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      EFL cult hero Gareth Ainsworth ‘plotting shock return to management’ after almost a whole year unemployed

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      EFL icon Gareth Ainsworth is reportedly targeting a return to management.The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving QPR last October.Gareth Ainsworth allegedly wants the Hearts jobCredit: GettyHe was sacked by the Hoops following six consecutive Championship defeats.But now he is seeking a return to management.According to the Daily Record, Ainsworth wants to become the next Hearts boss.The Scottish Premiership side sacked Steven Naismith last week following a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren.Read More in FootballClub officials are now looking for his successor, with Ainsworth among the potential candidates.The former QPR boss has applied for the vacant job and is now under consideration.His statistics will be reviewed by Hearts before the interview process begins.Ainsworth turned down several job opportunities after leaving QPR a year ago.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was understood to be waiting for the perfect role to come around.And he believes Hearts will tick every box.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his stint at QPR, Ainsworth managed Wycombe Wanderers for almost 11 years.He won promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One in 2020.Ainsworth managed 550 games at Wycombe, with a win ratio of almost 40 per cent and he gained a reputation for playing attacking football. More

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      Amazing pictures emerge of former Premier League club’s new stadium which will boast DOUBLE capacity

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      LUTON have unveiled photos of their stunning new stadium that will be double the size of their current ground.Kenilworth Road underwent a refurb when Luton were promoted to the Premier League last year.Luton have unveiled what their new ground will look likeCredit: lutontownA floodlight will stretch around the perimeter of the roofCredit: lutontownAll four stands are separate with hospitality boxes in the cornersCredit: lutontownThe main stand will host a museum, club shop, cafe and ticket officeCredit: lutontownThe exterior has a unique look with the floodlights acting like a haloCredit: lutontownBut that work pails in comparison to the new stadium – Power Court.The Hatters have received approval for their planning application, with the new multi-purpose venue designed to help “regenerate” the town.The new ground will boast 25,000 seats, compared to Kenilworth Road’s 12,056, and will have a unique look.Each stand is different with a Kop-like stand behind one of the goals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are all separate too like a traditional ground, not a bowl like many other clubs have opted for in recent years.That means there is space in each corner for individual box stands, with one appearing to host hospitality boxes.An exterior look at the main stand shows a ticket office, club shop, cafe and a museum.The club hope the stadium, including a hotel and music venue, will be completed within three years.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost striking is the floodlight above the stadium roof that covers the entire perimeter, shining down on the pitch from every angle.The new ground will be situated in the heart of Luton town centre, just over a mile away from Kenilworth Road. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!But in order to go ahead with the build, the River Lea will have to be rerouted, and the council have agreed to the plans.Luton shared photos of the design on social media alongside the caption: “She’s going to be a beauty 😍”Fans seem to agree with one suggesting the stadium “looks incredible”.Another added: “Looks fantastic.”And a third wrote: “That’s absolutely beautiful.”The new ground will be double the size of Kenilworth RoadCredit: lutontownThe River Lea will have to be re-routed to make way for the stadiumCredit: lutontown More

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      Non-league club BOYCOTT new Premier League-backed competition despite qualifying for it as they release statement

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      EASTLEIGH FC have confirmed they will NOT be participating in The National League Cup competition.Yesterday, the Premier League announced they had teamed up with the National League to launch a new cup that they believe will boost elite youth development in this country.The Premier League announced the National League Cup competitionHowever, Eastleigh FC have confirmed they won’t be enteringHowever, Eastleigh have told fans that despite qualifying they won’t be entering.They made their statement across five points.It read: “National League teams currently receive no compensation or protection for our young players, some of whom would feature in this competition. Premier League and EFL clubs simply take these players that have often had many years development at our clubs, something they cannot do to each other.”Providing these clubs with competitive games to then play these players or showcase more of them to be taken under these circumstances is completely illogical.Read more football news”The financial reward for playing in the competition is negligible and is likely to cost the club some much-needed funds.”We don’t believe there is a huge demand for the competition from our supporters or any other National League club.”The fixtures are to be played between October and April which is a time in the season where the club would hope to be competing in the FA Trophy, FA Cup and mounting a challenge for the Play-offs/Promotion and to add more fixtures to this already busy schedule would be counter productive.”The statement revealed that a number of clubs have joined Eastleigh FC’s stance on the matter.Most read in FootballThe club added: “Our clubs are being under-valued, and far too many have not survived in the game when there is more money than ever flowing into it. This needs addressing and this competition increases the huge divide which currently exists.How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsors”This competition which we feel benefits the richest in the game at the expense of the poorest, many of whom are fighting to survive so on balance we feel the right decision for clubs and fans at this level is to withdraw from the competition.”The tournament will help young players from Premier League and EFL clubs gain additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition from the fifth tier.It will also offer the chance for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums.The competition comes with a combined prize of £1million, provided by the Premier League.The amount will be distributed only amongst the National League clubs.Blackburn Rovers, Brighton, Fulham, Leeds, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wolves have been confirmed.They will be joined by Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone and Woking. More

