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    Major broadcasting change with more than 1,000 EFL fixtures moved from streaming service iFollow

    EFL teams have received a big boost after Sky Sports agreed a new blockbuster TV deal.The broadcaster has shown EFL fixtures live on air since 1996.Sky Sports will show 1,059 EFL fixtures from next seasonCredit: GettyBut their coverage is set for a massive expansion over the next five years, beginning from next season.A total of 1,059 EFL matches are set to be broadcast by Sky Sports each year, with some to be shown via a Sky Sports streaming destination available on TV and mobile devices.That is a record number of games in any football TV deal.And it guarantees EFL clubs a package worth £895million, with £40m more in marketing benefits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat represents a 50 per cent increase in value on the current package, while guaranteeing viewers much more action.It is particularly good news for fans in the Championship, with 328 fixtures to be shown from the division across the season.League One and League Two will each have 248 matches broadcast live, while midweek fixtures in every division will be shown on Sky Sports.Each league weekend fixture round will see 10 live EFL fixtures shown, – five being Championship games.Most read in FootballSky Sports broadcast breakdown

    1,052 EFL matches shown live on air includes:
    328 Sky Bet Championship matches
    248 Sky Bet League One matches
    248 Sky Bet League Two matches
    All 15 Play-Off matches
    All 93 Carabao Cup matches
    All 127 EFL Trophy matches

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREvery Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy clash will also be broadcast.The change means domestic fans will no longer be able to watch their teams on streaming platform iFollow, which came into use during the pandemic-affected season 2020-21.Eight bizarre football rules you may not know More

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    World’s longest football club scarf include 74 English teams and took more than 500 HOURS to make

    THE world’s longest football club scarf has been created – featuring the crests of 74 teams from across the country.The 100-metre-long scarf features badges from EFL teams from Accrington Stanley and Wycombe Wonderers, to Harrogate Town and Oxford United, as well as Scottish favourites Celtic and Rangers.The world’s longest football club scarf has been madeIt is the result of more than 500 combined hours spent on design, knitting, and sewing with each club element hand-sewn by a team of specialists in Manchester.The impressive accessory was created to mark the launch of Kellogg’s Football Camps [www.kelloggsfc.com] which are being held across the UK in partnership with the EFL, Manchester City, Rangers and Celtic.Ex-pros came together at Birmingham City’s stadium, St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park, with EFL legends of the game including Jermaine Beckford and Michael Dawson, and children from local schools to showcase the football merchandise.Former Hull City and England defender, Michael Dawson, said: “For me, football camps during school breaks were where I had the most fun, kicking the football around with your mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The EFL has such an advantage being part of so many different communities up and down the country.”And to have Kellogg’s on board this summer to give so many kids the same opportunity I had when I was younger, is really exciting.”It comes after research found 59 per cent of parents struggle to entertain their children throughout the school summer holidays.While 86 per cent want their child to experience less screen time during the break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe same percentage also believe team sport is hugely important to learn valuable life skills.Kellanova, the company that owns Kellogg’s, is giving away 30,000 free places on the camps ahead of this summer’s kick off.Can you work out which sports star lives in this dream countryside mansion?Managing director Chris Silcock said: “Run by FA qualified coaches, the camps aim to be fun and to give girls and boys the opportunity to get onto the pitch and follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes.” More

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    Premier League cult hero appears to wash BIRD POO off his jacket as he returns to old stomping ground as EFL manager

    CHARLIE ADAM got more than he bargained for on his return to Blackpool after falling foul of a BIRD.The Fleetwood Town manager appeared to wash bird muck off his jacket in comical scenes during last night’s League One clash at Bloomfield Road.Charlie Adam appeared to wash bird poo off his coat on his return to BlackpoolCredit: RexA member of his staff chuckled at the scene as Adam’s Fleetwood Town lost 1-0Credit: RexAdam, 38, spent three seasons as a player with Blackpool, scoring 34 goals in 98 appearances.He was their star man as they won promotion to the Premier League in 2011.But Adam’s love affair with Blackpool came to an end in 2011 when he secured a switch to Liverpool.He is now manager of Fleetwood Town, having joined the struggling side in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdam has won 3 of his 19 games at the helm so far.And he suffered another defeat as former side Blackpool bested Fleetwood 1-0 last night.However, Adam was momentarily distracted in the dugout as he reached for a bottle of water.It appeared that a bird had dropped a message from the skies straight onto the sleeve of his coat.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a backroom member could be seen laughing as Adam chucked water over his arm in a bid to clean the muck away.But legend has it that being hit by bird mess can bring good luck.I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier LeagueAdam is a cult hero at Blackpool after leading them to the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe also played for the likes of Liverpool and StokeCredit: Action Images – ReutersAnd Adam needs all the help he can get as Fleetwood battle against the League One drop.Town are six points off safety and face a final day showdown against fellow basement boys Burton — provided they have not already been relegated by that stage.Adam was previously Burnley’s loan manager but jumped at the chance to replace Lee Johnson at Christmas.Speaking at the time of his Fleetwood arrival, Adam said: “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.”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.”Charlie Adam’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Rangers, 2003-2009: 88 games, 18 goals

