League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL manager facing FA probe after marching over to referee and squaring up to opposition player in moment of madness

      by

      BOLTON manager Ian Evatt was sent off after a dramatic draw with Shrewsbury as he angrily confronted the referee AND an opposing player.The Trotters dragged themselves back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with struggling Shrewsbury on Saturday in an intense League One clash at the Reebok.Bolton boss Ian Evatt angrily confronted the referee and an opposing playerCredit: RexEvatt was furious after ref Declan Bourne blew his whistle while the final minute of stoppage time was still tickingEvatt then angrily confronted Shrewsbury ace Josh FeeneyFeeney appeared to urge the referee to show Bolton boss Evatt a red cardBolton manager Evatt was then sent off by the refereeThe Shrews scored twice within the space of eight minutes with Josh Feeney opening the scoring in the 20th-minute mark before Jordan Shipley doubled their lead.But Bolton fought back in the second half with Kyle Dempsey’s effort in the 47th minute.And the hosts levelled things up on 61 minutes with Szabolcs Schon’s finish.The Whites pushed hard for a late winner in front of a disappointed home crowd, who were especially frustrated during a dire first-half performance.Read More on FootballThe fourth official indicated eight minutes of added time at the end of the match.However, referee Declan Bourne blew his whistle the final sixty seconds still ticking down – with Evatt immediately marching over to the man in black to remonstrate.An angry exchange soon followed as Shrewsbury ace Feeney appeared to urge the ref to show the Bolton boss a red card.The 42-year-old tactician then squared up to the defender directly in front of the official.Most read in EFLArsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAnd that was when Bourne showed Evatt a red card amid some angry scenes.The EFL manager is now facing an FA probe following the incident at full-time.Bolton are 13th in the League One table while Shrewsbury are third from bottom.Bolton manager Evatt is now facing an FA probe after the match with ShrewsburyCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL icon recalls his wildest stories, including spiked team-mate turning into Spider-Man and hothead boss’ topless rant

      by

      EFL legend Darren Pratley has revealed his team-mate once turned into Spider-Man after being spiked on a night out.Pratley helped Swansea up the divisions earlier in his career and played one season in the Premier League for Bolton.Darren Pratley shared a deep dive on his career in ‘What the EFL?’Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-team-mate Rory Fallon acted like Spider-Man after being spikedCredit: GettyBut it is Swansea where he has some of his fondest memories – including his funniest training ground story.He shared some tall tales from his career with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From topless manager rants to a moment that still haunts him, Pratley shared all on his 21-year career.WILDEST TRAINING GROUND TALERory Fallon, and we always used to go on a jog. He’d been out the night before, came to training late, he’d been spiked, so he was Spider-Man the night before, apparently jumping around and doing crazy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL PLAYERAdel Taarabt played against him. I played in that game that they keep showing on the EFL where he nutmegs Joe Allen and cuts inside and scores.BEST EFL FANSI’d have to go Swansea, wouldn’t I? Swansea, Swansea, Jacks. Yeah, apart from Leyton Orient, I’d have to go Swansea.DODGIEST EFL FACILITIESAgain, probably be Swansea. We used to train at the David Lloyd gym, so we would be showering after training with the public.If you didn’t have a good result, they would be asking you why when you’re naked in the showers.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL FANS WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEADI’d say Millwall. I’ve scored a few goals against them. Six-, seven-, eight-year-olds who give you a bit of stick when you warm up. It’s an intimidating place to go, so probably I’d say Millwall.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew MOMENT THAT STILL HAUNTS YOUWe played Blackpool in the last game of the season. I think we just had to get a win. So they turned up, Phillips, Ince and all them, and it was 3-0 down after, I think, 15 minutes, and then we ended up missing out on goal difference, I think, on the play-offs.MADDEST DRESSING ROOM TALEIn my first loan at Brentford, at half-time, Martin Allen sits in the centre of the room on a chair with his top off, screaming, shouting at everyone. Didn’t know what was going on.MADDEST TRANSFER STORYAt Charlton, David Cotterill, he was texting me the night before saying that Charlton had offered him a contract, a couple of years and all that, and good money and that, and I was quite shocked, to be fair. And then he turned up the next day at the gates, thinking that he was coming in to sign a contract. Lee Bowyer had come to the gates and was like, show me the emails you’ve been getting, I have a messenger. It wasn’t the manager who he’d been speaking to, someone had pretended to be the manager on an email. He had to go home.WILDEST OWNER ANTICSAt Bolton, Lee Anderson, so he used to come in, we’d be in the changing room, the boys would have discussions whether they were going on a strike, whether they were going to train today.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wasn’t paying wages for the players. We were in a good time at that time, when he wasn’t paying the players, so I just have to say, Lee Anderson.WILDEST NIGHT OUT”I’ve had a few. Got to say Marbella. We got promoted here, at Leyton Orient. We went to Marbella as a team and staff and had a good time.” More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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