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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      ‘I truly hate this part’ – Rob McElhenney heartbroken as ‘major part of Wrexham journey’ leaves after four years

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      WREXHAM owner Rob McElhenney posted an emotional farewell to James Jones after he signed for Burton Albion.The American actor runs the League One club alongside fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.Rob McElhenney said an emotional goodbye to James JonesCredit: PAJones has joined fellow League One side Burton AlbionCredit: PAWrexham confirmed that Jones departed yesterday to join Burton on an 18-month deal.McElhenney penned a touching tribute to the much-loved midfielder on X, writing: “I truly hate this part. James and his beautiful family are such a major part of our journey. They will be greatly missed.”Burton Albion you are getting a class player with a huge heart and wonderful family.”Jones replied: “Thank you Rob, we really appreciate the message, it was a privilege to be part of something special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the best to you and your family.”Jones had been at Wrexham for three-and-a-half years and made 138 appearances.The Scot joined from Lincoln City and played a crucial role in the Welsh club’s back-to-back promotions, going from the National League to League One in two years.Jones leaving the Racecourse Ground paved the way for the arrival of ex-Premier League star Jay Rodriguez.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old striker has one England cap to his name and is best remembered from his time at Southampton, West Brom and Burnley.He joins James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Matty James among the former Prem stars in Wrexham’s squad. More

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      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      Wrexham sign one-cap former England star whose goal denied Man Utd a Premier League title

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      WREXHAM have signed Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez as they target a third-successive promotion. The 35-year-old former England striker has penned an 18-month deal with the League One side.Jay Rodriguez has joined Wrexham on a deal until the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe 35-year-old striker has signed a short-term deal until the summer of 2026Credit: Wrexham FCRodriguez won one solitary cap for England in 2013Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRodriguez has spent more than a decade with the Clarets over two spells.He grew up in the town and has netted 76 goals since making his debut in 2007. Wrexham have brought the striker to North Wales as they look to continue their push for Championship football. Rodriguez told the club’s website: “I’m made up to join the Club. I can’t wait to get out on the training pitch and meet everyone.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I hope I can use my experience to help every single player in the squad and gain something from the group as well.”To join the story that has evolved at Wrexham with clear targets is exciting for me.”Rodriguez arrives at Wrexham with vast experiences having played over 550 career games. He won his sole England cap against Chile in 2013. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWrexham boss Phil Parkison added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jay Rodriguez to the Club. “He’s an experienced striker with real quality and we’re looking forward to working with him.”Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashRodriguez is also remembered by Manchester United fans for being the player who denied them the Premier League title in 2018. The forward netted for West Brom at Old Trafford, sealing a 1-0 win for the Baggies and making Man City champions. How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.Wrexham are currently third in League One, six points behind Wycombe in the automatic promotions spots. They have won back-to-back promotions, with Hollywood duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bankrolling the club’s rise back up the leagues. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Darren launches furious rant at his own ’embarrassing’ players after career low

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son, Darren, launched a furious rant at his Peterborough flops after they were thrashed by Lincoln.The Posh were torn apart on their visit to the LNER Stadium on Saturday as they went 3-0 down before they even mustered a response in a heavy 5-1 defeat.Darren Ferguson labelled his Peterborough flops the ‘softest’ group he had worked withCredit: GettyCian Hayes had a particularly bad day as Posh lost 5-1 to LincolnCredit: GettyIt was the joint second-heaviest defeat of Ferguson’s managerial career, only eclipsed by 5-0 thrashing’s at the hands of Bolton in February 2023 and Oxford United in April 2024.And it a result which compounds a shocking run of form that has left Peterborough 19th in the League One table.They are without a win in eight league matches, with their last win coming in a 4-3 thriller against Crawley on December 14.Speaking after the defeat, Ferguson – who is now in his fifth stint as Peterborough boss after taking charge in January 2023 – declared this was the “softest” group of players he has managed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m embarrassed. It was an embarrassing performance. I’ve never seen that from a Peterborough United team at this level. It was embarrassing.“The first goal was a free header. We just let them score and do what they wanted. It was a mess. A complete mess. “If you don’t run, you don’t tackle, don’t have a real desire to turn up every game then that’s what happens.”That’s the problem with this group. They haven’t got the desire. They have not got the desire as a group. It’s just basics. They don’t run, don’t tackle, don’t head. They don’t tackle properly. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was a shambles. I don’t often say that about my teams, but I’m sorry, I have to be honest. This group of players is without doubt the softest group of players I’ve ever had in my management career.”Ferguson singled out Cian Hayes for criticism on the penalty which was given away to make it 3-1 after half-time, while Hayes later conceded an own goal to make it 4-1.Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son Tyler“We changed the shape at half-time and then give away a horrendous penalty – what is he doing?“I don’t know. It’s my group of players and all the rest of it. But sometimes you think you’re wasting your time.”Ferguson added that he felt sympathy for the 1,800 travelling fans, more than half of whom left the match early.“It’s easily my worst defeat as a Peterborough manager. The manner of it. More than half the fans left before the end. That tells the story.”We sold out, and they are wasting their time.”Peterborough will be hoping they can have better luck when they host Wigan at Weston Homes Stadium on Tuesday.Their horror run of form included a 2-0 loss to Everton in the FA Cup third round, where Ferguson said a Toffees star had a pop at him for denying a moment of history for Ashley and Tyler Young by not bringing on the youngster to share the pitch with his father. More