League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      It’s not right, fair or proper that only two non-league clubs win promotion to EFL – hypocritical rules must change

      by

      WHAT have Oldham, Southend, Scunthorpe and Macclesfield got in common?All four clubs were relegated to the National League in a complete mess after years of financial mismanagement in the EFL.Wrexham are chasing Championship promotionCredit: RexIn fact, Macclesfield went bust and had to reform at the bottom of the non-league pyramid.Now — what have Luton, Wrexham, Stockport and Bromley got in common?All four sides were promoted from the National League in excellent financial health and are proving to be model clubs.Luton climbed all the way to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBromley are enjoying their first-ever season in the EFL, while the Dragons and County are even challenging for promotion to the Championship.All 72 clubs in the National League and National South and North last week supported the launch of the 3UP campaign, which is calling for three promotion and relegation places between League Two and the fifth tier.And I agree with them. It’s not right, fair or proper that there are currently only two up and two down between these divisions.The 72 EFL clubs are due to discuss these proposals in more detail this month. There will clearly be a number of matters to consider.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne of the red lines would be for the National League to adopt its Profit and Sustainability Rules — or something close to it.Fifth-tier clubs are not subject to the same financial scrutiny.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideThere have often been examples of them spending more on wages and players than many League One teams, never mind League Two.EFL chair Rick Parry beats the drum for the importance for the League to look down as well as up. They are seeking fairer financial redistribution of funds filtering down from the Premier League — something I also support.The government is set to appoint a football regulator, but its remit does not include issues such as promotion and relegation.The National League is not like the old days of the Vauxhall Conference, when almost every team was semi-pro. All but two of its 24 clubs are full-time.And even one of its part-time teams, Tamworth, held Premier League giants Tottenham to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of their recent FA Cup third-round tie before succumbing in extra-time.We’ve seen National League North club Kidderminster almost knock West Ham out of the FA Cup — and last season National League South side Maidstone reached the last 16 after toppling Ipswich at Portman Road.This illustrates the depth of quality in the fifth and sixth tiers.These clubs are not Sunday morning beer-bellied hoofers.They have the same ambitions and aspirations as Championship teams currently trying to get promoted to the Premier League.’IT’S UNFAIR’It is hypocritical on one hand to allow three to go up to the top flight from the second tier, while not allowing the same for teams in the National League.Can you imagine the stink in the EFL if there was only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs between the Championship and the Prem — with the second one decided by the play-offs?The National League decide their second promotion spot with a six-club play-off format.In this system, teams finishing second and third play the winners of games between fourth v seventh and fifth v sixth before progressing to the final. This is done to give more of the clubs hope they can achieve promotion to the EFL.And then you have the bizarre situation where there are four promotion and relegation places between Leagues One and Two.It’s unfair for League Two clubs to enjoy that sort of privilege, while National League teams are only allowed half the amount of spots.For any changes to happen, it will need to carry a majority vote across all 72 EFL clubs — and even then there has to be a majority of Championship teams endorsing.The EFL have previously warmed to the idea of changing the number of promotion and relegation spots but are waiting for the regulator to be appointed — and for a fair deal struck with the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESMy concern is it could take three or four years before any of that is sorted. In that time, the dreams and aspirations of National League clubs and the towns and cities they represent are being held back.The EFL should get on the front foot on this issue — regardless of progress with the Premier League and regulator — and be a champion of fairness for all teams that make our national game so great.What is the 3UP campaign? By Martin LiptonAll 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Birmingham’s feel-good relegation, with ticket sales UP, wages at staggering level and ambitious plans for future

