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      First EFL relegation of 2024-25 CONFIRMED as former Man Utd Class of 92 star-turned-boss guides team to drop

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have been relegated to League Two – without kicking a ball on Good Friday. The Shrews’ ten-year stay in League One ended after Burton Albion drew 0-0 with Exeter City. Michael Appleton’s Shrewsbury are headed to League TwoCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder only joined the club last monthCredit: RexShrewsbury have been rooted to the foot of the third tier for much of the season. Even if Burton had lost, they knew they would have to win all four of their remaining matches to have any chance of staying up.Current boss Michael Appleton only took charge last month after the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth.Ex-Wycombe boss Ainsworth had stepped into the hot seat in November after Paul Hurst left the club. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he has since joined League Two Gillingham, leaving the door open for Appleton to relaunch his managerial career. Shrewsbury are currently up for sale with several potential investors interested.Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Talks have been really positive.”I’m enjoying my time here and I’m enjoying the interactions I’ve had with all the staff and the players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m hoping that an agreement will happen over time.”We seem to have a good response from the fans, which is probably the most important thing, and I’m very encouraged by the talks we’ve had.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAppleton, 49, had been out of work since January 2024 after leaving Charlton Athletic. The former midfielder played for Manchester United, Preston and West Bromwich Albion before going into coaching in 2011.Over a 14-year career in management, he has also been in the dugout at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln and Oxford. More

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      Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough

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      TOM BRADY and Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner have come under fire for their actions after Peterborough beat their side at Wembley. Birmingham were denied a historic league and cup double as Darren Ferguson’s Posh upset the odds to lift the EFL Trophy with a 2-0 win on Sunday.Birmingham City were denied a League One double after losing to Peterborough at WembleyClub owner Tom Wagner and minority co-owner Tom Brady watched onBut the directors have been criticised for giving a bizarre team-talk to the Birmingham City players who were collecting their runners up medalsThe squad were forced to take directions from Wagner and Brady at full-timeThe Blues were promoted back to the Championship on Tuesday night – ironically after a 2-1 win against Peterborough – and won the League One title without kicking a ball on Saturday when Wrexham drew at Wigan.Minority owner and NFL legend Brady was at Wembley to congratulate the team on their immediate promotion at the first time of asking, and was hoping to see them add another trophy to an impressive season.With 47 points separating the sides in the League One table and Birmingham having already beaten Peterborough twice this season, the odds seemed stacked against the Posh.But Birmingham were shocked to find themselves 2-0 down after first half goals from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, while most of their 50,000 travelling fans clapped the players as they climbed the steps to get their runners-up medals, viewers at home called out Wagner for his “cringeworthy” actions.Wagner and Brady were spotted giving a lengthy team-talk to the Birmingham squad up in the stands before they collected their medals, while the winners were waiting to grab theirs.Many thought it wasn’t their place to get involved and that player instructions should always come from the manager.Reacting to a video on X, one fan raged: “What an embarrassment he (Wagner) is.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Can you imagine getting smashed and then having to listen to these two about football?”A third noted: “Do it in the dressing room. Only doing this because Tom Brady is there and the camera’s are out.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWhile another said: “It’s so self indulgent to hold them up there whilst the winners are waiting.”One more wrote: “Show respect to the winners. Let them have their moment of glory. So cringey to watch.”Peterborough – who have never lost at Wembley and became the first club to retain the EFL Trophy – were indeed waiting to collect lift the trophy.And for a team that has scored 100 goals in all competitions, Chris Davies’ Blues side offered little going forward and were limp in attack. Peterborough became the first club to retain the EFL TrophyBut others thought Wagner and Brady were only supporting the team and giving them a morale boost after a fantastic campaign.One fan said: “I would imagine he’s saying something along the lines of ‘we’ve won the league, probably going to break the points record’.”While Troy Deeney said on comms: “Brady and Wagner know they’ve lost because they’ve not put the best foot forward.”And I think that’s what Wagner is saying to them now. He’s just saying ‘remember this feeling of losing because that’s going to carry you forward’.”Spending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995.Read More on The SunThe Blues are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103.The club’s emphatic season will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary. More

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      ‘He’s been s***housed so so hard’ – Moment EFL stars celebrate in face of devastated ace who scored last-minute own-goal

