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      EFL club face being forced to LEAVE iconic ex-Premier League stadium and have been ‘offered’ two sites for £100m ground

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      CHARLTON ATHLETIC have been offered two potential sites for a new stadium – as they face the prospect of being turfed out of The Valley. The League One side has called the iconic stadium home for over 100 years. Charlton’s future at The Valley could be under threatCredit: RexThe club have been offered two potential sites to build a new ground should they have to moveCredit: RexBelgian businessman Roland Duchatelet, the club’s controversial former owner, currently owns The Valley. Charlton signed a 15-year stadium lease with Duchatelet when he still had control of the club. He sold the Addicks to East Street Investments in 2020.Last year the club changed hands again, with Global Football Partners now in charge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe current ownership group are looking to renegotiate the terms of the lease, which has 11 years remaining. According to City AM, the club have held “positive talks” with Duchatelet, with an eventual view to buying the ground outright.But should any deal not materialise, Charlton could be forced to move out of The Valley within the next decade. The club has been offered two potential sites for a new stadium on the Thames by property developers. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe City AM report claims a new stadium is “projected to cost at least £100m”.A Charlton spokesperson said: “The Valley is the home of Charlton Athletic and the club have no plans to leave the stadium. ‘We had a can of beans between 20’ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!”We have a medium-term lease on the stadium and our only interest is securing the club’s long-term tenure at The Valley.”Charlton currently sit 12th in League One with 19 points from their opening 13 games.Former Charlton chairman Roland Duchatelet currently owns the groundCredit: AFP – GettyBoss Nathan Jones is looking to get the Addicks back into the second tier for the first time since 2020. Charlton enjoyed a seven-season spell in the Premier League between 2000 and 2008. They have since bounced between the Championship and League One, with ownership issues dominating the club’s past few years. More

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      English manager SACKED by EFL club after emergency meeting just TEN MONTHS into reign with side 23rd in League One

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have sacked manager Paul Hurst with the club languishing second bottom of League One.Hurst returned to manage The Shrews for the second time in January 2024 – but sees himself back out the exit door just 10 months later.Paul Hurst has been sacked by Shrewsbury 10 months after his reappointmentIt comes after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013Hurst, 50, had been instrumental in keeping the club in League One last season. But the EFL gaffer has been given his marching orders after a dismal run of two wins in 19 games this season.The brutal decision was made following an emergency board meeting held this morning.The final nail in the coffin came after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the FA Cup first round following a 2-1 defeat to League Two side Salford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last time the club failed to make it past the first round was in 2013.A club statement read: “It is with regret that Shrewsbury Town can confirm we have parted company with head coach Paul Hurst and assistant boss Chris Doig.”We would also like to thank them for the outstanding work they did in their first spell – which saw us reach the play-off final and the final of the EFL Trophy. “It was that success that led to the Chairman taking responsibility for re-hiring Paul and Chris earlier this year. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And everyone at the football club is hugely disappointed their second spell hasn’t worked out and we find ourselves in our current position. The search for a new head coach is now underway.”Despite saving them last season, Hurst won just six of his 37 games during his charge of his second stint at New Meadow.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!He previously managed the club for 19 months from 2016 to 2018.The former full-back led The Town to the play-off final in 2018, which they ultimately lost to Rotherham.The Englishman left Shrewsbury just three days later to replace Mick McCarthy as boss of Ipswich Town.But Hurst was sacked from the The Tractor Boys after five months in charge, before stints at Scunthorpe and Grimsby.Moreover, the Salop’s remain one of the favourites for the drop this season after finishing 19th last term.Club chiefs are searching for a new manager for the second time this year after Matt Taylor was dismissed in January.Hurst rejoined Shrewsbury when the club was sitting 20th in the table.Salford co-director Roy Keane attended Hurst’s last game in charge More

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      Norwich’s Kellen Fisher reveals maddest moments – from dinner with Delia to team-mate getting egged in dressing room

