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      Major overhaul to EFL promotion and relegation proposed as league gives plan unanimous backing

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      THE NATIONAL League has urged EFL clubs to back a promotion and relegation switch.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.A major change to the EFL’s promotion and relegation system has been proposedCredit: HandoutBromley won promotion to the EFL via the National League play-offs last seasonCredit: GettyNational League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.READ MORE EFL NEWSPearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.  “In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.  “An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below.  We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe top SEVEN clubs in the current National League table are ex-EFL clubs, with another six who have been in the top four tiers further down the standings.He added: “We have been consistently told that the EFL support our 3UP position in principle but are reluctant to progress any changes whilst they are consulting with the IFR and Premier League regarding their own redistribution of football income.  EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex “However, we believe the campaign goal is vital to the overall health of the game and the government’s objectives – therefore it should be as high on the agenda as any other matter this year.“Rick Parry, the EFL Chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.” More

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      Wrexham reveal plans for new 5,500-capacity Kop stand with incredible pictures showing off unique design

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      WREXHAM have revealed plans for their new Kop stand.Plans have been in place for several years to give the STōK Cae Ras stadium a revamp.Wrexham’s new Kop has been designed by PopulousCredit: GettyIt pays homage to the city’s terracotta historyCredit: GettyIt will have a capacity of 5,500 with potential to be increasedCredit: GettyThere is a hospitality section and player facilitiesCredit: GettyIt will feature two dragons as seen on the club crestCredit: GettyThe Kop could be ready before summer 2026Credit: GettyThe old Kop was knocked down in January 2023 and replaced with a temporary structure, but a new stand is finally on the way after a couple of setbacks including planning permission being denied by the council on environmental grounds.Designed by world-renowned firm Populous, who worked on Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the new stand will embody Wrexham – the city and the club.It will have a 5,500 capacity with potential to increase further, and includes safe standing.There will also be accessible seating, hospitality and include player and official facilities, so fans will be able to welcome their team onto the pitch through a player tunnel in the stand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt will also be built in compliance with Uefa Category 4 stadium requirements, which means it will be able to host European Under-19 Championship matches in 2026, with the tournament hosted by Wales.Wrexham state the design of the stand will amplify noise created by supporters and it will be high enough for fans to see it from the city centre.The exterior pays tribute to the city’s “Terracottapolis” nickname, with the brickwork reminiscent of the red brick used in the local are.It will also feature two dragons carved into the brick, representing the two dragons on the Wrexham crest.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMichael Williamson, Wrexham CEO, said: “The new Kop Stand marks a special moment in the history of the STōK Cae Ras, allowing us to restore the traditional four-sided enclosure of the stadium, providing new and improved facilities and experiences for our fans and visitors to the stadium alike.“The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham – rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks. Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city giving it a true sense of place.“The stand reflects the key role the football club can play in the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the city through its role in the Wrexham Gateway Project.“The upgrading of facilities to meet UEFA Category 4 specifications are central to our wider vision of bringing international sport back to Wrexham and the benefit this will bring to the local community of hosting these events in North Wales.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former Premier League star, 41, sacked by Carlisle after just 25 games as they release blunt 56-word statement

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      A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games.Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015. Mike Williamson has reportedly been sacked as Carlisle boss after just 25 gamesCredit: GettyBut after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, he has been relieved of his duties.That is despite being allowed to make 12 signings in the January transfer window including former Magpies team-mate Paul Dummett.Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.Carlisle said in a brief 56-word statement: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.”The club will give a further update in the coming days.”That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.Fans chanted “out, out, out” as Williamson trudged down the tunnel.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd they got their wish with his dismissal as the club face back-to-back relegations. Williamson left his role at MK Dons in September to take over from Paul Simpson at Carlisle. Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersSimpson was in charge when they were relegated last season and oversaw three defeats in the club’s first four league games of the 2024-25 campaign. Mark Birch was interim boss for three weeks before the deal was struck with MK Dons for Williamson’s arrival. However, the ex-Wolves, Wycombe and Watford centre-back struggled to make the impact he wanted in Cumbria.In his 25 games in the dugout, Williamson managed just five wins, six draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of a mere 20 per cent. That included a nightmare run of five defeats out of six in 2025. Williamson started his managerial career with Gateshead as player-manager in 2019. He led the Tynesiders to promotion from the National League North before a 14th-place National League finish and a run to the FA Trophy final in 2022-23.Williamson left Gateshead sixth in the National League when he joined MK Dons in October 2023 but missed out on promotion in the play-offs last term. READ MORE SUN STORIESWilliamson made 134 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring one goal and keeping 33 clean sheets for the Toon Army. He was even named the Toon’s Player of the Year in 2013-14 before finishing his playing days by dropping down through the EFL and into non-league. Mike Williamson racked up 134 Prem appearances for NewcastleCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Non league club offer fans free pie and hot drink for making 530-mile round trip… but only NINE show up

