League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares136 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL star Sam Finley slapped with 13-GAME ban and fined for ‘discriminatory abuse regarding sexual orientation’

      by

      TRANMERE ROVERS star Sam Finley has been hit with a 13-MATCH suspension for an “aggravated breach” of FA rules. The midfielder, 32, admitted using “abusive and or insulting” language, with a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two clash on January 11. Tranmere’s Sam Finley has been given a lengthy suspensionCredit: GETTYJamille Matt headed Walsall in front in the game where Finley made his offensive comment, with the Tranmere player then red-cardedCredit: RexFinley ended up getting sent off in that 5-1 away defeat after just 38 minutes.He saw red after two quick bookings, the second for handball.Jamaican ace Matt had tormented Rovers with the first of his two goals, with the then table-toppers 2-0 up when Finley was dismissed.The Liverpudlian accepted he had breached by making his comment, which has resulted in the FA handing him a mammoth suspension and £2,000 fine.It’s his SECOND offence of this kind following a four-game suspension and fine in February 2016.That was for a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.Finley was also fined and banned for eight matches – reduced from 11 – for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player in April 2020 when he was with Accrington Stanley.Tranmere reacted to Friday’s verdict by saying they “condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.Most read in FootballThe FA released a statement explaining their decision.It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero.mov” It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. “It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.”Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.”Tranmere responded with a statement of their own. Rovers said Finley had admitted the “charge of misconduct”.Finley’s ban starts immediately – ruling him out of Rovers’ run-in as they fight to to stay in the EFL.Tranmere are just four points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Crewe. Finley had a spell at Everton as a youngster before cutting his teeth in non-league and TNS in Wales.Read More on The SunAfter a loan spell at Wrexham, he went on to play for Fylde, Accrington, Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers, who he helped to promotion in 2022, before signing for Tranmere last summer.Finley has appeared 37 times this term for the Prenton Park outfit, scoring twice but picking up ten bookings and a red card More

    • 238 Shares98 Views

      in Soccer

      Reading release major statement after agreement reached with EFL as crisis club face going bust if they aren’t sold

      by

      CRISIS club Reading have been granted a takeover extension by the EFL. Royals’ Chinese owner Dai Yongge had initially been given a deadline of April 22 to sell the Berkshire outfit.Reading have been given more time by the EFL to get their takeover completedCredit: GettyRoyals fans have constantly protested against owner Dai YonggeCredit: Reading FCDai was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  The League One side – who are mounting an unexpected play-off push – have been up for sale for almost 600 days.And a statement released on Wednesday confirms the EFL has granted the Royals an extension.It read: “Reading Football Club can confirm further progress has been made towards the sale of the club, with the transaction including the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”As a result, The EFL has agreed for a further extension until May 5th for the transaction to be completed.”The statement adds that the identity of the buyer will remain confidential at this stage. But the unnamed investor will be footing the bill for “day-to-day running of the club” until the takeover is signed off. It continued: “Both parties will now work to complete the necessary steps to complete the takeover.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe buying party will be supporting the club’s immediate financial obligations until the transaction is complete, and as such, day-to-day running of the club will be unaffected.”The club would like to thank all supporters, staff, and players for their contribution to the club in recent times. Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”The performance at First Team and Academy level has been outstanding and all attention is on supporting the teams to finish the season strongly.”Further communication regarding next steps will be issued once appropriate.”Reading currently sit seventh in the third tier, one place below the final play-off spot.They are level on points with Leyton Orient, with just two games to play.Reading face Bristol Rovers and Barnsley in their final matches of the season.Should they gain promotion to the Championship, it would be the Royals’ first season at that level since 2023.Dai bought a 75 per cent stake in Reading in 2017, shortly after Jaap Stam’s side lost the Championship playoff final to Huddersfield.During his ownership, the Royals have been slapped with several points deductions, while in 2023 they were relegated to League One.Read More on The SunAmid fan protests, Dai put the club up for sale later that year.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig had mounted a £25million takeover for the Berkshire club. More