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      DEFENDER Kellen Fisher has revealed tales from his time at Norwich including having dinner with former owner Delia Smith and team-mates being egged in the dressing room.The right-back, 20, joined Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side in 2023 from Bromley.Kellen Fisher has detailed some of the best stories from his career so farCredit: ReutersFisher has revealed he went for dinner with former owner Delia Smith – who is also a famous TV chefCredit: RexHe has already racked up 23 appearances for the club and helped them reach the play-offs last season.They lost in the semi-finals to Leeds – a club whose fans he is full of praise for in SunSport’s exclusive interview.Both on and off the pitch Fisher has a host of stories to tell – from dressing up as a zebra to playing on a “mud bath”.Here are some of the trials and tribulations of Championship life seen by Fisher – in his own words.READ MORE IN EFLBest ever EFL player?Gabriel Sara, he was on another level last year.You see some of the goals he scored last year, you’d think ‘What a player he is’.Wildest night out?On our Christmas do, we went to Winter Wonderland and we all had to dress up as a certain letter.Luckily got a Z, which was a zebra. So we all started walking around Winter Wonderland in these funny costumes.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI think Shane Duffy was dressed up as Goldilocks or something.Fisher is a regular in Norwich’s side under Johannes Hoff ThorupCredit: RexMaddest dressing room tale?It was Callum Doyle’s birthday and Borja Sainz told me to start filming and I didn’t know what was going on either.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLBorja Sainz comes through behind him and throws three eggs and he said it was his birthday.To be fair, Callum wasn’t too happy.Wildest owner antics?When I first joined the club, the player liaison Phil said to me that Delia wanted to have dinner with my family before one of the games just to get to know everyone.I think she makes that effort with everyone to meet everyone’s families.I think it was steak pie and I think mash and gravy.Delia sold her majority stake in Norwich last month after 28 years in chargeCredit: AlamyIconic training ground tale?I’d say one of the coaches scoring a worldie. One of the free-kicks, it’s gone over the wall, the keeper’s saved it and it’s come rolling back perfectly for the half volley.I remember Glyn [Head of Physical Performance for Norwich] just absolutely smashed it and it’s gone flying.It’s gone flying into the top corner and everyone was a bit shocked.Best EFL fans?I think I’ve got to say Leeds.Last year in the play-off [semi]final, the place was absolutely bouncing.Dodgiest EFL facilities?I would say FA Youth Cup when I was at Bromley. The away changing rooms were all painted pink.I think the pitch we played on wasn’t great either. It was just a mud bath.Most annoying EFL fans?I think I have to say Leeds again, in that play-off game.I was on the bench just warming up, you’d hear little things in your ear in the corner.Just getting a lot of stick from the home supporters.Norwich sit eighth in the Championship, one point adrift of the play-off placesCredit: AlamyMoment that haunts you?I made a little bit of a mistake in the cup game, FA Cup, Bristol Rovers at home.READ MORE SUN STORIESI think the ball come to me, the keeper parried it and I’ve controlled it in the box and sort of just panicked and just flicked it around the corner and no one sort of reacted to the ball.And then a Bristol Rovers player just come onto it and volleyed it into the top corner. More

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      EFL’s first ever female manager lasted just two weeks, but women will take charge sooner or later

