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      Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clash

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      GRIMSBY were aided by a SEAGULL during their clash with Port Vale after the bird deflected a long ball into the path of their player.In the 26th minute, a Grimbsy defender received the ball from a throw-in and hammered it upfield.A long ball by a Grimbsy defender led to a bizarre moment in the 26th minuteA seagull deflected the ball into the path of a Grimsby playerIt continued the home side’s attack as they benefited from the seagull deflectionAs it rose in the air, a seagull swept across the pitch and collided with the ball.Fortunately for Grimsby, it deflected the ball perfectly into the path of one of their players who controlled it before clipping a pass further forward.The moment went viral on social media with many reacting to the bizarre incident.One said: “What a pass by this seagull 🤣🤣.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Great flick on to be fair to the lad.”A third replied: “Chelsea have just bid £5million.”While a fourth responded: “The seagull has been more influential than Man Utd’s midfield.”And a fifth joked: “Can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke though?”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThree minutes after the seagull interference, Grimsby took the lead through Cameron McJannet.Doug Tharme and Jason Daoi Svanporsson extended the hosts advantage late on as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Port Vale.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’The result lifts Grimsby up to fifth in League Two, level on points with Port Vale in fourth. More

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      Controversial EFL team’s old stadium and former home of national side is now headquarters of Network Rail

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      THE home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network Rail.In it’s heyday, 9,000 fans would fill the stadium every week – but before all of that it housed England’s national hockey team.The home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network RailIt was once the National Hockey stadium before it was demolished in late 2009The stadium was previously used by England hockey between 1995 and 2003But housed the contentious EFL side for four years between 2003 and 2007The old multi-purpose ground was leased by a club that was going through one of the biggest changes in modern football history.It temporarily housed MK Dons, who were in League One at the time, between 2003 and 2007 – during the EFL side’s gigantic move away from London.MK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation to League Two and promotion back up again during that four year stay.In summer 2007, the Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, near Bletchley, leaving the hockey digs without a tenant. READ MORE FOOTBALLIt was unused for two years and, in late 2009, demolition began in preparation for the redevelopment of the site into a new Rail HQ, which became operational in July 2012.MK Dons were formed in 2004 following the controversial relocating of Wimbledon FC.Back in the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.However the iconic, but dreaded ground, no longer met the all-seater requirements for Premier League stadiums by 1991.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation and promotion at the stadiumOwner Sam Hammam couldn’t afford the renovations and sold 80 per cent to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.Wimbledon were forced into ground sharing with Crystal Palace from 1991 to 2003 before Wrinkleman relocated 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire with the permission of the FA.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionMillions of fans were appalled when the club had to abandon their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge and colours by 2004.Many supporters walked away and formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league club, who are currently pushing for promotion in League Two.During that time, the club played home matches at Kingsmeadow – which is now the home of Chelsea FC Women.AFC Wimbledon returned to their spiritual home on Plough Lane to the Cherry Red Records Stadium a few hundred yards away from the original ground in 2020.MK Dons relocated to the Stadium MK in 2007A groundshare with rugby league side London Broncos began in 2022.MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon continue to share a unique, but bitter, with the latter refusing to recognise the former.AFC were charged for failing to call MK Dons by their proper name in a pre-match programme when they both sat in League One in 2017.No collection of football’s most memorable teams could ever be complete without mention of the rise of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.The notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ brought together a group of players who went from the fourth division to the top-flight in four consecutive seasons.And, most memorably of all, the Wombles lifted the FA Cup after Lawrie Sanchez scored the Wembley winner against all-conquering Liverpool in the 1988 final.But the old First Division’s most famous Cinderella story had a dark side.Vinnie Jones and the rest of the Crazy Gang were famous for their wild antics both on and off the pitchThe team’s work hard-play hard-tackle harder approach to football made them intimidating for opponents.And the fear factor spread within the team’s own dressing room.Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and John Fashanu told BT Sport a tale of vicious beatings, endemic brutality and even arson.“I saw players actually cry from the abuse – physically break down and cry,” said ex-defender Terry Phelan.Jones backed up those words saying: “We were a lot of misfits, a lot of throw-outs, a lot of not-wanteds.”You either grew a backbone very quickly or you dissolved as a man.”Jones was often identified as the ring leader, but he claims that the tough culture was already well established by the time he signed in 1984 and that Wally Downes really ran things. Meanwhile, Wrinkelman sold MK Dons to a Kuwait-based consortium led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim in August this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinkelman oversaw the club’s promotion up to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.MK Dons currently sit below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.MK Dons’ first stadium was the home of England hockeyThe National Hockey Stadium was demolished and replaced by a Network Rail building in 2012 More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now a Morrisons supermarket after ground saw disastrous back-to-back relegations

