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      What is Sky Sports+? How can I watch it, what does it mean for iFollow and how many EFL matches are shown?

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      SKY SPORTS have launched a brand new service – and fans of the EFL are in for a treat!Every Carabao Cup game plus four times the amount of EFL games will be available this season on Sky Sports+.Championship games are live on Sky Sports+Credit: PAWhat is Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ provides Sky Sports subscribers with 50 per cent more sport at no extra cost, according to Sky.This includes EFL coverage, with more than 1,000 live matches and every Carabao Cup fixture, as well as all games from the men’s rugby Super League.Meanwhile, tennis fans will have access to more than 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP, and WTA tours.What is on Sky Sports+?Watch your EFL team over 20 times a season, liveEnjoy over 1,000 live EFL games, including every Carabao Cup fixtureWatch every match from the men’s Rugby Super LeagueOver 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP and WTA tours Offers the capability to show up to 100 events concurrentlyHow can I watch Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ is now available on Sky TV and on the Sky Sports mobile app for full Sky Sports subscribers.Just select the game you want to watch on the Sky TV homepage, which will show all current live matches to to stream.You can also press the microphone button on your Sky remote, and then say the name of your club and it will show what games are available.Additionally, non-Sky TV subscribers can purchase a NOW.TV subscription which will provide access to all of the Sky Sports+ streams.What does it mean for iFollow?Sky Sports have said in a statement that Sky Sports+ has replaced iFollow in the UK.Most read in EFLSky said: “iFollow and club streams will cease to offer coverage of EFL matches in the UK & Ireland.”Instead, all televised matches will be live on Sky Sports via Sky and streaming service NOW each season. All 72 teams will be featured over 20 times a season on Sky Sports.” More

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      Arsenal breakthrough star closing in on LaLiga transfer after move to EFL club hijacked at last-minute

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      ARSENAL keeper Karl Hein is on the verge of joining La Liga side Real Valladolid on loan.The Spanish club have swooped in late to nab the Gunners No3 after League One Charlton had shown an interest.Karl Hein is set for a loan move to Real ValladolidCredit: GettyHein, 22, started all three of Arsenal’s pre-season games in the States with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale enjoying an extended break after their Euros antics.But having signed a new deal in June, it was always the plan for Hein to go out on loan this season for some much-needed first-team experience.Valladolid are owned by former Brazil striker, Ronaldo, who knows Arsenal’s sporting director Edu from their playing days.The Estonia international was particularly impressive against Bournemouth in LA last month, saving two penalties in a spot-kick victory over the Cherries after a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the second loan spell of Hein’s time at Arsenal after spending six months with Reading during the 2021-22 season.Questions remain over No2 Ramsdale, who is also looking for more first-team football after being axed as No1 last season in place of Spaniard Raya.Ramsdale has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Newcastle and Southampton in the past.But he looks likely to be involved in the Emirates Cup this week as Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and Lyon on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMikel Arteta’s men kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on August 17.They follow that up with a trip to Aston Villa, before games against Brighton, Tottenham and Manchester City.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s wild dancing after guiding France to Olympics 2024 finalArsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      League One manager in cryptic swipe at Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham spending spree ‘never seen before’

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      IAN EVATT has taken a cryptic swipe at Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham spending spree.The Bolton manager hinted at the challenges of competing with “never seen before” transfer business from their League One rivals.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have been on the receiving end of a cryptic swipeCredit: PABolton boss Ian Evatt has admitted having to compete with a ‘never seen before’ spending spreeCredit: PAEvatt guided the Trotters to a third place finish last season, missing out on promotion by just five points.His side were then beaten by Oxford in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.Ahead of the new season, Evatt told the Bolton News: “Every player has a value, and this summer the board have given us everything we would require, they have been absolutely amazing.”Our values and processes remain the same, even though we can spend more and have offered more – and I have told you we have offered some big transfer fees and contracts out there – unfortunately other clubs can still offer more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That is not just in the Championship, it is at our level as well. There are a couple of anomalies, and I don’t need to name names, but they have spent money I didn’t think I’d ever see spent in League One.”He continued: “You are up against that but if people are making a football decision, we are in a really strong place.”This football club has rich history, an unbelievable fanbase, brilliant stadium, an aesthetically pleasing way of playing, an ideology players enjoy, there is a lot going for us.”If that decision becomes financial, they are probably not the right player for us, that’s the way I see it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We want players here who want to be here for football reasons, to get this club back to where it belongs, not for financial benefit.”We are always fair in the market, and we will offer what we think people deserve, or even at the top end of that.Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly “We won’t be held to ransom, though, and if it becomes a financial decision and not a footballing one, then they are probably not right for us.”Wrexham are back in League One for the first time since 2005 after securing a second consecutive promotion last season.The Red Dragons have since made five new signings so far this summer, with three of those arriving on free transfers.However, the club did pay fees to bring in defenders Lewis Brunt and Sebastian Revan from Leicester and Aston Villa respectively.Bolton and Wrexham are set to meet on the second weekend of the new season.The Trotters will host the newly-promoted side in their first home match on August 18.Wrexham sealed a second consecutive promotion to return to League One last seasonCredit: AP More

