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

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

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      Former Man Utd star, 34, wakes up unemployed after he is released from League One club

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      EX-MANCHESTER United keeper Ben Amos is looking for his ELEVENTH club since exiting Old Trafford.The former England Under-21 star, 34, is one of five players released by mid-table League One side Wigan.Ben Amos is on the move after his Wigan deal endedCredit: GettyThe stopper played seven times in all for Man UtdCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunAmos once admitted life at Old Trafford was like living in a bubble.But after six loan spells and then leaving United for good in 2015, his career has hit a bobble – joining other ex-Red Devils in More

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      Huddersfield manager Andre Breitenreiter LEAVES after relegation and just three months in charge

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      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN have parted ways with head coach André Breitenreiter by mutual consent.The Terriers were relegated from the Championship last weekend following a 2-0 defeat to Ipswich town.Huddersfield have parted ways with head coach André BreitenreiterCredit: GettyHuddersfield had spent a decade in the top two divisions of English football.But following the club’s drop down to League One, officials mutually decided with Breitenreiter that it was time for a change.Discussing Breitenreiter’s departure, Huddersfield owner and chairman Kevin Nagle said: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with André over the past three months and he departs with our best wishes, while contingencies in place have seen our recruitment process for a new Head Coach advance.”Supporters should rest assured that all decisions made are with the best intentions of our Club in mind, and we look forward to moving on in a positive manner with a new Head Coach dedicated to our ideals and vision, with our plans for pre-season and ambitions for the year ahead unmoved.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBreitenreiter was appointed Huddersfield boss in February and signed a two-and-a-half year deal upon his arrival.However, his time at the club has been dramatically cut short.Before joining the Terriers, the 50-year-old had managed Hoffenheim, Zurich, Hannover 96, Schalke, SC Paderborn and TSV Havelse.Breitenreiter was the FOURTH man to take charge of Huddersfield during the 2023-24 Championship campaign.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeil Warnock started the season in the dugout, but stepped down in September.Darren Moore then took over, but he was sacked in January and temporarily replaced by caretaker boss Jon Worthington.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayAnd Breitenreiter took over two weeks later on February 15. More

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      EFL club forced to apologise after sending letter to supporters about ‘disabled fans and normal fans’

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      BRISTOL ROVERS have apologised for an almighty own goal after the club sent a letter to supporters that referred to ‘disabled fans and normal fans’.The League One club hit the headlines over the Bank Holiday weekend as they faced a huge backlash and calls to “do better” and to say sorry.Bristol Rovers have been forced into an embarrassing apology to supportersCredit: GettyRovers have now issued a statement on the controversial matter and apologised “for any offence caused” for the “error in wording”.The embarrassing gaffe was made in a private email from the Pirates to their supporters’ club that was clarifying details of the new electronic season ticket system coming in next season.The club said in it that disabled fans who still preferred a physical season ticket card instead of one on their mobile phones could have one for free.However, it then added that “normal fans” will have to pay an extra £15.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe letter was quickly shared on X as anger erupted over the use of the word “normal” to describe those non-disabled supporters.The club have continued to receive flak on social media ever since, even though the original post showing the letter has now been deleted.And eventually that has led to them addressing the matter today with an official statement.It read: “Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to apologise for any offence caused by an error in wording in a recent communication regarding disabled supporters.Most read in EFL“No harmful intention of meaning was ever intended in the wording, which was included in a private email exchange between the Club and a representative from the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.“The Club is proud of our ongoing commitment to provide the best experience for all supporters of Bristol Rovers FC, in particular our work with the Club’s Disabled Supporters Association to ensure fans with accessibility or additional needs are able to enjoy each and every match at The Memorial Stadium.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan“In addition, the Club were recently commended by the EFL by achieving Bronze in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.“Bristol Rovers Football Club is committed to making sure our Club is a safe, welcome and inclusive environment for everyone.”Rovers finished the season 15th in League One, 13 points clear of the drop zone.Joey Barton was sacked by the club in October after a poor start to the campaign.He had been in charge of Rovers since February 2021 and led them to promotion from League Two the following year.Matt Taylor took over the job in December and still has three years remaining on his contract. More

