League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own goal

      by

      EFL fans joked Carlisle deserved “automatic relegation” for a hilarious own goal.The Cumbrians hosted Cambridge at Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon.
      A Cambridge cross from the right looked to be simple to deal withCredit: EFL
      Goalkeeper Harry Lewis dropped the ball against the head of Samuel LavelleCredit: EFL
      But it was a nightmare for League One’s bottom side as they were thumped 4-0 at home.
      And they did not help themselves as the goalkeeper and defender combined for their baffling blunder.
      Already trailing, Carlisle fell 2-0 down on 69 minutes.
      Cambridge whipped in a cross from the right – but it looked like there was no danger as it bounced inside the six-yard box towards ‘keeper Harry Lewis.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Lewis, though, inexplicably let the ball slip through his fingers and it inadvertently cannoned off the head of nearby centre-half Samuel Lavelle.
      And Lavelle, Lewis nor covering defender Ben Barclay were able to do anything as the ball bounced slowly over the line and into the back of the net for a bizarre own goal.
      The accidental goalscorer and his goalkeeper looked at each other perplexed as Cambridge celebrated somewhat sheepishly.
      And supporters piled in with brilliant reactions online.
      Most read in EFL
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      One said: “Sorry Carlisle but this should mean automatic relegation.”
      Another wrote: “That is Sunday league.”
      Peter Crouch and Joe Cole in stitches on live TV at reporter’s cheeky question
      A third added: “I’d be embarrassed by that in our kickabouts on a Tuesday lunchtime.”
      A fourth commented: “I appreciate that, when you’re going down, nothing goes right, but this is just a dumb, dumb goal conceded by Carlisle.”
      And a final user simply blasted: “Unacceptable.”
      The afternoon only went from bad to worse for Carlisle as Elias Kachunga and Ryan Bennett completed the rout and secured what could be three crucial points in their fight to avoid relegation.
      Carlisle, however, have now lost seven in a row and remain 24th on 20 points, 13 from safety with 14 games remaining. More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL club’s stadium looks unrecognisable in bold futuristic plans to have UK’s first all-electric ground

      by

      OXFORD UNITED have outlined plans to build the “most-sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country”.The U’s are contracted to play at their current Kassam Stadium home until 2026.
      Oxford United have unveiled their new stadium plansCredit: Oxford United football club
      The League One side plan for their new ground to be the first all-electric stadium in the countryCredit: Oxford United football club
      Rather than extending their agreement, they are looking to build a new ground at The Triangle in Kidlington.
      In addition to a slew of modern facilities, the proposed ground is set to become the nation’s first all-electric stadium.
      Rather than gas and other fossil fuels, Oxford’s new build will rely solely on electricity.
      The 16,000-seater stadium will also feature 3000m² solar panels along its roof – enough to boil three million three-litre kettles per year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      On the new project, Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.
      “We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.”
      Oxford recently signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
      The Framework aims to help tackle the climate crisis.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      On the thinking behind Oxford’s green new stadium, Clarke added: “The stadium design has sustainability and visitor experience at its core.
      “We’ve maximised modern technology, design and progressive thinking to create the benchmark for future design of stadiums with the protection of our planet in firm focus.
      Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
      “By avoiding natural gas usage on site and by using highly efficient equipment to serve a high-quality building, the carbon emissions associated with this unique venue will be radically reduced resulting in a very low impact home.”
      Oxford’s new facility is also set to include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant and conference centre.
      There will also be a heath & wellbeing space, gym and community plaza.
      The League One side have confirmed that they are preparing their full planning application in preparation for submission.
      Oxford’s chief executive Tim Williams said last October: “With our right to use the Kassam Stadium coming to an end in 2026 and no option to renew the lease, we must find a new home.
      “The club is committed to developing a proposal which is highly sustainable and community focused whilst providing a state-of-the-art destination for all.
      “The further detail we have released today shows how seriously we take these principles, and I am delighted to share the first glimpse of our stadium with the whole of Oxfordshire.
      “I hope everyone from Kidlington, the surrounding areas and across the county will come to the exhibition and take a look at the plans.
      “We want to hear all your feedback.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Oxford want their new stadium to incorporate a tight bowl – a far cry from their current three-stand Kassam home.
      They also plan for both their men’s and women’s team to play at their stadium, which they feel will be better connected by public transport.
      Oxford’s current Kassam Stadium home only has three sidesCredit: Rex More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clashes postponed hours before kick-off as heavy rain wreaks havoc on football calendar