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      Premier League announce brand new competition launching in less than two weeks with hefty prize money up for grabs

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have announced a brand new competition that will boost elite youth development in the country.The Prem has teamed up with the National League to launch the National League Cup.The Premier League has teamed up with the National League to launch a new competitionCredit: GettyThe tournament will help young players from Premier League and EFL clubs gain additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition from the fifth tier.It will also offer the chance for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums.The competition comes with a combined prize of £1million, provided by the Premier League. The amount will be distributed only amongst the National League clubs.Read More on FootballBlackburn Rovers, Brighton, Fulham, Leeds, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wolves have been confirmed.They will be joined by Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone and Woking.The National League Cup kicks off on October 1 with a group stage consisted of four groups of eight.The two best-placed teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League.“The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against First Team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.Best ten new Premier League kits for next season“We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.” More

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      Premier League could be hit by mass referee holidays as officials win landmark court case

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      REFEREES’ CHIEFS have lost the latest round of their courtroom battle with the taxman and it could mean paid holiday for officials.The Supreme Court ruled that the PGMOL must treat part-time refs from League One downwards as employees and therefore provide benefits to go with that.Part-time referees must be paid holiday leave, rule the PGMOLIt means the body which oversees the officials from the Premier League downwards faces a huge bill for annual leave for around 60 referees and assistants.A whistle-blower told SunSport: “This could mean dozens of referees backdating claims for holidays in lieu. “Imagine them all deciding to take the rest of the season off on full pay? “Sitting on deck chairs with nobody to take charge of games in certain areas of the EFL.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt present, referees in the lower reaches of the EFL are treated as self-employed and therefore not entitled to the trappings of permanent employment, although they do get expenses.Referees at this level tend to have other jobs in addition to taking charge of games. While PGMOL provides them with kit and equipment.The battle between PGMOL and HMRC is similar to that in 2021 when multinational online taxi service provider Uber was ordered to treat their drivers as paid employees.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPGMOL won the first round of the legal war. HMRC equalised by winning the second, sending the case to the highest court in the land. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneDespite the ruling by The Supreme Court, PGMOL can still appeal the judgement.The case has been dragging on since 2017 and may run for years.Our whistle-blower added: “And you thought VAR decisions took a long time?”The PGMOL claimed they were only contracted for services and therefore should be classed as self-employed.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Former Premier League star, 33, lands first management job after being left unemployed by 13th club of his career

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      NATHAN DELFOUNESO has been named the temporary manager of AFC Fylde.The former Premier League star was without a club after leaving Hednesford Town.Nathan Delfouneso has taken charge of AFC FlydeCredit: https://twitter.com/Hednesford_TownHe starred for Blackpool during his careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyDelfouneso played for Aston Villa between 2008 and 2014Credit: Dave Pinegar – The SunDelfouneso, 33, has taken charge of the team on an interim basis after manager Chris Beech and his assistant Nick Anderton left the club.The striker will be joined by former Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale goalkeeper Chris Neal in the dugout.They will be preparing the team for their National League clash against Southend on Tuesday night.Fylde are currently 23rd in the division, having won just once in their first eight games.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDelfouneso came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa and went on to make 52 appearances for the club, scoring nine times.He left Villa Park in 2014 for Blackpool in the Championship but left after a single year to Blackburn.After a loan at Bury and a stint at Swindon Town, he returned to the Seasiders.During his three-year spell between 2017 and 2020, Delfouneso featured in 125 league games and scored 24 goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDelfouneso left Bloomfield Road again in 2020 and joined Bolton for two years.He then had spells at Accrington Stanley, Flyde, Chorley before joining Hednesford in February earlier this year.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelDelfouneso showed plenty of promise in his youth as he featured for England’s youth teams.He played for the U16s, U17s, U19s and U21s and scored 19 goals in 55 appearances.However, he never earned a cap for the senior Three Lions side.He played for England’s youth teamsCredit: PA:Press AssociationWho are these famous footballers? More

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      I made 110 appearances for Man Utd but I got more joy out of playing for Wrexham and earning £14