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      IT’S been a tale of hope to despair and back again.In 1990, a West Midlands club, that once played host to Liverpool great Alan Hansen, left their stadium after 94 years following back-to-back relegations down the footie pyramid.A current EFL club was forced to leave their iconic ground in 1990The stadium was called Fellows ParkThe site is now occupied by a Morrisons supermarketBut anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a Morrisons supermarket.Relocation plans were put in place after a perimeter wall collapsed during a League Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool in 1984.In fact, Liverpool captain Graeme Souness joined in the rescue by memorably carrying an injured child to safety before the Reds won 2-0.In truth, by 1989 Fellows Park had seen better days before it was demolished in 1991.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEven by that decade’s standards, the toilets were the stuff of legend.The Hillary Street roof flapped in high winds and showered fans with rusty water during matches on wet days.The ground was home to Walsall – who currently sit top of League Two and are odds on to go up.But in 1990, Walsall had dropped from the second to the fourth tier, in fact finishing bottom of the table each time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Saddlers are one of only seven clubs to have suffered relegation in both of their final two seasons before moving home.By the time the last game at Fellows Park came around it was certain that Walsall would start life at Bescot in Division Four.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundThe site was situated next to a railway line but now hosts one of the four big supermarketsIn their final campaign at Fellows Park they sacked John Barnwell as manager in March and brought former Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw for the last three months, but it was too late to save them.Despite its shortcomings, however, for Walsall’s 6,000 or so regular fans Fellows Park was home.Walsall’s record home attendance was when 25,453 fans flocked in to watch them play Newcastle in the Second Division on 29 August 1961.And the new ground at the Bescot Stadium was anything but a high-end product in 1989.Walsall fans were sorry to leave Fellows Park – but in truth, it was falling apart by 1983In fact, owner Terry Ramsden was effectively shifting them to a brownfield site underneath the M6.Walsall’s current digs were built in 1989–90 by GMI Construction, with a reported build cost of £4.5m.It was opened on 18 August 1990, by Sir Stanley Matthews, prior to a friendly against rivals Aston Villa in front of 9,551 spectators. Matthews was the inaugural winner, and first English player, to win the Ballon d’Or in 1956.But the arrival at the Bescot Stadium saw some stability brought back to the club as it was taken over by Jeff Bonser in 1991.Kenny Hibbitt managed the Saddlers for four years, setting the groundwork for a golden era that would follow soon after his dismissal in September 1994.New manager Chris Nicholl led the club to promotion back to the third tier in his first season.And Bonser only left Walsall in 2019, as current owner Leigh Pomlett acquired his 76 per cent majority stake.Ironically, in 2024, the ground was renamed the ‘Poundland Bescot Stadium’ for sponsorship reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESA reminder of Fellows Park remains in the Bescot ground, in the name of the H.L. Fellows Stand.Harry Leslie Fellows was a club director during the 1930s.Liverpool legend Alan Hansen played at Fellows Park in 1984 when a wall collapsedIts record attendance was 25,453 spectators in 1961 More

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      Former EFL and international star, 35, victim of brutal assault and rushed to hospital after suffering fractured skull