      by

      PETERBOROUGH’S League One clash against Port Vale is one of a number of games which have been called off tonight following heavy rainfall.The decisions, announced by the clubs on social media barely two hours before kick-off.
      Petereborough’s League One clash with Port Vale was been called offCredit: Getty
      Grounds across the country have been hit by heavy rainfallCredit: Getty
      Burton’s pitch was deemed unplayable before their clash with CarlisleCredit: Rex
      A Posh statement read: “Peterborough United’s Sky Bet League One fixture with Port Vale has been postponed following a pitch inspection by match referee Adam Herczeg.
      “After persistent unpredicted heavy rain throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the Weston Homes pitch has been deemed unplayable.
      “The forecast for the evening does not show any sign of let up in terms of the rain. A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”
      The postponement means new Port Vale boss Darren Moore will have to wait to take charge of his first game, which will now be away at Cheltenham on February 17.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The League One clash was not the only fixture to be called off tonight following the heavy rainfall.
      Burton’s game with Carlisle was called off after likewise being deemed unplayable due to a waterlogged pitch.
      Grimsby’s League Two clash with Colchester was similarly called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
      Two National League matches – Altrincham v Wealdstone and Solihull Moors v Kidderminster – have both called off tonight.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Meanwhile, two more games – Taunton v Torquay and Truro v Dover – were also postponed.
      Peterborough sit fifth in the table and will now face promotion rivals Blackpool on Saturday.
      EFL club bizarrely sign player TWICE in same window as fans say ‘my head is spinning’
      Earlier today Port Vale, who are 21st in League One, announced the appointment of Moore, 49, on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
      On his appointment, the former West Brom and Huddersfield boss said: “When speaking to Carol, Dave and the club’s board, it’s clear that Port Vale FC and I are perfectly aligned with our long-term aspirations both on and off the pitch.
      “Our immediate aim is securing the club’s League One status between now and the end of this season whilst putting the foundations in place to create a clear footballing identity.
      “The contract is a long-term commitment from both myself and Port Vale FC; it’s a testament to the long-term vision of the club and a vision that we as a collective from myself, the supporters, the club staff and the players are all striving towards.
      “I am absolutely delighted to be here and I am thoroughly excited to get going.” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I’ve gone from non-league to the top flight in just ten months ahead of my Premier League debut this weekend

      by

      LEWIS Smith will complete a remarkable refereeing story on Saturday as he leaps from the National League to the Prem in just 10 months.Smith, 30, will become the youngest rookie ref in the top flight since Michael Oliver, who was 25 when he made his bow in 2010.
      Lewis Smith has leaped from the National League to the Premier League in the space of ten monthsCredit: Rex
      Smith is the youngest rookie ref since Michael Oliver in 2010Credit: Rex
      But the Wigan whistler has been catapulted through the ranks from the fifth tier to taking charge of Fulham’s clash with Aston Villa.
      Smith had his first EFL appointments last season but was still taking charge of National League matches until April.
      He was then promoted to the EFL full-time panel at the start of this season, making his Championship bow when he took charge of Plymouth’s game with Swansea in October.
      Smith will become the fifth new refereeing face in the Prem this season after Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Josh Smith and Rebecca Welch.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But his rapid rise is viewed as a positive result of both his performances and the ability of refs’ chief’s Howard Webb’s development group to identify the cream of the next generation of officials.
      Smith’s career began in September 2016 when he led the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton.
      He would remain taking charge the lower and youth divisions before making his way to the FA Cup first-round between Banbury and Canvey Island the 2020-21 season.
      Then in the 2022-23 season Smith led one Championship clash against Watford and Stoke City plus five games in League One and seven in League Two.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Now this term the Englishman has officiated four FA Cup and three EFL Cup games for Championship teams.
      Saturday at Craven Cottage will mark his 198th match in the role as Smith looks to become a regular in top-flight English football.
      Eight bizarre football rules you may not know
      Sam Barrott is the only other 30-year-old to take charge of a Premier League match this season.
      While Rebecca Welch became the first woman to referee a Premier League match – officiating Fulham and Burnley in December last year. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield Wednesday boss surprised he could field £40k-a-week Premier League star after snubbing him from squad

