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    Jeff Stelling raises serious concerns as beloved Hartlepool appoint ex-Premier League ace, 55, who last managed in Nepal

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    EFL reveals never-before-seen change to Carabao Cup format with teams required to QUALIFY for main draw

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    Sheffield Wednesday placed under transfer embargo by EFL as owner is accused of holding club ‘hostage’

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have been placed under a registration embargo for failure to pay wages on time.The Owls will be prevented from adding players to their squad for the 2025/26 Championship season due to multiple breaches of EFL regulations on payment obligations.Sheffield Wednesday players and staff have yet to be paid for MayCredit: REXThe EFL have charged the Owls and owner Dejphon Chansiri with multiple breaches of regulations on payment obligationsCredit: GETTYThe club were charged this week after failing to pay both players and staff members their wages for May.The sanction has heaped yet more pressure on Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri, who has apologised profusely for the delayed wages, to sell the club.As it stands, Wednesday are facing a THREE-WINDOW embargo – meaning they won’t be able to sign players until JANUARY 2027 at the earliest.An American consortium is looking to buy the Yorkshire outfit but has had TWO PROPOSALS rejected by Thai tycoon Chansiri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLabour MP for Sheffield South East, Clive Betts, is leading the calls for Chansiri to sell, saying: “He must accept that he needs to sell Wednesday to prevent the complete collapse of the club.”We as fans deserve better.”It breaks my heart to see the club I have followed all my life being held hostage by an owner who clearly has no interest or care for us.”It is clear that Chansiri does not have the ability or resources to fund and invest in Sheffield Wednesday.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSheffield Wednesday fans have repeatedly protested Dejphon Chansiri’s ownershipCredit: GettyWednesday have vowed to pay players and staff as soon as possible.A club statement read: “The club continue to seek a resolution regarding outstanding salaries due for the month of May at the earliest possible opportunity.Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash”Mr Chansiri sincerely apologises to all players, coaches and staff affected and everyone connected with the club.”Chansiri’s ten-year ownership of Wednesday has been filled with financial issues. The Yorkshire club were deducted six points in the 2021/21 season, in which they were relegated to League One, for breaching spending rules. And they were placed under registration embargoes in both the 2023/24 and 24/25 campaigns.Wednesday ended the 2024/25 Championship season in 12th place. More

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    Supercomputer predicts new Championship season with Wrexham fairytale continuing and ex-Premier League trio relegated

    WREXHAM are in line for a fourth-straight Hollywood season, according to a new Championship supercomputer. But it’s bad news for former Premier League side Watford, who are pipped for relegation to League One for the first time in 48 YEARS.A supercomputer has tipped Wrexham to make the Championship play-offsCredit: RexWatford are predicted to suffer relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: RexTyler Dibling has been predicted to win theChampionship with SouthamptonBoffins at AceOdds booted up their intelligent PC, which simulates every single fixture 10,00 times for the most accurate score.It estimates the outcome of games based on a team’s current strength (based on factors such as league position and form) and betting market odds.And the results are astounding, with Wrexham, who became the first team to earn back-to-back-to-back promotions up the pyramid, have the chance to play for Premier League football.The Red Dragons, once suffering a record 15-straight seasons in the National League before Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney saved the day, are predicted to finish inside the play-off spots next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLinked with a host of big names, including Jamie Vardy and Ben Davies, Wrexham’s top-flight dreams remain alive – if they edge out Bristol City to sixth-place on goal difference. Meanwhile, the clever AI algorithm reckons Southampton will go straight back up by winning the Championship.The Saints, who hired former Lens boss Will Still after relegation this season, are set to face a dramatic title race with Sheffield United, who will finally earn automatic promotion at the second time of asking.Fellow relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester and Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are predicted to join Wrexham in making the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTom Brady-backed Birmingham City, who recorded the most-ever EFL points last season (108), will also register an admirable top-half finish. On 65 points, the Blues are set to finish ahead of neighbours West Brom and other established names such as Stoke City and Middlesbrough.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightMeanwhile, Championship newboys Charlton Athletic are expected to avoid a return to League One, finishing six points above the drop.In terms of the relegation places, Derby County and Hull City join Watford in the dreaded drop to the third-tier.Watford last played in League One (then known as the Football League Third Division) during the 1977-78 season.Derby finished 19th last year, while Hull are pipped to finish rock-bottom after just about saving themselves on the final day this season, after Luton lost to West Brom.While the supercomputer thinks the likes of Preston, QPR, Boro and Oxford United will narrowly survive.And Norwich, Millwall, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea will finish a respectable mid-table.Wrexham star James McClean could return to the glittering heights of Premier League football after playing with West Brom and Sunderland a decade agoCredit: RexOmari Hutchinson helped Ipswich earn promotion to the Prem in 2023/2024, before being relegated this seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

    LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing for an astonishing 42 clubs.The iconic striker – who has clocked up over 900 games – had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 when he played for Risborough Rangers.Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics SportLouis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.He once claimed that his journeyman tag worked against him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJefferson, who played in a World Cup qualifier for Dominica, revealed: “People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude.”And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”Fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.Most read in FootballLouis, who alaso made five appearances there as a player in 2023.During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for team-mates.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. “Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too.Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.”And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.” More

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    EFL club release ‘gorgeous work of art’ kit to celebrate 150th anniversary and even rival fans want to buy it

    PORT VALE have released a stunning retro home kit to celebrate their 150th anniversary.The League One new-boys’ smart new strip has been flying off the shelves since its release.Port Vale have unveiled their stunning new retro home stripCredit: X @OfficialPVFCThe Valiants’ 2025-26 white home shirt will include a smart black collar, as well as black trim on the sleeves,It will also subtly include the Puma logo, in addition to a retro Port Vale logo.The shirt is not sullied by a garish sponsor, instead oozing a simple class.Vale’s kit is topped off with black shorts, also featuring the retro logo, as well as stripey black and white socks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Staffordshire side, who finished second in League Two, have confirmed that they have already flogged 1,815 home shirts on its first day on sale.For context, Vale averaged home gates of 7,639 last season.Port Vale’s kit launch has also been resoundingly well received online.One fan gushed on X: “That’s an absolutely gorgeous work of art is that. Might be kit of the season to be honest!”Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPort Vale wore this kit during the 2024-25 seasonCredit: PAWhile a second wrote: “Stunning kit. They always look miles better without a sponsor too.”A third commented: “Best kit I’ve seen for a long long time. Fulham fan.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAnd a fourth swooned: “Sweet Jesus. So simple and yet so stunning.”Another asked: “Is it appropriate for a Wednesday fan to purchase this?”Port Vale CEO Matt Hancock said: “I’m proud that we can mark the beginning of our 150th anniversary season with the launch of our brand-new 2025/26 home shirt.”The design rightly honours and helps us to reflect on our past, whilst we can also make positive steps forward in an exciting season back in League One.”I’d like to personally thank the members of our Supporter Advisory Board, who were presented the crest concept at their inaugural meeting.”The group continues to help us shape decisions and we’re delighted that they will be involved throughout such an important season.” More

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    Plymouth confirm exit of Wayne Rooney replacement in blunt 13-word statement as chairman sends surprise message