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      SOUTHEND offered travelling Fylde fans a free pie and hot drink at their match but only nine supporters showed up.The Shrimpers climbed to 11th in the National League table with a 2-0 win that leaves Fylde in the relegation zone.Only nine Fylde fans made the trip to the seasideThe Lancashire club have struggled this season and few were willing to travel the 530-mile round trip to watch their side in action.The nine that did were treated to a complimentary pie and hot drink.Southend said the gesture was a “token of appreciation for their dedication on a cold Tuesday night in January”.Fans praised the offer and those who travelled south to support their team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “I just love this. Doesn’t matter whether your club is big or small passion is passion regardless of the distance.”Another added: “To watch non league football absolutely outstanding effort 👍”A third wrote: “Proper fans 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”And another commented: “Give em all lifelong season tickets.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSouthend are now just three points off the play-offs as they bid to win promotion back to the EFL.They were relegated from League Two in 2021 and have finished eighth and ninth in their two seasons in the National League.Kaka bursts out laughing as he tells brilliant story about Ronaldo’s cheeky comment to Ancelotti More

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      EFL clash dumped from Sky Sports schedule as they decide NOT to show it anymore at barely two weeks’ notice

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      SKY SPORTS have dumped an EFL clash from its coverage at barely two weeks’ notice.The broadcaster has dropped the scheduled showing of Blackpool’s match against Burton Albion.Sky Sports dumped an EFL clash from its scheduled programmingCredit: AFPBurton Albion’s home match against Blackpool will no longer be shown on Feb 6Credit: GettyThe broadcaster has instead opted to show Tottenham vs LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe Premier League Darts also starts on the same eveningCredit: GettyThe two sides were set to meet on Thursday, February 6 at 8pm in a League One fixture.The match was set to be played at the Pirelli Stadium with Burton currently struggling near the relegation zone.However, the match has now been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8 and will kick off at 3pm.The decision was made as Sky Sports have opted to show other events instead.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Liverpool and Tottenham and the Premier League Darts first night are both set for that date.This means the match will no longer be broadcast on television for fans.Blackpool confirmed the change with a statement in which it claimed the late move was “not ideal”.It read: “The Seasiders match against the Brewers at the Pirelli Stadium will now be played on Saturday 8 February, kick-off 3pm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The Sky Bet League One fixture was originally scheduled to be played on Thursday 6 February, with kick-off at 8pm. This was due to Sky Sports choosing the fixture to be broadcasted live on Sky Sports Football.”However, with other sporting events now taking place on the same night, Sky Sports will now no longer televise the fixture between Pool and the Brewers.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”Whilst moving the fixture at this late stage isn’t ideal, the club’s number one priority is ensuring as many fans can attend as possible and the club alongside Burton Albion have agreed moving the fixture back to Saturday at 3pm will provide more fans with the opportunity to attend the game.”The Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and anyone who cannot attend the new date will be able to claim a full refund from the Ticket Office.”Fans were not happy with the late change as they reacted on social media.One blasted: “Re-arranged things. Sorted work for Thursday. Booked something else for Saturday. Looks like I’m missing this one.”A second commented: “Sky messing fans up.”A third wrote: “Rearranged everything so now I’m missing this, such a joke.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

