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      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

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      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.“We will now be and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

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      Rotherham United poach new manager from rival club less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson

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      ROTHERHAM have announced the return of Steve Evans as manager, less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson.Richardson, 44, only lasted four months at the helm and was dismissed two weeks after Rotherham were relegated from the Championship.Leam Richardson was sacked by Rotherham on Wednesday morningCredit: PASteve Evans has returned to Rotherham, leaving Stevenage with two games of the season remainingCredit: GettyHe departed with the club rock bottom of the second tier, 21 points adrift of 23rd-place Sheffield Wednesday.And they have wasted no time in filling the vacancy as Stevenage boss Evans, 61, has been appointed for a second stint in charge.A statement from the club read: “Rotherham United are delighted to welcome back Steve Evans as the club’s new first team manager.”Evans returns to AESSEAL New York Stadium alongside assistant Paul Raynor, with the duo signing contracts which will run until 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Talks with Steve, Paul and their representatives were opened upon permission being granted by Stevenage and the swift nature in which they were concluded outlines the desire of the club, Steve and Paul to make this move happen.”Evans will return to the club alongside his Assistant Paul Raynor.”Evans spent three years at Rotherham between 2012 and 2015, winning 72 of his 173 games.He secured promotion to League One in his first full season in charge.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd back-to-back promotions were clinched 12 months later as Rotherham beat Leyton Orient on penalties in the play-off final.Evans guided the club to survival in their first season in the Championship, before he left in September 2015 with the team in 20th place.Watch Stevenage star blindside keeper to score cheeky goal and send fans wildHours before Evans’ return was confirmed, Rotherham revealed the search for a new manager was underway in their statement about ex-Wigan head coach Richardson’s exit.It read: “Rotherham United can confirm that the club have parted company with first team Head Coach Leam Richardson with immediate effect.”They went on to add: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Leam and Rob for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”The search to appoint a new first team manager is already under way, with further communication to follow in due course.”Rotherham United will be making no further comment at this time.” More

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      Watch former Premier League star, 39, score dramatic winner with first goal for relegation-threatened League One club

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      FORMER Premier League star Curtis Davies scored his first goal for Cheltenham Town on Tuesday to keep the club’s survival hopes alive.The Robins came from behind to defeat Burton at the Pirelli Stadium thanks to goals from Davies and Matt Taylor.Curtis Davies scored his first goal for Cheltenham on TuesdayCredit: X / @CheltTweetsDavies joined Cheltenham last summerCredit: GettyCheltenham striker Taylor cancelled out Steve Seddon’s opening goal just after half time.But ex-Aston Villa star Davies sealed the win with less than 20 minutes to play.The centre-back made his presence known in the 71st minute by deflecting Will Ferry’s corner into the net with his head.After wheeling away in celebration, he was surrounded by his team-mates directly in front of the travelling fans.Read More on FootballThe Robins went on to win 2-1, keeping their hopes of League One survival alive.Cheltenham currently sit 21st in the table, two points adrift of safety with a game in hand.Speaking after Tuesday’s match, manager Darrell Clarke said: “Saturday, Tuesday, then away at Stevenage, we have to keep fighting.”The boys deserve the support right to the end and we’re thankful of their support tonight. They were fantastic!”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoalscorer Davies joined the club last summer following a six-year spell with Derby County.The 39-year-old has also played for Luton Town, West Brom, Aston Villa, Leicester City, Birmingham and Hull City.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe made 173 appearances during his time in the Premier League, scoring seven goals. More

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      ‘Literally no place for this’ – Shocking moment Portsmouth fans appear to attack Barnsley star during pitch invasion