      by

      NEWCASTLE loanee Jeff Hendrick was left off Sheffield Wednesday’s 25-man EFL registered squad, but still played in an FA Cup game. Hendrick was back on the pitch in last week’s FA Cup match against Coventry, which Wednesday lost 4-1. 
      Danny Rohl left Newcastle loanee Jeff Hendrick off the registered squad listCredit: PA
      The former Newcastle star managed to actually get some minutesCredit: Getty
      Hendrick joined Wednesday at the start of the season after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
      In January he reportedly asked to terminate his loan spell at Hillsborough but the request was refused.
      Manager Danny Rohl explained Hendrick’s latest appearance on the pitch, saying he was surprised to discover that players left off the EFL squad registration list can still play in cup games. 
      Speaking to The Star, Rohl said: “He played some minutes in the cup which was good.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “There is a learning also from my side that you have an FA Cup list and a league list.” 
      He went on to explain why Hendrick had originally been left out of the squad, saying: “We have seven loans and so we have to make decisions, this is part of the reason why.”
      As the rules stand, a club can only register five loanee players and Hendrick did not make the cut. 
      Rohl then said it wasn’t all over for the player, adding: “He is still involved and I think maybe when I look to the next 15 games it could be that he is helpful. 
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “He has trained, he is professional. 
      “All of my players have taken the situation how it is. 
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      “This is not normal, when I compare this to my stations before, you have players who are disappointed and they show this. 
      “But my group is fantastic, it is outstanding what they are doing. 
      “It’s great to see.”
      Wednesday will play Championship leaders Leicester tomorrow in their bid to move out of the relegation zone. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge EFL clash CALLED OFF after 9 mins over fears for players as weather wreaks havoc after away fans travelled 400miles

      by

      BOLTON’S clash at Cambridge was postponed after just NINE MINUTES due to the weather.The promotion chasers and their supporters had made the 400 mile round-trip south in the grim and wet conditions for tonight’s League One clash.
      Cambridge’s clash with Bolton was called off after just nine minutesCredit: Rex
      Heavy downpours made the pitch unplayable despite work from ground staffCredit: Rex
      Ground staff had been working on the pitch right up until kick-off as they shovelled dry soil to an area pointed out by the concerned ref.
      He had also inspected the same spot just before starting the game with the rain lashing down.
      However, inside the opening five minutes there was standing water beginning to pop up in several places on the playing surface.
      Then, in the ninth minute, the ref whistled to stop the game and after a short consultation with both dug-outs, the teams headed down the tunnel.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But the heavy water on the surface forced the referee to stop play after just nine minutes.
      The game started as scheduled at 7.45pm but it did not take long for the effects of today’s heavy downpours to show.
      Bolton’s social media account then reported that the referee ran to speak with both Cambridge boss Neil Harris and Bolton’s Ian Evatt.
      The official then “called the players into the tunnel with the pitch deteriorating in the rain”.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      That was then followed by a further update that read: “There will be a ten minute wait to assess the pitch.
      “The ground staff are attempting to clear the standing water off the surface.
      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
      “We will provide more information when we have it.”
      Then came the news that the game had been officially abandoned due to the waterlogged pitch.
      Fans were left furious earlier when Burton Albion’s clash with Cheltenham Town was postponed less than 90 minutes before kick-off.
      And that was followed by the news that the League Two game between Walsall and Morecambe was also off due to a waterlogged pitch. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge EFL match postponed with fans ‘just ten minutes from ground’ as supporters slam pathetic footie chiefs

