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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More

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      FA Cup third round clashes postponed with two-time winners given new date for tie after freezing weather wreaks havoc

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      TWO FA Cup clashes have already been postponed due to freezing weather sweeping across the nation.Former two-time winners Preston were due to host Charlton at Deepdale but the game has been called off due to a frozen pitch.The Deepdale pitch was frozen on Friday afternoonCredit: Preston North End FCPreston’s FA Cup tie has been postponedCredit: Preston North End FCThe game will now be played on Tuesday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.A Preston statement read: “A pitch inspection took place at Deepdale on Friday by match referee Ruebyn Ricardo and the surface was deemed unplayable.”Despite the tireless work of the club’s grounds staff to prepare the pitch for this fixture, the sub-zero temperatures throughout the week and overnight on Thursday mean the surface remains frozen.”With similar conditions expected again on Friday evening into Saturday morning, a decision has been made early in consideration of travel plans for supporters, and the players and staff of Charlton Athletic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston vs Charlton isn’t the only FA Cup game to have been affected.Mansfield’s all-League One tie with Wigan has also been called off.The clash will too take place on Tuesday, kicking off at 7:45pm.In addition to the FA Cup, EFL fixtures across Leagues 1 and 2 have also been called off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P WiganPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P EastleighIn the third tier, Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield have been called off.While League Two has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againMeanwhile, six National League games have so far had to be called off.And tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: Getty More

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      Leeds back in Premier League and Wrexham promoted AGAIN? Full predictions for EFL ahead of business end of the season

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      WE are into the second half of the season and now have a good idea which teams look likely to stick with the pace.Here are my predictions on who will win promotion automatically and via the play-offs, as well as those who should be in the mix come the end of the season . . . Leeds look good for automatic promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexCHAMPIONSHIPAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONLEEDSThe Elland Road club won’t fall apart again. Their 3-3 draw at Hull was a blow but Leeds are scoring for fun and I tend to think teams who score bag-loads get out of this division.Daniel Farke lost Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Luis Sinisterra and Glen Kamara.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Joel Piroe and Dan James have stepped up to the plate.BURNLEYScott Parker is promotion king in the Championship and bids for three out of three at the Clarets after taking Fulham and Bournemouth up.They don’t let many goals in and Josh Brownhill is a big goal threat. Burnley should squeeze just enough results out to make the top two.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPLAY-OFFSIt’s like pinning a tail on a donkey predicting play-offs but I have a sneaky feeling for SUNDERLAND.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRegis Le Bris has made the Stadium of Light a fortress and on-loan Wilson Isidor’s nine goals so far have been very handy.But keep an eye out for Danny Rohl’s SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY and you cannot rule out SHEFFIELD UNITED under Chris Wilder.MIDDLESBROUGH will be there and WEST BROM surely will have a puncher’s chance.Wrexham will be there or thereabouts in League OneCredit: PALEAGUE ONEAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONBIRMINGHAMIt’s a disgrace the Blues are even in the third tier after a relegation that should never have happened.But the American owners poured millions into the club in the summer in a bid to make it a one-season stay — and it will be.Jay Stansfield, a £15million buy from Fulham, has 12 league goals.But, getting striker Alfie May in from Cheltenham was the best bit of business. His ten league goals, including two in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Wigan, are a big reason why they are in the title race.WREXHAMPhil Parkinson had to do things a bit differently this season from the two previous campaigns in the National League and League Two.With Birmingham buying almost everyone that he wanted in the summer, he brought in potential.Keeper Arthur Okonkwo, 23, from Arsenal was great business, while striker Steven Fletcher is still doing it up top at the age of 37. I expect them to nab second.PLAY-OFFSHUDDERSFIELD are another club that should never have gone down last season. It was madness to get rid of Neil Warnock, who miraculously kept them up the campaign before.But Michael Duff has a great shot at going up in the play-offs.WYCOMBE are punching above their weight with Matt Bloomfield and will be in the promotion chat — along with BARNSLEY, READING and STOCKPORT.Walsall have shown their class this termCredit: AlamyLEAGUE TWOAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONWALSALLThe Saddlers are nailed on to go up under Mat Sadler. Nathan Lowe and Jamille Matt have netted 14 and seven goals respectively — and their defence is frighteningly stingy.AFC WIMBLEDONThe Dons have made steady progress under Johnnie Jackson and I reckon he has found the right formula to lead them up.Matty Stevens has been excellent up front with 12 goals — while defensively they are sound. I see them breaking into the top three.NOTTS COUNTYDavid McGoldrick is rolling back the years at the age of 37 with his beloved Magpies.The ex-Sheffield United, Ipswich and Southampton man is on a mission to shoot them into League One under Stuart Maynard. And his deadly double in the 2-0 victory against Swindon on Saturday meant he has netted ten this season in the league.PLAY-OFFSI like the look of CREWE. Lee Bell was so close to taking the club up last season before their painful loss to Crawley in the play-off final.They are hard to beat — only four losses so far. My only worry would be they don’t have an out-and-out goalscorer who can provide the firepower.But the experience of Mickey Demetriou, 34, fused with the  talent of 20-year-old Zac Williams and James Connolly, 23, have made for a great defensive base.I can see PORT VALE slipping out of the automatic spots under Darren Moore and Grant McCann should steer DONCASTER to make the top seven.If Paul Cook cannot get CHESTERFIELD into the play-offs it will be a massive failure for the Scouser who has a huge budget.READ MORE SUN STORIESSALFORD should also be in the argument but I fancy eighth-placed BRADFORD under Graham Alexander making a strong push.And I wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Lindsey can conjure another miracle — after taking Crawley up last season — to get MK DONS gatecrashing the play-off spots. More