    • 225 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      First EFL relegation of 2024-25 CONFIRMED as former Man Utd Class of 92 star-turned-boss guides team to drop

      by

      SHREWSBURY TOWN have been relegated to League Two – without kicking a ball on Good Friday. The Shrews’ ten-year stay in League One ended after Burton Albion drew 0-0 with Exeter City. Michael Appleton’s Shrewsbury are headed to League TwoCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder only joined the club last monthCredit: RexShrewsbury have been rooted to the foot of the third tier for much of the season. Even if Burton had lost, they knew they would have to win all four of their remaining matches to have any chance of staying up.Current boss Michael Appleton only took charge last month after the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth.Ex-Wycombe boss Ainsworth had stepped into the hot seat in November after Paul Hurst left the club. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he has since joined League Two Gillingham, leaving the door open for Appleton to relaunch his managerial career. Shrewsbury are currently up for sale with several potential investors interested.Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Talks have been really positive.”I’m enjoying my time here and I’m enjoying the interactions I’ve had with all the staff and the players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m hoping that an agreement will happen over time.”We seem to have a good response from the fans, which is probably the most important thing, and I’m very encouraged by the talks we’ve had.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAppleton, 49, had been out of work since January 2024 after leaving Charlton Athletic. The former midfielder played for Manchester United, Preston and West Bromwich Albion before going into coaching in 2011.Over a 14-year career in management, he has also been in the dugout at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln and Oxford. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough

      by

      TOM BRADY and Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner have come under fire for their actions after Peterborough beat their side at Wembley. Birmingham were denied a historic league and cup double as Darren Ferguson’s Posh upset the odds to lift the EFL Trophy with a 2-0 win on Sunday.Birmingham City were denied a League One double after losing to Peterborough at WembleyClub owner Tom Wagner and minority co-owner Tom Brady watched onBut the directors have been criticised for giving a bizarre team-talk to the Birmingham City players who were collecting their runners up medalsThe squad were forced to take directions from Wagner and Brady at full-timeThe Blues were promoted back to the Championship on Tuesday night – ironically after a 2-1 win against Peterborough – and won the League One title without kicking a ball on Saturday when Wrexham drew at Wigan.Minority owner and NFL legend Brady was at Wembley to congratulate the team on their immediate promotion at the first time of asking, and was hoping to see them add another trophy to an impressive season.With 47 points separating the sides in the League One table and Birmingham having already beaten Peterborough twice this season, the odds seemed stacked against the Posh.But Birmingham were shocked to find themselves 2-0 down after first half goals from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, while most of their 50,000 travelling fans clapped the players as they climbed the steps to get their runners-up medals, viewers at home called out Wagner for his “cringeworthy” actions.Wagner and Brady were spotted giving a lengthy team-talk to the Birmingham squad up in the stands before they collected their medals, while the winners were waiting to grab theirs.Many thought it wasn’t their place to get involved and that player instructions should always come from the manager.Reacting to a video on X, one fan raged: “What an embarrassment he (Wagner) is.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Can you imagine getting smashed and then having to listen to these two about football?”A third noted: “Do it in the dressing room. Only doing this because Tom Brady is there and the camera’s are out.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWhile another said: “It’s so self indulgent to hold them up there whilst the winners are waiting.”One more wrote: “Show respect to the winners. Let them have their moment of glory. So cringey to watch.”Peterborough – who have never lost at Wembley and became the first club to retain the EFL Trophy – were indeed waiting to collect lift the trophy.And for a team that has scored 100 goals in all competitions, Chris Davies’ Blues side offered little going forward and were limp in attack. Peterborough became the first club to retain the EFL TrophyBut others thought Wagner and Brady were only supporting the team and giving them a morale boost after a fantastic campaign.One fan said: “I would imagine he’s saying something along the lines of ‘we’ve won the league, probably going to break the points record’.”While Troy Deeney said on comms: “Brady and Wagner know they’ve lost because they’ve not put the best foot forward.”And I think that’s what Wagner is saying to them now. He’s just saying ‘remember this feeling of losing because that’s going to carry you forward’.”Spending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995.Read More on The SunThe Blues are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103.The club’s emphatic season will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson’s son makes history at Wembley as Peterborough side shock Birmingham in front of Tom Brady