    Ross County (loan), 2004-2005: 15 games, 2 goals

    St Mirren (loan), 2005-2006: 37 games, 9 goals

    Blackpool, 2008-2011: 98 games, 34 goals

    Liverpool, 2011-2012: 37 games, 2 goals

    Stoke, 2012-2019: 179 games, 21 goals

    Readiing, 2019-2020: 27 games, 2 goals

    Dundee, 2020-2022: 65 games, 11 goals

    Scotland, 2007-2015: 26 games, 0 goals

    Trophies: Scottish First Division, Scottish Challenge Cup (St Mirren); Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup (Rangers); Carabao Cup (Liverpool) More

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    EFL clash turns into commentator’s worst nightmare with fans in stitches at team sheet

    COMMENTATORS faced the worst kind of DOUBLE hat-trick in Charlton’s League One home clash with Wigan.The Latics included three Smiths and three Charlies in their startling midfield – making it a potential Valley of doom for any nervous broadcasters.Here’s how the Latics revealed their midweek line-upThe poor Addicks saw one of Wigan’s Charlies bag a quickfire doubleCredit: RexIn terms of Smiths, one was fun – as Scott, 23 has been with his hometown club all his career.But Wigan added double trouble with a pair of summer signings.In came 23-year-old Matt Smith from Arsenal and namesake winger Jonny, 26, from Burton.As for Charlies – Hughes, Kelman and Goode all made Tuesday’s line-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan responded to the team announcement by posting on X: “Up the Smith Smith Smith Charlie Charlie Charlie tics.”Ironically, Charlton’s in-house match commentator facing a night of tongue-teasers is also a Smith, going by the name of Terry.The trio with Britain’s most popular surname couldn’t save Wigan from trailing at half-time.But unfortunately it was own-goal from one of the Charlies that separated the teams – via centre-back Hughes.Most read in EFLThe Smith-laden Latics reduced the alliteration hell for commentators in the second period as Charlie Goode and then Jonny Smith were taken off.And it was certainly the right Charlie they kept on.I’m a Champions League winner – I cut out five major foods for my ‘Caveman’ diet… it’s a way of livingThat’s because Charlie Kelman hit what seemed two match-turning goals in the space of just three minutes.But Charlton fought to back to earn a 2-2 draw through Chuks Aneke – who, ironically, has unique first AND last names in English senior football!Matt Smith, seen here against Peterborough, played the whole of Wigan’s clash with CharltonCredit: Alamy More

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    Shocking moment huge brawl breaks out in the stands at Wembley between fans supporting same team

    POLICE have launched an investigation after a huge brawl broke out in the stands during Sunday’s EFL Trophy final at Wembley.A number of fans situated in level five of the Peterborough end were involved in a melee.A fight broke out in the Peterborough end at WembleyChaos ensued while the match was in progressIn a video circulating online, a number of individuals could be seen throwing punches and clinching while action unfolded on the pitch.At one point a man was even wrestled to the ground, falling two rows in the process.Four stewards could be seen trying to take control of the scene.Bizarrely, Peterborough scored during the ruckus, with some surrounding fans seemingly torn between celebrating the goal and watching the drama unfolding in the stands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the incident and have appealed for witnessed to come forward.A statement read: “Police were notified of a fight at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 7 April, during the EFL Trophy Final between Peterborough and Wycombe.”Officers are also aware of social media footage.”There were no injuries reported.Most read in EFL”Enquiries are ongoing and any witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1307/7APR.”There have been no arrests.”Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd vs Liverpool for lower league clash as he’s spotted live on Sky SportsPeterborough’s first goal was scored by captain Harrison Burrows in the 85th minute.Wycombe equalised just four minutes later before Burrows, who spoke exclusively to SunSport ahead of the game, bagged his side’s winner in stoppage time.Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance, with his son Darren once again in the Peterborough hotseat.Fergie Jr has been Posh boss four times, and most recently returned in January last year.Peterborough are chasing promotion to the Championship and have six games remaining in League One.They currently sit in fourth place, eight points off the automatic promotion spots with two games in hand.Harrison Burrows clutches the trophy alongside manager Darren FergusonCredit: RexProud Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with his sonCredit: Rex More

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    Newcastle lead transfer chase for EFL wonderkid who can run 100m just 1.4 seconds slower than Usain Bolt’s world record

