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      ‘Will I get money off next bill?’ – Fans fume at Sky Sports after ‘technical difficulty’ sees EFL tie left unwatchable

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      SKY SPORTS subscribers have been left furious after a technical glitch interrupted an EFL clash on Tuesday.Coverage of the League One clash between Bolton and Bristol Rovers was unavailable for some viewers during the first half. Viewers trying to watch an EFL clash on Sky Sports were met with an error messageCredit: SkyBristol Rovers’ clash with Bolton wasn’t accessible through the streaming serviceCredit: GettyThe match was being broadcast through Sky’s new streaming service Sky Sports+.But viewers were met with a screen declaring there was a “technical difficulty”, and urged them to “try again later”.One fan raged on X: “‘I’m paying a premium price but getting a poor service. Darts feed was awful last week now you’re letting me down with football.”And another added: “We pay all this money every month and you can’t even provide a decent service on the Bristol v Bolton game – are you giving refunds.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile a third commented: “There is a problem with the Sky Sports+ Feed match between Bristol Rovers V Bolton it keeps cutting out it’s very glitchy. “Are you looking into the issue this evening or will I get money off my next bill as this is just ridiculous!!!”Viewers struggled to get the stream working throughout the first half at the Memorial Stadium.Chris Martin gave the hosts an early lead from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut in-form Bolton hit back just before halftime through Aaron Morley.Most fans should have caught the equaliser, with the stream resuming from around the 30-minute mark. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatThe issues come just days after viewers raged against Sky for a disastrous broadcast of Premier League Darts. Darts fans had settled down ready to watch Night 5 of the Premier League from Brighton.But they were met with a host of issues, ranging from audio glitches to visual skips.Commentator Wayne Mardle apologised for the “temporary issues” saying they would be “fixed momentarily” before more glitches in the broadcast.A message at the bottom of the screen began showing which said: “We’re really sorry for the temporary picture problems.” More

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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      MK Dons SACK manager Scott Lindsey after less than six months in charge as they release 56-word statement

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      MK DONS have sacked their manager Scott Lindsey following a horror run of results.The League Two side have won just one of their last 11 games.Scott Lindsey has been axed as MK Dons bossCredit: RexThe poor form has seen them slump to 17th in the table after initially being hopeful of promotion.They sat third in the table in early December but are now 13 points off the relegation zone.In a short statement, the club confirmed the sacking, saying: “Milton Keynes Dons have parted company with head coach Scott Lindsey.”Everyone at MK Dons would like to sincerely thank Scott for his efforts during his time in Milton Keynes and wish him every success in the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club will be making no further comment at this time and will update supporters in due course.”Lindsey left Crawley Town to become MK Dons boss in September – just months after guiding the club to promotion to League One.They went up via the play-offs, beating The Dons 8-1 on aggregate in the semi-final.Former Rotherham and Wigan boss Leam Richardson has been tipped to take over at Stadium MK.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEx-Barrow and Gillingham gaffer Stephen Clemence is another linked with the job.Paul Hurst, who previously took charge of Ipswich and Shrewsbury is also a contender.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back More

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      Chelsea chief Todd Boehly proposes dramatic rule change that would see EFL clubs become Premier League owners