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son Darren made history as Peterborough shocked Birmingham in the Vertu Trophy final.Stunning strikes from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou sealed a 2-0 victory for The Posh today.Darren Ferguson made history by winning the trophy for a third timeCredit: PAThe Posh shocked Birmingham at Wembley in front of their co-owner Tom BradyCredit: RexThe NFL legend was on the edge of his seat throughout the gameCredit: ReutersGlory for Peterborough at Wembley saw them become the first team to ever win the competition twice in a row after they beat Wycombe last year.And the club’s manager Ferguson also made history as the first boss to get his hands on the trophy three times.The Scot, who is into his fourth spell as Peterborough gaffer, first won the cup in 2014 against Chesterfield.Meanwhile, it was disappointment for Birmingham this afternoon, who were looking to make it a double after securing the League One title as Wrexham dropped points yesterday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNFL legend and Blues co-owner Tom Brady had jetted from the US to London for the game.The American sat next to fellow co-owner Tom Wagner for the game and Hollywood actor Glen Powell was in the stands.As the Birmingham team came up the Wembley steps to collect their runners-up medals, Wagner delivered a surprise pep talk to them.The squad turned from fans and looked at the owner as he began to passionately lecture the players.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBefore the game, Brady and Wagner serenaded Blues supporters from the top of a bus in the fan park.They sang “championes” in reference to their League One title.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWagner also mingled with supporters and posed for photos with them before heading to his VIP seat. He said the club’s trip to Wembley was “just the beginning” of their reign and they are trying to create a “culture of winning”.Wagner added that Brady will play a “huge part” of this via his “conversations with players and coaches”.Blues chief Tom Wagner lectured the players as they came to collect their medalsCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge brawl breaks out between Birmingham and Peterborough stars AFTER final whistle as Posh celebrate trophy at Wembley

      by

      A MASS brawl broke out just seconds after full-time after Peterborough stunned Birmingham in the EFL Trophy final.Players from both sides clashed after Posh beat the League One champions 2-0 at Wembley.Posh stunned Birmingham to retain the EFL Trophy at WembleyCredit: AlamyTempers flared at the final whistle resulting in a meleeCredit: GettyThe League One champions had been left frustrated during a lengthy stoppage timeCredit: PABlues entered the match as overwhelming favourites after securing the title this week.Chris Davies’s side have bounced back to the Championship at the first attempt and look set to smash the 100-point barrier.They had been expected to dethrone Peterborough, who became the first team ever to retain the trophy, having beaten Wycombe 12 months ago.But Blues were undone by two first-half wondergoals from Harley Millsa and Hector Kypriano. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTempers flared following the final whistle at the Home of Football, where Birmingham had a late goal ruled out for offside and Posh keeper Jed Steer had been accused of milking the clock. A frustrated Keshi Anderson was seen being held back by his team-mates as Posh’s wild celebrations were interrupted.Emmanuel Fernandez and Marc Leonard grappled as Posh star Oscar Wallin tried desperately to break them apart. There was pushing and shoving from players on both sides as the referees moved in to restore order.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan wrote on X: “Birmingham City showed more fight after the game then they did during it.”While another added: “We shouldn’t kick off about it. We just need to accept the defeat and move on.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptBirmingham players were later seen receiving a pep talk from owner Tom Wagner in the Wembley stands.After receiving their runner-up medals, the American businessman gave a rousing speech and was applauded by the team. Wagner was joined by investor Tom Brady, an NFL superstar who has won seven Super Bowl rings.Earlier this week, Birmingham revealed they have been followed by Amazon Prime cameras throughout the season.Birmingham minority owner Tom Brady flew in for the matchCredit: ReutersIt came after they sealed promotion on Tuesday night after a 2-1 win against Peterborough.The documentary on their League One campaign will be released in the summer. Read More on The SunA press release said: “[The doc will go] beyond the day-to-day football operations and explore the unique cultural heritage of Birmingham City, as well as a supporter base who have remained loyal despite a sustained period without success or silverware.”The documentary will shine a spotlight on this community’s resurgence, illustrating how the football club plans to drive its transformation.” More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We are f***ing massive’ say fans as EFL club’s 2024-25 promotion season will be subject of new Amazon Prime documentary