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      Watch bizarre moment loose DOG is chased off pitch moments before kick-off in League One clash

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      A DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!”Fans found the bizarre incident rather amusing and joked in response.One said: “Give him a stadium ban.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Football is a game for all, nice to see the dogs getting involved too.”Unfortunately for Rovers the dog did not bring about a change of fortune as they extended their winless run at home to five matches.Orient raced into an early lead as Ethan Galbraith struck into the bottom corner from outside the box.Rovers equalised from the penalty spot before two more goals either side of the break put the visitors in control.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChris Martin pulled one back and the hosts thought they had an equaliser in bizarre circumstances as the ball twice bounced off the bar before being bundled in by Gatlin O’Donkor – only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.Rovers are now just one place and two points above the relegation zone, with the Os closing on the play-offs after winning six of their last seven league games.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXED More

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      League One clash postponed hours before kick-off as flooding wreaks havoc on New Year’s Day

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      WIGAN’S League One clash with Huddersfield has been postponed due to flooding.The New Year’s Day battle at the Brick Community Stadium will not go ahead after wild weather caused chaos in the local area.Wigan’s New Year’s Day clash with Huddersfield has been called off due to bad weatherCredit: EPAIn a statement released nearly four hours before the 3pm kick-off, Wigan informed both home and away fans to avoid making any journeys.Heavy wind and rain had battered their ground throughout the morning.But although the playing surface was fine, heavy flooding in surrounding roads and the local area put the safety of the League One game against Huddersfield at huge risk.Wigan’s statement read: “Our New Year’s Day clash against Huddersfield Town has been postponed due to severe localised flooding. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Heavy rainfall over Tuesday night has made roads treacherous in the area, although the playing surface at the Brick Community Stadium was deemed playable.”However, safety concerns regarding the public areas surrounding the ground and the strain on local emergency services dealing with a number of major incidents, which have been affected by severe flooding, led to the league fixture being called off.”Access to the area is severely restricted with many access routes closed due to flooding, and the emergency services are unable to provide resources to support the matchday operation.”The news is naturally disappointing as Shaun Maloney and his players were looking forward to the highly-anticipated New Year’s Day fixture, but the safety of both sets of supporters is of paramount importance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”An update on the fixture rearrangement will be announced in due course. “All tickets from the New Year’s Day clash will remain valid for the rearranged game.”Wigan’s game against Huddersfield wasn’t only the clash to be called off today.Bad weather hit most parts of the UK to dampen the New Year’s spirit.The National League match between Rochdale and Atrincham was put on ice due to a waterlogged pitch.While rivals Halifax Town and Fylde’s match was also postponed due to an unplayable field.There were also numerous games called off in the Isthmian League.Cheshunt vs Hendon and Mertsham vs Three Bridges were among the casualties.Broadbridge Heath vs Stenning Town, East Grinstead Town vs Sevenoaks Town and Burgess Hill vs Eastbourne Town were also axed. More