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      TODD Boehly has proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap between the Premier League and the Championship.The under-fire Chelsea chief also took the chance to brush off the fan protest outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.Todd Boehly proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap in English footballCredit: GettyFans descended before Tuesday’s league game against SouthamptonBoehly drew upon his knowledge as an investor to suggest a ground-breaking rule change for the Prem to boost competitiveness.Speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football summit, Boehly explained: “There is a bit of an unorganised landscape in European football.”It reminds me of the Retail Sports Network market in America. There is a handful of things that needs to be sorted.”One of the challenges is relegation in football. It’s hard to price. If everyone was equal, you’d have a 15 per cent chance of relegation.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”But everyone isn’t equal, so you have to work out how best to address that valuation challenge.”Relegation is cultural and not going anywhere. So why not every season when a team is in the EPL, you get one share of EPL stock and even if you go down you keep that stock.”The gulf between the Championship and Prem cannot be understated.Last season saw all three promoted sides, Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United, suffer immediate relegation for the first time since 1998.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe same fate currently awaits Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, with the trio occupying the drop zone with 11 matches remaining.But Boehly also shrugged off the fan protests which preceded Chelsea’s 4-0 win over the Saints on Tuesday.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyHe said: “I just think it is par for the course.”The sooner you learn you are not going to keep all the people happy all the time, the freedom shows up.”We are just trying to execute a plan and recognise things aren’t linear, and we are trending in the right direction.”The trend is moving in the right direction and that’s the thing that really matters.”In June, it will be three years in charge. That’s not a lot of time, especially when you get to 50, 60 or 70 years old in life.”Promoted Southampton sit bottom of the Prem with two wins from 27 gamesCredit: PASupporters directed their anger towards Todd Boehly and ownership group BlueCoOn Chelsea’s poor No 9 recruitment, he added: “Strikers are hard to find.”You don’t go into the grocery store and say, ‘I’m going to get a striker’.”It is an amazing skillset and you also have to have a fantastic mentality.”The final question by moderator Arash Massoudi was whether the ownership will change given the talk of disagreements between him and Clearlake. He answered: “Listen, I can’t predict the future. If I could, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca’s side are well in the hunt for a top four finish after beating the Saints this week.The Blues are one point adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City in fifth.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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      ‘Stick that in the documentary’ – Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache

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      PETERBOROUGH stars trolled Wrexham’s Hollywood owners after their EFL Trophy penalty shootout win over Ryan Reynolds’ side.The Posh booked their place in the final at Wembley with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Wrexham at the Stok Racecourse.Peterborough beat Wrexham 4-2 on pens to reach the EFL Trophy finalSuper-sub Bradley Ihionvien wasted little time in mocking Wrexham through his now-deleted post-match celebrationsPosh team-mates danced around to the tune of American boyband NSYNC’s 2000 hit ‘Bye Bye Bye’Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee had their penalties saved to ensure Peterborough sealed a trip to WembleyWrexham were 2-0 up after 38 minutes following Mo Faal’s looping strike and George Dobson’s first goal for the Welsh club.But Peterborough gave themselves hope when Malik Mothersille fired home the rebound after having his penalty saved by Arthur Okonkwo in the 72nd minute.Wrexham fans were cheering ‘Que Sera’ before substitute Bradley Ihionvien scored from close range, after a long ball, in the first minute of added time to send the tie to a shootout.Ihionvien, Ryan de Havilland, Harley Mills and captain Hector Kyprianou all scored from the spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile keeper Jed Steer saved efforts from veterans Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee to ensure Peterborough play Birmingham at Wembley.And Ihionvien wasted little time in mocking Wrexham through his now-deleted post-match celebrations.The 21-year-old forward sung to the tune of American boyband NSYNC’s 2000 hit ‘Bye Bye Bye’.He and a team-mate were dancing along to the pop anthem before Ihionvien sang along: “Bye bye bye, bye Wrexham, bye Wrexham, sorry not sorry. Bye Wrexham, sorry not sorry. Have fun, watch us in Wembley!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added insult to injury by posting a sticker of Deadpool, the Marvel character played by Wrexham owner Reynolds, to his Instagram story.And fans loved the merciless trolling, with one Birmingham City fan writing on X: “LOL! Stick that in your f***ing documentary”.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advertDarren Ferguson couldn’t believe the pandemonium when Peterborough equalisedReynolds and co-owner actor Rob McElhenney documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is well into it’s third season.It follows the-behind-the scenes turmoil of bringing a club up the football ladder and the relationships within the local community.The TV series has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, largely thanks to Wrexham’s Hollywood owners.Wrexham missed on a chance to go toe-to-toe again with fellow League One heavyweights Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady.Birmingham beat Bradford City 2-1 in the first Vertu Trophy semi-final on Tuesday.Instead Peterborough, who are in the midst of a relegation battle at the other end of the table, will go into the match as underdogs again.Last year, they beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in the final at Wembley. More

