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    Premier League clubs ‘in talks to enter shock new competition’ just days after FA Cup replays scrapped

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    “RIDICULOUS” plans for a new competition after FA Cup replays were scrapped have angered fans.The Premier League are reportedly in talks over a format involving 16 of their Under-21 teams and 16 National League sides.The FA Cup will lose replays but the National League could yet face fixture congestion via another competitionCredit: PASheffield United boss Chris Wilder blasted the axing of FA Cup replaysCredit: GettySupporters blasted the suggestion – having already joined many clubs and managers from the Prem down in slating the FA for ditching FA Cup replays from next season.But the idea of a new 32-team event might be the reason the National League shocked lovers of grassroots football by BACKING the replay axe.That’s because the fifth tier could profit financially from the plan for an EFL Trophy-style competition, as revealed by the The Athletic.It would see four regional groups of eight teams, with the National League teams playing the U-21 sides at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s understood the host NL clubs would keep all the gate money plus half the prize money.The rest of the cash would be split between the eight NL teams not competing in the tournament, as well as all the NL North and NL South sides – meaning 56 clubs in all.The National League’s top 16 teams would take part – with the two clubs promoted from there into the EFL replaced by the two relegated sides going in the opposite direction.The Athletic’s Matt Slater posted on X: “When is fixture congestion OK? A: When it’s subsidised by the PL.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd most fans appeared to agree with his withering reaction.One wrote: “This is ridiculous. No one wants u21 sides in the EFL trophy. The national league boss wants less fixture congestion. So why is this needed? Keep FA cup replays.”Another argued: “What a ridiculous idea. So they now want to ruin the FA Cup AND the FA Trophy? This is appalling.”Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionAnd a third said: “How can the National League look at this year’s fixture congestion and think the answer is more games?”However, one supporter posted: “I am no doubt in a minority but I do enjoy the more unusual competitions, including the EFL Trophy.”Cheap tickets, lots of games, get to play teams you wouldn’t normally. Random nature of it with teams not chasing promotion means unlikely teams make the last stages too.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League manager, 45, out to avoid relegation to League One as he says ‘adversity is in the blood’

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      GARRY MONK is ready to stare down adversity again with his Cambridge side needing a point to guarantee survival.Monk bossed Swansea in the Premier League and then took charge at a series of Championship teams including Leeds and Middlesbrough.Garry Monk is hoping to save Cambridge from relegationCredit: AlamyBut he spent more than three years out of football management after getting the sack at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2020.Monk finally returned in early March as Cambridge’s head coach, tasked with preserving the club’s League One status.They were thrashed 6-0 at Lincoln and 4-0 at Reading in his first two away games at the helm.But he has since stabilised the U’s, who will definitely beat the drop if they draw at Port Vale tomorrow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMonk knows what it takes to stay up via the final fixture, having masterminded Birmingham’s 3-1 victory over Fulham in 2018.Monk, 45, said: “Adversity’s in the blood. I kind of like adversity. I’ve faced a lot of it in my career, and as a person in my life. My mentality is always really strong with it.“I’m looking forward to the game and the players should be looking forward to it. “I know there’s a big, huge responsibility and an outcome that’s needed from it, but you have to enjoy these moments as well.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarry Monk’s managerial record
      Swansea: Played 77, Won 28, Drew 17, Lost 32.
      Leeds: Played 53, Won 25, Drew 11, Lost 17.
      Middlesbrough: Played 26, Won 12, Drew 5, Lost 9.
      Birmingham: Played 59, Won 19, Drew 20, Lost 20.
      Sheffield Wednesday: Played 58, Won 18, Drew 15, Lost 25.
      Cambridge: Played 10, Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 5.

