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      Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

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      SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

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      Why every Premier League club will be supporting Sheff Utd over Sunderland in the Championship play-off final

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      THE Championship play-off final is already the richest game in football. Either Sheffield United or Sunderland will be £190million richer as a result of winning at Wembley today.Sheffield United winning promotion would lead to a bumper cash windfall for Premier League clubsCredit: GettyThe game kicks off at 3.01pm – the one minute later due to an initiative with the Every Minute Matters, encouraging supporters to learn the life-saving skill of CPR.But come 5pm, it will not just be the Blades fans hoping Chris Wilder’s side have secured victory and snatching the 20th spot in the 2025-26 Premier League season. That is because every remaining Premier League club will also be supporting United against Sunderland. As explained by football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Sheffield United returning to the Premier League will see the rest of the Premier League entitled to a £39million windfall.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is because Premier League rules state clubs are entitled to three years of parachute payments upon relegation from the top flight – two years if they were relegated immediately after promotion. The parachute payments are 55 per cent, 45 per cent and 20 per cent of the equal share elements of the Premier League distribution to its member clubs.Maguire confirmed this is £48m, £39m and £17m respectively across the three years of payments. However, if a Championship club due to receive parachute payments are promoted back to the Premier League within those three years, they do not get given the outstanding money. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSInstead, the cash is kept by the Premier League who then distribute it to their own clubs. After being relegated in 2023-24, Sheffield United received £45m this season and were due to pocket another £39m next season.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesHowever, the Premier League will not have to shell out that money should the Blades return to the top table for 2025-26. Leeds and Burnley’s promotions also saved the Premier League £17m and £39m respectively in parachute payments not needing to be paid. That means a total saving of £95m in parachute payments through promotion. Meanwhile, Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton were all relegated immediately after being promoted.That ensures all three clubs are ineligible for the £17m third-year parachute payments, slashing a further £51m from the Premier League’s expenditure.It all means the Premier League could save a whopping £146m overall – which will be shared among the top 20 clubs, who would each receive a bumper bonus. Sheffield United booked their spot in the final having fallen away from Burnley and Leeds in the automatic spots – but breezed past Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals.Sunderland saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in dramatic fashion – with the winning goal in the 122nd minute. Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham is hoping to enjoy his moment in the Wembley spotlight – a year on from his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy under the arch. For team-mate Enzo Le Fee, it promises to be an emotional day. Read More on The SunHe bravely opened up on finding his father dead in bed after he took his own life.On the other side, Blades striker Kieffer Moore is relishing his chance to finally play on the hallowed turf – and is desperate to secure a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League. More

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      ‘Very different to Wrexham’ – Gary Neville and David Beckham WON’T pour millions into Salford as they outline ‘project’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville outlined the plan he and David Beckham have for Salford City after their recent takeover of the club.Neville and Beckham, both 50, led a new consortium and gained control of the League Two side earlier this month by buying out shares from fellow Class of 92 icons Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville. Manchester United legend Gary Neville outlined the plan he and David Beckham have for Salford CityBeckham and Neville completed the takeover of Salford earlier this monthNeville insists he and Beckham won’t pour millions in SalfordThe United greats have teamed up with businessman Declan Kelly and Lawn Tennis Association chairman Lord Mervyn Davies after major backer Peter Lim stepped away last year. The former England internationals have big plans as they are determined to get the League Two outfit in the Championship within the next five years.Ever since their arrival in 2014, Salford got promoted from the Northern Premier League Division One North to the EFL in five years, but they have remained in the fourth tier ever since.Neville told The Overlap Fan Debate, on behalf of Sky Bet: “Shares in a football club for most owners, other than the passion and the feelings you get from it, you’re a reliability from an investment perspective more than an asset.Read More on Football”We’ve put money into Salford and in January we just thought we needed to get a group of people involved, who we could trust.”Me and Becks [Beckham] agreed that we would put money in for the next four or five years, which is a commitment we’ve all made.”Salford City won’t be changing the budget – to reverse out of the model we already have, you need two or three years. “You can’t go from investing to becoming sustainable that quick – you need to look at players’ contracts for three years and you’ve generally got a model that you’ve built which you can’t come away from.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSuccessful celebrity-owned clubs have risen to prominence in recent years and many are hoping Salford will follow suit.Wrexham have earned three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship under Hollywood celebrity owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.’Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snubAnd Birmingham won the League One title this season and will join the Red Dragons in the second division with NFL legend Tom Brady as minority owner.However, Neville is adamant things will be “very different” compared to Wrexham and Birmingham.The Man Utd hero insists millions will not be poured but instead he and Beckham will focus on turning the club into a “good football project” that will be very close to the local community.Neville added: “We just need to change the model of the club slightly, in fact quite a bit. It’s very different than Wrexham and Birmingham – you’re talking about millions going into those clubs. “That’s not what we’re looking to do with Salford. We want Salford to be a good football project.”Salford City has the cheapest ticket prices in the EFL. On day one, I committed to the fans that we would be the most affordable and accessible football club. I’d rather go down than do that [be unsustainable].”Neville is adamant Salford won’t follow Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ example with WrexhamThe same goes for Birmingham City, where NFL legend Tom Brady is a minority owner More

