER (Tranmere)TWENTY-year-old Scouser has been in brilliant form on loan from Blackpool this term.It’s a surprise his parent club, who have given him a new contract until 2027, have not wanted the right-midfielder to be part of their League One campaign – but their loss this season has been Rovers’ gain.He is a tidy footballer with good passing, work-rate and engine. He will be playing at a higher level before long.Tranmere’s Rob Apter will surely be playing at a higher level soonCredit: RexTEAMS OF THE YEARCHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE YEARKEEPERMADS HERMANSEN (Leicester)DEFENDERSKYLE WALKER-PETERS (Southampton), ETHAN AMPADU (Leeds), JACOB GREAVES (Hull), LEIF DAVIS (Ipswich)MIDFIELDERSGABRIEL SARA (Norwich), KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (Leicester)FORWARDSCRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE (Leeds), SAMMIE SZMODICS (Blackburn), GEORGINIO RUTTER (Leeds), MORGAN WHITTAKER (Plymouth)Georginho Rutter, left, Crysencio Summerville, centre, and Ethan Ampadu celebrate making the EFL Team of the SeasonCredit: RexKyle Walker-Peters of Southampton also made the Championship Team of the YearCredit: RexLEAGUE ONE TEAM OF THE YEARKEEPERWILL NORRIS (Portsmouth)DEFENDERSJOSH DACRES-COGLEY (Bolton), CONOR SHAUGHNESSY (Portsmouth), EIRAN CASHIN (Derby), HARRISON BURROWS (Peterborough)MIDFIELDERSNATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING (Derby), MARLON PACK (Portsmouth), JOSH SHEEHAN (Bolton)FORWARDSALFIE MAY (Charlton), JAMIE REID (Stevenage), EPHRON MASON-CLARK (PeterboroughLeague One Team of the year celebrates winning their gongsCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLEAGUE TWO TEAM OF THE YEARKEEPERARTHUR OKONKWO (Wrexham)DEFENDERSFRASER HORSFALL (Stockport), ADEN FLINT (Mansfield), MICKEY DEMETRIOU (Crewe), BRAD HALLIDAY (Bradford)MIDFIELDERSJODI JONES (Notts County), ELLIOT LEE (Wrexham), LOUIS REED (Mansfield)READ MORE SUN STORIESFORWARDSDAVIS KEILLOR-DUNN (Mansfield), MATT SMITH (Salford), MACAULAY LANGSTAFF (Notts County)Wrexham Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been superb for the Red Dragons between the sticksCredit: PA More

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      Major broadcasting change with more than 1,000 EFL fixtures moved from streaming service iFollow

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      EFL teams have received a big boost after Sky Sports agreed a new blockbuster TV deal.The broadcaster has shown EFL fixtures live on air since 1996.Sky Sports will show 1,059 EFL fixtures from next seasonCredit: GettyBut their coverage is set for a massive expansion over the next five years, beginning from next season.A total of 1,059 EFL matches are set to be broadcast by Sky Sports each year, with some to be shown via a Sky Sports streaming destination available on TV and mobile devices.That is a record number of games in any football TV deal.And it guarantees EFL clubs a package worth £895million, with £40m more in marketing benefits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat represents a 50 per cent increase in value on the current package, while guaranteeing viewers much more action.It is particularly good news for fans in the Championship, with 328 fixtures to be shown from the division across the season.League One and League Two will each have 248 matches broadcast live, while midweek fixtures in every division will be shown on Sky Sports.Each league weekend fixture round will see 10 live EFL fixtures shown, – five being Championship games.Most read in FootballSky Sports broadcast breakdown

      1,052 EFL matches shown live on air includes:
      328 Sky Bet Championship matches
      248 Sky Bet League One matches
      248 Sky Bet League Two matches
      All 15 Play-Off matches
      All 93 Carabao Cup matches
      All 127 EFL Trophy matches

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREvery Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy clash will also be broadcast.The change means domestic fans will no longer be able to watch their teams on streaming platform iFollow, which came into use during the pandemic-affected season 2020-21.Eight bizarre football rules you may not know More

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      Sheff Utd slapped with two-point deduction as punishment set to kick in next season

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED will start next season on -2 points if they are relegated.That is because the Blades have been slapped with a two-point deduction by the EFL.Sheffield United will start next season on -2 points if they go down to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe punishment relates to the Yorkshire club defaulting on payments during the 2022-23 season, when they were in the Championship, the EFL’s top division. However, because United got promoted, the EFL cannot punish them this season while they are still in the Premier League.And so the points deduction can only set in once they return to the EFL – which looks almost certain to be next season.Sheffield United have also been given a further two-point suspended deduction that will loom until the end of their first season back in the EFL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe suspended points will be activated if the club are to miss a transfer payment due to any other club by more than five days during the period of that first season.Sheffield United have also agreed to pay the EFL’s costs for the issue to the eye-watering sum of £310,455.Chris Wilder’s struggling side currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League table.They have picked up just three wins and 16 points all season, shipping a whopping 82 goals in 31 matches. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat sees them nine points adrift of Nottingham Forest and 11 off Everton, who have both had deductions this season for breaching Profit & Sustainability Rules. An EFL statement said: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the Club is in the EFL’s jurisdiction,Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan”With a further two points suspended until the end of that same season.”The sanction relates to the 2022-23 season, when the Club defaulted on a number of payments to other Clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days.”The suspended points deduction will be activated if the Club defaults on any payment due to another Club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.”The Club has agreed to pay the EFL’s costs in the sum of £310,455.”Sheffield United launched their own statement in response, expressing how “disappointed” they are by the decision, but explaining that they have accepted their punishment.The Blades hit back: “The club’s position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full, on several occasions only days after they were initially due, “Or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.”The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question.”While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs effected Sheffield United’s financial situation.”The club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.”A number of English clubs have been slapped with points deductions over recent weeks with Everton’s cumulative 10-point punishment and Nottingham Forest’s four-point hit amongst the most high-profile.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile League Two club Morecambe have also been hit with a two-point deduction today for failing to pay the wages of their players on time last season.Sheffield United can of course avoid their punishment altogether if they are able to avoid re-entering the EFL at any point, however their form and league position make that a near impossible task.The Blades look set to be relegated as the struggling side sit bottom of the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPREMIER LEAGUE SIDES HIT BY POINTS DEDUCTIONS

      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Have launched an appeal, with final decision expected by early May.
      Everton
      Initial 10 point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Now deducted a further two points.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022/23 EFL season. Will begin next season on -2 points should they be relegated to the Championship.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester (currently Championship)
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction next term if they are promoted back to the top flight. More