      by

      THE League Two clash between Wallsall and Morecambe has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.Some fans had already begun their journeys to the ground when the announcement was made.
      Groundsmen did all they could to get rid of the waterCredit: Sky Sports
      The ball struggled to role as refs conducted a pitch inspectionCredit: BBC
      The rain has been pouring down all dayCredit: Sky Sports
      It is unclear when the match will be replayedCredit: Sky Sports
      Groundsmen made a desperate attempt to get the game on, using forks and spades at the Bescot Stadium.
      But following an inspection from the ref, a decision was made to postpone the fixture.
      A BBC reporter claims when the ball landed there was “an audible plop”.
      Supporters were left unhappy with the late timing of the decision as one raged: “Pathetic calling the game off when fans are ten mins from the ground.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      More reacted: “Terrible communication tonight – do better.”
      Another added: “Shocking from Walsall only announcing an inspection at 6:15.”

      A fourth wrote: “Shame for the fans who have already travelled.”
      It is currently unclear when the match will be replayed.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Walsall sit 15th in League Two and Morecambe are 12th in the table.
      It was not the only EFL game scrapped tonight due to torrential rain, the clash between Burton Albion and Cheltenham was also called off.
      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
      Similarly, fans fumed at communication from the clubs as a pitch inspection was not announced until under two hours before kick-off. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Charlton turmoil as Nathan Jones is latest manager drafted in to try and restore crisis club to former glory

