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    Bizarre EFL Trophy draw sees two clubs from same city separated into Northern and Southern regions

    THE EFL Trophy draw bizarrely saw two clubs from same city separated into Northern and Southern regions. Clubs from League One and League Two and some Under-21 sides from the Premier League join the 64-team tournament.EFL Trophy was won by Peterborough last yearCredit: GettyAll enter from round one and are split into 16 regional groups of four teams, half in the Northern and the remaining in the Southern. The 16 invited U21 teams are placed into their respective Northern and Southern regional groups. And the 48 EFL Clubs are also placed into pre-determined groups.But eyebrows were raised when Nottingham Forest’s U21s were put in the Northern group. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is because Notts County were sectioned in the Southern side – despite the teams being just half a mile away from each other. One fan said: “EFL Trophy Group stage draw has #Notts County in the Southern draw It has Forest in the Northern draw. “The stadiums are 300 yards apart.”Another added: “And Notts are the more northernly club.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne agreed: “And Notts County is the Northern of the two.”Another joked: “Just to make it even more ridiculous, Notts County are further north.” The EFL Trophy was won by Peterborough United, who beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 to scoop the £100,000 prize. Tartan Army begins mass exodus from Germany as thousands of Scotland fans head home after Euro 2024 heartbreak More

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    Kevin Campbell death updates — Tributes pour in as beloved Arsenal and Everton star dies aged 54

    TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of former Arsenal and Everton star Kevin Campbell.Confirming the star’s tragic passing, Arsenal wrote: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.”Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”Meanwhile, Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.“Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Kevin Campbell’s trailblazing career
    Kevin Campbell began his long career in football at Arsenal.
    He made 213 appearances for the North London club between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.
    In 199, he would move to Everton, where he became the club’s first black skipper.
    Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before finishing off his career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.
    He called time on his career in May 2007 after the Baggies released him following their relegation from the Premier League.
    In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.
    He holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.
    Copy linkCopiedWho did Kevin Campbell play for?
    Kevin Campbell played for several clubs during his career, such as Arsenal, Everton, Nottingham Forest as well as representing the English national team.
    Throughout his career, Kevin also had loan spells at other clubs, including a brief period at Leicester City.
    After retiring from professional football, Kevin remained involved in the sport as a pundit and commentator.
    Copy linkCopiedWho is Kevin Campbell’s son Tyrese?
    Tyrese Campbell is a professional footballer who plays as a forward.
    He was born on December 28, 1999, in Cheadle Hulme, England and is the son of former footballer Kevin Campbell.
    Just like his father, Tyrese has carved out his own path in professional football and is regarded as a promising talent on the field.
    Copy linkCopiedEngland’s touching tribute
    The official England national team has honoured Kevin Campbell following his passing aged 54.
    Sharing a snap of the late striker, they wrote: “We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54.
    “Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s.
    “Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends and loved ones.”
    We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54.Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s.Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/KyGsRgcXii— England (@England) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedMore tributes pour in
    Tributes have continued to pour in for Arsenal and Everton star Kevin Campbell.
    Campbell’s Nottingham Forest teammate Mark Crossley said: “Life can be so cruel at times.
    “Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest team mate Kevin Campbell’s passing.
    “A true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun loving guy.
    “Thoughts are with all his family and friends. RIP mate.”
    Paying tribute, Piers Morgan said: “What incredibly sad news. Top player, and a great guy. RIP.”
    Copy linkCopiedTony Adams remembers ‘goal machine’ Kevin Campbell
    Arsenal icon Tony Adams has shared a heartwrenching tribute to Highbury legend Kevin Campbell.
    Sharing snaps of their time playing together, he wrote: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.
    “An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.
    “Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”
    Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. Love you Super Kev, Skipper 💔🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ZJ6f57yK2b— Tony Adams (@TonyAdams) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedHeartbroken fans pay tribute to Everton and Arsenal star
    Football fans from across the globe have come together today to pay tribute to Kevin Campbell.
    The Arsenal and Everton icon passed away aged 54 after a short battle with illness.
    Taking to Twitter/X, one heartbroken Toffies’ fan wrote: “A true Everton hero and Gentlemen.
    “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Super Kevin Campbell after the sad news of his passing. Rest in peace, Super Kev.”
    While another supporter said: “Really sad to hear about Kevin Campbell. He started the first game I went to at Highbury and was a real feature of my early Arsenal supporting life.
    “He always came across as an absolute gentleman too. RIP Super Kev.”
    Copy linkCopiedDid Kevin Campbell play for England?
    Kevin Campbell never played for the senior England national team.
    In fact, he holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.
    He did, however, make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.
    Copy linkCopiedKevin Campbell’s career in pictures
    Here are some iconic pictures from Kevin Campbell’s long and successful footballing career…
    Credit: Mark Leech
    Credit: Getty Images
    Credit: PA Wire
    Credit: Allsport
    Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest ‘deeply saddened’
    Paying tribute to Kevin Campbell, Nottingham Forest wrote: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell.
    “Kevin spent three seasons at #NFFC and was part of the side which earned promotion from the First Division as champions in 1998.
    “Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
    Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell.Kevin spent three seasons at #NFFC and was part of the side which earned promotion from the First Division as champions in 1998.Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this… pic.twitter.com/mpHl1AyeTZ— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedTony Cottee ‘devastated’ as Kevin Campbell passes away
    Former West Ham and Everton star Tony Cottee has expressed his heartbreak at the death of Kevin Campbell.
    Writing on X, he said: “I am so devastated to hear the news of the passing of Kevin Campbell The nicest man you could wish to meet and a fantastic player.
    “Thoughts to his friends and family…. RIP Kev.”
    I am so devastated to hear the news of the passing of Kevin Campbell The nicest man you could wish to meet and a fantastic player. Thoughts to his friends and family…. RIP Kev pic.twitter.com/5BR7RVpRi9— Tony Cottee (@TonyCottee9) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedDarren Fletcher pays tribute
    Pundit and former player Darren Fletcher has shared a heartfelt tribute to his friend and teammate Kevin Campbell.
    Taking to X, he wrote: “Absolutely devastated that Kevin Campbell has passed away.
    “He’s been my mate since he joined Forest in 1995 and my colleague on the radio in more recent times.
    “They called him ‘Super Kev’ – cos he was a beloved player. But he was Super Kev because he was a super bloke RIP mate.”
    Absolutely devastated that Kevin Campbell has passed away.He’s been my mate since he joined Forest in 1995 and my colleague on the radio in more recent times.They called him ‘Super Kev’ – cos he was a beloved player. But he was Super Kev because he was a super blokeRIP mate💔— Darren Fletcher (@DFletcherSport) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopied’A true Goodison Park hero’
    Everton have hailed Kevin Campbell as a “true Goodison Park hero” as they pay tribute to the star.
    Taking to X, the Toffies wrote: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.
    “Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.
    “RIP, Super Kev.”
    Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev. 💙— Everton (@Everton) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedPremier League honours beloved star
    The Premier League has paid tribute to Kevin Campbell following his passing.
    Taking to X, the league wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Nott’m Forest, Everton and West Brom striker.
    “Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and those associated with the clubs he played for.”
    We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Nott’m Forest, Everton and West Brom strikerOur thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and those associated with the clubs he played for pic.twitter.com/JkMlgwe8fC— Premier League (@premierleague) June 15, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedKevin Campbell’s trailblazing career
    Kevin Campbell began his long career in football at Arsenal.
    He made 213 appearances for the North London club between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.
    In 199, he would move to Everton, where he became the club’s first black skipper.
    Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before finishing off his career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.
    He called time on his career in May 2007 after the Baggies released him following their relegation from the Premier League.
    In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.
    He holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.
    Copy linkCopiedIan Wright pays tribute to late star
    Ian Wright has shared a series of snaps paying tribute to the late Kevin Campbell.
    The pair played for Arsenal together during the early years of Campbell’s career.

