League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Star who played in Homeless World Cup after being abandoned due to his sexuality seals dream transfer to League One side

      by

      LEAGUE ONE Wycombe have signed a non-league striker who was made homeless in his native country – because he is gay.Richard Kone, 20, was introduced to the Adams Park crowd before kick-off in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers.
      Richard Kone, with Bloomfield next to him on his left, has signed for WycombeCredit: @wwfcofficial
      Hotshot Kone, who has been starring with Athletic Newham in the Essex Senior League, is only the second openly gay player in England’s top four divisions.
      He ended up on the streets in his home country of Ivory Coast after coming out to his parents, then appeared in the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff four years ago before linking up with Athletic Newham, where he has scored 21 times this season.
      Now after a lengthy trial, Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield has beaten clubs including Brentford and Colchester to his signature.
      Kone, who is now reconciled with his mother, said: “I was living on the street after I had some problems with my parents because I am homosexual. It was terribly difficult being homeless in my country.”
      Read More on Football
      Although it is not illegal to be gay in Ivory Coast, discrimination against homosexuality is widespread.
      There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
      The only other openly gay player in men’s professional football in England is Blackpool’s Jake Daniels.
      Bloomfield, who was the first footballer to sign the Football v Homophobia Charter for Action, said: “It’s been a long saga. Richard played for us pre-season and we looked to try and sign him in the summer window.
      Most read in EFL
      “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for various reasons so it’s been four or five months in the making.
      “Richard’s a young lad and we have to be careful how much is put on his shoulders. But he knows where the back of the net is and he’s been working hard with us behind the scenes. We have him on a long contract and we’re looking to build him into a good player.
      “We have a few young players we are excited about and Richard is one of them. We want to have our own assets here and develop our own players.
      “We’re pleased to get his move over the line.” More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero Charlie Adam lands his first manager’s job with League One strugglers

      by

      FLEETWOOD have appointed Charlie Adam as their new boss after sacking Lee Johnson.The former Blackpool favourite and Liverpool midfielder, 38, was working as loans manager at Burnley.
      Fleetwood sacked Lee Johnson as manager on Saturday after a dismal runCredit: Rex
      They have appointed Charlie Adam as his replacement at HighburyCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Adam, who won 26 caps for Scotland, jumped at the chance of a first crack at management following a long playing career.
      He has climbed the coaching ladder and Premier League Burnley did not stand stand in his way.
      Fleetwood announced his arrival on social media, with Adam saying: “I’m delighted to join a club I know well and one which we feel we can make a real difference with.
      “I’m inheriting what I think is a strong squad which is more than capable of getting the results needed to climb the table.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “Fleetwood is a hard-working, honest, and passionate town and the football club must reflect that – the players have to be proud to pull the shirt on and represent what the club and the town stands for.
      “It’s now important we see togetherness from the players, staff and crucially the supporters to help turn results around – we can’t wait to get started.
      The Cod Army have been struggling this term and currently sit second bottom of League One.
      They have only amassed 18 points from 23 matches and have moved quickly as they look to get out of the drop zone.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Johnson, who has previously managed Bristol City, Barnsley and Sunderland, started the season in charge of Hibernian.
      However, he was sacked by the Scottish Premiership side back in August.
      The 42-year-old was not out of work long as he was appointed Fleetwood boss in September.
      But he won just six of his 22 matches at the helm.
      And a run of nine games without a win in all competitions led to the North West club sacking him yesterday.
      His assistant manager Darren Way and first-team coach Phil Jevons also left Highbury. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League keeper scores ‘most embarrassing own-goal ever’ as fans say ‘2023 summed up in four seconds’

      by

      READING goalkeeper David Button produced the “most embarrassing own-goal ever” in his side’s 2-2 draw at Cheltenham.The Royals fought back from two goals down to rescue a point against their relegation rivals on Friday night.
      David Button scored a comical own goal for Reading against Cheltenham
      The ball ricocheted off his foot after a team-mate’s attempted clearance

      However, fans were left in shock after seeing the own-goal which allowed the hosts to double their lead.
      After Button had spread himself to save at close range, the ball fell to a defender inside the six-yard box.
      His attempt to clear ricocheted off the keeper’s foot, though, and into the back of the net.
      Reacting to the incident on social media, one fan wrote: “2023 perfectly summed up in a four second clip. We’re a laughing stock.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Another added: “One of if not the most embarrassing goals we have ever conceded.”
      A third supporter also commented: “If my U13s did this I’d be embarrassed.”
      Meanwhile, one more fumed: “Beyond embarrassing.”
      The own goal came after Liam Sercombe had already given Cheltenham the lead at Whaddon Road.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Fortunately for Reading, though, they were able to pull level before half-time.
      Quick-fire stoppage time goals from Jeriel Dorsett and Paul Mukairu saved Button’s blushes as the sides went in at half-time all square.
      Neither team could find a breakthrough after the interval, with the point leaving Reading 21st in League One and three points from safety.
      Ruben Selles’ side have also been deducted four points already this season for failing to pay wages on time.
      As for Button, the 34-year-old is a former England youth international and made five Premier League appearances for Brighton and West Brom earlier in his career.
      Fans labelled it the ‘most embarrassing own goal ever’ on social media More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      League One clash ABANDONED after furious fans are left sat in stands for 30 minutes without a kick-off