      by

      IF EVER there was a feel-good  reaction to being relegated from the Championship, Birmingham had it last year.You could have forgiven supporters for venting their anger after a season which saw them use four managers and drop into League One.Tom Wagner has helped transform BirminghamCredit: RexTom Brady invited pal David Beckham to watch against WrexhamCredit: GettyBrum striker Jay Stansfield and Co are now hoping to stun NewcastleCredit: RexBut with the stardust of seven-time Super Bowl-winner Tom Brady in the background and a £20million transfer kitty, this was different.The message from the club now is: “It’s not the league you’re in, it’s the club that you are.”Even fans who demand instant  success could see there was something bigger at work here.Under American owner Tom Wagner and the Knighthead Capital Management group  — who took over in 2023 — things are on the up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlues sit four points clear at the top of League One, with two games in hand on their promotion rivals.And as they host Premier League side Newcastle on Saturday, the gap between the teams may not be as great as you think.The Tynesiders have plans for a new stadium but so does big-spending Wagner, with a 60,000-seater arena scheduled for 2029 at the earliest.It could have been a summer of misery after Brum’s relegation but  season ticket sales were their best in 13 years, such was the optimism over the club’s rebuild.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMost home games are near sell-outs at the 29,409-capacity St Andrew’s.Manager Chris Davies was allowed  to spend £20m on a squad rebuild, including a new League One transfer record to bring in striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham for an initial £12m rising to £15m.David Beckham: Beyond the Pitch and Into the ScreenThe wage bill this season is in the region of £20m-£9m more than the next highest in the division — which would see them having a sizeable budget even in the Championship.But crucially there are no Profit and Sustainability Rules at work here.Birmingham are subject to SCMP  — Salary Cost Management Protocols — and, as a newly-relegated club, they can spend 75 per cent of turnover on player expenditure.Financial priorities will change with a  return to PSR in the  Championship.In the second tier clubs can lose up to £39m over a rolling three-year   period before being hit with any  punishment.But with promotion looking likely, Davies will be looking at another large transfer kitty.That is currently being helped by the generation of huge revenues from  partnerships with the likes of Nike, Delta Air Lines and sportswear brand Undefeated.And on Super Bowl weekend, it cannot be forgotten NFL legend Brady is also listed as a “minority owner” at St Andrew’s.When Birmingham hosted Hollywood-backed Wrexham earlier this season, Brady brought along pal David Beckham to watch the game.Yet, despite plans for a new Sports Quarter and super stadium, an incredible £15m was spent on their current home in the summer.And that was after making repairs to dilapidated areas of the ground.Newcastle celebrated reaching the Carabao Cup final but face a daunting FA Cup fourth-round clash at League One leaders BirminghamCredit: ReutersBrum chiefs have splashed out on their ground but want a new baseCredit: GettyBut why splash out on major improvements to their current home when a move is in the pipeline?The Blues are thinking on their feet. The reasoning is they want to grow their fanbase, as a leap from 29,000-plus crowds to more than 60,000 does not happen overnight.Wagner and his team want fans on board now and that means offering a matchday experience.Birmingham are already working on attracting more eight to 14-year-olds to games as they feel there has been a ‘lost generation’ of fans who were fed up of seeing them tread water under a Far Eastern ownership that appeared detached from supporters.Chief executive Jeremy Dale says they are already geared up to compete in the Championship — and beyond.He told Birmingham Live this week: “From a commercial perspective, the club is doing better than ever before.”If we got promoted, even to the Premier League, if we had the Premier League TV money we wouldn’t be in the bottom few teams in that league.“We’d be just below halfway, from a commercial perspective.“We believe next season, from a commercial point of view, we would be performing within the top five or six in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The commercial partners say they can feel the vibe as they walk around the stadium — which is entirely different to what there was before.“They realise it’s not the league you’re in, it’s the club you are.” More

    • 50 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Who owns Birmingham City?

      by

      IE has been 14 seasons since the blue side of Birmingham have been able to cherish the glories of Premier League football.Since relegation in the 2010-11 season, the club have meandered in the Championship and met face with higher-ups negligence last season as they were relegated to League One. Ex-owner Carson Yeung had a underwhelming stint as owner before relinquishing duties in 2014 following his arrest for money laundering chargesBirmingham Sports Holdings, formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited took over from Yeung as the neglect culminated in an inevitable relegation in 2024Credit: GettyChinese-owned group Birmingham Sports Holdings (BSH), formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited, were maligned throughout their tenure.They eventually ceded control to American investment firm Knighthead Capital Management, headed up by financier Tom Wagner, in July 2023.Though the US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) company oversaw relegation to League 1 – the first time the club have been out of the top two divisions since 1995 – they’ve caused a rebirth in response. Blues are undoubtedly the most expensively formed, having spent between £20 million and £25 million ($24.7 million to $31 million) over the summer.READ MORE IN FA CUPThe record-breaking investment that sent shockwaves through the rest of the league, even amongst Hollywood rivals Wrexham – owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney. The club is first in League 1 – fourth points and two games in hand ahead of closet rivals Wycombe and are in the fourth round of the FA Cup as they host Premier League Newcastle United. The revival of a once forsaken club is firmly underway so who’s behind the ownership?Tom Brady is occasionally spotted at the Blues’ gamesCredit: GettyMajority owner Tom Wagner and co have spearheaded the club’s rebuild with Premier League football amongst aimsCredit: GettyWho owns Birmingham City?As stated, SCL, fronted by the company’s co-founder Wagner acquired a majority share in the team and complete ownership of the stadium with a 45.96% stake. Most read in FA CupAlthough BSH retains 51% of the shares, Wagner said that Shelby will be “responsible for the operations of the club moving forward” and that “nothing about the way the transaction is structured will prevent us from achieving the long-term goals we have for the club.”Since takeover, swift changes have been ensued, particularly off the pitch. Garry Cook, former Manchester City CEO, was appointed to the same job at Birmingham before stepping down in January this year. Fellow Blues fan and former Microsoft executive Jeremy Dale, who helped broker the deal to bring American owners Knighthead to St Andrew’s, has assumed the role of interim CEO since. The blockbuster arrival of NFL great Tom Brady as minority owner has gained considerable publicity.The seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback may have the glitz and nosie, but he apparently has no voting rights and serves mostly as the club’s face, spreading the message and drumming up interest across the pond. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word response