      by

      BIRMINGHAM CITY’s emphatic League One promotion will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary.The Blues have bounced back to the Championship at the first attempt under Chris Davies. Birmingham City sealed promotion on Tuesday night with a win against PeterboroughCredit: RexAmazon cameras have been following the team throughout the campaignCredit: RexSpending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995. American chairman Tom Wagner and minority owner Tom Brady dug deep to target an instant return to the Championship. The gamble has paid off, with the Blues running away with the league.And Amazon Prime cameras have secretly been with them every step of the way. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBirmingham secured promotion on Tuesday night after a 2-1 win against Peterborough. And the club confirmed two days later that a documentary has been in the works since last August. A press release said: “[The doc will go] beyond the day-to-day football operations and explore the unique cultural heritage of Birmingham City, as well as a supporter base who have remained loyal despite a sustained period without success or silverware. “The documentary will shine a spotlight on this community’s resurgence, illustrating how the football club plans to drive its transformation.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBirmingham are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103. And delighted supporters couldn’t help but revel in the limelight after the announcement. Darts legend Phil Taylor reveals he’d consider buying EFL club with Robbie Williams One fan joked on X: “We are f***ing massive.”Another said: “I do hope it goes over some of the really bad stuff that’s happened to us, the glow up will look glorious.”While a third cheekily added: “Will the 3-1 loss to Bolton be fitted onto the documentary?Wrexham are currently in second place behind Birmingham in the League One table.The Dragons could be set for a third successive promotion following their takeover by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former EFL owner agrees £25million deal to buy Reading with race against time to save crisis club from administration

      by

      ROB COUHIG has agreed a £25million deal to buy Reading and save the club from administration.The former Wycombe owner has revived a takeover offer he made to Reading owner Dai Yongge last summer after a rival bid from Robert Platek collapsed earlier this week.Rob Couhig has agreed to buy Reading and save the club from administrationCredit: GettyThe former Wycombe Wanderers chairman (blue tie) has paid £25mCredit: PAReading fans have long protested over Dai Yongge’s ownershipCredit: PACouhig faces a race against time to get the deal done as the EFL have given Yongge a deadline of April 22 to sell the club.The Chinese businessman was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  Couhig is understood to have agreed to pay more of Yongge’s asking price up front than he did last summer in order to complete the purchase this month. The American lawyer has also agreed to conduct quicker due diligence and to a shorter cooling-off period than is customary in such transactions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe EFL are being kept informed of the negotiations between Couhig and Reading.And they are hopeful that the sale will finally be completed to end a long-running saga.Reading have been for sale for almost 600 days.Yongge has signed exclusivity deals with five different buyers, including twice with Couhig.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe EFL’s position is that Reading must be sold by 22 April.But the EFL Board could grant an extension if necessary if they judge that a deal is close to completion at that point.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsDespite turmoil off the pitch, the Royals have mounted an unexpected playoff charge in League One.Reading currently sit in sixth, with a two-point cushion to Bolton in seventh. They have won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.The Royals take on Northampton Town this weekend. Reading, Couhig and the EFL declined to comment when approached by SunSport. More