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      NO ONE is suggesting that a woman should be appointed manager of Manchester United, or any other leading football club, right now.But it could happen when a candidate is so successful in the women’s game that her skills fit perfectly for the job.Karren Brady says female managers will be a thing in the futureCredit: PAHannah Dingley was briefly in charge of Forest Green RoversCredit: PAMale prejudice appears to be a football’s castle wall to us and I found that climbing it was a little tricky when I was appointed managing director of Birmingham City over 30 years ago.Cheeky players made comments at first and there was an incident of entry to “men only” boardrooms. Not any more. With the barriers breached, more women moved into executive positions. Now a mix of sexes is commonplace.But the possibility of a woman managing a Premier League or EFL team is still regarded by many men as an insult, a slap in the face with a wet apron.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEmma Hayes capturing the Ballon d’Or this week for leading the USA to the Olympic gold medal reminds me that the day a woman leads a men’s team is closer than ever though.Hayes, at Chelsea, won the WSL title five times while Sarina  Wiegman, with England, won the Euros and finished World Cup runner-up.Similar triumphs in the men’s game would have won a knighthood.So why wouldn’t a club take on a manager with this record,  regardless of their gender?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI’ll tell you why. Because they are scared of being laughed at, or  assume men won’t listen to a woman. Forest Green Rovers briefly appointed Hannah Dingley as interim first-team coach last year.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreIt certainly wasn’t bigger news than Nancy Astor becoming the first woman to take her seat as an MP.And while Astor remained in Parliament for 26 years, Dingley lasted two weeks.It was still a tiny brick removed from the battlements but any pioneering woman will need the strongest support from her chairman and board.No player wants to work with a manager, female or male, who does not have tactical know-how, game strategy, leadership and decision-making skills, communication skills, modern training techniques, people skills, data analysis and a long-term vision.My guess is rebellion would evaporate as players realised the manager knew her business in all these areas.As for supporters, a few quick wins and they wouldn’t much care if Liz Truss were in charge.It will happen one day because women will make it do so. Astor has been the touchstone for 263 (40 per cent) of women to win seats in July’s election.There is no proof men are better team leaders or managers than women.Results in industry, education and politics are at least the equals of men and in school exams a good deal superior.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, the day a woman leads a men’s team might be closer than ever.Until then, we’ll keep cheering as the women’s game grows — bringing the passion, skill and tactical brilliance the men’s leagues could learn a thing or two from.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      We hosted Arsenal and received compliment from Arsene Wenger, then EFL ordered us to spend £1m tearing up our pitch

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      SUTTON chairman Bruce Elliott believes hosting Arsenal in the FA Cup seven years ago started an incredible journey.That last-16 clash set the wheels in motion for a rise within four years into the EFL for the first time since the team was formed in 1898.Sutton welcomed Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup back in 2017Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBruce Elliott – Sutton Utd Chairman. Pic Jamie McPhilimey. 16.02.17.Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The SunAnd although the tiny Surrey club are back in non-league after relegation last season, Elliott hopes knocking Birmingham out of the FA Cup on Sunday at Gander Green Lane can be the prologue to another glorious chapter.Elliott said: “That run to the fifth round was our best in the FA Cup and it set off a chain of events that eventually saw us win EFL status — something we’d never expected or dreamed of.“The FA Cup has been great for this club. Of course, we famously knocked out the defending FA Cup holders Coventry in 1989 but our run in 2017 was special.“We beat Wimbledon after a replay, upset Leeds here and then hosted an Arsenal team who had just played Bayern Munich a few days earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“In The Sun there was a whole page about our small changing rooms and how it was a huge come-down from what they’d experienced!“And a lot was made of our 3G pitch before that match and how Arsenal would cope with playing on it.”Arsene Wenger put out a strong team and beat the plucky part-timers 2-0 with goals from Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott.And Elliott will never forget meeting the legendary former manager after the match.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Sutton chairman said: “I apologised to him about the size of the dressing rooms.“He replied, ‘It’s fine, people forget I used to manage a small team in France and in any case I rather like the smaller sized ones, you’re nearer the players.’ What a great answer. Another lovely thing was when I asked why with the game in the bag with just 16 minutes left did he bring on Alexis Sanchez?Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“After all, they had paid £30million for that guy, so why risk him against a non-league team late in a game that is pretty much over.“He replied, ‘I thought it was the right thing to do for such an occasion as this!’“That was absolutely quality and class from him. He understood what a big deal it was for Sutton United.”When Sutton won promotion to the EFL in 2021, they had to rip up their 3G pitch and install a grass one. It is something that still rankles with Elliott and Sutton fans.Already in the three seasons since they lost it, it has cost the club around £1MILLION.Elliott said: “It does seem ridiculous that our 3G pitch was good enough to host Arsenal in the FA Cup — but not for League Two games!“I don’t get why the EFL doesn’t relax the rules. They’re even allowed in European competitions.“There are a lot of people at those higher levels living in the past — thinking back to the days of the inferior plastic pitches at Luton, Oldham and QPR. They are now of the highest quality.”Another bugbear for Elliott is the FA scrapping cup replays — denying them a possible money-spinning replay at St Andrew’s.He said: “There is no logic to getting rid of them until the third round when Premier League sides enter.“I understand it at that point but to lose them from the first round denies clubs at our level the chance to get another TV payday.”The Blues come to Surrey as the biggest spending club outside of the Premier League.No team in League One history has ever splashed the cash quite like the Brummies — with Jay Stansfield arriving for £15million with it set to rise to £20m depending on appearances and promotion.It is a far cry from Sutton who have one of the lowest budgets in the fifth tier.READ MORE SUN STORIESElliott said: “We’re still ambitious but we’ve always spent within our means.“It was an incredible achievement for us to be in the EFL. Now that we’ve tasted it, we most definitely would like to get there again.” More