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU hit back at Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens after his tongue-in-cheek comment about Tottenham’s injury crisis.Spurs have tumbled down to 14th place in the Premier League table amid a turbulent campaign that has seen manager Postecoglou losing a raft of key players to injury.Ange Postecoglou addressed Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens’ comments about Tottenham’s injury crisisCredit: GettyTottenham boss Postecoglou stated Wellens had his ‘five minutes’Credit: GettyDominic Solanke, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Fraser Forster Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are all sidelined.The Aussie tactician has often pointed to that continuous problem after a series of poor results, and management appear to agree with him as he still has their support.But Wellens, 44, decided to poke some fun on Postecoglou after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Stockport last week at Brisbane Road after their own injury crisis got worse.Asked if injuries were to blame for the defeat, Wellens responded: “I’m not Ange Postecoglou and keep using it as an excuse.”Read More on FootballPostecoglou caught wind of that jibe and addressed it after Tottenham saw their Carabao Cup hopes go up in flames by Liverpool who beat them 4-0 at Anfield on Thursday in the semi-finals.The ex-Celtic boss was very brief but extremely direct when he stated Wellens had his “five minutes”.Postecoglou said: “I don’t know how it’s a narrative when you are just stating facts.”If people don’t see a situation where you are missing something significant there is nothing I can say to that. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If they say, ‘Well, that shouldn’t really make a difference’ I don’t know how to answer that. “I get that people’s senses get dulled or people get bored – everyone wants a bit of drama. But that’s not drama, that’s just stating facts.Postecoglou bemoans Tottenham’s lacklustre effort against Liverpool “We have been missing some really key players for a long time and have had to deal with that. Whether people see that as significant or not… “If people think I’m trying to create a story out of nothing I don’t know what to say about that. And as for other managers, mate, he’s had his five minutes so lets move on.”Asked if Wellens had contacted him to apologise personally, Postecoglou responded: “He’s had his five minutes, that’s good enough for me.”Wellens, though, did apologise for his “stupid comment” soon after with a long statement.Wellens apologisesTottenham and Orient have had a close relationship in recent years with Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley on loan at the east London club from the Premier League giants this season and performing well.Tottenham Women also regularly play their home games at the O’s Brisbane Road, while the League One side borrowed a heated dome for their pitch from Spurs in 2022.In an official statement on the club’s website, Wellens said: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

      by

      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It’s not fair’ – League One manager bites back at Wrexham and says success down to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

      by

      WREXHAM have been told their success is only down to “billionaire owners” Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage “not fair”.Wrexham have been told their success is only down to owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyShrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage ‘not fair’Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the EFL since Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the club for around £2m in 2021.The Red Dragons are on course for an astonishing third successive promotion after clambering out of the National League, through League Two and towards the Championship.Their American co-owners have helped to make all of that possible, with nearly £6.2m spent on transfer fees since the summer of 2021.Wrexham splashed more than £4m in the January window, including £1m on proven ex-Reading striker Sam Smith, 26, who is a product of Manchester United’s academy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Ainsworth – who is against the National League’s three up, three down proposal – has taken issue with the Welsh outfit after becoming frustrated at being unable to compete on a level playing field.He told BBC 5 Live Sport: “If a team just can’t keep up financially for no other reason than the other teams have got billionaires coming in and millionaires, it’s not fair that they just sink out of the league and out of obscurity. It then all becomes all about money.“Wrexham have only done that because of the money they’ve had, you know. “And of course they’re competing well but they’ve had billionaire owners and it’s not fair. I don’t think that it should just be about that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“And I’m speaking as an advocate from a club with a local businessman who’s put his money in and he just can’t compete with Wrexham because we’re not bringing American billionaires in. “So my argument would be, yes, these teams have done well, but have a look at the money that they’ve had invested in them as well.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATo clarify, actor Reynolds is an estimated net worth of £280m, while McElhenney is worth around £40m.Shrewsbury sit second bottom of League One but one of their six wins of the season came in a 2-1 victory against Phil Parkinson’s side in January.Smith’s deal marked the third time Wrexham had broken their own transfer record in six months – first signing Ollie Rathbone and then Modou Faal in a £590,000 deal last summer.Wrexham are fighting for promotion alongside League One’s biggest spenders Birmingham City, who count NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority investor.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League club planning to build TUNNEL under city to get fans to new £3billion stadium

