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      Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update

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      BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway.All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removedCredit: https://x.com/BlackpoolFCThere are changes being made to this historic groundCredit: GettyThis stadium used to host Premier League games back in the dayCredit: STEVE ALLENThe upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club’s Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans.The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform.The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer.Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade.New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system – both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades.Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch.He said: “I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS “I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I’m assured has at least another 20 years of life.“While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren’t building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won’t have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction.“The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road.“As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home.“When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex.“This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities.“With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been.“For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success.“I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.”Read More on The SunBlackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs.They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign. More

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      ‘Not by choice’ – Former Premier League star, 38, claims he’s being forced out by Wrexham in emotional statement

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      STEVEN FLETCHER claims he’s being forced to leave Wrexham after their promotion to the Championship.It comes as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney oversee a staff shake-up ahead of their return to the second tier.Steven Fletcher has announced he is to leave Wrexham this summerCredit: GettyThe former Stoke striker helped fire the Dragons to a third successive promotionCredit: GettyFormer Burnley striker Fletcher credited the Welsh side with helping him “fall in love” with football again.Fletcher has scored 15 goals in 71 games since joining Wrexham in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old netted crucial goals this season – mostly off the bench – to help fire the club to the second tier. But he announced on Thursday he is being released – and it was “not by choice”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFletcher wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!”In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club.”I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!”Wrexham achieved a third-straight promotion as they finished second in League One behind runaway champions Birmingham. Most read in FootballIt continued a remarkable rise for the club since being bought by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney in the National League four years ago.Fletcher continued: “To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.”It’s not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.”You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.”SunSport has contacted Wrexham for comment.’The worst part’Co-owner McElhenney said on social media that exits such as Fletcher’s were “the worst part” of ownership. Wrexham’s success has been built on ruthless decision-making behind the scenes, with a high turnover of personnel expected this summer. McElhenney added: “They are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire”.Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was “slightly in awe” of Fletcher “on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game”.He continued: “Now, after two glorious years in his company, I’m even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Read More on The Sun”[He’s a] man who’s given me moments of joy that’ll last a lifetime.”It was announced yesterday that fan-favourite Mark Howard is also leaving the club. More

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      ‘I cannot thank you enough’ – Wrexham legend thanks Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he announces departure

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      WREXHAM fan-favourite Mark Howard has announced his exit from the Welsh club after helping them climb the Football League.Howard, 38, confirmed his exit from the Racecourse in an emotional statement on social media – thanking Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for bringing him to the club.Mark Howard has announced his exit from WrexhamCredit: instagram @markhoward.1The goalkeeper thanked Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in an emotional statementCredit: RexHoward joined Wrexham in 2022, helping the club secure promotion into the Football League as the first choice goalkeeper alongside former Premier League star Ben Foster.While he has had a smaller role in recent seasons, losing his starting spot to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham have earned another two successive promotions from League Two and League One.Howard, who is nicknamed Chomp, featured just 11 times in League One last season and will depart ahead of the Red Dragon’s return to the Championship.In a statement revealing that he isn’t planning on retiring just yet, he wrote: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the three-peat. Back-to-back-to-back. I say tongue in cheek.”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally a huge thank you to these two amazing people. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.”Wrexham stars were quick to pass on their well-wishes to the experienced shot-stopper.Elliot Lee wrote: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you old man”.While Andy Cannon added: “One of the best. What a man”.Steven Fletcher posted: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life big man.”And Wrexham director and comedian Humphrey Ker wrote: “Farewell to a man who never let us down and always lifted us up. One of the greats. The Chomp.”Howard, who previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Blackpool, leaves Wrexham having made 58 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets for the club.Read More on The SunHe could be the first of many to leave on the expiration of their current deals at Wrexham as the club look to bring in more talent to compete in the Championship next season.Wrexham are yet to release their retained list, however a number of players are set to run out of contract – including former Scotland international Steven Fletcher.Wrexham earned promotion into the Championship this seasonCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is out of contract in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      EFL club set to SACK third manager in 12 months while former boss is flying high in Europe