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      AUSTRIA international and former EFL footballer Guido Burgstaller has been rushed to hospital after an alleged savage attack left him with a fractured skull.It’s feared he will never play again after the attack in the streets of Vienna. Guido Burgstaller has been taken to hospital following an alleged assault on SundayCredit: GettyBurgstaller played for Cardiff in 2014Credit: GettyA statement from his club side Rapid Vienna announced that the 35-year-old had been the victim of a physical attack on Sunday.Burgstaller, who has been capped 26 times by Austria, is said to have suffered “significant head injuries”.The attack took place in the city centre in view of witnesses.Burgstaller had announced he would be retiring next summer, but Rapid now fear he will not play for them again following the shocking attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement said: “Burgstaller was immediately examined and treated in detail in a Viennese hospital. “Unfortunately, he will have to spend the coming days there and the fact is that he will not be able to practice his profession for several months.”SK Rapid wishes its deserving player a speedy and uncomplicated recovery and trusts in the responsible authorities that the hitherto unknown perpetrator will be brought to justice quickly.”Burgstaller has played 203 times for the Austrian side, scoring 69 goals and adding 41 assists across two spells at the club.Most read in FootballHis second spell began in 2022 after he joined from St. Pauli.Burgstaller also played for German clubs Schalke and Nuremberg and had a short spell with Cardiff in 2014.He joined the Bluebirds straight after their relegation from the Premier League before departing in January 2015, having scored one goal in five games. He was suspended for the club’s most recent league game against RB Salzburg, but did star in their midweek Europa League clash with Omonoia.His last international cap came in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Azerbaijan in October 2023.The club statement added: “We ask you to respect the privacy of Guido Burgstaller and his family. “If there is any news in the next few days, SK Rapid will announce it in consultation with its medical department and Guido Burgstaller. “SK Rapid will of course fully support Guido Burgstaller on his way to a complete and hopefully quick recovery.”A statement from Schalke on social media said: “S04 is sickened by the news of the assault on Guido Burgstaller.”Our thoughts are with you and we wish you all the best for a speedy recovery, Burgi.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFK Austria Wien said: “This news is shocking and affects us deeply.”We wish Guido Burgstaller all the best and a full recovery!” More

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      Elon Musk told which EFL club he should buy if he wants to follow Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady into English football

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      ELON MUSK has been urged to buy an EFL football club.The X owner, 53, is now said to be worth more than £300bn ($400bn).Elon Musk is worth more than £300bnCredit: ReutersRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney co-own WrexhamCredit: PATom Brady co-owns Birmingham with majority owner Tom Wagner, leftCredit: GettyMusk has previously joked that he will buy Manchester United.But football financial expert Dr Rob Wilson feels that the multi-billionaire should emulate the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady by looking further down the pyramid.Per RDG Today, Wilson said: “If Elon Musk wants to get into football club ownership, Cheltenham Town are an extraordinarily interesting prospect, particularly to the US market.”Millions of people in the US love British culture, particularly quintessential Middle England and the Cotswolds where Cheltenham is based.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’ve got these beautiful rolling hills in the background, you’ve got the racecourse so there is a really powerful story and a powerful narrative at a club like Cheltenham.”They are up and coming and could be a great prospect.”Cheltenham Town currently find themselves 13th in League Two.The Robins were relegated from League One last term, having struggled for several years to maintain a spot in the third tier.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMusk has been urged to buy Cheltenham TownCredit: PAHollywood A-lister Reynolds, 48, has enjoyed incredible success with Wrexham.Alongside It’s Always Sunny star Rob McElhenney, Reynolds has helped Wrexham climb from the National League to League One.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAThey now find themselves in a promotion battle with Birmingham City, who are owned by American Tom Wagner, with NFL icon Tom Brady possessing a stake.Wrexham were watched by Hollywood superstar Channing Tatum at the Racecourse Ground yesterday, with the actor joining pal Reynolds at the game.Elsewhere, A$AP Rocky has been linked with a shock swoop for Tranmere Rovers.While another financial expert has tipped Kim Kardashian and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to move for EFL clubs.Kim Kardashian has been urged to purchase an EFL clubCredit: GettyA$AP Rocky has been linked with Tranmere RoversCredit: Splash More