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      PORTSMOUTH fans appeared to attack a Barnsley player during their title-winning pitch invasion.Pompey secured promotion as League One champions with a 3-2 win at Fratton Park on Tuesday night.A Barnsley player appeared to be attacked by Portsmouth fansCredit: X / @beardedtykeSupporters invaded the pitch at Fratton Park after Pompey’s promotion from League OneCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.Their dramatic return to the Championship was sealed by late goals from Colby Bishop and Conor Shaughnessy.The jubilant scenes in the stands spilled onto the turf as fans invaded the pitch at the full-time whistle.However, there were worrying scenes as Portsmouth supporters appeared to attack a Barnsley player.As the Tykes star ran off the pitch, he was left holding his head after several fans sprinted past.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe supporters appeared to collide with the player before he was pushed out of the way.Footage of the incident was shared to social media, with X user @beardedtyke writing: “Literally no place for this. Portsmouth have failed to secure the safety of players. Shocking.”Regarding the incident, Hampshire Police told SunSport: “We are aware of this incident, but at this time we have no official complaint in relation to it.”Portsmouth’s late win confirmed their return to the second tier for the first time in 12 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJohn Mousinho’s side had trailed twice to play-off chasing Barnsley before Bishop’s 83rd minute penalty.A point would have been enough for promotion before Shaugnessy headed in an 89th minute winner to cue a full-time pitch invasion.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away The celebrations continued on the pitch and into the dressing room as Pompey prepare for Championship football next season.Captain Marlon Pack later delivered a speech to supporters from a balcony before being rudely interrupted by team-mate Joe Rafferty.As Pack spoke to fans, the defender pulled down his trousers to show his bare bum to the crowd below.His antics left fans in hysterics as his skipper quickly put a stop to it.Meanwhile, Barnsley remain fifth in League One with two matches remaining.The Tykes need one win from those fixtures to confirm their place in the play-offs.SunSport has contacted both Portsmouth and Barnsley for comment.There were jubilant scenes at full-time at Fratton Park after Portsmouth beat BarnsleyCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.The club’s 3-2 victory sealed a return to the Championship after a 12-year absenceCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive. More

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      Carnage as rowdy Portsmouth team are kicked out of pub after it is trashed and star strips naked in boozy celebrations

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      PORTSMOUTH players were thrown out of a pub after their promotion celebrations got out of hand.Pompey secured promotion and the League One title after coming from behind to beat Barnsley 3-2 on Tuesday.Rafferty pulled down his trousers to show off his backsideO’Neill’s was left in a mess after Pompey players and fans departedA fire alarm eventually vacated the premisesGoalkeeper Will Norris cheekily popped up behind the barFans poured onto the pitch in celebration as players, friends and family later continued the festivities at a local O’Neill’s pub.Supporters were invited to celebrate promotion alongside the players, with booze and a sing-song in full flow.The chaotic scenes saw captain Marlon Pack’s promotion speech was rudely interrupted by the bare backside of team-mate Joe Rafferty.While goalkeeper Will Norris popped up behind the bar to dish out drinks to thirsty Portsmouth fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPack then led a sing-a-long of Oasis’ Wonderwall before fans continued singing outside once the pub’s fire alarm went off.The patrons left behind a scene of destruction inside as chairs and tables were scattered around the beer-soaked floor.One fan shared a video of the chaos which he captioned: “O’Neill’s has fallen.”Another fan replied: “Think the club are gonna receive an invoice for O’Neill’s btw. Gaff was absolutely trashed last night.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSome Pompey fans also lost control on the pitch at the end of the game as Barnsley players came under attack.A Tykes star ran off the pitch holding his head as several fans sprinted past.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away The supporters appeared to collide with the player before he was pushed out of the way.Portsmouth’s late win confirmed their return to the Championship for the first time in 12 years.They have led League One all season long and claimed the title ahead of promotion hopefuls Derby and Bolton.A Barnsley player appeared to be attacked by Portsmouth fansSupporters invaded the pitch at Fratton Park after Pompey’s promotion from League One More

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      EFL fans say ‘genuinely makes me ill’ after spotting how Bolton star tried to score from two yards out

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      BOLTON fans were left distraught after Nathanael Ogbeta came up with a bizarre miss from two yards out.Shrewsbury visited Bolton on Tuesday and pulled off a shock result which put a massive dent in their opponent’s promotion challenge.Nathaneal Ogbeta was slammed by fans after missing from two yards outCredit: GettyThe midfielder tried to turn the ball in with his chestCredit: RexHis effort was cleared off the line by a defenderCredit: RexBolton needed to win to close the gap to second place Derby but could only draw 2-2 after twice falling behind.But they could have got the three points they needed if Ogbeta had turned the ball home with the goal gaping.The chance came after striker Aaron Collins saw his shot saved by Shrews goalkeeper Marko Marosi.The ball bounced up and as it fell Ogbeta weirdly decided to try and chest the ball in instead of heading it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he did not make a strong enough connection so a Shrewsbury defender was able to clear off the line.Bolton did get their equaliser a few minutes later but it was not meant to be for Ian Evatt’s side, as fans fumed with Ogbeta after his miss.One wrote: “Genuinely makes me ill.”Another added: “Why aren’t you just thunder-c***ing it in from there.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Coward he should be heading that in.”And another commented: “That’s disgusting.”The draw leaves Bolton three points off Derby with just two matches left to play.Meanwhile Portsmouth secured promotion and the League One title following their comeback victory over Barnsley.Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away More