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      HULL CITY are set to sack their third manager in 12 months after reports suggested they would give the boot to boss Ruben Selles.Selles, 41, has been in charge of the team since December.Hull are set to sack manager Ruben Selles after narrowly avoiding relegationCredit: GettyThe club managed to avoid relegation from the Championship on goal difference after a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on the final day.But following their narrow survival, club chiefs have opted to go into next season with new leadership as first-team coach Tobias Loveland and joint-assistant James Oliver-Pearce are also set to leave, according to The Telegraph.The Spanish boss, who was relegated from the Premier League with Southampton in 2022/23, won just nine of his 28 games in charge of the Tigers while drawing eight and losing 11.His imminent exit means Hull will now be looking to appoint their fourth manager in a year and the fifth under owner Acun Ilicali.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports in Turkey suggest the businessman previously spoke to close friend and football legend Arda Turan about his future, with the ex-Barcelona star currently managing Super Lig outfit Eyupspor – although a move is not currently on the agenda.Instead, the odds on favourites for the job at this stage are former Derby manager Phillip Cocu, ex-Leicester boss Steve Cooper and Tayfun Korkut, formerly of Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin.Selles was the successor of caretaker boss Andy Dawson, who was in charge for two games following the departure of Tim Walter in November.The German was appointed into the role in July of last year and lasted just 18 games after winning a mere three times while also picking up six draws and nine defeats.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLiam Rosenior was the last boss to last more than half a year at the MKM Stadium, departing in May last year after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.The decision to sack him came down to a difference in football philosophy, according to Ilicali, who wanted to play attacking football.Hull City captain and his teammate brother ‘in brawl on nightclub dance floor’ – as club issues statementFormerly the assistant to Wayne Rooney at Derby before he became interim manager when the ex-Manchester United star resigned in June 2022, Rosenior now manages Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.The French outfit, owned by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly as part of the BlueCo group, are in the fight to qualify for European football next season.They currently sit sixth in France’s top flight, level on points with fourth and fifth placed Nice and Lille, with Nice currently occupying a Champions League qualifying spot.The final game of the season commences this Saturday, with Strasbourg facing 16th place Le Havre while rivals Nice face top half side Brest and Lille take on 14th place Reims.Sun Sport exclusively revealed earlier this month how Hull captain Lewie Coyle, 29, was involved in a street brawl outside a pub in the city centre.A local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It all happened yesterday at around 8pm in town in Hull in the city centre.”I was just on my way home when I saw lots of people fighting. At the time I wasn’t aware it was Lewie Coyle – I saw him being pushed by his brother.”The witness said the bus came to a stop as Rocco Coyle guided his brother across the road by putting both hands on his chest.Lewie walked backwards away from the scene to the other side of the road as two women walked with them.The source added: “The bus stopped because it was starting in the middle of the street.”They were fighting right in the middle of the road so the bus was blocked. This bus and the other side of the road were both blocked.”Read More on The SunA club statement on the incident said: “Hull City is aware of a video currently circulating on social media and has launched an investigation into the matter.”The club will refrain from making further comment until the investigation has been concluded.” More

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      EFL club in major stadium update amid ambitious plans to nearly DOUBLE capacity

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      EFL club Stockport County have announced plans to expand their stadium.The plans were first made public in 2022 and the club have since undergone a consultation period with the local community.Stockport County have announced plans to expand Edgeley ParkCredit: Stockport CountyThe Railway End will be converted to seatsCredit: Stockport county FCThe capacity of the ground will increase from 10,852 to around 18,000Credit: Stockport county FCStockport will work on three stands in multiple phasesCredit: Stockport county FCThe South Stand, right, could increase in size to sit 5,500 fansCredit: Stockport county FCNow the League One side have unveiled projected images of what the upgraded Edgeley Park could look like.Stockport want to increase the capacity of the ground from 10,852 to around 18,000.The revamp will see an initial 600 seats added to the North Stand, with the Railway End behind the goal to be increased from a capacity of 1366 to around 4500.Work on the two stands could begin this year, while the South Stand could be developed later to sit 5,500 fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew hospitality, food and beverage facilities will also be built as part of the expansion.Once that work is completed, the western side of the North Stand could be expanded to fit in an additional 600 seats.Plans for the new Edgeley Park aim to improve accessibility for disabled supporters and make the stadium more environmentally friendly.Stockport plan to produce a true community stadium with “access to a wide range of spaces” for locals.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNon-executive chairman at Stockport County Ken Knott said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward plans for the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park to create a true community stadium.”We know just how much the ground means to the fans and local community, it has been at the beating heart of Stockport for over 120 years. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder”Ultimately, we want to ensure that the stadium matches our level of ambition so it can continue to provide a first-rate home for the Club and the local community for many years to come.”Following our first round of consultation in 2022, we took our time to review and reflect upon the feedback we received, and we have developed our plans accordingly. “We want to ensure our plans for Edgeley Park provide our fans with the best possible matchday experience, whilst also remaining sensitive to our neighbours and providing the people of Stockport with a range of high-quality new community spaces.”This is a very exciting time for the club as we continue to go from strength to strength, both on and off the field. “We have outlined our ambition to reach the Championship, and we have already taken great strides towards reaching this goal over the past two seasons. “Ultimately, we believe that the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park is crucial in order to support the continued growth of the club and provide a platform for further success.” More

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      Former Arsenal wonderkid and nephew of Red Dwarf star left unemployed aged 24 after he’s released