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      English manager axed by EFL club just minutes after insisting he’s ‘never going to walk away’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS have sacked manager Nigel Adkins after he declared he had no plans to go anywhere.Rovers fell to a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley last night, leaving them winless since January 4 and third bottom in League Two.Nigel Adkins has been sacked by TranmereCredit: RexIt came hours after he insisted he was not going to walk awayCredit: RexSpeaking after the game – a fifth defeat in seven – Adkins insisted he still believed they could get their season back on track and added he would never walk away from his hometown club.He told reporters: “You’ve got to have belief and you’ve got to have hope, there are still games to play and you can’t throw the towel in yet.“You’ve got to keep working and you’ve got to keep going. It was a very poor defeat tonight, we’ve got to change it and we’ve got to change it quick.“It’s my hometown club and I’m never going to walk away at any point. I’m under contract to the football club and if the owner wants me to stay then I’ll do everything I can, that’s all I can do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ll continue to do that until asked differently.”However, just two hours after the defeat to Accrington was confirmed a club announcement revealed Adkins had been axed by the club.It read: “Tranmere Rovers can confirm that Nigel Adkins has today stepped down as manager, by mutual agreement. “An announcement will be made about arrangements for his replacement in due course.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAdkins, 59, had been in charge of Tranmere since September 2023, having initially joined the club in May of that year as a technical director.He stepped into an interim manager role following the sacking of Ian Dawes, which became permanent in November 2023.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex He had played for Tranmere professionally between 1983 and 1986.Chairman Mark Palios said: “Nigel is a hugely experienced manager with a long and distinguished career, who came back as Technical Director of his hometown club, where he had also been a player.“He helped the club by acting as interim manager before taking the role as Manager when needed last season and improved results, stabilising the season. “No-one can doubt his commitment, effort or passion for Tranmere Rovers but this season has been hampered by a litany of injuries to, and suspensions of, key players which have all contributed to the current league position.“Compared to the optimism at the start of the season we both acknowledge our league position is disappointing and that football is a results business. “As a consequence, we have sadly both come to the conclusion that a change of manager will give the team the best chance of making the most of the remaining 13 games.“I don’t need to tell you that Nigel is a thoroughly decent man whose work ethic, commitment and professionalism through a very difficult period has been clear to see. “He leaves with the club’s best wishes for the future.”Englishman Adkins’ managerial highlights include winning League One with Scunthorpe United and, two years later, the League One play-offs.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also earned promotion to the Premier League with Southampton by finishing as runner-up in the Championship.Other managerial jobs for Adkins have included a player-manager role at Bangor City and time spent as manager of Reading, Sheffield United, Hull and Charlton. More

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      Wrexham star facing battle to play again this year after devastating ACL injury and being carried off on stretcher

