League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Abandoned ‘ghost stadium’ of EFL club gets new lease of life with fans given once-in-a-lifetime chance to play on pitch

      by

      SUPPORTERS longing for yesteryear can step back into the past on Friday as a “Ghost ground” re-opens its doors.Millmoor was the home of League One Rotherham United for 83 years until 2008.Rotherham United played their football at Milmoor for 83 yearsCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut they abandoned the ground in 2008 to move to a new stadiumCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut the ‘Ghost Ground’ is set to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSON THE SUNFollowing a row over rent, the Millers moved out as their famous old ground was left desolate and decrepit.Rotherham now play in the 12,000-seater New York Stadium, which opened in 2012, and is situated just yards away.However, it is impossible to miss their former home on any visit to Rotherham and now you can take a look inside it from 2pm.After years of being known as the “Ghost ground”, long-standing landlords, the Booth family, have overseen the refurbishment to restore it to its former glory and bring it back to life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now the doors will be opened for visitors to see the old stands, take a walk on the pitch – which is now being put into use for hire by local teams – and reminisce about the glory days.A host of the club’s heroes will also be in attendance to add to the nostalgic event.It is in conjunction with Millers legend John Breckin, 71, as part of his dementia awareness work.A spokesman said: “This is a chance for older Millers supporters to re-visit a place where they spent so many happy times and for the younger generation who have no doubt heard all about Millmoor, to get a better idea of what it is actually like.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMilmoor is to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSONThe ground is is now being put into use by being hired by local teamsCredit: MARK ROBINSON”Hopefully, there will be a good turnout.”Millmoor was first used in the 1890s when it was used by the Rotherham Church Institute in the Sheffield Association League, before then being used by Rotherham County before United. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepairIt was home to seven promotion campaigns, eight relegations and also staged the first League Cup final in 1961 when Rotherham beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the first leg. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      My dad’s a former Man Utd title winner – now I’m making my own in the EFL

      by

      THE son of one Premier League champion is now carving his own way in the EFL.Despite his dad still playing in England’s top flight, the 18-year-old starlet is already making moves in the nation’s lower leagues.Tyler Young is paving his own path in professional footballOn the books at League One club Peterborough, Tyler Young is working towards making his first professional appearance.Although the teenager hasn’t quite made his pro debut just yet, he has been on the bench for league and EFL Cup matches for the Posh this season.And there will be high hopes for him going forward given that his dad is a 39-time England international with over 450 Premier League appearances under his belt and an enviable trophy cabinet.The youngster is actually the son of former Man Utd star Ashley Young.READ MORE ON MAN UTDYoung Sr is currently on the books at Everton and has had an incredible career that has seen him win the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup with Man United.While he also lifted the Scudetto in Italy during a spell with Serie A giants Inter Milan.And despite still going strong with the Toffees at 39, Young Sr still had time to support his lad on Tuesday night.The former Aston Villa winger was in the crowd as Peterborough took on Wigan Athletic in League One – falling to a 3-0 defeat.Most read in FootballTyler Young is the son of Everton star Ashley YoungCredit: AlamyYoung Sr was in the crowd to watch Peterborough take on Wigan Athletic on TuesdayCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnfortunately Young Jr didn’t make it off the bench and had to watch on from the sidelines like his dads as his side lost 3-0 to the Latics.The rising star made the move to London Road this summer after leaving QPR’s U18 side.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiThe midfielder is understood to be under contract with the club until the summer.Young Jr will be hoping he can follow in his dad’s footsteps who made his professional debut at the age of 18.Ashley Young’s careerA look at Ashley Young’s career…2003 – 2007: Watford2007 – 2011: Aston Villa2011 – 2020: Manchester United2020 – 2021: Inter Milan2021 – 2023: Aston Villa2023 – present: EvertonHonours1 x Premier League champion (2012/13)1 x League Cup winner (2016/17)1 x FA Cup winner (2015/16)1 x Europa League winner (2016/17)2 x Community Shield winner (2011, 2012)1 x Serie A champion (2020/21) More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star named manager of Crawley as he lands first EFL boss job

      by

      CRAWLEY TOWN have appointed former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot as boss.The former Gateshead manager joins up with the League One side on a two-and-a-half-year deal.Crawley have appointed former Charlton and Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot as their managerCredit: PAThe ex-stopper spent almost a decade with the MagpiesCredit: GettyElliot led Gateshead to a sixth-placed finish in the National League last season.He also guided the Tynesiders to FA Trophy glory at Wembley against Solihull Moors. Crawley lost former boss Scott Lindsey last week as the 52-year-old dropped down a division to take over at MK Dons.Ben Gladwin took interim charge for the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat by Bolton on Saturday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Crawley has moved quickly to secure the highly-rated Elliot on a permanent deal. Elliot told the club’s official website: “When the opportunity came about, it was impossible to turn down.”I heard there might be some interest, and we spoke to the owners and had such a positive conversation. “It is so exciting to see the way these players play, and I am really excited to get to work with them on the training ground.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCrawley are currently 20th in League One with seven points from seven games.They won promotion through the League Two playoffs last season under Lindsey.’Topless players wrestling with bouncers!’ | Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey plays What the EFL?!Gladwin and his No.2 Steve Hafner will remain in charge for Tuesday’s home game against Mansfield Town.Elliot began his playing career at Charlton Athletic, before moving to Newcastle in 2011.He played over 50 times for the Magpies, mostly serving as backup behind Tim Krul and Karl Darlow. Elliot took over at Gateshead in 2023 and was registered on the playing staff while acting as interim manager.His role was made permanent in the summer and he leaves the club sitting fifth in the National League. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