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      Former Premier League stadium given bizarre new name but there’s a heartwarming reason why

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      A FORMER Premier League stadium has received a bizarre new name – but there is a heartwarming reason behind it.Wigan Athletic won promotion to the top-flight in 2005 under Paul Jewell.A former Premier League ground will be is now known as The Brick Community StadiumCredit: RexThe 24,000-seater ground’s new name starts from May 13Credit: GettyAgainst all the odds, the Latics managed to defy the odds and stay up for eight years before finally suffering relegation in 2013.However, even that year saw the club make history as they famously beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.The 25,138-seater DW Stadium, which opened in 1999 and is also home to Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors, hosted all of the ups and downs throughout that period, including Europa League matches after their Wembley success.However, things have continued to go downhill since and they now find themselves in League One.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, under boss and former midfield star Shaun Maloney, hopes are high that years of struggles are coming to an end and they can try and push for promotion next term.And that will all be done at their newly-named home – The Brick Community Stadium.Fans were initially in shock at the news, but now the club have explained the reason behind the switch.A statement explained: “The renaming of Wigan’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick, whose work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need. Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.”It added: “The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis. Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby“The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025 with further support for local charities to be announced in the coming weeks.“Both clubs will also continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.”Both clubs have also vowed to work closely with The Brick to explore other ways that the partnership can benefit the town.Wigan Athletic chairman, Ben Goodburn, said: “The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick.”The ground has hosted Premier League and Europa League action over the yearsCredit: RexWigan’s ground will be called ‘The Brick Community StadiumCredit: Instagram @laticsofficial More

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid who retired at 21 before shock U-turn wakes up unemployed after release from League One side

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      FORMER Chelsea starlet Sam Hutchinson has been released by Reading.The 34-year-old was included in the Royals’ retained and released list on the club’s official website this morning.Sam Hutchinson has been released by ReadingCredit: GettyHutchinson was once a rising star at ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics SportHutchinson will now be forced to search for a new home after spending two season with Reading.The defensive midfielder has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled the formative years of his life a professional footballer.Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.But some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to football and returned to Stamford Bridge after his treatment had finally allowed him to play pro football again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe never quite managed to make it for the Blues, playing just six times for the London club, but took his career in a different direction instead.After loan spells with Nottinham Forest and Vitesse, Hutchinson signed for Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent basis in 2014 where he went on to make over 200 appearances.Speaking to the Guardian back in 2017, Hutchinson recalled what it was like retire at such a young age and how he later managed to return to form with The Owls.He said: “It wasn’t a big call at the time [to retire] because I hated it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSam Hutchinson’s career so far
      2007 – 2010: Chelsea
      2010 – 2012: Retired
      2012 – 2014: Chelsea
      2012 – 2013: Nottingham Forest (loan)
      2013 – 2014: Vitesse (loan)
      2014 – 2022: Sheffield Wednesday
      2020 – 2021: Pafos FC (loan)
      2022 – 2024: Reading

      “I just wanted to stop the pain and stop everything. I never wanted to come back.”I didn’t want to play for Chelsea either because I blamed them for it, even though it wasn’t [their fault], it was just what happened.”Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe added: “I just needed to take control and make my own decisions and just be a man about it. “That’s what I’ve done at Sheffield Wednesday. As soon as I took charge of my own career, that’s when I started being happier and when I started reaping the benefits.”Hutchinson also spoke about the mental fortitude it took to return to the pitch after a period away and the difficulties of battling through such a serious injury, explaining: “I probably did as much work mentally as I did physically to come back.”After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he has spent the last two seasons.He made just 26 appearances across those two campaigns after once again struggling with injury and has now seen his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium come to an end. Hutchinson is joined on the Reading released list by Matty Carson, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Clinton Mola.A club statement following the announcement read: “We would like to place on record our thanks and best wishes to Matty, Nesta, Sam and Clinton who will all depart the club following the expiration of their contracts this summer.”Hutchinson spent most of his professional career with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Major broadcasting change as 3pm blackout SCRAPPED for opening weekend of EFL season as part of new £930m deal

