League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League announce inflation-busting ticket cap as football fans rejoice and say ‘EFL, take note’

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE away ticket prices will continue to be capped at £30.The rule was introduced in 2016 and has resulted in away attendances increasing to 91 per cent of capacity.Premier League clubs have voted to maintain the cap on away ticket pricesCredit: GettyPrem clubs have unanimously voted for the cap to stay in place.That means next season will be the tenth year away fans will pay £30 or less to watch their teams on the road.It is a major win for fans of clubs in the top flight. but supporters in the rest of the pyramid are calling for the EFL to implement a similar rule.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “@EFL Take notes 👍🏼”Another added: “Why are the EFL not acting on this?”A third wrote: “Needs to be £20 in the Championship, Division 1 & 2.”And another commented: “Eventually clubs not being money grabbers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA total of 953,420 people were at the 380 top-flight matches during the 2024-25 season.And 19 out of 20 Prem clubs raised their prices for home fans.Manish Bhasin gives fans behind-the-scenes look at his week with Premier League ProductionsBut the away ticket price cap remains in place.The Premier League said in a statement: “Clubs recognise the additional costs associated with fans following their team during the season, and the incredible atmospheres they create at matches.” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leyton Orient release EIGHT players including former Premier League star, 40, after play-off final heartbreak

      by

      FORMER Premier League star Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton Orient aged 40.The midfielder had been a stalwart in Richie Wellens’ side for the last four years, helping them reach the League One play-offs where they lost in the final to Charlton.Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton OrientCredit: GettyJosh Keeley and Jamie Donley have returned to parent club Spurs after their loans expiredCredit: GettyHe turned 40 in April and the club paid tribute to his career, and his contribution to Orient’s League Two title win in 2023.Pratley played in the Premier League for Bolton and he made 202 appearances for the Trotters.His best years came at Swansea where he won promotion to the Prem via the play-offs in 2011 – he also won League One with the Swans in 2008.Pratley helped Bolton win promotion from the third tier in 2017, and repeated that feat two years later with Charlton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOrient have released seven other players, including another ex-Bolton star Randell Williams, who joined on a short-term contract in January.Jayden Sweeney, Joe Pigott, Sam Howes, Rhys Byrne, Reon Smith-Kouassi and Thomas Avgoustidis have also been released.While five players have left the club upon the expiration of their loan deals – Tottenham pair Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley, Dillan Markanday, Jack Currie and 27-goal striker Charlie Kelman.Two more players, Theo Archibald and Jordan Graham, will continue at the club on an out of contract basis as they continue their rehabilitation on long-term ACL injuries.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManager Richie Wellens said: “Each and every one of my players gave me absolutely everything this season, and they have all been a pleasure to work with.“This group has been special – one of the best I have ever worked with as a player or manager – and that makes these decisions even tougher.EFL club release ‘gorgeous work of art’ kit and even rival fans want to buy it“This summer, we will say goodbye to some players who have been with us for a long time, and I can only thank them for their service to our football club.”They have played a huge role in our climb up the ladder, and I wish them all the very best for the future.“Jordan Graham and Theo Archibald put their bodies on the line for us and we will continue to support them throughout their recovery from injury by having them around the training ground. “I’m looking forward to seeing them both back playing again, be that with us or someone else.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Plymouth in furious statement as manager Miron Muslic, 42, ‘breaks promise’ to join ex-Champions League semi-finalists

      by

      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE launched a furious statement after their manager “broke promises” to walk out for former Champions League semi-finalists. Miron Muslic, 42, only took over at Home Park in January, replacing Wayne Rooney in the dugout.Miron Muslic infuriated Plymouth Argyle by walking out on the club to join SchalkeCredit: RexHe masterminded the famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool before a valiant defeat against Manchester City in the fifth round.But the Bosnian was unable to avoid relegation from the Championship as Argyle finished 23rd – three points from safety. However, the club were willing to stick by Muslic and had already began making plans to back him in League One and push for promotion next season.That was until he suddenly told the Pilgrims he wanted to leave for FC Schalke in Germany’s second tier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Argyle “reluctantly” gave him permission to enter negotiations with Schalke.But their statement blasted Muslic for seemingly betraying his word months into his contract which ran until 2028.Plymouth fumed: “Argyle can confirm that we have reluctantly allowed Head Coach Miron Muslic to open talks with a 2. Bundesliga side after he expressed his desire to speak with the German team and not return to England.”Despite regular communication since the end of the season, and no mention of any issues, Miron has now made it clear that, after extended periods away from his family, this opportunity provides him the chance to be closer to them after four years on the road.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We are frustrated by this decision, having implemented clear structures, processes and personnel to aid Miron and his coaching staff as we look to return to the Sky Bet Championship at the earliest opportunity.”Not only that, the club have also moved quickly to bring in new signings and received repeated verbal promises from Miron that he was committed to Argyle and would do everything to help the club bounce back to the second tier.’When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left”Muslic joined the Greens in January 2025, on a three-and-a-half-year contract, after a period out of the game having departed Cercle Brugge. “He will now leave Argyle just four months into that long-term commitment.”We wish him the best for his future career.”We will be making no further comment at this stage.”In Muslic’s press conference after the final game of the season, he openly said he needed backing.The club responded by appointing David Fox as head of football operations and Tom Randle – who Muslic had worked with previously – as head of recruitment.Jamie Paterson and Caleb Watts signed last week – the former citing his conversations with Muslic as a major reason behind joining. One fan took to Wikipedia to edit his page name to “Plymouth Snake” in response to the shock bombshell news, which will reportedly see Argyle receive £1million in compensation. Seven-time top-flight runners-up Schalke suffered two relegations from the Bundesliga in three years from 2022 to 2024. Read More on The SunThey finished 14th in the 2 Bundesliga this term – with the likes of ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius and Rasmus Hojlund’s brother Emil in the squad.Die Konigsblauen are six-time German Cup winners, won the Uefa Cup in 1997 and reached the Champions League semis in 2011, losing 6-1 on aggregate to Manchester United. Muslic was in charge when Argyle beat Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      League One play-off final DELAYED with just minutes left after technical failure as players have kickabout on pitch