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      Title-winning memorabilia of Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham being sold for staggering £100,000 on eBay

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      WREXHAM promotion-winning memorabilia was reportedly being sold on eBay for £100,000.The Red Dragons have enjoyed back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Memorabilia from Wrexham’s last two promotions was reportedly put on eBayCredit: PAThe listing seemingly featured three match-worn shirts and two medalsCredit: EBayThe price increased from £40,000 to virtually £100,000Credit: eBayTheir return to League Two in 2023 ended their 15-year absence from the EFL. The fairytale story has attracted a wave of interest on both sides of the Atlantic due to the American links – thanks in no small part to the popular Disney+ doc Welcome To Wrexham.And, according to the Daily Mail, one unnamed Wrexham player was offering a superfan the chance to get their hands on the ultimate signed goodies.It is claimed a private seller, called “2013goods” had placed three Macron match-worn red home Wrexham shirts up for sale on eBay. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those were seemingly from last season – with one signed by the squad – while the third was from the previous campaign.Alongside the shirts were two medals – one with the Vanarama ribbon from the National League title success and the other with the SkyBet branding from their League Two promotion when they finished as runners-up. The private seller, who allegedly has sold 81 items with a 100 per cent positive rating, described the listing: “This is an amazing opportunity for football fans to own a piece of history. “The owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney Wrexham AFC Official Promotion Medals 22/23 23/24, along with the match jerseys and signed top, make this a must-have for any collector of sports memorabilia.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”This unique item is perfect for fans original piece signed by the players themselves. “The memorabilia includes signed shirt, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of football history.”I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester The Mail report adds that the items were initially put up for sale for £40,000.However, it was then said to have been bumped up to 1p shy of £100,000 with a delivery charge of £13.35 on top of the six-figure sum.It is claimed 54 eBay users were watching the listing that was only available as a “buy now” option and no bidding auction. However, the post is unable to be found by the public and the Mail claim it has ended.But the report does not state whether the unavailability is because the items were purchased for the £99,999.99 price or if the listing was removed and deleted by the seller. Wrexham could be on course for a hat-trick of successive promotions this season.They currently sit third in League One, just two points behind leaders Wycombe and one off Birmingham. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds oversaw the return to the EFL after 15 yearsCredit: GettyIt is unclear who was selling the items and whether they were bought or the listing was deletedCredit: AlamyWrexham are looking to make it three promotions on the bounceCredit: PA More

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      English manager SACKED by EFL club in shock move with fans left in disbelief as 84-word statement released

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      DES BUCKINGHAM has been SACKED from role as Oxford United manager.The Championship strugglers confirmed his exit on social media.Des Buckingham has been sacked by Oxford UnitedCredit: GettyBuckingham, 39, helped the club get promoted from League One after being appointed last season.However, his time in charge of the club came to an end following the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield on Wednesday at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.A statement read: “Oxford United can confirm that Des Buckingham has left his role as men’s first team head coach.”Des was appointed in November 2023 and led the club to promotion to the EFL Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2023/24 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record its thanks to Des for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”The appointment of a new head coach will be confirmed in due course.”Fans have been left in disbelief over Buckingham’s departure from the club.One posted: “You’ve lost your minds.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Not impressed with that.”A third commented: “Completely unexpected but got to see who the next guy in is and support them.”Football teams that controversially changed their badgeA fourth said: “Well, that’s ruined my enthusiasm for this season. We must have an incredible name lined up as a replacement. Otherwise, we’re going to look silly.”Another added: “Well that’s a decision I can’t get my head around.”Oxford’s last win under Buckingham came in the 1-0 victory over Hull City on November 5.Since then, the club has lost five of six matches, including a 6-2 drubbing by Middlesborough.In October he was forced to have medical attention after the draw with Derby County.Who are these famous footballers? More