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      Incredible flat with full view of football stadium will let you watch matches from comfort of your own home

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      AN incredible flat offering a full view of a football stadium means you can watch matches from the comfort of your own home.Leyton Orient fans may want to check out the one bedroom flat in McFadden Court Buckingham Road, Leyton, East London, which is listed for sale with a price tag of £350,000.The one bedroom flat in East London comes with a £350,000 price tagCredit: mediadrumimagesFrom one of the flat’s windows you get a full view of Leyton Orient’s groundCredit: mediadrumimagesThe property also has great views of the London skylineCredit: mediadrumimagesOrient fans won’t need a season ticket though as one window in the well-maintained flat gives a view of the entire stadium in East London.Any potential buyer will need to consider the £250 per year ground rent and £1,950 annual service charge.While the apartment may be a dream for a football fan who wants to see League One Leyton Orient’s every home match for free, it is worth noting the noise that will come with this accommodation.The listing says: “The property offers a fantastic open plan living/kitchen space, with a balcony unique perspective overlooking Coronation Gardens, and great views of the London skyline.Read More on Leyton Orient“A spacious double bedroom, bathroom and kitchen equipped with some SMEG appliances.“The property also has good storage and for Orient fans views of the pitch are possible, as well as residents parking outside the block.“With regards to location, Leyton Underground Station is a short walk with access to the city via tube in under 15 minutes.“The popular Francis Road, with its independent shops and restaurants is also on your doorstep as well as excellent transport links to Hackney, Epping Forest and beyond.Most read in Football“Another huge attraction is the short distance to The Olympic Park and exciting Eastside Cultural Hub (V&A East and Sadler’s Wells East opening soon), as well as leisure activities including Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and London Aquatics Centre.“For more green space, Leyton Jubilee Park and Hackney Marshes are close by for runs or take a stroll along the waterways.Man goes football crazy after renting flat next to Leyton Orient’s stadium “For fitness lovers, BLOK Leyton, FIT as F** fitness studios nearby and SLOW Running Club and Eton Manor all on your doorstep.“”All in all this is a great first-time purchase, in the perfect location and incredible view, it won’t hang around.”If living close to just one football ground isn’t enough, then these people live above two stadiums.While another homeowner who lives in the shadow of a famous ground says match days are a nightmare.Footie fans who live near one of Britain’s best-known stadiums say it’s the best place in the city to have a home.And for residents near Fratton Park, the home of Portsmouth F.C., living next to the historic ground has thrown up plenty of famous moments over the years.The bathroom is fitted out to a high standardCredit: mediadrumimagesThere’s a spacious double bedroomCredit: mediadrumimagesThe kitchen is kitted out with some Smeg appliancesCredit: mediadrumimagesOrient fans could watch every home game from the comfort of their own homeCredit: mediadrumimages More

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      EFL fans in meltdown over horrendous error from ‘playing the Pep Guardiola way’ that ‘gets better every time’

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      EFL fans are in meltdown after Peterborough produced a horrendous error to concede against Oxford.The League One play-off pair met at the Kassam Stadium with Posh still harbouring automatic promotion ambitions.Peterborough goalkeeper Jed Steer was put under pressure with a backpassSteer’s attempted clearance found the head of Josh Murphy who scoredBut their hopes were dashed by a rampant Oxford side, who maintained their own play-off place with a 5-0 win.Peterborough gave them a helping hand however, gifting them a goal out of nowhere with the scoreline already 1-0.Manager Darren Ferguson favours a possession-based style, and Posh’s ability to play out from the back has helped them to fourth place in the table.But against Oxford disaster struck as Peterborough invited pressure on their backline with some questionable passes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEphron Mason-Clark played a pass back to team-mate Hector Kyprianou who tapped to goalkeeper Jed Steer as Oxford’s Josh Murphy closed him down.Steer appeared to panic and miskicked his clearance straight onto Murphy’s forehead, and he guided the ball into the back of the net.Fans slammed the defending and claimed it is a system of teams trying to emulate Pep Guardiola’s style of football.One reacted saying: “How many more goals are teams going to give away trying to play the Pep way, embarrassing.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “That is laughable.”And a third said: “Schoolboy football.”Another commented: “Gets better every time.”Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clash More