    Copy linkCopiedArsenal confirm star’s tragic passing
    Arsenal has now confirmed the death of Kevin Campbell, aged 54.
    Taking to X, the team wrote: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.
    “Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
    We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.Rest in peace, Kevin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Kiywyo7nTr— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 15, 2024

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    Major change to be introduced to EFL from next season… and fans will not be pleased with it

    FANS of lower-division clubs can stand by for Thursday night football next term.Sky Sports’ new £895million EFL contract includes 248 matches from Leagues One and Two.EFL fixture broadcasting is set to undergo a major changeCredit: REXSome League One and League Two matches will be broadcast on a Thusday nightCredit: REXAnd the broadcasters agreed on a stand-alone Thursday night slot, bringing weekend games forward when no midweek action is scheduled.Championship matches will be mainly screened on Friday evenings and Saturday lunchtimes.The proposed Thursday night fixtures won’t be received well by some fans.Fans wanting to see their team in action on the road now face daunting and late midweek trips.READ MORE EFL NEWSSome may even be forced to take time off work in order to attend the matches.Those who do travel to the evening fixtures may likely also be forced to get hotels for the night due to train schedules.It’s unclear when EFL chiefs will officially announce the implementation of Thursday night fixtures.They have, however, already announced that all three leagues will kick-off over the same weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL clubs will learn their fixtures for the 2024/25 season on June 26Credit: RexThe weekend of August 10/11 will play host to the return of the Championship, League One and League Two.The season will end on May 5, 2025, for teams not involved in the play-offs.EFL club supported by sporting legend set to be saved by mystery US group as buyers scramble to reach agreement in timeThe 46 Championship matches are currently slated to take place over 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four Bank Holidays.Leagues One and Two, meanwhile, will be played over 36 weekends, six midweeks and four Bank Holidays.The play-offs are tentatively slated to take place over the 2025 May Bank Holiday, which will fall on May 24-26.Fans of EFL clubs are patiently awaiting the release of their fixtures for the 2024/25 season.They’ll learn how their seasons will pan out at 9 am on June 26. More

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    Major broadcasting change for Carabao Cup AND EFL games with Sky Sports and ITV set to show games for FREE

    FANS have been given a huge boost with Carabao Cup and EFL games to be shown for FREE.Sky Sports and ITV have reached an agreement that will allow fans to watch free-to-air coverage of the competitions.Fans will be able to watch some of the EFL and Carabao Cup for freeCredit: GettyMore matches will be shown on ITVThe deal will come into place in January 2025 and will commence with the Carabao Cup semi-finals.It will run until the end of the 2026/27 season and ITV will be able to jointly broadcast a select number of games on Sky Sports.The new agreement has been approved by EFL clubs.ITV will be able to screen at least nine Carabao Cup fixtures in total.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis includes one match from each of the first four rounds and one additional fixture from either the third or fourth round.ITV will also be able to show two of the quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final itself.Sky Sports managing director Jonathan Licht said: “This momentous upcoming season of over 1,000 matches from the EFL on Sky Sports+ shows our huge ambition and increased dedication to the EFL and its supporters.”Working with a free-to-air broadcaster isn’t new for us and many of our partners, as we endeavour to help grow and broaden audiences for sports.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”With ITV set to simulcast a select number of matches from the EFL from 2025 alongside Sky Sports full coverage, it means that millions of football fans in the UK will be able to enjoy plenty of action from the Cup and League, boosting the exposure for clubs which is great news for all.”ITV director of sport Niall Sloane added: “This deal brings viewers free-to-air coverage of top-level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular livematches to our highlights shows.Football icons’ strange hobbies”We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action andinsight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”ITV will also be able to show ten matches from the Championship each full season of the deal.The next campaign will only be five as the deal is activated in January.The broadcaster will also have the option to flex the selected matches to League One and League Two. More

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    EFL cult hero makes shock career change as he lands new role at US Open golf in ‘most random thing ever’