      by

      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE 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.Read more on the FA Cup. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It’s nothing short of a disgrace’ rages Sky Sports pundit as ‘carnage’ League One club at risk of going bust

      by

      FORMER Reading star Ady Williams has labelled goings on at his old club a “disgrace” after Rob Couhig’s proposed takeover fell through this week.Former Wycombe owner Couhig, 75, had satisfied EFL chiefs and had invested at least £5million into the Royals.Former Reading favourite Ady Wiliams blasted the situation at his former clubCredit: Sky SportsBut the American has now been paid back, after Reading owner Dai Yongge failed to complete a deal.Fans have frequently protested against Dai, whose several late payments in recent years have led to multiple points deductions and relegation from the Championship.Reading are currently operating on money received via a sell-on clause in Michael Olise’s £8million sale to Crystal Palace in 2021, after the French winger joined Bayern Munich in the summer.Following the collapse of Couhig’s takeover, Royals fans planned a further protest for during today’s home match against Huddersfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReporting from the game for Sky Sports, former Reading favourite Ady Williams pulled no punches on the club’s situation.Reading born Williams, who played more than 300 times for his hometown club, said: “What’s happened at this football club at boardroom level and off the pitch is nothing short of a disgrace. “It’s carnage at the moment. Rob Couhig came in, as Jobi (McAnuff) said it looked like this was going to be the deal and I was thinking Reading fans can finally put this to bed, all these embargoes and protests and pitch invasions and whatever it may be.”But Mr Couhig pulled out for whatever reason and we’re back to square one. It’s a tragedy, it really is.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”For these Reading fans and the backroom staff and the players and manager – everybody connected with the club – it is carnage off the pitch.”In the 18th minute of today’s match, Reading fans held up red cards with the message: “Dai family sell Reading FC.”‘Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!The Royals then went behind in the 21st minute, via Matty Pearson’s opener.But Ruben Selles’ side were level on the half hour via Harvey Knibbs’ effort, before claiming a 57th minute lead via Ben Elliott.Earlier this week, Selles admitted his frustration at the situation.The former Southampton boss, 41, told the BBC: “I have had enough of this situation now.”All the bad situations that can happen in football have happened to me in the last 16 months.”I have a fantastic group of players that have been fighting against those situations but it gets to a point where you cannot anymore, you are repeating the things in the cycle.”I’m not a person that likes to quit but I do need to reflect on where could be the ending point because I’m not happy with everything that’s happened.”Ruben Selles is growing frustrated with Reading’s situationCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL manager cancelled training session after two stars came to blows and couldn’t be in same room together

      by

      AN EFL manager once had to cancel training after two players had a huge bust-up and could not be left alone together.The shocking incident occurred at Shrewsbury, with then boss Paul Hurst taking no chances as he sent two of his star players to the dressing room.Paul Hurst axed training after his players had a huge bust-upCredit: GettyWycombe’s Jack Grimmer told SunSport about some incredible EFL talesCredit: AlamyWycombe star Jack Grimmer shared some hilarious tales with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From an owner’s crazy antics to wild nights out, the Chairboys captain lifted the lid on his maddest footballing experiences.BEST EFL PLAYER?[Bakary] Sako when he was at Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL FANS?Leeds at Elland Road. DODGIEST FACILITIES? Yeovil away. In the changing rooms, the windows were open right next to our fans and we lost the game. We were getting all this abuse in the windows. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEFL FANBASE WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEAD?Sunderland. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!FUNNIEST FAN ABUSE YOU’VE EVER HEARD?Away at Lincoln. They just kept shouting every time the goalie kicked the ball – it was that old-fashioned, you fat b******. MOMENT THAT HAUNTS YOU?When I was at Coventry and we lost at home to Yeovil 6-2. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?Our old captain, Joe Jacobson… Marcus Bean put crickets in his car.He couldn’t find the crickets for like weeks. So he would get in his car and then still find the noise of crickets going on. WILDEST OWNER ANTICS?At Wycombe again, our owner Rob Cooig, his nephew Pete Couhig, who was our CFO, Pete was obviously ecstatic that we had one promotion during COVID at Wembley against Oxford.The celebrations were a bit heavy, shall we say. I had a back operation not long before. He proceeded to fall backwards off the team bus onto the street. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?At Shrewsbury ten years ago, our captain Adam El-Abd and Irish hardcore centre-mid Gary Deegan.Two people you just would not mess with on a football pitch or in life in general, they just kept going at each other all morning and eventually came to blows. The manager at the time, Paul Hurst, basically called an end to training because he did not want those two players going into the changing room on their own. Adam El-Abd had a furious row with a team-mateCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender and Gary Deegan could not be left alone in the dressing roomCredit: SportsfileWILDEST NIGHT OUT?After Coventry got promoted, the League Two play-off final against Exeter.READ MORE SUN STORIESBank holiday Monday, all the Sky Blue Army went and there was about 35,000, 40,000 people there. They all went back to Coventry to support us and party. Probably my best night out ever. I remember feeling like almost invincible.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clash POSTPONED as Carabao Cup tie is sensationally moved to Premier League stadium after sinkhole found in pitch