    NEWCASTLE lead the Premier League chase for Peterborough winger Ricky-Jade Jones.Top scouts will watch Jones at Wembley in the EFL Trophy final against Wycombe.Peterborough ace Ricky Jade Jones (left) is wanted by NewcastleCredit: AlamyThe lightning-quick forward, 21, has scored 11 goals and provided five assists this season.Jones has been on the radar of bigger clubs since making his first-team debut aged 16.He runs 100 metres in 10.9 seconds and has added intelligent pressing and high work-rate to his game as he has matured.Usain Bolt holds the world-record for the 100m after running it in 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle are among the top-flight clubs now forced to be creative with their recruitment in response to tough new financial regulations.And Jones is regarded as one of the stars of the lower leagues.He has just over one year left on his current contract.Posh director of football Barry Fry will seek £2million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJones’ impressive displays have helped Peterborough close in on silverware and stay in the hunt for promotion to the Championship.Darren Ferguson’s, son of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex, side are fourth in League One and look set to battle it out in the play-offs.Steve Bruce declares interest in shock international job as ex-Newcastle boss, 63, says ‘they have a hell of a team’WHAT IS FFP?SunSport’s Martin Lipton breaks down what it is all about…

    FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
    Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
    The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
    Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
    But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
    The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
    Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
    Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns. More

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    Huge League One title clash STOPPED after fox invades pitch and scampers round the box

    A FOX halted Portsmouth’s League One top-two clash with Derby.Fans were stunned as the intruder emerged from nowhere to delay the game as County led 2-1 at Fratton Park in a thrilling 2-2 draw.The fox thwarted attempts to grab itCredit: PAJoe Ward struck twice for Derby before the Fox intervenedCredit: PAThe fox was too fast as it whipped across the boxCredit: PAThe Fox held up the Rams as it showed the fastest two pairs of legs on the pitch – racing from the penalty box to the corner flag.Players from both sides could only stand and watch before the unexpected invader was finally cleared from the pitch.Many observers pointed out that the Foxes – Leicester – had been playing 24 hours earlier.And one jobsworth fan warned the animal on X: “You can’t run there mate.”READ MORE TOP STORIESBut other viewers noted the poor condition of the fox’s fur.”Poor thing needs a vet,” commented one fan.The match resumed with leaders Portsmouth desperately searching for an equaliser.Derby winger Joe Ward had struck twice in 12 minutes before the break, with Pompey frontman Abu Mamara netting inbetween.Most read in EFLAnd after a fox on the pitch it was Moxon on his best best shooting form who brilliantly earned a draw.Namely, it was sub Owen Moxon who thumped a stunner on 77 minutes to restore Portsmouth’s five-point advantage at the top.However, Derby are still four points clear of third-placed Bolton.Sky Sports Soccer Saturday crew burst out laughing after mascot’s hilarious reaction to being shoved in EFL clash More

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    Iconic former EFL club likely to go PART-TIME as they fight to avoid dropping into seventh tier after points deduction

    TORQUAY UNITED face the prospect of losing their status as a professional football club.The former EFL stalwarts are fighting to keep their spot in the National League South, England’s sixth tier of football.Torquay United could stop being a professional clubCredit: RexTorquay were in League Two as recently as 2014 before being relegated to the National League.Following Monday’s 3-3 draw with Weston-super-Mare, the club sit just five points above the NLS relegation zone.This happened after the Gulls were handed a ten-point deduction following owner Clarke Osborne’s admission that he could no longer fund the club.The deduction came after his intentions to appoint administrators.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere are multiple parties keen on buying the club, from local businesses and supporters.However, prospective owner Michael Westcott has insisted that the club may have to take a step back before returning to the Football League.This could also include seeing the club stop having a “full-time professional squad”.He told BBC Radio Devon: “We have to get realistic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a club that is losing a lot of money and that’s why we’re on the brink of administration.”There isn’t this enormous gulf in class between part-time and full-time football at our level – we’ve sat here in horror all season and seen how we’ve been played off the park by well-organised, well-marshalled part-time teams.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away Day”Our long-term goal is to get us back into the Football League as a competitive, full-time professional outfit that potentially yo-yo’s between League One and League Two.”But we need to establish a firm and solid foundation from which we can build on a different model.”No options are off the table as far as we’re concerned and if part of that model dictates that in our first year under new fan ownership that we need to take a step back from being a full-time professional squad in total, then we need to consider that.”As we progress we can then move to a hybrid model then ultimately to a full-time professional model that we think is required to get back into the English Football League.”Last season the club reported losses of almost £100,000 as they were relegated from the National League.Former Soccer AM presenter Helen Chamberlain is Torquay’s most well-known supporter and she took every opportunity to mention her beloved team on the classic  Sky Sports show.She even has the club’s crest tattooed on her bum.Helen Chamberlain is a famous fan of the GullsCredit: PA:Press Association More