More stories

  • in

    Furious Ipswich chiefs STORM OUT of EFL Awards after controversy as ceremony turns awkward

    PLYMOUTH boss Steven Schumacher landed the League One manager of the season gong at the EFL Awards on Sunday.And that did not go down well with Ipswich.
    The EFL Awards took place in London on Sunday nightCredit: Rex
    Kieran McKenna looks set to lead Ipswich to promotionCredit: Alamy
    Seconds after Schumacher was announced the winner, everyone on the Tractor Boys’ table at the London bash left the room and went home.
    Plymouth are currently top of the League One table on 95 points after last night’s 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers.
    But there are two games to go – and Ipswich are just one point behind after a 3-0 win at Barnsley.
    Both teams look set for automatic promotion to the Championship.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But the result clearly infuriated the Portman Road clan at Grosvenor House in London as gaffer Kieran McKenna was overlooked.
    McKenna is excelling in his first senior management role after spells with Tottenham and Manchester United’s academies.
    He worked as the assistant for Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick but made the switch to Suffolk in December 2021.
    McKenna is enjoying a fine first full campaign and picked up the EFL’s League One manager of the month award for March.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Schumacher collected the gong in September and October while Barnsley’s Michael Duff has three.
    Ipswich did, however, have some success at the end-of-season gala.
    Conor Chaplin and Leif Davis were both named in the League One team of the season.
    But Cameron Humphreys was pipped to the young player of the year by Plymouth’s Bali Mumba.
    Ipswich’s five players nominated for awards were in attendance in the capital alongside CEO Mark Ashton and COO Luke Werhun as well as the club’s media team.
    Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher collected the gongCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Watch League One star score ‘goal of the season’ as strike from inside his own half makes fans lose their minds

    LINCOLN CITY star Lasse Sorensen scored an absolute screamer during Saturday’s League One clash against Wycombe.Lincoln beat the Chairboys 2-0 at the Adams Park with Dylan Duffy opening the scoring after just seven minutes before Sorensen’s “goal of the season” in the 71st minute.

    Lincoln City star Lasse Sorensen scored a stunning screamer against Wycombe
    Sorensen scored an absolute stunner from inside his own half
    Fans were stunned by Lincoln star Sorensen’s ‘goal of the season’
    Wycombe goalkeeper Max Stryjek tried to clear the ball but didn’t get much height on it and found the Imps’ star in midfield.
    The midfielder was positioned inside his own half and quickly noticed Stryjek was far off his line.
    The Dane then immediately fired a powerful shot that picked up a lot of speed and travelled all the way to Wycombe’s net.
    Stryjek had no time to react and even lost his footing while chasing the shot.
    Read More on Football
    Fans were left in awe of Sorensen’s finish and quickly took to social media to revisit his fantastic strike.
    One fan tweeted: “OHHHHH MYY, LASSE WHAT A GOAL.”
    Another commented: “Madness of a goal from Lasse Sorensen for Lincoln City against Wycombe.”
    A third wrote: “Lasse Sorensen – take a bow! Goal of the season right here!”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    This fan said: “LASSE F*****G SORENSEN YOU DANISH KING.”
    And that one stated: “Absolute belter.”
    Lincoln are currently 10th in League One, while Wycombe are just a spot above them with nine points separating each other. More

  • in

    Fan arrested mid-game after appearing to SPIT at Ipswich goalscorer as club condemn him

    A FOOTBALL fan was arrested mid-game after appearing to spit at an opposition player.The disgraceful incident occurred during Peterborough’s crunch League One clash against visitors Ipswich.
    A Peterborough fan was arrested after appearing to spit at Ipswich’s Wes BurnsCredit: Alamy
    The incident occurred after Burns fired his side ahead in an eventual 3-0 win
    The hosts needed a win to keep their playoff dream alive.
    But they got off to a terrible start when Wes Burns gave Ipswich the lead after just 17 minutes.
    The wide-man turned towards Peterborough fans as he celebrated by cupping his hands to his ears.
    But for one home supporter, it was too much to take.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The man was caught on camera leaping from his seat as Ipswich players joined Burns for a group hug.
    The fan then appeared to lean forward and spit at Burns before swearing.
    And as the game continued playing, Peterborough took their official Twitter account revealing the supporter in question had been nicked by cops.
    A statement read: “The football club can confirm that a gentleman was arrested by police following an incident after the first goal scored by Ipswich Town this afternoon.
    Most read in EFL
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “There is no place in the game for incidents like this. The club would like to thank the police for swiftly dealing with it.”
    Other fans were delighted with Peterborough’s quick actions.
    One said: “Well done for responding.”
    Another declared: “No room for it, fantastic effort from the club in taking action swiftly.”
    Unfortunately for Peterborough, their fortunes did not improve over the course of the game.
    Ipswich found a second in the 57th minute through Conor Chaplin.
    And Freddie Ladapo made it 3-0 with eight minutes remaining.
    The result means Ipswich remain second in the table, one point behind Plymouth Argyle.
    Meanwhile, Peterborough have dropped to seventh, with Derby leapfrogging them into the final playoff place. More