    AN EFL cult hero has made a shock career change after landing a new role at the US Open.Portsmouth icon Carl Baker was once a big name in the EFL.Former footballer Carl Baker has now entered the world of golfCredit: ReutersHe will be a caddie for Robert Rock at the US OpenCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 41-year-old starred for clubs like Coventry and MK Dons.But it was at Fratton Park where he really made his name.Baker scored nine goals in 50 games for Pompey.And he even helped them seal the League Two title in 2017.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, after retiring in 2022, Baker has now entered the world of golf.And he is now set for a surprise appearance at the US Open next month.That’s because Baker will be caddying for two-time DP Tour winner Robert Rock.The pair appeared together for Monday’s qualifying event, with Rock sealing his spot at the tournament for the first time in 12 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Baker can’t wait for his time on the green after a whirlwind adventure.He said: “It’s the most random thing ever. I am mates with Rocky and have played with him most weeks over the last year and coached his son. “He played on the European tour for the last 20 years and retired two years ago, but still goes into the qualifiers for the major events.Golfer and girlfriend of Geordie Shore star dubbed ‘John Daly’s long-lost sister’ as she smokes while signing autographs“He’s played at Walton Heath in Surrey for the last 10 or 11 years and never qualified. “I think 95 percent of the 150 to 160 in the field are all tour pros, all massive names and millionaires who do it as a full-time job. “Obviously Rocky doesn’t play much anymore, just once a week socially, so he hasn’t got a caddy.“So I said to him that if he’s thinking of playing in the US Open qualifier to let me know because I’d caddy for him. “He said that would be great so we went down on Monday and played two 18 holes on the same day.“We went there with zero expectations and I was just buzzing to be on a top golf course in this country and inside the ropes with all these players I am used to watching on the telly, so it felt a bit surreal being in the clubhouse with all these top golfers everywhere.“Rocky turned up and didn’t even have a practice round, every player had yardage books so they know how far the flag is and where the bunkers are etc. “They are something like £70 each for these books so we were just winging it.“The player we were playing with – a full-time pro on the European Tour – was laughing and joking about Rocky qualifying, and then he chipped in off the bunker on the 16th and went to nine under, which is where he finished.“We were walking back and there were Sky Sports cameras and hundreds of people following us. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was 20 yards behind him carrying his bag and people were coming up to me and congratulating us and telling us to enjoy America.”I hadn’t got a clue what was going on. It was the first time I have ever done it and hadn’t got a clue what I was doing.” More

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    Watch Neil Warnock’s incredible announcement video as EFL legend lands new job after leaving Aberdeen

    NEIL WARNOCK has revealed his return to football for non-league outfit Torquay in an incredible announcement video.Warnock, 75, announced his retirement from the sport only last month after a short spell in charge of Aberdeen.Neil Warnock has revealed his return to football for non-league outfit Torquay in an announcement videoCredit: @tufc1899Warnock announced his retirement last month after a short spell in AberdeenCredit: PABut the Sheffield tactician is set to return to Torquay as a football advisor following the club’s takeover, where he has been advising a fan-led consortium.And to announce his comeback the Devonshire club posted a video of Warnock alongside new manager Paul Wotton.The clip shows both Warnock and Wotten sitting on deck chairs on a pier in rainy Torquay overlooking the sea.The veteran boss told the Plymouth legend, “There is a job up the road if you fancy it?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo which Wotten replied: “Is there? 100%”And the Gulls fans are over the moon to see the pair take charge of the club. As one said: “Love it! Now work your magic fellas.”While another added: “Great stuff!! Onwards and upwards.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third fan then put: “Class, love this.”Warnock will return to the club 31 years after he saved Torquay from relegation from the Football League by winning three of his nine matches in charge.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players The experienced boss’s managerial career spans over five decades and managed at 16 different clubs with successful spells for the likes of Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.Within English football, he holds the record for the most promotions, with eight, and the most games as a professional manager, with 1626, beating the previous record of 1601.And now he looks to revamp the National League South outfit who were saved from extinction by the Bryn Consortium, which is made up of local businessmen.The group consists of Torquay fans Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson.Clubs Neil Warnock has managed