      by

      THE League One play-off final was hit with a major delay just minutes before the final whistle.Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient battled it out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon to try to secure promotion to the Championship.Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient duked it out at Wembley for promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe match ended up being halted in the dying embers, with both teams using the break to take on waterCredit: GETTYOrient looked to keep themselves warm by having a mini kickaboutCredit: SKY SPORTSA technical malfunction with referee Andrew Kitchen’s microphone kit was the cause for the delayCredit: GettyCharlton took the lead in the first half through Macaulay Gillesphey and battled valiantly to try to preserve their precious 1-0 lead.But the match ended up being halted in the dying embers due to a technical malfunction.Officials paused the match in the 80th minute due to communication issues.Referee Andrew Kitchen’s communication pack stopped working and left him unable to speak to his assistants and the fourth official.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe game ended up being postponed for a whopping EIGHT MINUTES.Both sets of players decided to use the unexpected break to take on fluids. And a handful of Orient players tried to keep their blood pumping by having a kickabout.Footie fans flocked to social media to comment on the shock delay, with one saying: “Diabolical in the League One play-off final.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMacauley Gillesphey’s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for CharltonCredit: ALAMYVictory at Wembley ended the Addicks’ five-year absence from the ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAnother said: “Long delay due to communication issues with officials. “What has the game come to? Worst possible situation for the players FFS.”Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victoryPlay eventually resumed, although Orient were unable to find a late equaliser to take the game to extra time.Victory in the winner-takes-all London derby has seen the Addicks return to the Championship following a five-year absence. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

      by

      SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I’m also training to be a PILOT

      by

      WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot.And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow’s play-off final against Leyton Orient – before landing a place in the Championship.Will Mannion is targeting promotion to the Championship with CharltonCredit: GettyThe keeper is a pilot in his spare time away from the pitchCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo.Mannion told SunSport: “I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.”Now it’s something I want to do after football. I’m going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years.”I’ve been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I’ve got a fair way to go yet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you!”It’s hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky!”It’s intuitive when you’re up there with the controls.”It’s not as scary as people think. It’s fun, especially when ­taking off and landing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong.”But I’m never frightened, you just have to know what you’re doing.Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory”The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn’t too far away so will probably fly out of there.”Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out.And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over.He added: “The next stage for me is to go out solo. I’ve got to do around 45 hours to get my licence.”The great thing is it’s not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time.It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.Will Mannion”There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off.”But that is only the first stage.”There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet.”At this stage I don’t know how far I’d go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!”Back on the ground, Charlton have the chance to return to the Championship after five years stuck in League One.Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final – having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season.Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge.He said: “To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive.”It’s not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final.It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.Mannion on Wembley”The clean sheets aren’t just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we’re a high-pressing team.”That transcends throughout the team.”The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They’ve limited what I’ve had to do to a minimum.”Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards.He was a young pro at Hull – rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson – after being signed by Steve Bruce.He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home.Charlton’s boss Nathan Jones is aiming for promotion on SundayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe said: “It was during the Covid spell. I couldn’t even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go.”As a life experience it was good to see a different culture – although on the football side I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.”A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks.Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching Crystal Palace beat Watford in the 2013 Championship play-off final and the 2009 FA Cup final when Chelsea saw off Everton 2-1.He said: “It’s one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there.Read More on The Sun”It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.”We’ve one more game to achieve what we set out to do – win promotion.” More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tom Brady’s Birmingham release FIFTEEN players including former Premier League star just weeks after promotion

      by

      BIRMINGHAM CITY have released FIFTEEN players just weeks after the club’s promotion to the Championship.Tom Brady’s ruthless side acted decisively after breaking the all-time EFL points record with 108 on their way to winning in League One.Part-owner of Brimingham City Tom Brady has released 15 players after winning promotionCity won automatic promotion from League One on April 8Credit: PAFormer Premier League star Grant Hanley has been released following the end of his six-month dealGrant Hanley and Lee Myung-Jae – who both joined the club in January – have been released following the expiration of their contracts.Scotland defender Hanley, 33, made 79 appearances in the Premier League across spells with Blackburn and Norwich City.While Luke Harris, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies have returned to their parent clubs following respective loan spells.Boss Chris Davies has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe brutal sword saw TEN youngsters axed and told to find other clubs.Ben Beresford, Junior Dixon, Taylor Dodd, Laiith Fairnie, Harley Hamilton and Josh Home will all leave this summer.Joining them out the door are Femi Olofinjana, Sahid Kamara, Stoyan Pergelov and Oliver Sayer.Meanwhile, long-serving striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has retired from football following nine years and 358 appearances for the Club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBirmingham said: “We thank each player for their efforts during their time at Blues and wishes them every success in their future careers.”The club were keen to keep Rangers star Davies on a permanent basis, but a deal with the Scottish side couldn’t be met.Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough Teams often let go of players after a promotion to upgrade their squad for the higher league, manage finances, and create space for new signings.Fellow newly promoted side Wrexham also released a hefty amount of their squad after each of their three back-to-back promotions.Wrexham’s latest cull saw owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney say goodbye to eight players who helped them climb the ranks.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.Local lad Jordan Davies, Mark Howard, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall will all miss out on Championship action too. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL play-off finals to kick off one minute later than scheduled as part of ‘truly groundbreaking’ campaign

      by

      EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More