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      WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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      I’m a football fan – I’ve spent £5,000 building a six-seater stand in my garden to watch my favourite team

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      FOOTIE fan Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fence — even though tickets are £7.Ian, 64, launched the six-week project when he saw a grandson straining to get a better view of Barnoldswick Town in action.Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fenceCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunIan went viral during Barnoldswick Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury, pictured in front of his homemade standCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunHe said: “There’s a 12ft drop [over the fence] so I decided to build a structure where he could watch safely.”Ian has a bit of experience — he owns an architectural metalwork company whose customers have included Manchester United.He went on: “I started off by just building a platform but then I put my engineering head on. It’s got a steel sub-frame, wooden deck floor, panelled sides, a roof and toughened glass on the front.”And he and his family can now watch North West Counties League Premier Division games from seats he sourced from Burnley FC when the Championship club had an upgrade.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIan added: “Most people don’t see me sat there but some of the away supporters sometimes look at me in bewilderment. It’s a great position to watch football.”The fan, whose company until recently sponsored one Barnoldswick FC’s stands, asked the club’s chairman before building the stand.This week a photograph of Ian sitting in his stand during Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury went viral.Fan Mat Anderson posted: “Welcome to non-league football. Bloke with his own stand in his back garden at Barnoldswick.”Most read in FootballBarnoldswick Town currently sit 15th in the North West Counties League Premier Division, where admission to home games is £7 and a season ticket costs £90.Ian and his company Metalcraft Engineering have experience helping build football stadiums, with his firm previously working on Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground and will soon begin installing architectural metalwork at Everton’s new £800m stadium.tunning apartment inside Arsenal’s former Highbury stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former gloryIan’s view of the pitchCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The Sun More

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      Fans say Sheffield Wednesday ‘should be shut down’ after serving £5 Philly cheesesteak as MLS side ask ‘what is this?’

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      FANS demanded Sheffield Wednesday “be shut down” for their attempt at serving a £5 Philly cheesesteak.And the experts in America could not believe what they had witnessed from Hillsborough.The Philly cheesesteak on offer at Sheffield Wednesday was blasted onlineCredit: Jam PressPopular X account Footy Scran posted the shocking photo online on Wednesday night before the 2-2 draw with Bristol City.The caption simply read: “Philly cheesesteak at Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) – £5.”But it was the accompanying picture that did the damage – and left users aghast.The so-called Philly cheesesteak included two almost-grey dry slabs of questionable meat, some crusty unmelted cheese, a couple of stray peppers and an unappetising bread roll. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFooty Scran put out a poll asking if the food counted as “scran” or “no scran”.Unsurprisingly from more than 23,000 votes, a whopping 88 per cent voted “no scran”.And it led to a wave of hilarious responses – including some who did not even know what or who Sheffield Wednesday are. One said: “Proof that whatever Sheffield Wednesday is, it should be shut down. Or at least get a visit from Gordon Ramsay!”Most read in ChampionshipBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother wrote: “That’s a hate crime.”A third added: “Bro I’ve had prison food that looks better than this.”Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession A fourth typed: “Can you not share photos like this when I’m eating. Ruining my dinner.”A fifth joked: “Looks like a lung transplant.”A sixth replied: “I would not let my dog eat that.”A seventh quipped: “Is that tree bark?”An eighth commented: “Looks like it came out of a time capsule…”And even MLS club Philadelphia Union got involved – clearly defensive about their local cuisine.They simply asked: “What is this lol.”Sheffield Wednesday are not the only English football team to come under fire for their far-from-Michelin-star stadium catering. Alfreton Town’s chips, mushy peas and gravy left plenty to be desired.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Northampton Town’s pathetic excuse of a hot dog left some fans suggesting the tin foil it came in looked more appealing.Doncaster Rovers, however, got it spot on with their sumptuous Chippy Tea Butty complete with a fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce. Northampton’s hot dogs did not go down wellCredit: X @FootyScranDoncaster impressed with their stunning fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce buttyCredit: @drfc_official More