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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.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

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      EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy 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.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

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      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.“We will now be and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

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      Rotherham United poach new manager from rival club less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson

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      ROTHERHAM have announced the return of Steve Evans as manager, less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson.Richardson, 44, only lasted four months at the helm and was dismissed two weeks after Rotherham were relegated from the Championship.Leam Richardson was sacked by Rotherham on Wednesday morningCredit: PASteve Evans has returned to Rotherham, leaving Stevenage with two games of the season remainingCredit: GettyHe departed with the club rock bottom of the second tier, 21 points adrift of 23rd-place Sheffield Wednesday.And they have wasted no time in filling the vacancy as Stevenage boss Evans, 61, has been appointed for a second stint in charge.A statement from the club read: “Rotherham United are delighted to welcome back Steve Evans as the club’s new first team manager.”Evans returns to AESSEAL New York Stadium alongside assistant Paul Raynor, with the duo signing contracts which will run until 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Talks with Steve, Paul and their representatives were opened upon permission being granted by Stevenage and the swift nature in which they were concluded outlines the desire of the club, Steve and Paul to make this move happen.”Evans will return to the club alongside his Assistant Paul Raynor.”Evans spent three years at Rotherham between 2012 and 2015, winning 72 of his 173 games.He secured promotion to League One in his first full season in charge.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd back-to-back promotions were clinched 12 months later as Rotherham beat Leyton Orient on penalties in the play-off final.Evans guided the club to survival in their first season in the Championship, before he left in September 2015 with the team in 20th place.Watch Stevenage star blindside keeper to score cheeky goal and send fans wildHours before Evans’ return was confirmed, Rotherham revealed the search for a new manager was underway in their statement about ex-Wigan head coach Richardson’s exit.It read: “Rotherham United can confirm that the club have parted company with first team Head Coach Leam Richardson with immediate effect.”They went on to add: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Leam and Rob for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”The search to appoint a new first team manager is already under way, with further communication to follow in due course.”Rotherham United will be making no further comment at this time.” More

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      Watch former Premier League star, 39, score dramatic winner with first goal for relegation-threatened League One club

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      FORMER Premier League star Curtis Davies scored his first goal for Cheltenham Town on Tuesday to keep the club’s survival hopes alive.The Robins came from behind to defeat Burton at the Pirelli Stadium thanks to goals from Davies and Matt Taylor.Curtis Davies scored his first goal for Cheltenham on TuesdayCredit: X / @CheltTweetsDavies joined Cheltenham last summerCredit: GettyCheltenham striker Taylor cancelled out Steve Seddon’s opening goal just after half time.But ex-Aston Villa star Davies sealed the win with less than 20 minutes to play.The centre-back made his presence known in the 71st minute by deflecting Will Ferry’s corner into the net with his head.After wheeling away in celebration, he was surrounded by his team-mates directly in front of the travelling fans.Read More on FootballThe Robins went on to win 2-1, keeping their hopes of League One survival alive.Cheltenham currently sit 21st in the table, two points adrift of safety with a game in hand.Speaking after Tuesday’s match, manager Darrell Clarke said: “Saturday, Tuesday, then away at Stevenage, we have to keep fighting.”The boys deserve the support right to the end and we’re thankful of their support tonight. They were fantastic!”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoalscorer Davies joined the club last summer following a six-year spell with Derby County.The 39-year-old has also played for Luton Town, West Brom, Aston Villa, Leicester City, Birmingham and Hull City.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe made 173 appearances during his time in the Premier League, scoring seven goals. More

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      ‘Literally no place for this’ – Shocking moment Portsmouth fans appear to attack Barnsley star during pitch invasion

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      PORTSMOUTH fans appeared to attack a Barnsley player during their title-winning pitch invasion.Pompey secured promotion as League One champions with a 3-2 win at Fratton Park on Tuesday night.A Barnsley player appeared to be attacked by Portsmouth fansCredit: X / @beardedtykeSupporters invaded the pitch at Fratton Park after Pompey’s promotion from League OneCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.Their dramatic return to the Championship was sealed by late goals from Colby Bishop and Conor Shaughnessy.The jubilant scenes in the stands spilled onto the turf as fans invaded the pitch at the full-time whistle.However, there were worrying scenes as Portsmouth supporters appeared to attack a Barnsley player.As the Tykes star ran off the pitch, he was left holding his head after several fans sprinted past.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe supporters appeared to collide with the player before he was pushed out of the way.Footage of the incident was shared to social media, with X user @beardedtyke writing: “Literally no place for this. Portsmouth have failed to secure the safety of players. Shocking.”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.”Portsmouth’s late win confirmed their return to the second tier for the first time in 12 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJohn Mousinho’s side had trailed twice to play-off chasing Barnsley before Bishop’s 83rd minute penalty.A point would have been enough for promotion before Shaugnessy headed in an 89th minute winner to cue a full-time pitch invasion.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away The celebrations continued on the pitch and into the dressing room as Pompey prepare for Championship football next season.Captain Marlon Pack later delivered a speech to supporters from a balcony before being rudely interrupted by team-mate Joe Rafferty.As Pack spoke to fans, the defender pulled down his trousers to show his bare bum to the crowd below.His antics left fans in hysterics as his skipper quickly put a stop to it.Meanwhile, Barnsley remain fifth in League One with two matches remaining.The Tykes need one win from those fixtures to confirm their place in the play-offs.SunSport has contacted both Portsmouth and Barnsley for comment.There were jubilant scenes at full-time at Fratton Park after Portsmouth beat BarnsleyCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.The club’s 3-2 victory sealed a return to the Championship after a 12-year absenceCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive. More