      “Yes I’d rather be at the other end of the table fighting, but sometimes you face these situations.“It’s the character and belief you have in yourself and in each other that will come shining through. I’m pretty confident that will come through in the players on Saturday.”Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysMonk has been impressed with the spirit and determination demonstrated by the Cambridge’s squad in their quest for safety.He added: “Often in these situations, there’s a lot of fracture and discontent that you have to try and manage.“But I feel lucky that I haven’t had to do too much of that work. It hasn’t been any of that – it’s just more an enhancement of confidence and belief.“Even the Reading and Lincoln games, there wasn’t like you had a fractured group. “It was just two games where we did poor, but it wasn’t for a lack of wanting to do the right thing or anything else. It was very early days and new.“But since Reading I think they’ve done exceptionally well. They’ve shown what they’re about, showed all the ingredients that you’d want in this type of situation. One more huge effort and we can get the job done.”Despite Cambridge’s precarious position, Monk has relished being back involved in club life.He said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed it. I’ve had a lot of support. Not just the players and the staff, but from around. The fan base, the ownership and the directors – I’ve just had a lot of support. And that’s quite nice.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s not been at every club you have that type of support. I think when you get that kind of support, outside of just being professional, you are kind of more desperate to give them what they want, because they’re good people at the club and around the club.“So you feel a bit more emotionally attached to what you want to give them and how important it is for everyone.”Bottom of the League One table going into the final day More

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      EFL club pitch ruined for final game of season after two fans scatter HUMAN ASHES on turf celebrating promotion

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      PORTSMOUTH’S turf was ruined after two fans spread HUMAN ASHES on the field during a pitch invasion at Fratton Park. The South Coast side beat Barnsley 3-2 on April 16 to clinch promotion back to the Championship for the first time in 12 years, while they also won the League One title in the process.Portsmouth celebrated promotion back to the Championship earlier this monthCredit: RexHuman ashes were scattered on the turf which ruined some of the pitch ahead of their final home gameCredit: RexPompey supporters flooded onto the pitch immediately after the final whistle as scenes of jubilation ensued.But the BBC have now revealed two fans took the opportunity to spread ashes onto the field of play.Human ashes contain contain calcium and calcium phosphate which can kill grass.This is said to have “proved a challenge” for the ground staff ahead of Portsmouth’s final home game of the season against Wigan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe penalty area and centre circle were understood to be the most affected areas.However, the match still went ahead as the third-tier champions were beaten 2-1 at home on Saturday.It was their first home defeat in nine matches, a run that stretched back to mid-January.But it will have come as little surprise to many as just four days earlier some of the Pompey players were thrown out of a pub after their promotion celebrations got out of hand.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      That came after Portsmouth fans were condemned for appearing to attack a Barnsley player during their pitch invasion.Regarding the incident, Hampshire Police told SunSport: “We are aware of this incident, but at this time we have no official complaint in relation to it.”‘Literally no place for this’ – Shocking moment Portsmouth fans appear to attack Barnsley star during pitch invasionIt was Pompey’s first pitch invasion since May 2017 when they earned promotion from League Two.Maintenance will take place on the pitch during the summer, with part of it set to be covered by a crane as work begins on a new gantry at the top of the South Stand. More

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      Savvy Ryan Reynolds turning Wrexham stars into ‘money machines’ OFF the pitch with power of £273m Hollywood fortune

