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    League One play-off final DELAYED with just minutes left after technical failure as players have kickabout on pitch

    THE League One play-off final was hit with a major delay just minutes before the final whistle.Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient battled it out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon to try to secure promotion to the Championship.Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient duked it out at Wembley for promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe match ended up being halted in the dying embers, with both teams using the break to take on waterCredit: GETTYOrient looked to keep themselves warm by having a mini kickaboutCredit: SKY SPORTSA technical malfunction with referee Andrew Kitchen’s microphone kit was the cause for the delayCredit: GettyCharlton took the lead in the first half through Macaulay Gillesphey and battled valiantly to try to preserve their precious 1-0 lead.But the match ended up being halted in the dying embers due to a technical malfunction.Officials paused the match in the 80th minute due to communication issues.Referee Andrew Kitchen’s communication pack stopped working and left him unable to speak to his assistants and the fourth official.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe game ended up being postponed for a whopping EIGHT MINUTES.Both sets of players decided to use the unexpected break to take on fluids. And a handful of Orient players tried to keep their blood pumping by having a kickabout.Footie fans flocked to social media to comment on the shock delay, with one saying: “Diabolical in the League One play-off final.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMacauley Gillesphey’s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for CharltonCredit: ALAMYVictory at Wembley ended the Addicks’ five-year absence from the ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAnother said: “Long delay due to communication issues with officials. “What has the game come to? Worst possible situation for the players FFS.”Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victoryPlay eventually resumed, although Orient were unable to find a late equaliser to take the game to extra time.Victory in the winner-takes-all London derby has seen the Addicks return to the Championship following a five-year absence. More

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    Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

    SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

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    I’m a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I’m also training to be a PILOT

    WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot.And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow’s play-off final against Leyton Orient – before landing a place in the Championship.Will Mannion is targeting promotion to the Championship with CharltonCredit: GettyThe keeper is a pilot in his spare time away from the pitchCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo.Mannion told SunSport: “I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.”Now it’s something I want to do after football. I’m going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years.”I’ve been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I’ve got a fair way to go yet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you!”It’s hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky!”It’s intuitive when you’re up there with the controls.”It’s not as scary as people think. It’s fun, especially when ­taking off and landing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong.”But I’m never frightened, you just have to know what you’re doing.Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory”The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn’t too far away so will probably fly out of there.”Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out.And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over.He added: “The next stage for me is to go out solo. I’ve got to do around 45 hours to get my licence.”The great thing is it’s not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time.It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.Will Mannion”There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off.”But that is only the first stage.”There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet.”At this stage I don’t know how far I’d go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!”Back on the ground, Charlton have the chance to return to the Championship after five years stuck in League One.Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final – having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season.Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge.He said: “To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive.”It’s not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final.It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.Mannion on Wembley”The clean sheets aren’t just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we’re a high-pressing team.”That transcends throughout the team.”The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They’ve limited what I’ve had to do to a minimum.”Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards.He was a young pro at Hull – rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson – after being signed by Steve Bruce.He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home.Charlton’s boss Nathan Jones is aiming for promotion on SundayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe said: “It was during the Covid spell. I couldn’t even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go.”As a life experience it was good to see a different culture – although on the football side I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.”A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks.Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching Crystal Palace beat Watford in the 2013 Championship play-off final and the 2009 FA Cup final when Chelsea saw off Everton 2-1.He said: “It’s one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there.Read More on The Sun”It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.”We’ve one more game to achieve what we set out to do – win promotion.” More

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    Tom Brady’s Birmingham release FIFTEEN players including former Premier League star just weeks after promotion