      by

      LEAGUE Two outfit AFC Wimbledon have had their second postponement of the day after suffering shocking damage to their pitch.The Dons announced the change in schedule on Monday afternoon following “extensive flooding” at Plough Lane.The flooding has seen Wimbledon’s match with Crewe postponed after switching their Carabao Cup game to Newcastle’s stadiumCredit: PAWimbledon have announced a change for two fixtures following ‘extensive’ flooding at Plough LaneCredit: GettyThe club were due to face Newcastle in the third round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening.However, damage to the pitch – including the creation of a sinkhole – caused by the flooding has seen the venue for the match switched to Newcastle’s St James’ Park on October 1.This has had a knock-on effect of seeing the previously scheduled match between Wimbledon and Crewe on the same date postponed.A Wimbledon statement, posted as a follow up to their original announcement about the Newcastle game’s postponement, said: “Our Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United has been rearranged – to be held at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Tuesday 1st October, kick off 7.45pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We will confirm ticket arrangements as soon as possible (including refund process for the original fixture), and we are actively working with local travel companies on coach travel for our supporters wishing to travel as we recognise this will be extremely difficult for supporters looking to travel to support the Dons for this hugely anticipated fixture.”Furthermore, our upcoming home EFL League Two match vs Crewe Alexandra, scheduled for 1 October, has been postponed. “Tickets purchased for this fixture will remain valid, with more details to follow in due course.”We will advise on arrangements for this Saturday’s scheduled match v Accrington Stanley as soon as possible.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe heavy rain also caused damage around the stadium.Wimbledon’s game against Accrington is due to play out this Saturday, but could face a postponement of its own if the damage to the turf is too severe to fix in time.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeWimbledon beat MK Dons 3-0 in their last fixture at Plough Lane.They currently sit fifth in the League Two table. More

    • 250 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League club’s fans in meltdown over ‘worst goal ever witnessed’ and say ‘no one will concede s***er goal’

      by

      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN’s Michal Helik has been left red-faced after netting a comedy own goal. The Polish defender put through his own net during the Terriers’ dismal 3-1 home loss to Northampton.Northampton were gifted a lead against Huddersfield on Saturday afternoonCredit: RexThe Terrier’s Michal Helik attempted a pass back under pressure from the Cobblers attackCredit: Sky SportsHe rushed the pass, taking keeper Lee Nicholls by surpriseCredit: Sky SportsThe ball – and the Town keeper – ended up in the back of the netCredit: Sky SportsMichael Duff’s side entered the League One clash as big favourites after thrashing Bolton 4-0 last week. But the Terriers – who pride themselves on their press – were given a lesson in tenacity by the visiting Cobblers. Helik and Town’s back three were put under pressure with the ball at their feet in the early stages at the John Smith’s Stadium. As Huddersfield looked to play out from the back, the Pole was forced to make a decision as the Northampton attackers pushed up. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLInstead of clearing the ball long, Helik tried to run it back to keeper Lee Nicholls – only to massively overhit his pass. A scrambling Nicholls could only watch as the ball dribbled past him and into the bottom corner. One Town fan raged on X: “I’ve seen us give poor goals away but this is by far the worst I’ve ever seen witnessed. Great finish by Helik mind.”Another said: “This is just so embarrassing.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a third commented: “Will someone stop telling goalies they are footballers.”The goal came just a week after Town’s own press had worked wonders against Bolton. Neil Warnock given ‘perfect’ retirement gift by rival fans as Stoke help fulfil dream send-off with incredible chantOn that occasion, the Terriers profited from a howler as Anthony Evans smashed in after intercepting a pass from the Trotters keeper.Another Town fan wrote: “Last Saturday: No one will concede a shi**er goal than Bolton this season. Town – hold my beer!”Huddersfield remain fifth despite the loss following a promising start to the season.Duff took over in the summer after the Terriers were relegated from the Championship. Northampton meanwhile move up to 12th after securing just their second win of the season. Cameron McGeehan and Tarique Fosu were on target for the Cobblers, before Josh Koroma bagged a consolation for the hosts. More