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      EFL cult hero, 39, brutally sacked by non-league minnows after 48 days as he says ‘not what I wanted or worked for’

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      EFL CULT HERO David Stockdale has been brutally sacked as manager of non-league outfit Blyth Spartans AFC.The former Premier League goalkeeper, who was only appointed 48 days ago, has turned to social media to announce his dismissal.David Stockdale has been sacked by non-league side Blyth Spartans AFCCredit: https://www.instagram.com/yorkcityfc/The former goalkeeper took up his first role in management just 48 days agoCredit: GettyStockdale posted on X: “Gutted to have been SACKED. Not what I wanted or worked for.”It’s been a great time and worked with some great people. Hopefully I can try somewhere else. I wish @Blyth_Spartans all the best.”But more so the staff and players I had while there. Truly great people ❤.”The 39-year-old joined Blyth Spartans as assistant manager to the newly appointed former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano on August 5.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockdale was then appointed caretaker manager after Solano was sacked 22 days later on August 27.But he was later given the job on a permanent basis on Friday 13 September after reaching the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.However, the Green Army have endured a horrible start to the Northern Premier League Premier Division season.The Northumberland outfit sit rock-bottom, having lost seven and won just two of their opening 12 games following their relegation from the National League North last term.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, Stockdale was winless in the league during his seven-game spell as permanent gaffer.The club’s two victories came against Campion and Workington during the former goalkeeper’s fortnight as interim boss.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Blyth Spartans have also announced that local businessman Martin Trinder will take over the club from Friday 1 November.Earlier this month, the club’s chairman Irfan Liaquat revealed that he was looking to sell, and that discussions with a potential buyer were underway.The non-league side had to postpone their last two home games following the resignation of club volunteers.Fans boycotted their FA Trophy defeat against Stockton in their last match at Croft Park in protest at Liaquat’s running of the club.Meanwhile, Stockdale became a cult-hero during his playing career in England.He started at York City in 2003 before later earning a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in 2008. The stopper had multiple loan spells away from Craven Cottage at the likes of Rotherham, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City.He left the West London club on a permanent basis in 2014 for Brighton and helped the club win promotion from the Championship in 2017.Since leaving the Seagulls, he has had spells at Birmingham City, Southend, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESStockdale returned to York in June 2023 as a goalkeeper and head of recruitment, but was released in April.He spent six years with the Cottagers and featured 39 times in England’s top division.Stockdale was promoted to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023Credit: Rex More

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      Inside EFL club’s abandoned 40,000-seater stadium plan with ex-Premier League side now forced to rent ground