      by

      NATHAN JONES takes over today at Charlton – but what the hell is going on with that club right now?They enjoy one of the most fiercely-loyal fan-bases in the country, have a stadium fit for the Premier League and a club that is respected throughout the game for its history as well as family and community values.
      Nathan Jones has been handed the task of steering Charlton away from the relegation zoneCredit: PA
      But the Addicks being involved in a RELEGATION scrap to avoid dropping into League Two is a complete disgrace for a club that size.
      Their 1-0 loss to Derby at The Valley on Sunday means they have now gone 14 games without a win and, alarmingly, are just three points above the drop zone.
      Welshman Jones is worthy of a Championship job after the superb work he did twice with Luton.
      But the lure of managing a club the size of the South Londoners proved too good to turn down.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Yet on the pitch they have been sleepwalking and if they are not careful during the next few months could crash into the bottom tier of the EFL.
      And if that happened it would be a complete travesty. They shouldn’t even be as low as League One, never mind League Two.
      This is their SEVENTEENTH season outside the Premier League.
      Fans were so happy when controversial Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet sold the club just over four years ago but they have only stagnated. They have had so many false dawns.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      There was the reign under ex-owner Tahnoon Nimer and former chairman Matt Southall that turned into a civil war between the pair – with the latter renting an expensive River Thames apartment and driving fancy Range Rovers, all at the club’s expense.
      Then there was Thomas Sandgaard, the US-based Danish businessman and part-time rock ’n roll guitarist, who came in promising to take the club back into the Premier League.
      My flat looks into a former Premier League football stadium – you don’t need a ticket but have to put up with big issue
      He passionately meant what he said – but soon found out that owning an English football club is not as easy as you think.
      Sandgaard is a good man and without his takeover the club would have certainly gone into administration.
      I spent a fair amount of time with him. There was no doubt he was sincere and believed he could fire up Charlton.
      Yet he had the misfortune to lose boss and club legend Lee Bowyer to Birmingham early into his stint.
      But Nigel Adkins’ appointment seemed sensible. After all, this was a man who had taken Southampton from League One to the Premier League. He had the CV.
      However, the game doesn’t always work out the way you want it. Adkins struggled to get the team motoring, the fans didn’t like his style of football and Sandgaard wielded the axe.
      However, his decision to not stick with club legend and Bowyer’s former assistant Johnnie Jackson was a mistake. He had scrambled the team that were teetering on the brink of League Two safely clear of trouble and deserved a chance.
      Jackson knew the club inside out and what it took to get back into the Championship, having been Bowyer’s No2. 
      But Ben Garner’s appointment was naïve. I couldn’t understand how a big club like Charlton were bringing in a coach who couldn’t even get former Premier League side Swindon promoted out of League Two. So what made anyone think he could get Charlton up from League One?
      I’m not saying Garner won’t go on to become a half-decent manager – but he lacked a CV suitable for a club of Addicks’ size and standing. It was a job that came too early for him.
      His final appointment was Dean Holden, who ended up getting sacked by the new owners SE7 Partners.
      Michael Appleton came and went and Charlton are back to square one.
      A manager I know who would have been a perfect fit for Charlton was telling me he turned the job down when Appleton got it because the whole ownership structure was complicated. He felt there were too many voices above and that put him off.
      But right now there are a lot of despair coming from the Valley terraces and it’s time for people to start delivering for Charlton Athletic to get the club back on the up.
      Step forward Nathan Jones. No pressure.
      Racism at Hawthorns
      IT’S sickening to see that racism reared its ugly head this weekend in the EFL.
      Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna claims he was subject to abuse at West Brom – the second time he has reported such an incident.
      While AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel says he also received racist abuse at Bradford.
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants teams who fans are guilty of racist abuse to forfeit the match in a bid to deter such behaviour.
      My only concern is that when you’re dealing with racist morons like this, do they actually care? If they are vile enough to spout such disgusting things, are they capable of comprehending the consequences of their actions on the majority of well-behaved fans?
      They are scum and a big blotch on our game. 
      Juninho Bacuna pointed out a fan who allegedly racially abused himCredit: Reuters
      Cooking up a storm
      DAVID WAGNER’S Norwich press conference was interrupted by some rowdy people at the back of the room at Carrow Road.
      When his media officer appealed for them to quieten down they were left red faced when it emerged that the two individuals were none other than Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones.
      The co-owners apologised before heading off to enjoy the rest of their evening.
      Reds Wine
      NEWPORT boss Graham Coughlan finally got his hands on the booze he loves – rather than the expensive bottle of red Erik Ten Hag presented him last week.
      The Manchester United boss kindly handed over some plonk picked out by Sir Alex Ferguson after the FA Cup tie at Rodney Parade.
      But there was one problem: Coughlan hates red wine.
      And after revealing he only drinks Budweiser, the American beer giants spotted a great PR opportunity and delivered a load of the amber stuff to the Irishman.
      But the Bud execs didn’t stop there… they sent out their trucks onto the streets of Newport to dish out beers at half price to fans ahead of their League Two clash with Swindon. 
      So there were plenty of sore heads in the Welsh city yesterday morning.
      The Man Utd manager handed him a £230 bottle of 2013 Antinori TignanelloCredit: Getty
      On the box
      ROLL on next season when the new EFL broadcasting deal with Sky Sports kicks in … because right now League One and Two fans are being short changed.
      Sky have been the league’s preferred broadcasting partner for many years and have just signed a lucrative new five-season deal.
      The income generated from this is vital to all 72 clubs… but what has been missing is more exposure of League One and Two spread across the season.
      This month and next, there is not a single game being televised from the bottom two rungs of the EFL.
      Look at some of the clubs that play in the third tier – there are EIGHT former Premier League clubs in that division alone.
      You’ve got the likes of Portsmouth, Bolton, Derby and Charlton just for starters.
      They have even snubbed what is a League One blockbuster when the top two, Pompey and Peterborough, clash on March 26.
      And on the same day, promotion chasers Bolton and Derby also go toe-to-toe. Those two games are no-brainers to be televised.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      From next season, though, Sky Sports will be broadcasting a minimum of 248 League One and 248 League Two games across the next five years – and the Championship will have 328 games televised. 
      And for EFL fans the start of that deal cannot come soon enough.  More