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      Non-league team handed league title despite finishing THIRD… a whole month after season finished

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      A NON-LEAGUE team has been named league champions a month after the end of the season — despite finishing THIRD.The Premier League and EFL might have the glamour, but nothing has been able to match the Combined Counties South Premier League for drama this campaign.AFC Whyteleafe have been named winners of the Combined Counties South Premier LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe league ended on April 22, exactly a month ago, but nobody had a clue who would lift the trophy.Jersey Bulls and Redhill finished level at the top of the table on 96 points, with the Channel Islanders edging it on goal difference.But NEITHER of these sides that would enjoy a title celebration.That honour instead has gone to third-placed AFC Whyteleafe – after BOTH Jersey Bulls and Redhill were docked three points for fielding ineligible players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJersey were the first to be penalised after being found to have fielded a suspended player in a 4-0 victory over Tooting and Mitcham United in March.That meant Redhill were champions — for a matter of days.Now the Surrey side have also had three points taken away, after an appeal against a ruling that they fielded an ineligible player failed on Wednesday.As a result, Whyteleafe – who finished the season with 95 points – have been confirmed as league winners, securing promotion to the eighth-tier Isthmian League Division One South East.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJersey and Redhill now have to settle for a place in the play-offs and will face Fleet Town and Cobham, respectively.Whyteleafe boss Kelly Waters has spoken about the surprising turn of events.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanWhyteleafe’s promotion statementHere is the statement that was shared by Whyteleafe on social media followinf their promotion…It read: “AND, JUST LIKE THAT….”We say farewell to the Combined Counties South Premier League and (finally) farewell to the end of the 24/25 season.”We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves this season, taking part in one of the most talked about and evenly contested battles for the title (at this level) in the country.”We’ve built friendships and relationships with clubs, staff, management, players and fans in this league that will last a long, long time. “We’d like to think that, we played our part in bringing some attention to this excellent league and the amazing clubs in it.”We accept the way we did things at times may of upset one or two. But, we got people talking and piqued people’s interest and hopefully, encouraged people to come to games to see what all the fuss was about!”We hope the issues that have tainted the end of the season will be remedied by the FA and League as, the teams in this league deserve so much better.”We wish the teams in the play offs the very best of luck, we know how hard this has been for everyone.”And to all the teams, we wish you all the best for the future and look forward to meeting you soon (hopefully at a higher level!).”Thanks for having us.”He admitted that he felt for Jersey and Redhill, having gone through it himself in the past.He told the BBC: “I feel great that we’ve been crowned champions and been promoted to Step Four, but at the same time it’s a very strange way to go about it.”I feel quite sorry for Jersey and Redhill in the situation that they’ve had, I’ve experienced it myself before when I was managing at Balham and it’s painful.”But they have to enforce the rules to make sure people don’t use them inappropriately and in the end we’ve been a beneficiary of that and we couldn’t be happier to be back in Step Four.”Surrey-based Whyteleafe is a phoenix club of Whyteleafe FC, which folded back in 2021.The current version was formed by Waters, who acts as the chairman and co-manager.The club did reach the final of the FA Vase this season but were beaten 2-1 by Whitstable Town.Whyteleafe lost to Whitstable Town in the FA Vase finalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      EFL stadium looks unrecognisable as pitch is ripped up for maintenance work and fans spot where turf has been dumped

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      AN EFL stadium looks unrecognisable after the pitch was ripped up ahead of maintenance work.League Two side Grimsby Town are undergoing renovations in the off-season.Grimsby Town have ripped up their pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcWork is ongoing to renovate the pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcTurf has been dumped behind one of the stands, where the club car park isCredit: X @officialgtfcThey have removed their pitch and dumped the mud and grass behind the Young’s main stand.Eagle-eyed fans spotted the mound of turf, which is taking up space in the car park and limiting the number of spaces available for vehicles.Work is ongoing at the ground to install a new pitch, which should be complete by the new season.Grimsby confirmed part of the car park would be closed during the renovation. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Car park notice!”Due to ongoing maintenance work at Blundell Park, limited parking is available onsite.”For supporters planning on visiting the Ticket Office or the end of season clearance sale, there is ample street parking available around the ground.”Grimsby are preparing for their fourth consecutive season in League Two next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey narrowly missed out on the play-off places this term, finishing ninth, two points behind Chesterfield.Grimsby also resurfaced the pitch in 2022 following promotion from the National League to the EFL.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms More