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      FORMER Arsenal wonderkid Tyreece John-Jules has been released by Crawley.The striker left the Gunners permanently last year and penned a one-year deal with the Red Devils.Tyreece John-Jules has been released by League One side CrawleyCredit: RexThe striker spent 15 years at Arsenal before leaving in 2024Credit: Getty – ContributorBut he struggled for form in front of goal this season as Crawley were relegated from League One.John-Jules, 24, made 27 appearances in all competitions but failed to find the net.He is now on the search for the third permanent club of his career, having previously spent 15 years at Arsenal after joining aged eight.John-Jules has made 80 appearances at League One level, in loan spells playing for Lincoln, Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich and Derby County.READ MORE IN ARSENALHe also played for Blackpool 11 times in the Championship, again failing to score.After that he helped Ipswich and Derby in their promotion campaigns from League One, although a serious hamstring injury cut short his spell at the Rams.Crawley shared their gratitude towards the players leaving the club and wished them well for the future, with Sonny Fish and Jasper Sheik also let go.John-Jules was previously highly thought of at Arsenal but failed to make a senior appearance in six years after signing professional terms in 2018.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe did make 58 appearances for the Gunners’ Under-23 and Under-28 teams, scoring 35 goals, and was part of the U18s side that finished runners-up in the 2018 FA Youth Cup.John-Jules is also the nephew of actor Danny John-Jules, who is best known for playing Cat in comedy show Red Dwarf.Danny John-Jules, top left, was a star of hit comey Red DwarfCredit: AlamyChampionship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms More

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      Transfer deadline given shock new time as Premier League and EFL strike landmark agreement

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      THE summer transfer window will close four hours earlier than usual.But fears that Prem clubs could be exposed to losing players after incoming business ends appear to have been eased.Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham on deadline day last yearCredit: RexRaheem Sterling was a very late loan addition for ArsenalCredit: GettyPrem and EFL chiefs, with the agreement of clubs in both leagues, have agreed that signings or paperwork will have to be lodged by 7pm on September 1.Clubs who send a notice to register players will still have two hours to complete any deals between English clubs and allow them to play for their new sides.For signing from overseas, there will be an additional two hours to complete all the paperwork.The move from the 11pm closure is viewed as a way of preventing club staff and administrators having to burn the midnight oil well into the early hours when late-agreed deals are pushed through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome clubs voiced concerns that it could leave them open to the risk of losing players to major European clubs in the time frame between the English window shutting and the closure of the markets elsewhere.But it is understood that discussion about “harmonisation” across major leagues has been productive.The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents the majority of domestic competitions throughout the continent, is keen to get alignment.European Leagues would ideally see the markets close BEFORE the start of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlthough it is accepted that such an agreement, while preferable in the future,  is not feasible at this stage.Another argument in favour of the early closure is that Fifa have already allowed the window to open early.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThere is a 10-day transfer opportunity between June 1 and June 10 ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.The formal window will then close again until it reopens on June 16, shutting on September 1, while the winter window will run from January 1 to February 2. More

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      ‘The situation is grim’ – Iconic EFL club facing financial oblivion after major issues ‘effectively shut us down’

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      ACCRINGTON STANLEY have confirmed they are facing a “grim” future amid serious financial problems.Stanley finished the season 21st in League Two – just two places above relegation.Accrington Stanley confirmed they are facing a “grim” futureAccrington Stanley are dealing with a dire financial situationBut even though Accrington remained in the EFL, they are still facing some dire economic issues that forced them to close their academy last week.The club also lost its stadium’s live music licence – except on matchdays due to repeated noise complaints.Now the Reds’ chief executive Warren Eastham has issued a serious warning about the cub’s situation and accused the council of providing nothing but “empty words of support”.This comes after Stanley owner Andy Holt announced he would be stepping down last month.Read More on FootballHolt also accused the authority of a “vendetta” due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites built in contravention of planning permission.This situation puts the iconic club, who rose prominence thanks to an unforgettable milk advert in 1989, in a situation where they face financial oblivion.Eastham’s statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service read: “Since joining the club in August last year, I have been in ongoing discussions with the council.“I’ve made numerous phone calls, attended meetings, sent emails, and submitted countless support requests to both the council and their officers. Yet, despite all this, nothing meaningful has come of it. Most read in Football“I will, of course, gladly accept the meeting—one I’ve both requested and attended many times before. I’ve done my best to bring reason to the table, but all I’ve received in return are empty words of support.“What we need now is action, not platitudes. I’ve warned repeatedly about the risks of Andrew Holt walking away, and now what do we have – a letter.“I’ve been given a year to make the club sustainable but this cannot be achieved with temporary fixes. We need real, lasting change. This is a club that lost £1 million in the 2023/24 season, a deficit covered entirely by Andrew Holt.“The 2024/25 season was only balanced thanks to the Liverpool FA Cup draw, but that money is now gone and the mounting costs from the summer remain. The situation is grim: the academy’s March figures revealed a significant financial loss.’Broken promises’“April shows no improvement, worsened by steep increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage across the club, including the players. Right now, Accrington Stanley has no revenue stream until July.“The ongoing issues with planning, noise abatement, and licensing have effectively shut us down.“Now, with the council’s statement out in the public domain, I truly hope this marks the beginning of meaningful collaboration to safeguard the future of this fantastic club.“Let me be clear: the closure of the academy is down to one thing only – a lack of income and mounting financial losses. Andy’s position is clear: he will fund the club to a £250,000 loss next season, but no further.Read More on The Sun“After years of broken promises and a lack of appreciation for the £6million he has invested in this club over the past decade, he has reached his limit. This club belongs to the town and its fans. I will work tirelessly to ensure its future is secure.“Accrington needs Accrington Stanley, and I am determined to see us through this challenging time.” More