      by

      BIRMINGHAM CITY chairman Tom Wagner has announced plans to build a TUNNEL under the city to help fans get to a proposed £3BILLION stadium complex.Wagner, who acquired a hefty stake in Birmingham City back in 2023, has claimed it’s part of his “dream” to revitalise East Birmingham with a new complex and stadium in the future.Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner wants to build a tunnel under the cityCredit: RexThe tunnel would help get fans to Birmingham’s proposed new stadium complexCredit: TwitterThe ambitious plans would mean the 1.5-mile tunnel could bring supporters to Birmingham’s planned Sports QuarterCredit: TwitterThe League One club have already acquired 60 acres of land in the east side of Birmingham with plans to build an incredible Sports Quarter, containing a state-of-the-art stadium, new training facilities and more.While Wagner has called on the government to support his plans for the city.The US hedge fund exec is part of the Knightshead Capital Management group that owns the Blues alongside NFL legend Tom Brady.Now Wagner and Knightshead are looking to build a 1.5-mile long tunnel to transport fans from Birmingham New Street station to the planned new stadium in Bordesley Green.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWagner told a meeting: “Subways are very expensive and complicated to develop.”We thought of an idea to simply tunnel under the existing rail lines and connect New Street station to the sports quarter and use electric buses running underground.”It could transport thousands of people an hour. We think it would cost roughly £20m.”Wagner also told that he would prefer to extend the city’s existing tram network, but is hoping that his tunnel idea is given proper consideration.Most read in FootballWagner is joined by NFL legend Tom Brady at the Knightshead Capital ManagementCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also claimed that “local and regional authorities are in favour” of the proposal, but still needs to get the government on side to provide the necessary funding for the project.Adding: “I’m the ‘crazy American’ talking about this, but we need more local voices with the right accent talking about why this is a good idea. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”The funds are there nationally, and it’s a tiny percentage of those funds that we’re asking for.”Birmingham are hoping to return to their peak once again under the guidance of Wagner with the Blues now out of the Premier League for almost 15 years.But it’s not just success on the pitch that Wagner and his team are looking for, but growth as a brand and as a club in general too.Their proposed Sports Quarter is their most ambitious project, a project Wagner has claimed he wants to see completed in five years time.The focal point of the development would be a 62,000 capacity stadium that has been likened to a “spaceship” by Wagner himself.Alongside the huge new ground, which would dwarf St Andrews’ current 29,409 capacity, would be office spaces, social hubs and restaurants for the surrounding community.While a hotel and a new fan park are also expected to be part of the ambitious plans.Birmingham are currently top of League One after being relegated from the Championship last season.Wagner and Knightshead haven’t just been investing in the club’s infrastructure, but also the squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues smashed the record fee for a League One transfer when they spent £15m with £5m in potential add-ons on Fulham striker Jay Stansfield in the summer.Prior to that deal, the League One record transfer stood at just £3.4m for Will Grigg’s 2022 move from Wigan to Sunderland.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.The club are planning to build a new stadium as part of the complexWagner likened the possible design of the stadium to a ‘spaceship’Fans have been given a glimpse of what the food and drink options could look like in the new stadiumSupporters will have plenty of choices when it comes to having a drinkThe project is expected to create 3,000 jobs for the area More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Major overhaul to EFL promotion and relegation proposed as league gives plan unanimous backing

      by

      THE NATIONAL League has urged EFL clubs to back a promotion and relegation switch.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.A major change to the EFL’s promotion and relegation system has been proposedCredit: HandoutBromley won promotion to the EFL via the National League play-offs last seasonCredit: GettyNational League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.READ MORE EFL NEWSPearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.  “In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.  “An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below.  We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe top SEVEN clubs in the current National League table are ex-EFL clubs, with another six who have been in the top four tiers further down the standings.He added: “We have been consistently told that the EFL support our 3UP position in principle but are reluctant to progress any changes whilst they are consulting with the IFR and Premier League regarding their own redistribution of football income.  EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex “However, we believe the campaign goal is vital to the overall health of the game and the government’s objectives – therefore it should be as high on the agenda as any other matter this year.“Rick Parry, the EFL Chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.” More