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      Rival fans all jealous of Birmingham’s beer choices as they urge ‘promote them immediately’

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      BIRMINGHAM have left rival fans jealous with their beer choices at St. Andrew’s.Supporters were left saying “promote them immediately” after seeing the line-up on offer in pre-season.Rival fans have been left jealous of Birmingham’s beer choices at St. Andrew’sCredit: XThe list of beers were on offer at Wednesday’s friendly win over RangersCredit: GettyThe Blues hosted Rangers for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday night, running out 2-1 winners.However, it was the bar price lists at the stadium which caught the eyes of their rivals.Ahead of the new season, fans were able to choose from a beer selection of Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti and Beavertown Neck Oil.The three draught beers were priced between £5.50 and £6.20 for a pint.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, non-alcoholic Heineken and wine were also available to supporters.Reacting on social media, one rival fan wrote: “Promote them immediately.”Another added: “Take a bow.”Birmingham supporters were equally impressed, though, with one commenting: “I’ll be holding up the queue deciding what I want.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, one more said: “Home games will be epic… Moretti on tap yes yes.”Fans are currently gearing up to watch Birmingham in League One next season following relegation last term.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersIt will be the first time the club have played in the third tier since the 1994/95 campaign.They are currently amongst the favourites for promotion, however, with former Tottenham assistant manager Chris Davies appointed this summer.Birmingham have also spent a whopping £12million on eight new signings during pre-season.Those deals include two which have broken the League One transfer record. More

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      Footballer Alex Fletcher, 25, retires after terrifying collision with advertising hoarding left him in a coma

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      ALEX FLETCHER has retired from football at the age of 25.The footballer overcame being in a coma and a fractured skull after he crashed into an advertising hoarding in 2022.Alex Fletcher has retired from footballCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHis last club was Batch CityCredit: Bath City FCThe forward suffered the horrific incident while playing for Bath City in a National League South clash against Dulwich Hamlet.Fletcher had to undergo emergency surgery before having to relearn to walk.After nine months, he returned to the pitch for the first time since the incident and joined Weston-super-Mare last October.However, he has now confirmed that he has called time on his career on social media.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe wrote: “For me, carrying on playing football would be one step too far, and I’m really gutted about it.”I think I owed it to myself to get back on the pitch, that really did drive my recovery.”I felt like if I had that opportunity to return to the pitch stripped away from me, I wouldn’t have been able to deal with that emotionally.”Since I’ve made my recovery back on the pitch there was something about my game that was missing.Most read in Football”All three of those components for football are the biggest part of what made me a good player.”Fletcher insisted that he has not “felt the same” as the collision left him with issues with his balance, timing and coordination.Premier League Fixtures released for 2024/25 seasonHe has also been having to deal with being permanently deaf in his left ear.Fletcher started his career at Plymouth Argyle and made 24 appearances for the club.He had two loan spells away from the Pilgrims at Torquay United and Aldershot Town.He then moved to Tiverton Town before signing for Bath in 2021.Weston-super-Mare manager Scott Bartlett hailed Fletcher after he announced his retirement.He added: “He is an intelligent person with a great family, who recently had a very important new addition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is obviously the most important thing.”I have not known Alex for long in the grand scheme of things but he had made an impression on me and the rest of our club.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Sacked EFL manager to replace Patrick Vieira as boss of Chelsea’s sister club in shock move