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      FEW football clubs have seen their fortunes change quite as dramatically as Wrexham AFC. But it’s not just the fans who are benefiting from Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with the players punching way above their lower league status too – on and off the pitch.Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2million in November 2020Credit: AlamyFans believed they spotted Wrexham star Ollie Palmer (right) in the background of the new Deadpool trailerThe striker, 32, joined the football club back in 2022Credit: AlamyThis week, Reynolds appeared to confirm Wrexham star Ollie Palmer has a cameo in the star’s new Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor, who is worth £273million, wrote “keen eyesight” in response to a fan’s social media post asking whether the striker, 32, was in the background of the movie trailer.   Brand and culture expert Nick Ede claims the A-list owners, as well as the popularity of doc series Welcome To Wrexham, could open “a golden door” for the club’s best players, who could become famous ‘money machines’ in their own right.Nick told The Sun: ““Ryan and Rob have made a massive impact, all eyeballs have been on the club because of them and their huge TV show. READ MORE ON SPORT“It’s enabled them to give a voice to the players but also gifted them a bigger following, meaning players can get other big opportunities.“We have seen Ollie get a cameo or an extra role in the new Marvel film but that’s just the beginning. Some of the standout stars will make a lot of money from endorsements and deals.”Here Nick takes us through some of the potential ways Wrexham stars could benefit – from striking “Beckham-style” modelling deals to landing £100,000 pay cheques.Building the brandIt proved a game changer for Wrexham when Ryan and Rob bought the Welsh club for a reported £2million back in November 2020.Most read in FootballThe team has since achieved two back-to-back promotions, meaning next year they will play in League One – two below the Premier League.  Many of the players, who would previously have only been known by lower league fans, are now famous and have supporters across the world thanks to the Disney+ show Welcome To Wrexham.Ryan Reynolds all but confirms Wrexham star’s cameo in new Deadpool movie as striker ‘spotted in bar scene’Ryan and Rob lifting the Vanarama National League trophy last year after Wrexham were promotedCredit: GettyOllie launched WXM Clothing in November 2022Credit: Instagram/olliep9_His business has been supported by Ryan and Rob who have posted snaps wearing his clothes onlineCredit: Facebook/VancityReynoldsIt’s enabled some of the players incredible opportunities, including Ollie Palmer bagging a part in the third Deadpool film.Away from his footballing career, the striker has also launched the brand WXM Clothing in November 2022, which could prove to be another wise money-spinner.Crucially, the business venture has been supported by Ryan and Rob, who have regularly worn his gear in pictures on social media, where they collectively have nearly 54million followers.Nick says: “Having the guys wearing Ollie’s actual brand is a great way of endorsing what he does and will definitely help him to build his brand.“He is one of the players who ticks every box and is a star in the making, whether he carries on in Hollywood, who knows, but I suspect he will be endorsing lots of different things.“I can see him doing modeling and it could lead to him becoming a bit like David Beckham.”All eyes are on him. He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years.Nick Ede, brand and culture expertNick also believes coming from “an underdog football team” could bag Ollie more fans and describes the footballer’s future as “very exciting”.  He adds: “Ollie is someone brands are going to want to jump on now while his star is on the rise because he will make money for them and will be loyal to them. But also he will make a lot of money for himself.“I could see someone like Ollie, who is a rugged, sexy man, doing an aftershave or a fragrance launch, which could demand good fees of around £100,000 up to £250,000 as he becomes a bigger star.” Incredible bond with players and city
      FANS have been won over by Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – and it’s no wonder after a series of generous and thoughtful acts to help others.
      Ryan helped the wife of Wrexham defender Anthony Forde get a second opinion after she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given months to live. He arranged for Laura, who was planning her own funeral, to speak with one of the leading neurosurgeons in the US. They later confirmed the mass in her brain was benign and the initial diagnosis was wrong last year.
      Wrexham legend Martyn Chalk, who played for the club between 1996 and 2002, received money from the club owners to cover for his medical bills. They donated £1,000 each to a fundraiser after he broke his femur and fractured his legs in Thailand, in December 2023.
      The family of Louis Perrin, four, received a £10,000 donation to help convert their home to meet the disabled child’s needs. Parents Aaron and Charlotte were “blown away” by the sum, in February. They said it would help make life easier for their son who has TUBA1A, which causes leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
      Charity football match organisers were “overwhelmed with happiness” last year when Ryan and Rob donated £5,000. The money was being raised for the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 
      Last year, it was revealed that Ryan visited a terminally ill fan in hospital and gifted them one of his original gloves from the film Deadpool. The other was gifted to the club’s goalkeeper Ben Foster.
      Former Wrexham footballer and Dementia sufferer Gareth Davies was invited to be a “guest of honour” at Wembley Stadium in 2022. Ryan and Rob personally reached out after spotting a post on Twitter. In response, Rob wrote: “He showed up for Wrexham AFC and we’ll show up for him.” 
      When footballer Jordan Davies and his partner Kelsey Edward’s’ son was stillborn, the Wrexham duo donated £10,000 to their fundraising page. They were raising money for the charity Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) in 2022.