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      Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponents

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      FORMER Premier League side Oldham Athletic are on the cusp of an EFL return after a thumping 3-0 victory at York City.They became the first team to have competed in the Prem, of which they were a founding club, to drop into non-league when their 115-year stay in the EFL ended in 2022.Oldham are nearing an EFL return after years in the wildernessCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThey thumped York City 3-0 to seal their spot at WembleyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans invaded the pitch as the goals flew inCredit: X/ DAZN_NationalLgThey also flooded the field after full-timeCredit: The SunNow Micky Mellon’s side are only one game away from League Two after booking their place at Wembley for the National League play-off final on June 1.Only 24 hours earlier York boss Adam Hinshelwood, whose team finished second on 96 points, a whopping 23 ahead of Oldham, was celebrating his son Jack scoring the winner for Brighton over Liverpool.But he was brought back down to earth with a bang as they suffered heartbreak on home turf.York gifted Mellon’s men the lead when goalie Harrison Male’s poor pass to Alex Hunt was pounced on by Joe Garner, and the veteran drilled home from outside the box. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVimal Yoganathan left the hosts with a mountain to climb with a low strike shortly after half time.And moments later Oldham stuck another dagger through the heart of the Minstermen.Joe Pritchard made it three with a near-post header to spark a pitch invasion from the away end.It is now back to the drawing board for Hinshelwood and his shell-shocked squad.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThough Mellon, chasing a sixth promotion as a manager, and Oldham can start planning for their crunch trip to the capital.They’ll face the winners of Wednesday’s showdown between Forest Green Rovers and Southend United.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by securityBoth their meetings this season ended 2-2.But something will finally have to give in their biggest game of the campaign so far. More

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      Man Utd legend agrees deal to manage in non-league after dismal season saw him relegated from EFL

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes will manage in the National League next season.The 61-year-old has agreed to remain as Carlisle United boss following the club’s relegation from League Two.Carlisle United have been relegated to the National LeagueCredit: AlamyMark Hughes is staying on as managerCredit: RexHughes thanked supporters in an official statement, which read: “I’m thrilled to be staying at the club.”Since joining back in February, the support I’ve received from the fans has been exceptional – thank you.”I hope to see more of the same next season as we aim for an immediate return to the EFL.”Carlisle chief Tom Piatak added: “Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His leadership, composure, and connection with the players was clear, and we’re confident in his ability to lead us forward.”Hughes’ relegation to the fifth tier comes just six-and-a-half years after he was managing Southampton in the Premier League.He has been in charge of Wales and six top-flight sides during his lengthy career in Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR and Stoke.But Sparky has been in League Two since his initial shock return to the dugout with Bradford in 2022.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThough he lasted just 18 months at Valley Parade before being sacked.Managing in the lower leagues in England does not bother Hughes, exclusively telling SunSport: “I have no ego.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”Back in his playing days, Hughes starred for the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona. Bayern Munich and Chelsea.He won two Prem titles, three FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup in a glittering seven seasons at Old Trafford.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham release FIFTEEN players including former Premier League star just weeks after promotion

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have released FIFTEEN players just weeks after the club’s promotion to the Championship.Tom Brady’s ruthless side acted decisively after breaking the all-time EFL points record with 108 on their way to winning in League One.Part-owner of Brimingham City Tom Brady has released 15 players after winning promotionCity won automatic promotion from League One on April 8Credit: PAFormer Premier League star Grant Hanley has been released following the end of his six-month dealGrant Hanley and Lee Myung-Jae – who both joined the club in January – have been released following the expiration of their contracts.Scotland defender Hanley, 33, made 79 appearances in the Premier League across spells with Blackburn and Norwich City.While Luke Harris, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies have returned to their parent clubs following respective loan spells.Boss Chris Davies has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe brutal sword saw TEN youngsters axed and told to find other clubs.Ben Beresford, Junior Dixon, Taylor Dodd, Laiith Fairnie, Harley Hamilton and Josh Home will all leave this summer.Joining them out the door are Femi Olofinjana, Sahid Kamara, Stoyan Pergelov and Oliver Sayer.Meanwhile, long-serving striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has retired from football following nine years and 358 appearances for the Club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBirmingham said: “We thank each player for their efforts during their time at Blues and wishes them every success in their future careers.”The club were keen to keep Rangers star Davies on a permanent basis, but a deal with the Scottish side couldn’t be met.Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough Teams often let go of players after a promotion to upgrade their squad for the higher league, manage finances, and create space for new signings.Fellow newly promoted side Wrexham also released a hefty amount of their squad after each of their three back-to-back promotions.Wrexham’s latest cull saw owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney say goodbye to eight players who helped them climb the ranks.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.Local lad Jordan Davies, Mark Howard, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall will all miss out on Championship action too. More