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      PATRICK VIEIRA is set to be replaced as Strasbourg boss by a recently-axed EFL manager, it’s been claimed.The former Arsenal and France midfielder was given his marching orders by the Ligue 1 side this week, just a year after being given the job.Patrick Vieira was given the boot by Strasbourg this weekCredit: PAThe former Crystal Palace gaffer is now contention to take charge of the USACredit: APLiam Rosenior is on the brink of replacing Vieira as Strasbourg chiefCredit: RexStrasbourg are working frantically to try to find a new manager before they kick off their domestic campaign in a month’s time.And they are reportedly on the verge of appointing Liam Rosenior as Viera’s successorThat’s according to L’Equipe, who claim the BluCo brass – who also own Premier League big boys Chelsea – are on the brink of making him the French outfit’s new gaffer.Rosenior, 40, has reportedly pipped former Millwall and Rochdale bosses Joe Edwards and Brian Barry-Murphy to land the gig.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe seemingly imminent appointment of Rosenior comes as a shock as he was sacked by Hull in May.He was given the boot by The Championship side after failing to guide them into the play-offs.Rosenior said after his departure from MKM Stadium: “It has been an honour, a joy and a pleasure to lead a football club that I love for the last 18 months. “I would like to thank every member of staff, every player I worked with, every fan who supported us on the journey and also to Acun Ilicali and Tan Kesler for believing in me enough to give me the opportunity to manage Hull City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I take immense pride in the massive progress and growth of the club in this period, both on and off the pitch, and the small part I played in it.”I genuinely hope that the hard work of everybody at the football club continues to move things in an upward trajectory.Hull City SACK Liam Rosenior in shock decision just weeks after Manager of the Year nomination“Working with Acun, Tan and his football brain team has been an incredible learning experience and with the passion, energy, determination and hard work they have put into this club.”I am sure they will get the vision and success that they crave in the long term.“Seeing the team and players develop, improve and grow in an 18 month period, in a style that we believed in, has been amazing.”And I have enjoyed every moment of working with an outstanding group of people who gave me trust, spirit and togetherness, not just in games, but in every single training session that we worked in.”Great people who I have loved being around. Always together.”Rosenior’s first competitive game in charge of Strasbourg – if he’s appointed as their new manager – will be the club’s Ligue 1 opener against Montpellier on August 18.Liam Rosenior has been a free agent since being sacked by Hull in MayCredit: GETTY More

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      EFL club’s dream of building new £130m, 16,000-seater stadium on 250-YEAR deal given major boost

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      CHAMPIONSHIP club Oxford United have received a huge boost in their plans to build a new stadium.The U’s, who were promoted to England’s second tier following promotion from League One last season, drew up plans for a £130million project allowing them to build a new home.Oxford United have received a boost for plans to build a new £130m stadiumThe club’s lease on the Kassam Stadium runs out in 2026Credit: PAOxford United currently play at the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium, which was built in 1997 and opened in 2001.However, the lease on their current home – owned by Firoka who are operated by the club’s former owner Firoz Kassam – runs out in 2026.And Oxford chiefs have wasted no time in trying to secure the team’s long-term foundations.In October 2023 the club released details for plans to relocate to a new home at the Triangle near Kidlington, and move into the Cherwell district.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16,000-seater stadium would see the club sign a staggering 250-year deal, according to BBC Oxford Sport.The club had been granted permission for the stunning build back in May after signing a provisional legally binding agreement with Oxfordshire County Council.However, the deal hinged on them gaining permission from Cherwell District Council.In great news for the project, on Monday Oxford councillors voted in favour of the motion tabled by Labour member Mary Clarkson to “support” their plan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe said the body wants the club to be “secure in a new stadium which offers a lot of improvements”.And it now means a planning permission application could be submitted to Cherwell District Council early next year.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padOn the move, chairman of the OxVox independent supporters’ trust, Paul Peros, said it would improve infrastructure and bring “vitality to the area”.He added the club and councils “can’t let the vocal minority rob us of that chance”.However, opponents to the move have highlighted the loss of green belt land along with traffic and pollution issues. More

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      Premier League clubs sniffing around 15-year-old EFL wonderkid who’s set to bag first-team role this season

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      STEVENAGE are fighting off Premier League interest in rising star Ryan Doherty — who is in their first team at just 15.The League One outfit gave the midfielder 45 minutes against Luton in a behind-closed-doors game last week.Ryan Doherty has drawn interest from a host of Premier League academiesCredit: Stevenage FCBoro do not want to lose the smooth-passing talent but may have to if a major offer comes in.Doherty, who plays primarily as a midfielder has progressed quickly and his development has alerted Premier League sides to his ability.The Prem clubs interested remain unnamed, but it is thought that a host of top flight outfits are keen to acquire his services for their academies.Doherty is set to feature regularly in the first team squad next season under new boss Alex Revell.read more football newsThe schoolboy also impressed in his 30 minutes against Watford on Saturday.Stevenage held Championship side Watford to a 2-2 draw at the Lamex Stadium.Stevenage often give opportunities to youngsters after playing 15-year-old goalkeeper Max Woodford against Crystal Palace U21s in the EFL trophy last season. And fans took to social media to praise the talented teenager.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “Doherty is incredibly impressive. Hope he gets a chance to play in League One before the elites swoop in.”Another said: “Cracking little player – won’t be around for much longer, I wouldn’t have thought.”England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainA third declared: “Great stuff, always fresh to see a young prodigy break through.”While another added: “Someone born in 2009 now playing for the Boro, seems like it was only yesterday!”Inside humble Ollie Watkins’ remarkable rise from non-league to England’s Euro 2024 heroNINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation, writes Dan King.Now he’s just fired England into the Euro 2024 final with a sensational 90th-minute winner.And even helped Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League last season.Watkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history – and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Days after joining, Watkins made an instant impact with an equaliser against Farnborough.Team-mate Tom Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.“Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.But Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Read all about Ollie Watkins’ incredible rise in full… More