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      THIS is the devastating moment Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute OWN GOAL winner for a 5-4 scoreline – prompting rival Swindon players to celebrate in his face.The stunning moment occurred at the end of a brutal League Two clash between the rival sides.Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute own-goal against SwindonCredit: EFLThe goal handed Swindon a stunning 5-4 winCredit: EFLSwindon’s players celebrated in Shepherd’s faceCredit: Rob NoyesBradford had already shipped a 90th minute goal, sending Swindon back on level terms at a mind-boggling 4-4.But there was more drama to come as the game entered its final stages.As a loose ball went in, Bradford defender Shepherd got a foot in.However, the ball took a crazy deflection and ended up sailing into his own net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShepherd collapsed to the floor in agony as Swindon’s players began celebrating.But instead of partying amongst themselves, a number of them ran over to Shepherd before screaming in his face while jumping up and down in jubilation.This then prompted a scuffle between players before the referee blew the final whistle.The devastating goal saw Bradford fall three points off League Two leaders Port Vale.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to react on social media.One said: “He’s been s***housed so hard.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother declared: “What did bro do.”One noted: “Game’s never been more back.”Another added: “This is so peak.” More

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      ‘We are f***ing massive’ say fans as EFL club’s 2024-25 promotion season will be subject of new Amazon Prime documentary

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY’s emphatic League One promotion will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary.The Blues have bounced back to the Championship at the first attempt under Chris Davies. Birmingham City sealed promotion on Tuesday night with a win against PeterboroughCredit: RexAmazon cameras have been following the team throughout the campaignCredit: RexSpending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995. American chairman Tom Wagner and minority owner Tom Brady dug deep to target an instant return to the Championship. The gamble has paid off, with the Blues running away with the league.And Amazon Prime cameras have secretly been with them every step of the way. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBirmingham secured promotion on Tuesday night after a 2-1 win against Peterborough. And the club confirmed two days later that a documentary has been in the works since last August. A press release said: “[The doc will go] beyond the day-to-day football operations and explore the unique cultural heritage of Birmingham City, as well as a supporter base who have remained loyal despite a sustained period without success or silverware. “The documentary will shine a spotlight on this community’s resurgence, illustrating how the football club plans to drive its transformation.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBirmingham are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103. And delighted supporters couldn’t help but revel in the limelight after the announcement. Darts legend Phil Taylor reveals he’d consider buying EFL club with Robbie Williams One fan joked on X: “We are f***ing massive.”Another said: “I do hope it goes over some of the really bad stuff that’s happened to us, the glow up will look glorious.”While a third cheekily added: “Will the 3-1 loss to Bolton be fitted onto the documentary?Wrexham are currently in second place behind Birmingham in the League One table.The Dragons could be set for a third successive promotion following their takeover by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. More

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      Former EFL owner agrees £25million deal to buy Reading with race against time to save crisis club from administration

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      ROB COUHIG has agreed a £25million deal to buy Reading and save the club from administration.The former Wycombe owner has revived a takeover offer he made to Reading owner Dai Yongge last summer after a rival bid from Robert Platek collapsed earlier this week.Rob Couhig has agreed to buy Reading and save the club from administrationCredit: GettyThe former Wycombe Wanderers chairman (blue tie) has paid £25mCredit: PAReading fans have long protested over Dai Yongge’s ownershipCredit: PACouhig faces a race against time to get the deal done as the EFL have given Yongge a deadline of April 22 to sell the club.The Chinese businessman was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  Couhig is understood to have agreed to pay more of Yongge’s asking price up front than he did last summer in order to complete the purchase this month. The American lawyer has also agreed to conduct quicker due diligence and to a shorter cooling-off period than is customary in such transactions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe EFL are being kept informed of the negotiations between Couhig and Reading.And they are hopeful that the sale will finally be completed to end a long-running saga.Reading have been for sale for almost 600 days.Yongge has signed exclusivity deals with five different buyers, including twice with Couhig.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe EFL’s position is that Reading must be sold by 22 April.But the EFL Board could grant an extension if necessary if they judge that a deal is close to completion at that point.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsDespite turmoil off the pitch, the Royals have mounted an unexpected playoff charge in League One.Reading currently sit in sixth, with a two-point cushion to Bolton in seventh. They have won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.The Royals take on Northampton Town this weekend. Reading, Couhig and the EFL declined to comment when approached by SunSport. More

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      Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have been promoted from League One.Chris Davies’ side have led the way for months and sealed their return to the Championship at the first time of asking after beating Peterborough 2-1.Birmingham City have won promotion from League OneCredit: PABlues secured their return to the Championship with a 2-1 win over PeterboroughCredit: ©MI News & SportPlayers celebrate jubilantly after sealing a place in the top twoCredit: PAAlfie May opened the scoring as Birmingham won 2-1Credit: GettyBirmingham are two points away from becoming championsCredit: PAChris Davies’ side have led the way all season longCredit: PABlues knew a win would guarantee promotion, even if rivals Wycombe won at Huddersfield, which they did.Birmingham are now just two points from becoming champions, but could have their name on the trophy without playing another league game.That is because they play in the final of the EFL Trophy against tonight’s opponents Peterborough at Wembley on Sunday.If Wrexham fail to win at Wigan, Birmingham will be crowned champions, with the promotion winners still capable of reaching an astonishing 113 points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf they do so they will set a record number of points in League One, surpassing Wolves total of 103 which they managed in the 2013/14 campaign.They could also set an EFL record, which is held by Reading who got 106 points in the Championship in 2005/06.Birmingham were relegated from the Championship last season – Tom Brady’s first season at the club.Promotion was a forgone conclusion however with Birmingham losing just three of their 40 league games so far.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey were favourites for top spot after spending an eye-watering £34million on transfers.Striker Jay Stansfield was brought in for a League One record fee of £15m, and he is the club’s top scorer this season with 18 goals. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder More