      ‘Stand-out star’While there’s much intrigue about Ollie’s future after his apparent Marvel debut, Nick believes there’s an even bigger “stand-out star”.Paul Mullin was listed as a GQ Men of the Year Honouree after a superb season with Wrexham last year when he netted an impressive 38 goals. Nick says some of the players could carve out David Beckham-style modelling careersNick tips Wrexham striker Paul Mullin as one of the ‘stand-out stars’ to watchCredit: PAIt’s led to the footballer writing his autobiography, Paul Mullin: My Wrexham Story, and a mural of him being painted on the side of a local pub.Nick suspects Paul will be a popular choice for brands in the next few years as he continues to prove himself at the club. “All eyes are on him,” Nick says. “He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years. We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. Nick“I can see him landing great endorsements, commentary roles and various TV opportunities, as footballers are very popular on these shows.“Paul is an inspiration to a lot of people so he could earn good money from public speaking and while working with brands, whether that is alcohol or apparel.” Giant sponsorsThe club’s exposure has enabled them to land impressive sponsorship deals too, including a deal with US giant Gatorade earlier this month. Since buying Wrexham, the club went from having one shirt sponsor to three – and has pulled in huge names including TikTok, Expedia, United Airlines and Vistaprint. Nick explains that landing such big brands, who hope to take advantage of the club’s TV deal and international following, not only benefits the club’s finances but the players too.“Most of these clubs wouldn’t receive this kind of endorsement, they may get sponsored by a local business or business associated with the counties they are in.Wrexham AFC managed to land United Airlines as one of its sponsorsCredit: GettyThe clubs fanbase has grown since Welcome To Wrexham first aired in 2022He said: “To have huge brands associate with a minor club is brilliant and all down to the star power of Ryan and Rob. “Having a TV show, which is potentially watched around the world, is a good way for advertisers and sponsors to get good bang for your buck. “It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to be associated with Wrexham but also offers big opportunities for the club’s stars.”Movie spin-off?Nick says Ryan and Rob have delivered “absolutely genius PR” since taking over the club and believes part of the success is they are “credible and authentic”.He notes the multiple charitable donations made by the duo and investment in community projects to help the locals of Wrexham too. Nick says: “Who would have thought that this small Welsh town would suddenly become one of the biggest TV hits in the world and have all eyes on them.“I can compare it to what Taylor Swift has done when she’s gone to different countries and her concerts have helped to grow mini economies thanks to fans buying food and drink and celebrating.”He believes the Wrexham owners should continue “carrying on doing what they are doing” to draw attention to the club, which will in turn benefit the players.But Nick suggests other ventures that could increase the club’s popularity, spread their story to more fans and expand the interest around the area as a whole. “I can imagine they might make a movie about Wrexham’s rise, it’s such an interesting and compelling story,” he says. “It could focus on the regeneration around Wrexham, showing how the football club helped to rebuild the community, which would create even more of a buzz.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. “Especially with Ryan Reynolds, he loves a good old singsong so it could next on the cards and they get an Oscar for it.”  More

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      Iconic EFL stadium to be transformed into DRIVING SCHOOL for ten-year-old kids

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      OXFORD UNITED’s home is set to undergo a major transformation – into a DRIVING SCHOOL for kids.The League One side have called the Kassam Stadium home for the last 23 years following their move from the Manor Ground.Oxford United are planning to move into a 16,000-capacity stadium in the coming yearsCredit: TWITTER@_LIAM_WALKERTheir current home will be transformed into a driving school for kidsCredit: GETTYThe U’s, however, will up sticks to The Triangle in Kidlington in the coming years after recently agreeing a deal to lease the land with Oxford City Council.And parts of the Kassam are set to be transformed into a realistic road for learner drivers to practice on.Young Driver will change the club’s cark park into a road equipped with roundabouts, junctions, and traffic signs.It will also include areas for prospective drivers – some of whom will be as young as ten – to practice manoeuvres.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYoung Driver’s Head of Marketing, Sue Waterfield, said: “It [Kassam Stadium] is a large space so we can offer lots of different driving activities for young people.”Whether they’re a beginner or have already had a few lessons at another of our venues.“Training drivers over a longer period of time allows youngsters to have a solid understanding of how to drive a car before they get anywhere near a real road.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROxford United are in seventh place in the League One table but could still sneak into the playoffsCredit: REXConstruction has yet to begin on Oxford’s proposed new 16,000-seater ground, which is set to become the nation’s first all-electric stadium.Most read in FootballAn excerpt of a club statement read: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players “The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.”This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.”We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.” More

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      EFL play-offs 2024: Dates, kick off times, schedule and fixtures for Championship, League One and League Two ties