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      IT’S been a tale of rags to riches and back again.In the 80s and 90s a London club’s stadium was abandoned for seven years as they struggled to maintain second tier status.An EFL club once had ambitious plans to expand its stadium to 40,000 seatsCredit: GettyHowever, they would then turn things around after a move back home and work their way up to the Premier League.Seven uninterrupted seasons in the top flight would lead to stadium expansion plans, with the club holding the ambition of building a ground to accommodate 40,000 spectators.However, relegation in 2007 led to a slump in fortunes, spell after spell of unpopular ownership and ultimately a descent to the third tier.Last term they averaged crowds of just 13,000 in a stadium which boasts a 27,111 capacity, as they slumped to a disappointing 16th-place finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir current malaise is a far-cry from the heady days of the early-2000s under Alan Curbishley, when they became Premier League mainstays.Under Curbs, the Addicks were in the top-flight for seven consecutive years, which led to frequent sell-outs at South London’s biggest stadium.Charlton had been forced to abandon their traditional Valley home after more than 60 years in 1985, with the site falling into disrepair.After strong campaigning from fans, which even included standing in local council elections, the Addicks returned in 1992 following seven years spent primarily at Selhurst Park, and latterly Upton Park.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBy this point Curbishley had already taken over, with the former Charlton midfielder transforming his side’s fortunes on the pitch.As the South Londoners rose, so did demand for tickets.World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second tier matches with no away end In November 2004, chief executive Peter Varney confirmed Charlton’s ambitious plans.He said: “The application will seek approval for the redevelopment of the east stand and the south-east corner of the ground to take the capacity of The Valley to 30,900.”Our intention is also to lodge an outline design for the remaining development of the stadium – principally the south stand – at the same time and to declare our intention to ultimately raise the capacity of The Valley to 40,600.”Permission was granted the following year, but after Charlton’s relegation in 2007, the plans fell by the wayside.Charlton boast the biggest stadium in South LondonCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn the early-2000s they made ambitious expansion plansCredit: Charlton AthleticThe Valley lay abandoned between 1985 and 1992Credit: GettyFans campaigned to return home to The ValleyCredit: GettyDespite Roland Duchatelet selling the Addicks in 2020 following years of fan protests, the Belgian still owns their Valley home and training ground.In 2021, Charlton agreed a 15-year lease to rent The Valley, as well as their Sparrows Lane training facilities.Co-owner Charlie Methven, formerly of Sunderland, recently referenced the situation while appearing on the Business of Sport podcast.He said: “I think having a long-term resolution over the tenure of the stadium is really important.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s a matter of commercial negotiation with the current landlord. Everything is possible, but it’s a commercial negotiation that is confidential.”If you are talking about things that keeps me up at night it is long-term security of tenure at The Valley. One of the great historic stadiums, one of the last remaining that feel like themselves.”Charlton averaged gates of around 13,000 last seasonCredit: RexCharlton co-owner Charlie Methven was previously at SunderlandCredit: Getty More

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      Fans in meltdown over ‘7 seconds of horror’ as Newcastle cult hero’s new job quickly turns into a disaster

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      NEWCASTLE cult hero Mike Williamson saw his Carlisle team have another nightmare as they sunk further into relegation trouble.Carlisle have been without a win since September 21, with two draws and five defeats in all competitions since then.Newcastle hero Mike Williamson has had a horror run as manager of CarlisleCredit: PAToday’s match against Cheltenham saw them lose 1-0Credit: CUTV via X formerly TwitterA long range shot from Ethon Archer looked like it had initially been dealt with by goalkeeper Harry LewisCredit: CUTV via X formerly TwitterLewis got back up to try and win catch the ballCredit: CUTV via X formerly TwitterBut the ball bounced into the netCredit: CUTV via X formerly TwitterAnd that winless run continued on Saturday at Brunton Park after the Cumbrians fell to a 1-0 defeat to Cheltenham.But it was a disastrous mistake from goalkeeper Harry Lewis that condemned Williamson’s side to their 10th league defeat of the season.A 17th-minute shot from Ethon Archer from the left side of the area initially looked to have been dealt with by Lewis.However, the shot then spun up and behind the 26-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLewis got to his feet and looked set to catch the ball as it bounced.But the spin of the ball seemed to catch Lewis off guard as he was unable to stop the ball from bouncing into the net.The goal proved to be pivotal as Carlisle were unable to find a goal to cancel it out.The 6,064-strong crowd made their feelings clear at full-time by booing at the end of the game as the team remain second-bottom of League Two.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReacting on social media, one fan said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, Carlisle United….”A second said: “Christ, that’s unbelievably tragic!” I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail and I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved A third added: “7 seconds of horror.”Another said: “When you think things can’t get any worse -absolute laughing stock. No manager could make this team play any better.”Williamson, 40, was appointed to the job permanently on September 19 after arriving from MK Dons, replacing the sacked Paul Simpson.He spent six years as a player at Newcastle, making 169 appearances.Speaking after the game, he said: “It’s hard to stomach but the boys are giving everything.”He also confirmed that striker Charlie Wyke had been taken to hospital for a scan and his thoughts were with him after he was stretchered off.READ MORE SUN STORIESWilliamson said: “I really hope Charlie Wyke is okay. I don’t like seeing any player stretchered off and I will try and see him quickly now, as will Luke Young. “It was an honest challenge, with no malice. My thoughts are with Charlie and I hope it’s not a long one.” More