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      ‘My kids feared I was going to die, I could see their fear ‘ – Premier League icon Tony Mowbray on his cancer battle

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      TONY MOWBRAY has opened up on his harrowing battle with bowel cancer.The popular boss, 61, stepped away from his job as Birmingham boss in February 2024 as he battled the disease.Tony Mowbray was appointed as West Brom boss in JanuaryCredit: PAFollowing a “dehumanising” 16-month period that left him fearing for his life, Mowbray was finally given the all-clear to return to work by doctors.The experienced manager subsequently returned to West Brom, the club he won promotion to the Premier League with in 2008.On the stark reality that followed his cancer diagnosis, Mowbray told The Times: “I had the conversation with my family and you could see they were frightened.”Was I frightened? My only thoughts were for my family, my three children and my wife and making sure they were OK.MOST READ IN FOOTBALL”I had to put everything in order and I tried to. My wife saw our banking app for the first time in her life. It’s little things like that.”She understood. This was serious stuff. I felt she needed to know where we had our money, whether it was ISAs or pensions and what was in the bank.”Having collapsed at home, Mowbray spent a night in hospital on a drip.Reliving the awful experience, Mowbray said: “I remember sitting there in bed and my kids’ eyes were watering up. They were scared I wasn’t going to live. How old were they? They were 15, 17 and 19. I could see the fear in their eyes.”Most read in FootballMowbray underwent crucial surgery just 10 days after his diagnosis, and now admits: “Lots of things go through your mind. Am I going to wake up?”I feel very humble. I have been in the hands of some amazing people. I’ve spent a lot of time in hospital, I’ve spent a lot of time on medication. I’ve spent a lot of time in chemotherapy. It’s a medicine to treat cancer. It ravages your body.”Fans say ‘you can’t help but love Tony Mowbray’ as he hails Birmingham’s ‘Champions League’ BUFFETHaving previously been on temporary leave, Mowbray formally stepped down as Birmingham boss in May 2024.His No2 Mark Venus had initially stepped in, before Gary Rowett was appointed until the end of the season.On what made him decide to resign, Mowbray added: “I remember catching myself in a glass door and I didn’t even recognise it was me in the reflection. I was a shell of a man really. My cheeks were sunk in.”I had lost 4.5 stone, I was hunched over and I made the decision then. I phoned Garry Cook [Birmingham chief executive] that day and said I wouldn’t be going back because I needed to get well.”Mowbray maintained that he would like to return to work if his health would allow.And when Carlos Corberan left The Hawthorns for Valencia following Mowbray’s all-clear, the possibility of a dream return to West Brom became a possibility.In January he sealed a remarkable return to work, penning a two-and-a-half year contract with the Baggies.Read More on The SunUpon taking the West Brom job, a delighted Mowbray said: “I’m ready to relish the challenge again. It’s a new challenge.”I know I’ve been here before, but it’s a new challenge, a new time, a new era for me at the football club.” More

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      Crisis club Reading handed lifeline as EFL give hated owner Dai Yongge new deadline to sell before being thrown out

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      READING have been handed a lifeline after the EFL extended the deadline for owner Dai Yongge to sell the club.The Royals are subject to a takeover bid from an anonymous party.Reading owner Dai Yongge has been given an extension to sell the clubCredit: JASONPIXYongge is set to be suspended as owner of the club by the EFL after he failed the owners and directors test due to debts in China.That means he must sell up or Reading will be disqualified from the EFL.The EFL initially ordered Yongge to part with Reading by April 4 – SunSport can reveal that deadline has been pushed back to April 22.From that point, Dai will have 30 days to sell up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast month Reading announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser”.SunSport later revealed that the prospective buyer was Robert Platek, who already owns Italian club Spezia and Portuguese outfit Casa Pia.The new buyer is in talks to take over the club the stadium and the training ground.It was claimed at the time that Reading were hopeful of “a quick completion” to the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever an ongoing litigation case with former prospective buyer Rob Couhig is holding up the sale process.Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsBut the deal subsequently collapsed with Couhig claiming he lost more than £12m in potential profits after Reading broke their exclusivity agreement. More