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      Top 10 fastest players in the WORLD in 2024 revealed and a League One star is in first place

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      LAST year’s Top 10 fastest players in the world have been revealed.And League One’s very own Ricky-Jade Jones tops the global list with a blistering speed matched by just one other star.Peterborough star Ricky-Jade Jones was the fastest player in the world last yearCredit: RexIn the modern game, pace is worth its weight in gold and has become a key weapon utilised from the lowliest division to the top flight.Lung-bursting runs have the ability to turn a game on its head.And now, PFF FC’s Max Speed data has been revealed for 2024.Taking the average top speed across five matches, it has compiled a list of the 10 fastest players in the world last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe names hail from all over the globe, with a not single player competing in a top division.And amazingly, the No1 spot has gone to Peterborough star Jones.He tops the list with an amazing speed of 23.3mph, making him faster than some speed limits in the UK.But his nimble legs will need to go a lot quicker if he’s to lift his side out of their current 18th place in the League One table.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJones’ pace is only matched by that of Joseph Paintsil, who plays in America for LA Galaxy.Third on the list is Tokyo Verdy’ Yudai Kimura with a speed of 23mph.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersLA Galaxy’s Joseph Paintsil also put in an amazing top speedCredit: GettyPortsmouth’s Josh Murphy made the top 10 as wellCredit: GettyWhile fourth place goes to Mjallby AIF’s Herman Johansson with 22.9mph.Another English division player does make the list though.Portsmouth’s Josh Murphy is in ninth place with a speed of 22.7mph.Yet his club languish in 23rd in the Championship.And Murphy will be hoping to boost them up the table with some of his incredible agility in 2025. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson looks in good spirits after Christmas as Man Utd legend is spotted in stands at EFL match

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the only family member with a huge smile as he sat in the stands at PeterboroughThe ex-Manchester United boss wore a festive grin – while son Darren’s expression became more like the Grinch.Sir Alex Ferguson went through the emotions at PeterboroughCredit: AlamyFergie saw his son Darren’s side trail 3-0 at half-timeCredit: GettyThe Scot, 82, was well wrapped up against the coldCredit: GettyFerguson Junior’s League One strugglers were thumped 3-0 at home by Mansfield.Sir Alex might not have been beaming quite so brightly later – as 78 miles down the road the Red Devils slumped 2-0 at Wolves.But his son was focused on a festive beast of a display from Peterborough that he called “unacceptable”.His legendary dad, 82, defied the chilly weather as he wrapped up warmly and watched on attentively, suggesting his love for the game is as deep as ever.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Alex reigned at Old Trafford like none before or since, finally retiring in 1986 after 27 years dripping in trophies.In contrast, 52-year-old Darren has spent most of his managerial career in the EFL, with brief spells in the Championship at Peterborough and Preston.The ex-United midfielder arrived back at Posh for a FOURTH time in charge in January 2023.And he’ll need another happy new year to turn things round as Peterborough sit 17th in the third tier after their Boxing Day beating.Most read in EFLDarren Ferguson labelled his team’s home performance as ‘unacceptable’Credit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Will Evans double and a soaring header from Baily Cargill showed its not just Santa’s reindeer with sparkling antlers at Christmas – as the Stags romped to a 3-0 half-time lead.Posh defender George Nevett. 16, was then given a straight red for a foul five minutes from time.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand By that stage Fergie had switched to a more intense look, no doubt in sympathy with his son.And the big question then was: Would Darren give his flops the junior hairdryer treatment?Ferguson had a relaxing start to the afternoon at London RoadCredit: GettyBut Baily Cargill then put Mansfield on the way with a sixth-minute openerCredit: Alamy More