    PLYMOUTH ARGYLE announced the departure of manager Miron Muslic with a blunt statement on social media after some turbulent negotiations.Muslic, 42, took over at then-Championship Plymouth in January following the unceremonious departure of Wayne Rooney, who only managed five wins and 14 losses in 25 matches..Plymouth Argyle confirmed manager Miron Muslic’s departure with a blunt statementPlymouth chairman Simon Hallett shared a lengthy statement reacting to Muslic’s dramatic exitHowever, Muslic couldn’t steer Argyle to safety and suffered relegation to League One, finishing second from bottom.The Pilgrims wanted to keep the ex-Cercle Brugge boss but he dramatically opted for a move to Schalke, who will be playing in Germany’s second tier this season.The Greens went on to confirm Muslic’s departure to the German outfit with a very short tweet following another furious statement accusing him of “breaking previous promises”.Plymouth tweeted: “Miron Muslic has left Argyle to join 2. Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04.”Read More on FootballThe club shared a longer announcement on their official website where they praised some of his work, such as his famous FA Cup triumph over Premier League champions Liverpool, and wished him the best.Plymouth announced: “Miron Muslic has departed the club to join 2. Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04.”Muslic joined Argyle in January, overseeing 23 matches, including the memorable victory against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup. “Despite his best efforts, he could not stave off relegation with Argyle dropping to Sky Bet League One on the final day of the season.Most read in EFLHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING”We wish Miron all the best for his future endeavours.”That led to a lengthy statement from Argyle chairman Simon Hallett who insists he did not want Muslic to leave and wanted him to lead next season’s bid to return to the Championship.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth Hallett stated: “After the season ended, and with rumours flying that Miron was attracting interest from other clubs, I called him personally and he assured me that he was 100% committed to Argyle. “As a result, Miron continued to take part in all recruitment meetings and was involved with interviewing and recruiting players until just last week. His colleagues had no indication that he wanted to leave.”Last Saturday, Miron informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Under his contract, a club wishing to speak with him needs Argyle’s prior permission. “We were unwilling to give such permission, but Miron informed us that under no circumstances was he going to return to Plymouth. Thus, we reluctantly gave the necessary permission.”By making clear his intention never to return, Miron gave us no choice but to move on. “We could have insisted on the full compensation and gone to court to enforce his contract but would not have had his services as head coach, and progress on recruiting a replacement would have been blocked. Chairman addresses Muslic exit”Rather than get mired in a protracted, and highly disruptive, process we settled for an amount of compensation that, while below the contracted sum, is a strong financial outcome for a League One head coach, enabling us to move on positively.”Hallett admitted there will be no new investors coming in to Plymouth any time soon.However, the owner promised he and existing shareholders will provide the necessary funds that will help the team and Muslic’s replacement meet their goals this coming season.Hallett added: “As you know, we have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year. Those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February.”Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent.”As a result, existing shareholders (I, Argyle Green and the Holliday family) will provide the funds to ensure that we stay on course with our plans. Read More on The Sun”This means making funds available to ensure we have a competitive football budget to aim to return us to the Championship as soon as possible, as well as continued investment in Foulston Park. Our budget next season will be twice that we had the last time we were in League One. “These additional funds equate to the same level of financial support that was written into the investor plan for year one.”Plymouth Argyle Chairman Simon Hallett’s messageDear Green Army, I am sorry to have not written earlier after relegation was confirmed, earlier this month.Jane and I had personal issues in the US that forced us to cut short our visit to the UK, and we have been occupied taking care of them for a few weeks. Our thanks to those who sent best wishes, and all is ok now. We are making plans for a return to the UK later this summer.We are disappointed at Miron Muslic’s departure – not at his joining a club with a profile such as Schalke, but in the timing and manner of his leaving.We hired Miron in January, giving him a three-and-a-half-year contract. Shortly after his joining us, we also hired the staff he requested, in an assistant head coach, head of elite performance, performance analysis and, a little later, a set-piece coach. A recruitment team was in place for the season, augmented by our securing the services of Stuart Webber, a very experienced and well-regarded Sporting Director, to assist with the post-season rebuild of our squad, along with Tom Randle, who has subsequently joined us on a full-time basis as Head of Recruitment. After the season ended, and with rumours flying that Miron was attracting interest from other clubs, I called him personally and he assured me that he was 100% committed to Argyle. As a result, Miron continued to take part in all recruitment meetings and was involved with interviewing and recruiting players until just last week. His colleagues had no indication that he wanted to leave.Last Saturday, Miron informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Under his contract, a club wishing to speak with him needs Argyle’s prior permission. We were unwilling to give such permission, but Miron informed us that under no circumstances was he going to return to Plymouth. Thus, we reluctantly gave the necessary permission.By making clear his intention never to return, Miron gave us no choice but to move on. We could have insisted on the full compensation and gone to court to enforce his contract but would not have had his services as head coach, and progress on recruiting a replacement would have been blocked. Rather than get mired in a protracted, and highly disruptive, process we settled for an amount of compensation that, while below the contracted sum, is a strong financial outcome for a League One head coach, enabling us to move on positively.As you know, we have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year. Those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February.Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent.As a result, existing shareholders (I, Argyle Green and the Holliday family) will provide the funds to ensure that we stay on course with our plans. This means making funds available to ensure we have a competitive football budget to aim to return us to the Championship as soon as possible, as well as continued investment in Foulston Park. Our budget next season will be twice that we had the last time we were in League One. These additional funds equate to the same level of financial support that was written into the investor plan for year one.I completely understand that this will be very frustrating for fans, as it is extremely frustrating for me and the rest of the Argyle Board. I have said constantly that my resources can enable us to be a sustainable Championship club, but that if we wish to aspire beyond that we would need new investment. I can provide some of that new investment, with the Holliday family’s and Argyle Green’s help, but not all.While progress towards a transaction in its current form looks to have stalled, we will continue to explore alternative routes, including being open to revised terms with other investment groups. It is important that we get the right investor, not the quickest investor, and this may take some time. We are committed to this, but in the meantime, current shareholders can (and will) support the club through its next stage of development.This current situation is disappointing, obviously, but honesty and transparency are important to us. It’s been a long, ponderous process, but one we thought would come to a successful conclusion. It has not, but we remain in a very strong financial position.Over the past five or six years, we have set out a clear pathway to achieving success at Argyle. In that time, we progressed from League Two to the Championship, where we spent two seasons, before suffering relegation. Our mission has been, and remains, to be a sustainable and competitive Championship club, but some of the decisions we have made in the last two seasons have not worked as we had hoped. Those decisions obviously contributed to our relegation, but were decisions made by the entire board, and it is entirely unfair to blame any individuals. Unfortunately, in sport, as in life, decisions made do not always work out. We are sorry and will do everything we can to put it right.Argyle’s long-term strategy is set by the board and executed by Andrew Parkinson, our CEO, and his team. Away from the pitch, the club continues to make significant strides. Thanks to the efforts of all staff, we have seen remarkable off-pitch progress including record revenues this year. We’ve also been recognised with several industry awards – testament to the quality of work happening every day behind the scenes. This progress is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of staff across all departments. Our focus on sustainable growth has led to significant infrastructure investments that now generate substantial revenue which supports our football operations.The first and still the largest of those investments was the refurbishment of the Mayflower Grandstand. Today, that not only provides outstanding match-day hospitality to our fans, but a facility for businesses and other organisations in the area. The revenues generated now number in the millions, and go directly into the running of the football club, primarily the football budget. The Grandstand refurbishment was the first and remains the biggest investment, but has been followed by the acquisition of Higher Home Park, part of which is now used as the Biffa Fan Zone; by the Green Taverners’ building, now the Far Post; by the acquisition of Goals, now Harpers; and by many smaller investments that have improved the experience for fans and sponsors. As a result, the stadium has been full for most home games. We have also invested in players, breaking the club transfer record several times and realising substantial surpluses on subsequent sales of players. The result is that your club is now financially stronger than it has ever been with a strong and diversified revenue base. Those revenues have, until last season, helped lead to our success on the pitch. We have consistently achieved more than would be suggested by what we are able to spend on the first-team squad alone. Sometimes, our results flattered our performances but, overall, the strategy to compete by outsmarting not outspending our competitors has been successful. Last season, it was not, and the board took the decision in January that our best hope of avoiding what by then was a very likely fate was to hire a Head Coach who could introduce a new playing style. We narrowly failed, despite the efforts of our staff and our players. I thank them all.We will play the coming season in League One, as we did three years ago. Our circumstances, though, are much changed, because of the investments we have made and the support you have given us. We will have the financial resources to compete strongly at the top end of the division. Relegation is always disappointing, but we are now in a position where we end up stronger than we began. In the long-term, this is not being a yo-yo club, this is being a club that invests for the long term and emerges stronger from any setbacks.You will know that former Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson has left Argyle after a successful six years. Jimmy has been a positive influence on the club, and we wish him well in the future. We also congratulate Ross Goodwin, our Head of Football Data, who will return home, and take on a senior role as Head of Recruitment at Dundee United. We are delighted to welcome David Fox back to Home Park in a senior management role as Head of Football Operations. He will be responsible for helping formulate and executing strategy on the football side of the club. Initially, he will be aided by Stuart Webber, whose experience and abilities as a Sporting Director will be hugely beneficial to Argyle. David and Stuart have been actively engaged in the process of recruiting a new head coach, and we hope to have an appointment in place as soon as possible. David will be provided with the support, resources and structure he needs.As I mentioned above, we also welcome Tom Randle as Head of Recruitment. He, David and Stuart have already been working behind the scenes to identify and recruit the players who will join us this summer. Recruitment is led by David and Tom, with other senior executive involvement. This structure means recruitment continues regardless of any changes in coaching staff, ensuring alignment with the club’s long-term football strategy.We have already seen the fruits of this combined effort, and I’d like to welcome Jamie Paterson, Caleb Watts and Jack MacKenzie to Argyle.I’ll be back in the UK over the summer, when we will host a Fans Forum ahead of the new season. I’ll be very happy to address the questions I’m sure you will have on the investment setbacks and how we intend to take things forward to achieve our goals.Finally, to you, the fans – you have been outstanding. Week after week, match after match, home or away, your support never wavers, and all at your club are grateful to you. We’ve never been more determined to succeed and, alongside your unrivalled backing, through the highs and the lows, together we’ll do this.See you soon,Simon More