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      WREXHAM ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a “bad” knee injury.Cannon, 28, was given oxygen and stretchered off during the Red Dragons’ 2-1 victory at Mansfield Town on Sunday in League One.Wrexham ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this seasonCredit: RexWrexham ace Cannon required oxygen after suffering a ‘bad’ knee injuryCredit: PAThe midfielder appeared to have seriously injured his leg after being tackled by Mansfield’s Louis Reed on 36 minutes at Field Mill.The ex-Hull ace looked in real discomfort after falling to the ground awkwardly as opposing players checked on him.Wrexham medics immediately rushed onto the pitch to come to Cannon’s aid and team-mates soon formed a protective huddle around him.The central midfielder subsequently received lengthy medical treatment and was given oxygen.Read More on FootballThe ex-Portsmouth ace helped doctors hold the oxygen mask to his face before he was eventually stretchered off.Wrexham confirmed their player suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery.The club, which is owned by Hollwyood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also announced Cannon faces a “significant period of rehabilitation time”.Wrexham issued the following statement: “Wrexham AFC can confirm midfielder Andy Cannon suffered a ruptured ACL in the match against Mansfield Town on Sunday (February 23).Most read in EFL”The midfielder was stretchered off in the first half, and following a scan the serious extent of his injury is now known.”The 28-year-old has met with a specialist this evening and will undergo surgery next week, and faces a significant period of rehabilitation time post-surgery.”Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed at full-time that it doesn’t look good.Parkinson said: “Andy looks like a bad injury. His knee. But we don’t know the extent.”It’s not easy when a great lad like Andy is stretchered off. I said to the lads at half-time, ‘C’mon, let’s do this for Andy’ and they did that.” More

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      Mystery Reading buyer revealed as owner of two other football clubs as EFL side finally set to be saved from extinction

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      READING’S latest potential buyer is American businessman Robert Platek, owner of Italian club La Spezia and Portuguese side Casa Pia.The League One club yesterday announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser” and were hopeful of “a quick completion,” although declined to name them.Dai Yongge put Reading up for sale in 2023Credit: JASONPIXRobert Platek is Reading’s mystery buyerCredit: GettySunSport has learned that the buying group are led by Platek with support from long-time associate Nishant Tella, a former investment banker who is now a partner at Clean Slate Capital.Platek is a serial investor in football and already owns Serie B club La Spezia and Lisbon club Casa Pia, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese top-flight.The 60-year-old previously owned Danish club Soenderjysky, but sold them after just two years shortly after completing the £21million purchase of La Spezia in 2021.La Spezia are currently third in Serie B pushing strongly for a return to the top flight after being relegated in a relegation play-off two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlatek is the fifth potential buyer to enter exclusive talks with Reading in the last 12 months following offers from former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee and two proposals involving property magnate Paul Taylor.Significantly however, the proposed deal involves Platek buying the controlling stake of owner Dai Yongge, along with Reading’s stadium and training ground, keeping all of the club’s assets in one company.Platek’s plans for Reading are unclear, but he has extensive experience in football, including in England. In addition to his personal investments in European football he is a partner at MSD Capital, the investment vehicle of technology billionaire Michael Dell.MSD become significant players in English football and have lent tens of millions to several clubs including Southampton, Burnley, Derby and Sunderland over the last decade.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlatek’s proposed purchase of Reading would be a personal venture with no links to MSD however, removing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.Reading were put up for sale by Yongge in October 2023, but despite considerable interest have been unable to complete a sale. The club have informed the EFL about the potential buyers and are hopeful a sale can be completed quickly.Football fan records hilarious video of Reading stadium step ‘everyone’ falls over as it’s ‘3mm higher than the rest'”Reading can confirm it has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of the club,” they said. “The parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to complete final due diligence and legally complete the transaction.“Whilst timelines cannot be guaranteed, the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion, which would be for the benefit of all concerned.The club can confirm the agreed sale includes the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility.”Fans’ group Sell Before We Dai have fought a long-running campaign pressuring Yongge to sell following frustration at the club’s financial problems, numerous transfer embargoes and late-payment of players leading to them being docked a total of 18 points by the EFL.In a statement released on Monday however, the supporters sounded cautiously optimistic that Yongge’s eight-year ownership could be drawing to a close.“The optimist in us may see today’s announcement as positive and welcome news,” a statement read.”The tone of the [Reading] statement seems different to before and we all hope that a deal can be done soon. We’ve been here before with the Dais though. Until a sale is done our campaign continues.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReading are ninth in League One, three points off the play-off places, with new manager Noel Hunt doing an excellent job since replacing Ruben Selles, who left for Hull in December.Reading and the EFL declined to comment.Platek also owns Italian side SpeziaCredit: Getty More