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      Controversial EFL team’s old stadium and former home of national side is now headquarters of Network Rail

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      THE home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network Rail.In it’s heyday, 9,000 fans would fill the stadium every week – but before all of that it housed England’s national hockey team.The home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network RailIt was once the National Hockey stadium before it was demolished in late 2009The stadium was previously used by England hockey between 1995 and 2003But housed the contentious EFL side for four years between 2003 and 2007The old multi-purpose ground was leased by a club that was going through one of the biggest changes in modern football history.It temporarily housed MK Dons, who were in League One at the time, between 2003 and 2007 – during the EFL side’s gigantic move away from London.MK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation to League Two and promotion back up again during that four year stay.In summer 2007, the Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, near Bletchley, leaving the hockey digs without a tenant. READ MORE FOOTBALLIt was unused for two years and, in late 2009, demolition began in preparation for the redevelopment of the site into a new Rail HQ, which became operational in July 2012.MK Dons were formed in 2004 following the controversial relocating of Wimbledon FC.Back in the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.However the iconic, but dreaded ground, no longer met the all-seater requirements for Premier League stadiums by 1991.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation and promotion at the stadiumOwner Sam Hammam couldn’t afford the renovations and sold 80 per cent to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.Wimbledon were forced into ground sharing with Crystal Palace from 1991 to 2003 before Wrinkleman relocated 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire with the permission of the FA.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionMillions of fans were appalled when the club had to abandon their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge and colours by 2004.Many supporters walked away and formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league club, who are currently pushing for promotion in League Two.During that time, the club played home matches at Kingsmeadow – which is now the home of Chelsea FC Women.AFC Wimbledon returned to their spiritual home on Plough Lane to the Cherry Red Records Stadium a few hundred yards away from the original ground in 2020.MK Dons relocated to the Stadium MK in 2007A groundshare with rugby league side London Broncos began in 2022.MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon continue to share a unique, but bitter, with the latter refusing to recognise the former.AFC were charged for failing to call MK Dons by their proper name in a pre-match programme when they both sat in League One in 2017.No collection of football’s most memorable teams could ever be complete without mention of the rise of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.The notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ brought together a group of players who went from the fourth division to the top-flight in four consecutive seasons.And, most memorably of all, the Wombles lifted the FA Cup after Lawrie Sanchez scored the Wembley winner against all-conquering Liverpool in the 1988 final.But the old First Division’s most famous Cinderella story had a dark side.Vinnie Jones and the rest of the Crazy Gang were famous for their wild antics both on and off the pitchThe team’s work hard-play hard-tackle harder approach to football made them intimidating for opponents.And the fear factor spread within the team’s own dressing room.Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and John Fashanu told BT Sport a tale of vicious beatings, endemic brutality and even arson.“I saw players actually cry from the abuse – physically break down and cry,” said ex-defender Terry Phelan.Jones backed up those words saying: “We were a lot of misfits, a lot of throw-outs, a lot of not-wanteds.”You either grew a backbone very quickly or you dissolved as a man.”Jones was often identified as the ring leader, but he claims that the tough culture was already well established by the time he signed in 1984 and that Wally Downes really ran things. Meanwhile, Wrinkelman sold MK Dons to a Kuwait-based consortium led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim in August this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinkelman oversaw the club’s promotion up to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.MK Dons currently sit below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.MK Dons’ first stadium was the home of England hockeyThe National Hockey Stadium was demolished and replaced by a Network Rail building in 2012 More