      by

      THE League One clash between Stevenage and Cambridge United has been abandoned.The game has been cancelled following a local area power cut causing a floodlight failure at the Lamex Stadium.
      Stevenage and Cambridge United players were out on the pitch without any light as a floodlight failure caused the clash at the Lamex Stadium to be abandonedCredit: Rex
      Fans waited in darkness to see if the game would go aheadCredit: Rex
      Both teams were preparing for kick off when the lights went out inside the ground leaving fans sat in darkness.
      And despite efforts to get the pitch lit and the game underway the game had to be ditched after there was no success.
      Fans were quite literally left in the dark about the matter as they waited to see if the game would kick off.
      But after over 30 minutes of waiting the official X account of Stevenage announced that the game would be abandoned.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A statement read: “Unfortunately, tonight’s game has been cancelled due to circumstances outside of our control.
      “If you’re inside the stadium, please exit carefully due to congestion & lack of lighting outside. More details to follow.”
      And the power outage appeared to impact more than just the lighting.
      Cambridge United posted on X to update fans that a turnstile issue had arisen with fans even stuck outside the ground.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Fans, staff and officials were trying to wrap their heads around the problemCredit: Rex
      The official account wrote: “We are told that the turnstiles aren’t open due to the power failure here in Stevenage.
      “If you are outside the ground please try and remain patient.”
      Stevenage later confirmed that a local power cut was the reason behind the issues inside the stadium in a statement on their website.
      It didn’t stop fans from venting their frustrations online though after they had taken their seats for the night just to be ushered out of the stadium without any football to watch.
      Taking to social media one wrote: “Absolutely embarrassing and very poor and lots of money spent already by many. I feel for the away fans and luckily a short journey – not good enough!”
      While another added: “Always someone else’s fault. Any decent club would have backup power. Compensation to all those travelling fans, fine by the football league and points given to Cambridge.”
      A third simply wrote: “Disgraceful.”
      Stevenage have also announced that tickets bought for the match will remain valid for the rearranged fixture in the future.
      It is not yet known when the rescheduled game will take place.
      Steve Evans revealed his side were “devastated” after the clash was officially called off.
      The Boro boss said: “There’s an electricity problem coming into the area, it’s not the stadium – there’s a specific area in Hertfordshire that’s been affected and we’re one of them.
      “There has been lots of consultation with the safety officers, match officials and the EFL and from a safety perspective absolutely the right decision.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Are we devastated? Yes. Were we one of two who wanted the game on?’ Yes.
      “We tried our best – we tried everything to get the game on – but we’ve lost it on this one through no one’s fault it’s an electricity situation and we cannot help that.”
      Players awaited news on the status of the matchCredit: Rex
      The stadium was almost entirely in darknessCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      League One clash stopped after linesman suffers freak injury – then fourth official replacement ’causes chaos’

      by

      LEYTON ORIENT’S clash with Wycombe had to be suspended due to a freak injury suffered by the linesman.The assistant referee pulled up with a muscle injury during the opening 20 minutes of the League One match on Friday.
      Leyton Orient’s match against Wycombe was stopped after an injury to the linesmanCredit: Rex
      Orient confirmed a break in play on social media as the fourth official prepared to take over from the stricken linesman.
      However, they later wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Still waiting. Think the Fourth has left his boots in the changing room. Chaos.”
      Once the fourth official was able to take to the touchline, the match resumed after a few minutes.
      At the time of the incident, the two sides were still level at 0-0 just 18 minutes into the contest.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Neither side could break the deadlock after the restart, though, with the match ending goalless.
      The result means both sides remain in the bottom half of the League One table.
      Orient remain 13th on 29 points and are 14 points adrift of the play-offs.
      Meanwhile, Wycombe have slipped further into the relegation battle as their winless league run extended to 13 matches.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The Chairboys, who have not claimed all three points since October 7, are now 19th and just five points above the drop zone.
      Friday’s stoppage comes after a similar incident in the Championship earlier this month.
      Fans were left bemused after the referee disappeared down the tunnel during Norwich’s win over Sheffield Wednesday on December 13.
      Matt Donohue was forced off the pitch to fix an equipment malfunction shortly before the hour mark. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Kanye West spotted wearing goalkeeper kit of former Premier League club now in League One as fans ask ‘what next’