    1980-1981 Gainsborough Trinity
    1981-1986 Burton Albion
    1986-1089 Scarbrough
    1989-1993 Notts County
    1993 Torquay United
    1993-1995 Huddersfield Town
    1995-1997 Plymouth Argyle
    1997-1998 Oldham Athletic
    1998-1999 Bury
    1999-2007 Sheffield United
    2007-2010 Crystal Palace
    2010-2012 Queens Park Rangers
    2012-2013 Leeds United
    2014 Crystal Palace
    2015 Queens Park Rangers (caretaker)
    2016 Rotherham United
    2016-2019 Cardiff City
    2020-2021 Middlesbrough
    2023 Huddersfield Town
    2024 Aberdeen (interim) More

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    EFL ‘wants major change to play-off finals after being left frustrated by Wembley’

    EFL chiefs have been left frustrated by Wembley Stadium and the Metropolitan Police over the kick-off times of their showpiece events.The national stadium is set to host the Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals later this month.Wembley is set for a busy month of matchesCredit: RexThe former is set to kick off at 3pm on Sunday, 26 May.While Bolton will face Oxford for a place in the second tier at 4:15pm on Saturday, 18 May.And Crawley will take on Crewe in the League Two play-off final a day later, kicking off at 1pm.According to the Mail, the EFL are frustrated that their finals are not being allowed to kick off at later, “more coveted” times.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNext month’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will kick off at 8pm on Saturday, 1 June.While the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Chelsea was allowed to start at 5:15pm last month.February’s Carabao Cup final, meanwhile, kicked off at 3pm.The national stadium has hosted the EFL’s play-off finals since 2007.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn exception was made in 2011, when Wembley hosted the Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona.That year the EFL found an agreement to have the Championship play-off final under the arch.EFL club supported by sporting legend set to be saved by mystery US group as buyers scramble to reach agreement in timeBut the League One and League Two showpieces were moved north to Old Trafford.This year’s Championship play-off final will see either Southampton or West Brom take on Leeds or Norwich.Both semi-final first legs finished 0-0 on Sunday afternoon.Leeds will host Norwich at Elland Road on Thursday evening for a place at Wembley.Before Southampton welcome West Brom on Friday.Leeds drew 0-0 with Norwich at Carrow RoadCredit: RexWest Brom and Southampton played out a 0-0 stalemate on Sunday afternoonCredit: PA More

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    Just one EFL team left to have never played at Wembley after Crawley demolish MK Dons in League Two playoffs

    ONLY one EFL team will be left to have never played at Wembley after the League Two play-off final this month.Crawley are one of just two EFL teams to have never played at the famous stadium.Crawley booked their place at Wembley with an 8-1 aggregate win over MK DonsCredit: GettyBut that is set to change after they booked their place in the play-off final with an astonishing 8-1 aggregate victory over MK Dons in the semi-final.Crawley backed up their 3-0 win in the first leg with a dominant display at Stadium MK, as striker Danilo Orsi scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 thrashing. Once Crawley line up at Wembley that will leave just one other EFL club as the odd one out – Accrington Stanley.The League Two minnows have come close to the hallowed turf previously, but lost in the play-off semi-final to Stevenage in 2011 before AFC Wimbledon in 2016.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrawley will play Crewe at Wembley for a place in League One next season.The Railwaymen also pulled off a surprise result as they overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg to win on penalties.Crewe goalkeeper Max Stryjek was the penalty shoot-out hero and fans loved his underhand tactics.Before the shoot-out kicked off Stryjek threw away a water bottle belonging to the Doncaster goalkeeper which contained instructions for each penalty.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd it had a positive effect as Donny keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala did not save a single spot-kick.Stryjek only joined Crewe on an emergency loan deal in April but could play a decisive role in their promotion bid, with Lee Bell’s men facing Crawley at Wembley on May 19.EFL club supported by sporting legend set to be saved by mystery US group as buyers scramble to reach agreement in time More