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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

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      EFL play-off finals to kick off one minute later than scheduled as part of ‘truly groundbreaking’ campaign

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      EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire 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.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More

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      Carlos Baleba has gone from personal tragedy to Premier League star in three years as Brighton ace targets Ballon d’Or

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      CARLOS BALEBA isn’t just here to make up the numbers, he’s chasing football’s ultimate individual prize and wants to leave an indelible mark on the game.The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder is full confidence and charm as he reveals his dream of getting to the top of world football from his home in Hove after inviting me over for an interview. Carlos Baleba has wasted little time in settling into the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBaleba is the latest midfielder being linked with a move away from BrightonCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba was born in the same town as Samuel Eto’o in CameroonCredit: AFP Baleba is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or, and says praise from Declan Rice and inspiration from Rodri’s success have convinced him it’s possible.He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me.“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri. “I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult. “He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”Baleba is already making waves with his performances. The Cameroonian is the only midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register 30+ tackles, 30+ interceptions, 30+ clearances, 30+ take-ons, and 30+ aerial duels won, a stat line that shows just how complete his game is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis stock is rising fast, and he’s already been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City and Manchester United. But for now, Baleba is focused on developing and not paying attention to the rumour mill.Brighton players in tunnel post match after beating Bournemouth 2-1He said: “Yes, I can get to the very top of world football.“But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded.”The Brighton star’s journey is nothing short of remarkable so far. Just three years ago, he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future. When he finally got his breakthrough move to Lille, tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was sudden and quick. It’s a pain that still drives him.Baleba spent just a season in France before Brighton made their moveCredit: GettyHe revealed: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”The Premier League is the dream destination for many young African players, but Baleba warns it’s not for the faint-hearted.“The intensity,  if you don’t run, you cannot play in the Premier League. That’s the truth. You have to be willing to put in the hard work.”What makes Baleba stand out isn’t just his football, it’s his effort to adapt to a new culture and language.His English is still a work in progress, but he’s proud of the steps he’s taking to settle in,  even if the British weather isn’t always his cup of tea.“I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I’m allowed to say that!.“But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time.”Read More on The SunBrighton will be hoping Baleba can continue his meteoric rise, following in the footsteps of midfield stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Moises Caicedo.All arrived as unknowns but left as stars. The Cameroonian might just be the next one off the Seagulls’ midfield conveyor belt, and if he keeps dreaming big, he could go even further. More

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      Former Championship club win promotion to National League as fans go wild after nightmare decade

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      SCUNTHORPE UNITED have been promoted back to the National League after a two-year absence. The Iron saw off Chester in a pulsating National League North playoff at Glanford Park on Sunday. Scunthorpe fans invaded the pitch after beating Chester 2-1 on SundayCredit: XDaniel Whitehall and Connor Woods both found the net as the game ended 1-1 and headed into extra time. Scunthorpe’s Carlton Ubaezuonu proved to be the hero, smashing in the winner in the 105th minute. The goal sparked wild scenes of jubilation amongst a fanbase starved of success over the past decade.The Iron were in the Championship as recently as 2008 but have endured a dramatic slide down the pyramid in recent years. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey fell out of the EFL in 2022 after financial issues almost saw the club go bust.Scunthorpe continued to slide and dropped to the National League North a season later.Sunday’s promotion is their first since 2014 when they finished second in League Two. Thousands flocked onto the Glanford Park pitch to celebrate, with the game coming a year after heartbreak on penalties against Boston United.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLocal businesswoman Michelle Harness saved the club in October 2023, with boss Andy Butler paying tribute after the win.Butler, a former Scunthorpe player, told the BBC: “It’s brilliant. I’m excited for Michelle… for everyone who has brought the club back to life. Leeds on track to win TWO trophies in same week ahead of final day of Championship season”For the players, the fans, the town. It was a tough, tough game.”Chester gave everything they had. I said [Ubaezuonu] would score goals – and he’s got the winner.”It was a team effort. We got a lot of players going through the pain barrier. We had to dig deep.”I’m so chuffed for the whole town.” More

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      Man Utd legend releases EIGHT players including Newcastle fans’ favourite, 33, after EFL relegation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes has released eight players at Carlisle including a former Newcastle star.Hughes was appointed manager of the Cumbrians in February but was unable to prevent them being relegated from League Two.Mark Hughes has released eight players at CarlisleCredit: GettyPaul Dummett is among the players let goCredit: GettyThe veteran boss penned a rolling contract and is in talks to stay on for next season.And he has overseen the departure of eight players as Carlisle look to start afresh in the National League.The biggest name to be let go is Paul Dummett, who joined Carlisle in January and played three games.Dummett, 33, left Newcastle last summer after making 213 appearances for the Magpies.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarlisle have released seven other players – Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela.While two players have been offered new deals – Matthew Dennis and Kadeem Harris.SunSport exclusively revealed in April that Hughes would be open to sticking with Carlisle in the fifth tier.Hughes couldn’t prevent relegation but oversaw a huge upturn in form.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won the same number of matches in his 18 in charge as Carlisle did in their 32 games previous this season.Carlisle is Wrexham-born Hughes’ ninth managerial stint, having bossed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and most recently Bradford. More

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      Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want it

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has been named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at Manchester United for the fourth time, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. However, the United captain has urged his team-mates to raise their performance levels next season, because he doesn’t want to win it again under the same circumstances.Bruno Fernandes has been special even if others have failed to keep upCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain has grown into his roleCredit: GettyRegardless of who has been the manager at United Bruno has excelledCredit: AlamyFernandes made headlines not for his on-field prowess, but for his humility in accepting the award.The award, voted for by fans, recognises individual excellence, but Fernandes said he would prefer it if others raised their game and challenged him for the honour.The 30-year-old midfielder shared what he had told some of his team-mates.He said: “The main thing I want and I was even joking with Josh [Zirkzee] the other day.READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS “We were talking about the awards, and they were saying, ‘Oh, who’s going to win Player of the Season?’ They were kind of joking about it.”And I said that I hope next year I’m not even in the conversation, even if I have the same season I had this year and that I’m not involved in winning that trophy.”Because that will mean you step up, Amad will step up, Garnacho will step up, Rasmus will step up.”If they start scoring goals, providing assists, running back, and tackling, then they’ll be the ones getting the attention, not me.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”And I’ll be the happiest person in the world.”I’m here to help my team-mates get the best out of themselves, and that’s all I want to do, because I know that when they’re at their best, the team will be much better.”Sean Dyche wants to manage MAN UTD as he gives Ruben Amorim advice and claims he’d have won more games as bossHis comments reflect a selfless attitude, prioritising team success over personal recognition.United fans have praised Fernandes for his leadership and commitment.One supporter commented: “Bruno’s decision shows true captaincy. He leads by example, always putting the team first.”Another added: “It’s rare to see such humility in a player of his calibre. He deserves the award, but his focus remains on the collective.”A third said: “Bruno is the only player who truly makes me happy at Manchester United.”While Fernandes’ gesture is commendable, it also highlights the challenges United have faced this season. Read More on The SunDespite his individual brilliance, the team has struggled for consistency and his desire for others to step up underscores the urgent need for collective improvement.As the campaign draws to a close, Fernandes and Manchester United will hope to beat Tottenham and win the Europa League-a much-needed consolation in what has been a disappointing season.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More