      by

      KANYE WEST has baffled fans by posing in a rare Portsmouth goalkeeper shirt.The global superstar has become something of a fashion mogul in recent years.
      Kanye West posted a snap of himself in a retro Portsmouth shirtCredit: Instagram @kanyewest
      Alan Knight wore the shirt during the 1990sCredit: Alamy
      West, 46, has over 18million Instagram followers, and regularly likes to show off his latest fits on the platform.
      In his most recent post, the rapper uploaded a selfie while wearing a 1996-97 Portsmouth goalkeeper shirt.
      Fans were left puzzled as to how on earth West got hold of the rare jersey, with one asking: “How has kanye west got his hands on a 1996/7 Pompey goalkeeping kit, worn only once in the FA cup quarter finals against Chelsea, and has only 2 photos on the entire Internet (now 3).”
      A second questioned: “What’s next, he’s gonna show up in Portsmouth?”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And a third joked: “No one had that on their 2023 bingo card I’m sure of it.”
      Portsmouth themselves posted the snap, writing: “Up Ye Blues.”
      Another fan responded: “Pompey = Massive.”
      Portsmouth legend Alan Knight wore the kit, having represented the club between 1978 and 2000.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The 62-year-old joked: “@kanyewest can I have my shirt back please buddy. PUP.”
      West has previously shown a liking for wearing football gear.
      In 2018 he wore a Manchester United jacket.
      While earlier this season he left fans guessing by turning up to Tyson Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou in a mystery retro shirt.
      Kanye West has become a fashion mogul in recent yearsCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Borussia Dortmund lead Premier League and European giants in race for 16-year-old Port Vale wonderkid Liam Brazier

      by

      BORUSSIA DORTMUND head a pack of top European and Premier League clubs chasing Port Vale wonderkid Liam Brazier.The 16-year-old attacking midfielder can’t sign pro forms until he turns 17 next month.
      Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is desperate to land Port Vale teenager Liam BrazierCredit: AFP
      But Port Vale are desperate to sign the youngster up and then cash in.
      SunSport understands the League One club can sell him in a £750,000 transfer to one of the stellar clubs currently tracking him.
      Brazier made his Vale debut against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy in September.
      The playmaker – who has even been compared to a young Jack Grealish – has gone on to make two further appearances in the competition.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      However, his form in those games and for Vale’s reserves has attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest hitters.
      Premier League clubs Brentford, Wolves, West Ham, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all keeping tabs on the fledgling talent.
      However, Champions League giants Dortmund are currently favourites to lure the kid to the Bundesliga, ahead of German rivals Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
      Other top European outfits, including PSG, Marseille, Nice, Juventus, Benfica and Rangers are also well aware of Brazier’s progress.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Dortmund are currently at the front of the queue for Brazier and could sign the youngster in January and allow him to stay at Vale Park until the end of the season.
      Brazier has been on the brink of a call-up to England’s Under-17s.
      However, some niggling injuries mean he is still patiently waiting for his international breakthrough.
      But that hasn’t stopped the kid from racking up six goals and seven assists for Port Vale youngsters in his breakthrough season.
      Brazier, not pictured, has been shining for the Vale this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League prodigy rushed to hospital with horror knee gash ‘down to the bone’

      by

      SHEFFIELD UNITED youngster Oliver Arblaster was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror injury during a match.Arblaster is on loan from the Blades at League One side Port Vale.
      Oliver Arblaster was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror injuryCredit: Alamy
      The Sheffield United loanee suffered a nasty gash around his kneeCredit: Reuters
      He had to be stretchered off the pitch before he went to hospitalCredit: Alamy
      But during their 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, Arblaster had to be stretchered off.
      It came after a tackle left the centre midfielder writhing in pain with a nasty gash around his knee that went “right down to the bone”.
      Arblaster was given treatment on the field of play before he was taken off in the 59th minute.
      He was then rushed to hospital for further assessment and treatment on the injury.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Valiants boss Andy Crosby said after the game that Arblaster’s condition was a “much bigger concern” than the result.
      Crosby added: “It was a really deep gash around his knee and I think it’s gone right down to the bone, so he’s obviously in a lot of pain.
      “He’s just gone to hospital now so obviously he’s our number one concern at this moment in time.”
      The following morning Arblaster provided an update on his condition.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “[In] Hospital most of the night with still no sleep.
      “Gutted tonight wasn’t enough from us all needed to be better than we was.
      “Just want to say a massive thanks to the @OfficialPVFC fans for the support and messages I’ll be fighting to come back stronger see you all soon!💪🏽😢.”
      He now faces a spell on the sidelines to recover from the blow.
      So far this season Arblaster has featured in 26 games, scoring two goals in League One and adding an assist in the division and a match-winning assist in the League Cup first round.
      He has played five times for Sheffield Utd’s senior side, making his debut in the Championship last season. More