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    Leicester City ‘face starting Championship season with TWELVE-point deduction after alleged £17m in PSR breaches’

    LEICESTER CITY are facing a huge points deduction for next season if found guilty of breaching PSR rules. The Foxes were relegated back to the Championship following a dismal Premier League campaign.Relegated Leicester are facing a hefty points deduction for next seasonCredit: GettyAnd they could begin the 2024/25 season in the second tier playing catch-up. The Premier League issued charges last week alleging a PSR breach of over £17million across a three-year period.According to the iPaper, Leicester could be hit with a MINIMUM 12-POINT penalty if found guilty. EFL guidelines state that 12 points should be docked for a PSR breach.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDeductions are then applied on a sliding scale if the breach is less than £15m. The Prem are reportedly set to argue Leicester be docked more points after failing to submit their accounts on time last December. A spokesperson said earlier this month: “Following an Arbitration Tribunal’s decision concerning jurisdiction, Leicester City FC has now been referred to an independent Commission for alleged breaches.””The EFL Championship Profit and Sustainability Rules (P&S Rules) for Season 2023/24.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”The club’s obligation to provide its Annual Accounts to the Premier League by 31 December 2024.”And the club’s obligation to provide full, complete and prompt assistance to the Premier League in response to the League’s inquiries.”Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard boxBoth the Premier League and Leicester declined to comment to the outlet. Leicester have announced 11 players are leaving the King Power this summer. Danny Ward, Daniel Iversen and club legend Jamie Vardy are all among those released following the expiry of their respective contracts.Vardy, 38, has been linked with a shock free transfer to Newcastle.The former England striker spent 13 years at Leicester, scoring 200 goals in 500 games. Vardy scored nine Prem goals and provided four assists this season.Since announcing his departure from the club, he has also been linked with Crystal Palace, Wolves and Wrexham. More