    BIRMINGHAM CITY have released FIFTEEN players just weeks after the club’s promotion to the Championship.Tom Brady’s ruthless side acted decisively after breaking the all-time EFL points record with 108 on their way to winning in League One.Part-owner of Brimingham City Tom Brady has released 15 players after winning promotionCity won automatic promotion from League One on April 8Credit: PAFormer Premier League star Grant Hanley has been released following the end of his six-month dealGrant Hanley and Lee Myung-Jae – who both joined the club in January – have been released following the expiration of their contracts.Scotland defender Hanley, 33, made 79 appearances in the Premier League across spells with Blackburn and Norwich City.While Luke Harris, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies have returned to their parent clubs following respective loan spells.Boss Chris Davies has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe brutal sword saw TEN youngsters axed and told to find other clubs.Ben Beresford, Junior Dixon, Taylor Dodd, Laiith Fairnie, Harley Hamilton and Josh Home will all leave this summer.Joining them out the door are Femi Olofinjana, Sahid Kamara, Stoyan Pergelov and Oliver Sayer.Meanwhile, long-serving striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has retired from football following nine years and 358 appearances for the Club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBirmingham said: “We thank each player for their efforts during their time at Blues and wishes them every success in their future careers.”The club were keen to keep Rangers star Davies on a permanent basis, but a deal with the Scottish side couldn’t be met.Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough Teams often let go of players after a promotion to upgrade their squad for the higher league, manage finances, and create space for new signings.Fellow newly promoted side Wrexham also released a hefty amount of their squad after each of their three back-to-back promotions.Wrexham’s latest cull saw owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney say goodbye to eight players who helped them climb the ranks.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.Local lad Jordan Davies, Mark Howard, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall will all miss out on Championship action too. More

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

    EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More

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    Reading release two former Tottenham stars as rebuild begins after Rob Couhig takeover saved Royals from extinction

    READING have released two former Tottenham players after their takeover was confirmed.The Royals narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in League One this season despite being under a transfer embargo for much of the campaign.Reading have released former Tottenham player Tom CarrollCredit: GettyThey have now announced their retainer list, with six senior players set to leave when their contracts expire next month.Among them is midfielder Tom Carroll, who made 56 appearances for Tottenham between 2011 and 2017.Carroll, 32, only joined Reading in March and played eight games after signing a short-term contract.He leaves alongside another former Spurs player, David Button.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goalkeeper, 36, joined Reading following their relegation from the Championship in 2023, and he has since made 49 appearances.Also on the released list is Adrian Akande, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Harlee Dean and Louie Holzmann.While contracts have been offered to Michael Craig, Jeriel Dorsett, Kelvin Ehibatiomhan, Abraham Kanu, Amadou Mbengue, Joel Pereira, Tivonge Rushesha, Michael Stickland, Basil Tuma, Jayden Wareham and Andy Yiadom.Reading are set to begin a new chapter after Dai Yongge finally sold the club to Rob Couhig.Most read in EFLThe Royals were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsAs a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation.The drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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    Wrexham confirm EIGHT players leaving after promotion to Championship including star who rejected new deal

    WREXHAM have confirmed that EIGHT players will be leaving the club.The Welsh outfit have achieved a remarkable three promotions consecutively under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham have been promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is one of eight players who have left the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their season in the Championship will not include a number of stars that helped them climb up the English football ladder.Wrexham has now confirmed that eight players have will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.The striker formerly played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Stoke City and even on loan at Marseille in France.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined Wrexham back in 2023 and made 77 appearances, scoring 16 goals.Fan favourite goalkeeper Mark Howard has also been released and he penned a touching tribute to the club.He wrote on Instagram: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.”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.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”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 3peat. Back2Back2Back. I say tongue in cheek.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightWrexham squad updateHere is a full rundown of players with updated roles at Wrexham…Released:Steven FletcherMark HowardSam DalbyJordan DaviesHarry DeanBrad FosterLiam HallJosh AdamOffered new deal:Callum EdwardsAutomatic extension:Aaron JamesDecision pending: James Rainbird”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”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.”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.”Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall have all also been released.The club also revealed that Sam Dalby as offered a new deal to stay but was turned down.Read More on The SunHe spent last season out on loan at Dundee United and netted 14 goals in 34 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.Meanwhile, Wrexham players were treated to a £500k party trip to Las Vegas after gaining another promotion.Owners’ tribute to two starsRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney shared a kind message to Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard after it was announced they would be leaving…Reynolds wrote: “Mr Steven Fletcher. Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.”You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.”I’ll miss your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”And Mark Howard— how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper. You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.”You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always. You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”McElhenney added: “This is truly the worst part.”I cannot say enough about these two men. Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher are not just players on the team.”They are my friends and people I admire. They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion.”They are men of character and fortitude who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.”I greatly admire everything about them and have so thoroughly enjoyed every moment I’ve had to see them play, or to just spend time with them. Godspeed men.”I hope our paths cross again very soon. All I can say to these great men is THANK YOU.” More

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

    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