  • in

    Barnsley FC supporter dies outside stadium minutes after watching away game at Lincoln City as clubs pays tribute

    A BARNSLEY FC supporter has died outside a stadium minutes after watching the away game at Lincoln City.Anton Roberts tragically passed away on Tuesday night after taking ill following the League One clash.
    Anton Roberts died after taking ill outside LNER football stadiumCredit: Google
    Emergency services rushed to LNER football stadium shortly after the full-time whistle blew.
    Paramedics treated Anton at the scene but sadly nothing could be done to save him.
    The cause of his death is not yet known.
    Barnsley FC have since released a statement saying they are “deeply saddened” by the news and will be honouring the fan during Saturday’s game against Oxford.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The club said: “Barnsley Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a supporter at Tuesday night’s fixture against Lincoln City.
    “Anton Roberts received treatment from emergency services outside of the LNER Stadium following the game, but devastatingly, passed away last night.
    “The club has been liaising with and will continue to support the family and friends of Mr Roberts through this exceptionally difficult time, whilst asking for their privacy to be respected.
    “We encourage all supporters to join in the 61st-minute applause at Oakwell on Saturday in our game against Oxford United.
    Most read in Football
    “Once a Red, Always a Red.”
    Lincoln City FC also paid their respects.
    They tweeted: “Everyone at Lincoln City offers their condolences to the friends and family of Anton Roberts.
    “Our thanks to the first responders and emergency services who were quickly on scene for their efforts.”
    It comes just days after the news a Crystal Palace fan died from severe brain injuries.
    Liam Foley was hit by a bus and killed as he celebrated his team’s win against Leicester City in Brixton, South London, at the start of the month.
    And last Thursday, a West Ham supporter passed away when he was struck by a train.
    The Hammers fan, 57, was in the Belgian city of Ghent for the UEFA Conference League clash when he died. More

  • in

    Man Utd loanee Charlie Savage suffers heartache as Duncan Ferguson’s Forest Green are relegated from League One

    ROBBIE SAVAGE’S son Charlie has suffered relegation agony out on loan from Manchester United.The midfielder, 19, played the first 58 minutes as Duncan Ferguson’s Forest Green Rovers were sent down to League Two with Saturday’s 5-1 home thrashing by Barnsley.
    Leicester-born Wales Under-21 midfielder Charlie Savage has endured relegation in his first taste of league football, on loan at FGR from Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Ferguson’s men become the first EFL side demoted this season – only 12 months after reaching the third tier for the first time.
    And for Savage Junior it underlines the rollercoaster ride for youngsters attempting to reach the top.
    The Wales Under-21 star made his only appearance for United so far in the Champions League in December 2021.
    He was a last-minute sub in a 1-1 home draw with Switzerland’s Young Boys when Ralf Rangnick was in charge.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Then he joined fellow Old Trafford starlets Charlie McNeil and Di’Shon Bernard in making temporary exits in January for the rest of the season.
    Striker McNeil, 19, joined Rovers’ League One rivals Newport and 22-year-old centre-back Bernard went to Portsmouth.
    In the same month, Forest Green appointed ex-Scotland and Newcastle striker Ferguson as boss after sacking Ian Burchnall.
    But they are in exactly the same position as when he arrived – bottom.
    Most read in EFL
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And although Savage has won praise for his displays, Saturday was a low point for Rovers – in performance, result and confirmation of the drop.
    Just a month ago, Savage senior was seen beaming with pride and celebrating with arms wide open live on BT Sport Score after Charlie notched his first senior goal.
    But even that 12th-minute opener at home to Bristol Rovers came in a 3-1 home defeat.
    Now Savage must wait to see the next twist in his fledgling career. More

  • in

    Barnsley boss Michael Duff lined up for controversial move to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield

    BARNSLEY’S boss Michael Duff is being closely watched by Huddersfield.  The Terriers need a long-term successor to Neil Warnock at the end of the season and  Duff, 45, is liked by their incoming regime for his work at the Tykes.
    Michael Duff is being touted as potential long term successor to Neil Warnock at HuddersfieldCredit: Getty
    Neil Warnock has guided Huddersfield out of the Championship relegation zoneCredit: Getty
    Huddersfield’s chances of appointing Duff are likely to increase if they are in the same division as Barnsley next season or playing at a higher level.
    Where both teams are going to be playing their football next season will be decided in the final weeks of the season with Huddersfield in the Championship relegation battle and Barnsley in the League One promotion hunt.
    Warnock has guided the Terriers out of the relegation zone following their 3-2 win over Watford on Friday night and will be looking to further boost their survival chances in the coming weeks.
    Barnsley will be hoping that Duff can guide them to promotion to the second tier of English football.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Tykes are now six points adrift of the top two in League One and may have to settle for a place in the play-offs after defeats to Exeter City and Burton Albion in their last three games.
    Warnock took over from Mark Fotheringham in February and agreed a deal until the end of the season.
    In the nine games that Warnock has overseen he has guided Huddersfield to four victories.
    Duff led Cheltenham Town to promotion to League One in 2021 and helped them consolidate their status in the third tier before joining Barnsley last year.
    Most read in Championship
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The 45 year old is on course to guide Barnsley to a top-six finish in League one this season.
    One significant hurdle for Huddersfield to overcome if they are to appoint Duff is the compensation they will have to pay to Barnsley with the former Cheltenham manager under contract until 2025 at Oakwell. More

  • in

    EFL set for almost DOUBLE number of televised games next season with Sky Sports agree to condition to edge out ViaPlay

    THE EFL may end up almost DOUBLING the number of live games from the next TV deal.Sky are negotiating final details of a fresh contract that will see them pay much more.
    The EFL is set to get double the coverage next seasonCredit: Rex
    Part of those talks is about how many games they will show as the EFL seeks more exposure, especially down the divisions.
    Sky were initially looking to do fewer games in future but the fear of losing the whole deal brought them to the table with the best offer — as we tipped last month.
    There is still a chance that Sky “sub-contract” some of the coverage and insiders reveal the whole process has “a bit to go”. 
    That means fans will get to watch much more from their favourite Championship, League One and League Two teams.
    Read More on Football
    Football enthusiasts could also watch more from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham.
    The Red Dragons are fighting it out with Notts County in the National League as they seek automatic promotion.
    Fans of Premier League teams set to be relegated will take comfort in the fact they won’t be missing any of the action when they bid to return to the top.
    However, that won’t include Burnley, who earned promotion to the Premier League.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The Clarets returned to the English top flight just a year after their relegation.
    Burnley were led by manager Vincent Kompany on his first season at Turf Moor.
    Kompany will now get the chance to lock horns with former mentors like Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta. More

  • in

    3pm blackout set to STAY as EFL reveal preferred bidder for new TV rights deal

    SKY SPORTS have seen off the challenge of streaming service DAZN and other broadcast rivals to retain the rights to show live EFL football.EFL bosses are looking to almost double their current £119m per season deal.
    The 3pm blackout looks set to remain in place in EnglandCredit: Getty
    Streaming giant DAZN said it planned to screen all 1656 EFL games each season and seek to end the Saturday 3pm blackout.
    Despite that bid, and other offers understood to have been made by Viaplay and TNT Sports – the new name for BT Sport – Sky is the first choice of the EFL.
    A final deal is yet to be confirmed although it is understood that Sky intends to screen more matches than the 138 games shown in the current five-year deal that runs out at the end of next season.
    In a statement, league chiefs said: “The EFL has now completed a full and comprehensive review of the multiple submissions received as part of its broadcast rights sales process from 2024 onwards.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “The League will now enter into an exclusive month-long negotiating period with the preferred bidder, Sky Sports.
    “No further comment will be made on this matter at the current time.”
    The news will be a blow for DAZN, part-owned by Anthony Joshua, which felt it had made a significantly competitive and ground-breaking offer.
    But assuming an agreement is found over the next month, the news will bring a sigh of relief to Sky bosses.
    Most read in EFL
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    It was reported last week that EFL bosses are looking to increase the current package to £200m plus, a huge potential financial lifeline for struggling clubs.
    The blackout was introduced, at the instigation of then-Burnley chairman Bob Lord more than 50 years ago, in the belief that it would prevent TV football damaging attendances at other matches.
    Prem chief executive Richard Masters declared earlier this month that he “didn’t see” the league’s backing for the blackout ending any time soon. More