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      THE EFL play-offs are almost upon us as four sides from each tier eye promotion to the division above.15 exhilarating ties will take place across the Championship, League One and League Two.Luton Town sealed promotion to the Premier League in last season’s Championship play-offsCredit: PAAll semi-final fixtures will be played over two legs, with 3rd playing 6th and 4th taking on 5th – the higher-ranking team will host the semi-final second leg.The two teams that are victorious in their respective last-4 ties will meet at Wembley Stadium in a one-off final for promotion to the division above.But what are the dates for this season’s EFL play-offs?EFL play-offs 2024 scheduleChampionshipREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday May 12Semi-final second legsMost read in EFL3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday May 17FinalSunday May 26 (4.30pm)League OneSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (8pm) – Friday May 35th vs 4th – (7.45pm) – Saturday May 4Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Tuesday May 74th vs 5th (8pm) – Wednesday May 8FinalSaturday May 18 (5.30pm)League TwoSemi-final first legs7th vs MK Dons (3pm) – Monday May 66th vs 5th (5.30pm) – Monday May 6Semi-final second legsMK Dons vs 7th (8pm) – Thursday May 95th vs 6th (8pm) – Friday May 10FinalSunday May 19 (1pm)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the EFL play-offsSky Sports will broadcast each semi-final leg from every division in the EFL.The broadcasting giant will also air the play-off final from each tier. More

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      ‘Now is the right time’ – EFL club sack manager and appoint interim boss just days before play-offs

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      BARNSLEY have sacked head coach Neill Collins just days before the League One Play-Offs.First team coach Martin Devaney has been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season.Neill Collins has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyDirector of Football Mladen Sormaz said: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go.”He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him.”However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change.”We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days.”Read More on FootballBarnsley face Northampton Town in their final League One match before the Play-Offs this Saturday.The Tykes need a win to secure a spot in the Play-off semi-finals.They are currently in contention alongside Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Lincoln City.However, Oxford United and Blackpool are also pushing for a spot.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPortsmouth have already earned promotion to the Championship, with Derby County expected to take the second automatic place.Collins was appointed as Barnsley boss last summer following a spell with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysBarnsley had won just two of their last 12 games prior to his dismissal. More

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      EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided ground

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      OXFORD UNITED have moved one step closer to leaving the Kassam Stadium after reaching an agreement to lease land for a new ground.The U’s have played at their current Kassam home since moving from the Manor Ground in 2001.Oxford United want to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: Oxford United football clubThey have pledged to make their new ground the most eco-friendly in the countryCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_The U’s have played at the three-sided Kassam Stadium since 2001Credit: GettyThey are contracted to host home games at the three-sided stadium until 2026, when their current agreement expires.And Oxford have now launched plans to move to a new site at The Triangle in Kidlington.The ambitious new stadium would hold 16,000 fans, while also incorporating a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and health and wellbeing space.The new stadium has moved one step closer to fruition after Oxford reached a landmark agreement with their local council.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAn Oxfordshire County Council statement has confirmed: “An agreement has been reached on heads of terms for the county council to lease land it owns near Kidlington for Oxford United to develop a new football stadium.”This agreement represents positive progress in helping the club secure a long-term home in the county.”However, while this is an important milestone, it is only one step in a wider process.”Responding to the news, Oxford wrote in their own statement: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWho are these famous footballers?
      “The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clash”This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”In February, Oxford pledged to make their proposed new ground the “most-sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country”.In addition to a slew of modern facilities, the proposed ground is set to become the nation’s first all-electric stadium.Rather than gas and other fossil fuels, Oxford’s new build will rely solely on electricity.The 16,000-seater stadium will also feature 3000m² solar panels along its roof – enough to boil three million three-litre kettles per year.’SOMETHING SPECIAL’On the new project, Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said at the time: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.”We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.”Managed by Des Buckingham, Oxford are currently chasing a League One play-off place.They sit seventh in the third-tier with one game remaining, only behind Lincoln on goal difference.READ MORE SUN STORIESBuckingham’s men could also still catch fifth-placed Barnsley, who are only one point ahead.The U’s go to Exeter on the final day, with Lincoln hosting champions Portsmouth and Barnsley welcoming Northampton.Oxford want to move into their new ground in 2026Credit: Oxford United More

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      Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

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      THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
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