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      IT IS the A-list showdown they are calling the League One Clasico — an all-star clash between big spenders with even bigger dreams.A pair of Hollywood giants in Wrexham red against the seven-time Super Bowl champion and NFL legend bedecked in Birmingham blue.Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed WrexhamCredit: GettyThe Red Dragons take on Birmingham in League One, co-owned by NFL icon Tom BradyCredit: AlamyTonight’s third-tier meeting with top-tier interest across America — never mind North Wales and the Midlands — between sides whose recent fight was for survival, not silverware.That was before the silver screen duo of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney rode into Wrexham like the 7th Cavalry — and suddenly the road to oblivion became a path to the Premier League.And then gridiron great Tom Brady became a minority owner in the Brum takeover, as last season’s Championship drop-outs began their own money-no-object march to the top.It has been an astonishing transformation for both clubs and Mickey Thomas, a Red Dragons hero from the days they bloodied noses as cup giantkillers, is loving it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former winger is known to many for the free-kick which helped dump top-flight champs Arsenal from the FA Cup in 1992.Yet before that stunning swansong, there were many more in his first spell at Wrexham.Not least his double in a League Cup triumph at Spurs and a fairytale run to the last eight of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976, before he headed for the big time at Manchester United.And Thomas, 70, was not the only one to move on.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBoyhood pal Joey Jones, a double European Cup winner at Liverpool, is the best known.But plenty more headed to brighter lights. Back then, pre-season tours were to the Isle of Man, not the USA, and the current average weekly wage of £4,000 was more than Thomas earned a year, before his 1978 United move. Inside ‘Little Wales’ some 8,000 MILES from the UK where all the signs are in Welsh & people LOVE WrexhamThat League Cup win over a Spurs side containing Glenn Hoddle was worth £14, plus a crowd bonus of £80.Even at today’s valuation of £620, it is hardly life-changing.But while the rewards for Wrexham’s current unbeaten table-toppers are jaw-dropping, there is no jealousy from Thomas — only delight at progress he hopes will continue.The Welshman said: “I don’t begrudge current players a thing, believe me.“I’m just so happy to see things change for the better.“You’ve got to realise it wasn’t about the money for me.“The dream was to be a player. It was about winning, not wages.“I turned down Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland — all in the top division — because I wanted to play every week. But United were just too big to say ‘No’ to!Now I’m a fan and no one will be happier than me if the current Wrexham team ends up as their greatest everMickey Thomas“But to be honest, although I played 110 games for them, I always felt intimidated as the pressure was awful.“There was no mental health awareness like now and I really struggled to handle it.“That said, of course, there were some really great times as well. But I had more joy at Wrexham than anywhere.“Coming through the ranks with Joey, getting my chance off the manager John Neal, the cup runs, the wins, the laughs…“And although the goal against Arsenal at the end of my career is always mentioned, the best one I ever scored was when we won at Spurs.“I got two in that game that night and one was a half-volley which flew past Pat Jennings and into the top corner.“And when we went down the tunnel at half-time, Big Pat was waiting for me and I’m thinking, ‘Aye aye, what’s going on?’“He had huge hands and he put out his right one to shake mine and said, ‘I’d never heard of you but I think I’ll do so a lot in the future — that was a great goal, well done’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I had nine great years at Wrexham but my time has gone.“Now I’m a fan and no one will be happier than me if the current team ends up as their greatest ever.”Mickey Thomas scored a memorable FA Cup goal against Arsenal in 1992Credit: AlamyThe Red Dragons stars celebrate their FA Cup shotCredit: GettyThomas struggled to enjoy his spell at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportThomas is happy now to watch his former side Wrexham as a fanCredit: Getty More

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      EFL minnows ‘to pocket FOUR TIMES more money if they LOSE to Chelsea’ as integrity of Carabao Cup called into question

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      EFL minnows Barrow are reportedly offering their players FOUR times more money to LOSE to Chelsea than if they record a shock Carabao Cup win.And the stunning revelation has called into question the integrity of the competition.Barrow are reportedly offering players £1,000 in a bonus to lose to Chelsea – or £250 to winCredit: GettyThe Premier League giants are the heavy favourites against their League Two opponentsCredit: EPALeague Two Barrow were handed a dream draw away at Stamford Bridge in round three of the domestic cup after beating Derby on penalties in their previous tie. But now according to The Telegraph, the match has raised concerns. The newspaper claims Barrow’s bonus schedule shows the players would receive £250 if they somehow secured a victory in West London on September 24.However, they are set to bank a whopping £1,000 each if they lose the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis therefore could imply a significant additional reward for defeat – and the possibility of incentivising underperformance, even if last season’s runners-up Chelsea are the heavy favourites. The EFL declined to comment but it is thought the organisation spoke to the Bluebirds to clarify an explanation – even though the bizarre bonuses do not appear to break any specific regulations. SunSport also understands the bonus sheet contained errors and has since been rectified – with the club wanting to reward their players for playing a top-tier team with an appearance fee, rather than offering a ‘bonus’ for losing. Bonuses must be agreed between the club and its players before being submitted to the EFL before the start of the season – but the EFL do not have jurisdiction over them. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is reported that Barrow’s players will receive £250 each for any wins in rounds one to five of the Carabao Cup.Even winning the final at Wembley would only bank the players an extra £1,000. National League boss ‘loses plot’ in outrageous rant at OWN FANS as supporters call it ‘best post-match interview ever’However, the deal also offers £1,000 if they lose to a Premier League club from round three onwards – and £750 for defeat to a Championship side. In the FA Cup, things are far simpler.Barrow have agreed to pay out £400 for a round-one win, then £800 for round two.By round three and beyond, that figure increases to £2,625 per win per player.Again, defeat to a Premier League team would ensure a £1,000 bonus – and £750 if a Championship club knock them out.Barrow are currently third in League Two after an impressive start to the campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir three wins and a draw from five matches has Stephen Clemence’s side on ten points – two behind leaders Doncaster. SunSport has contacted Barrow for comment. Barrow beat Derby on penalties in the previous roundCredit: Getty More