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      EVERY EFL game will be streamed live on the opening weekend of next season – including the matches kicking off at 3pm.Sky’s new deal with the league means 10 matches across the three divisions will be shown every weekend, with six of them shifted to the 12.30pm Saturday slot.Sky Sports have agreed a bumper new deal with the EFLCredit: GettyThe deal will see more games televised from the Championship, League One and League TwoCredit: GettyBut the expansion to more than 1000 live games per season means fans of all 72 EFL clubs are guaranteed to be able to see their club in action at least 20 times.Sky’s £930m five-year deal with the EFL kicks off in August, when the broadcaster will launch a new free streaming channel as part of current subscriptions.Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.It will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.Every Championship match will be covered by at least six cameras, with four cameras at the League One grounds and a minimum two in the bottom tier, with commentary for all matches.Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports managing director, promised: “We are making a commitment to every club in the EFL and this is a big step-change for League One and Two.“This season, 20 of the 48 clubs in those divisions were not covered live even once.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But we will also announce in July all the games we are screening live up until the first week in January. “And by the start of November that will be extended to the beginning of March, to give fans as much notice as we can.”The opening weekend plans from Friday August 9 are possible because the FA only applies for the 3pm “blackout” rule to apply when 50 per cent of Prem and Championship matches are kicking off – with the top flight starting a week later.Licht added: “This is going to be a huge moment for football fans up and down the country and a fitting way to kick off our ground-breaking new partnership with the EFL.” More

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      Sky Sports pundit left stunned and says he’s ‘not too sure about this’ with what Bolton players did after play-off win

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      SKY SPORTS pundit Jobi McAnuff was left stunned by Bolton’s antics after their play-off win against Barnsley.The two sides went into last night’s League One semi-final looking to cement a spot in this month’s final at Wembley.Bolton were criticised for their post-match celebrations after reaching the League One playoff finalCredit: RexFans flooded the field after the 5-4 aggregate win over BarnsleyCredit: RexSome players went into the stands and drank beers to celebrateCredit: Sky SportsHosts Bolton won the first leg 3-1 but lost 3-2 in a dramatic second tie on Tuesday.However, the result saw them emerge overall winners over Barnsley with a 5-4 aggregate score.And they will now play either Peterborough or Oxford United to claim a spot in next season’s Championship.At the final whistle, Bolton fans flooded the pitch to celebrate reaching the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut instead of taking their celebrations inside, the players bizarrely stayed on the pitch to party too.Several swigged beers and even climbed into the stands to toast their win alongside supporters.And the scenes were reminiscent of a side that had already done the business in the upcoming final.Former Championship star McAnuff was certainly not impressed with Bolton’s premature antics.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe claimed it sent out the wrong message to their next opponent, showing that their minds were already one step ahead of the showpiece game at Wembley.And McAnuff urged Bolton to play a more cautious hand in the future to avoid potential embarrassment.Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derbyJobi McAnuff explained how Bolton’s antics could be a huge boost to their final opponentsCredit: Sky SportsMcAnuff told Sky Sports: “I’m not too sure about this, I’ve got to say. My thing with this, and you might want to call it old school, you’ve still got work to do.“Absolutely, go into the changing room, celebrate getting to the final. “But not up in the stands with beers in your hands. There’s still a massive game to come. “It just seems it feels that they have already got promoted. I personally would have liked to see that confined to the dressing room.“A pat on the back, one step further than last year, which is a slight improvement on where they were.“But the big job’s still to come and I’d be really wary and conscious of the message I’m sending out to my potential opponents who I play next.” More