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      League One clash postponed hours before kick-off as flooding wreaks havoc on New Year’s Day

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      WIGAN’S League One clash with Huddersfield has been postponed due to flooding.The New Year’s Day battle at the Brick Community Stadium will not go ahead after wild weather caused chaos in the local area.Wigan’s New Year’s Day clash with Huddersfield has been called off due to bad weatherCredit: EPAIn a statement released nearly four hours before the 3pm kick-off, Wigan informed both home and away fans to avoid making any journeys.Heavy wind and rain had battered their ground throughout the morning.But although the playing surface was fine, heavy flooding in surrounding roads and the local area put the safety of the League One game against Huddersfield at huge risk.Wigan’s statement read: “Our New Year’s Day clash against Huddersfield Town has been postponed due to severe localised flooding. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Heavy rainfall over Tuesday night has made roads treacherous in the area, although the playing surface at the Brick Community Stadium was deemed playable.”However, safety concerns regarding the public areas surrounding the ground and the strain on local emergency services dealing with a number of major incidents, which have been affected by severe flooding, led to the league fixture being called off.”Access to the area is severely restricted with many access routes closed due to flooding, and the emergency services are unable to provide resources to support the matchday operation.”The news is naturally disappointing as Shaun Maloney and his players were looking forward to the highly-anticipated New Year’s Day fixture, but the safety of both sets of supporters is of paramount importance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”An update on the fixture rearrangement will be announced in due course. “All tickets from the New Year’s Day clash will remain valid for the rearranged game.”Wigan’s game against Huddersfield wasn’t only the clash to be called off today.Bad weather hit most parts of the UK to dampen the New Year’s spirit.The National League match between Rochdale and Atrincham was put on ice due to a waterlogged pitch.While rivals Halifax Town and Fylde’s match was also postponed due to an unplayable field.There were also numerous games called off in the Isthmian League.Cheshunt vs Hendon and Mertsham vs Three Bridges were among the casualties.Broadbridge Heath vs Stenning Town, East Grinstead Town vs Sevenoaks Town and Burgess Hill vs Eastbourne Town were also axed. More

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      Top 10 fastest players in the WORLD in 2024 revealed and a League One star is in first place

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      LAST year’s Top 10 fastest players in the world have been revealed.And League One’s very own Ricky-Jade Jones tops the global list with a blistering speed matched by just one other star.Peterborough star Ricky-Jade Jones was the fastest player in the world last yearCredit: RexIn the modern game, pace is worth its weight in gold and has become a key weapon utilised from the lowliest division to the top flight.Lung-bursting runs have the ability to turn a game on its head.And now, PFF FC’s Max Speed data has been revealed for 2024.Taking the average top speed across five matches, it has compiled a list of the 10 fastest players in the world last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe names hail from all over the globe, with a not single player competing in a top division.And amazingly, the No1 spot has gone to Peterborough star Jones.He tops the list with an amazing speed of 23.3mph, making him faster than some speed limits in the UK.But his nimble legs will need to go a lot quicker if he’s to lift his side out of their current 18th place in the League One table.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJones’ pace is only matched by that of Joseph Paintsil, who plays in America for LA Galaxy.Third on the list is Tokyo Verdy’ Yudai Kimura with a speed of 23mph.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersLA Galaxy’s Joseph Paintsil also put in an amazing top speedCredit: GettyPortsmouth’s Josh Murphy made the top 10 as wellCredit: GettyWhile fourth place goes to Mjallby AIF’s Herman Johansson with 22.9mph.Another English division player does make the list though.Portsmouth’s Josh Murphy is in ninth place with a speed of 22.7mph.Yet his club languish in 23rd in the Championship.And Murphy will be hoping to boost them up the table with some of his incredible agility in 2025. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson looks in good spirits after Christmas as Man Utd legend is spotted in stands at EFL match

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the only family member with a huge smile as he sat in the stands at PeterboroughThe ex-Manchester United boss wore a festive grin – while son Darren’s expression became more like the Grinch.Sir Alex Ferguson went through the emotions at PeterboroughCredit: AlamyFergie saw his son Darren’s side trail 3-0 at half-timeCredit: GettyThe Scot, 82, was well wrapped up against the coldCredit: GettyFerguson Junior’s League One strugglers were thumped 3-0 at home by Mansfield.Sir Alex might not have been beaming quite so brightly later – as 78 miles down the road the Red Devils slumped 2-0 at Wolves.But his son was focused on a festive beast of a display from Peterborough that he called “unacceptable”.His legendary dad, 82, defied the chilly weather as he wrapped up warmly and watched on attentively, suggesting his love for the game is as deep as ever.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Alex reigned at Old Trafford like none before or since, finally retiring in 1986 after 27 years dripping in trophies.In contrast, 52-year-old Darren has spent most of his managerial career in the EFL, with brief spells in the Championship at Peterborough and Preston.The ex-United midfielder arrived back at Posh for a FOURTH time in charge in January 2023.And he’ll need another happy new year to turn things round as Peterborough sit 17th in the third tier after their Boxing Day beating.Most read in EFLDarren Ferguson labelled his team’s home performance as ‘unacceptable’Credit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Will Evans double and a soaring header from Baily Cargill showed its not just Santa’s reindeer with sparkling antlers at Christmas – as the Stags romped to a 3-0 half-time lead.Posh defender George Nevett. 16, was then given a straight red for a foul five minutes from time.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand By that stage Fergie had switched to a more intense look, no doubt in sympathy with his son.And the big question then was: Would Darren give his flops the junior hairdryer treatment?Ferguson had a relaxing start to the afternoon at London RoadCredit: GettyBut Baily Cargill then put Mansfield on the way with a sixth-minute openerCredit: Alamy More

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      Controversial EFL team’s old stadium and former home of national side is now headquarters of Network Rail

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      THE home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network Rail.In it’s heyday, 9,000 fans would fill the stadium every week – but before all of that it housed England’s national hockey team.The home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network RailIt was once the National Hockey stadium before it was demolished in late 2009The stadium was previously used by England hockey between 1995 and 2003But housed the contentious EFL side for four years between 2003 and 2007The old multi-purpose ground was leased by a club that was going through one of the biggest changes in modern football history.It temporarily housed MK Dons, who were in League One at the time, between 2003 and 2007 – during the EFL side’s gigantic move away from London.MK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation to League Two and promotion back up again during that four year stay.In summer 2007, the Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, near Bletchley, leaving the hockey digs without a tenant. READ MORE FOOTBALLIt was unused for two years and, in late 2009, demolition began in preparation for the redevelopment of the site into a new Rail HQ, which became operational in July 2012.MK Dons were formed in 2004 following the controversial relocating of Wimbledon FC.Back in the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.However the iconic, but dreaded ground, no longer met the all-seater requirements for Premier League stadiums by 1991.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation and promotion at the stadiumOwner Sam Hammam couldn’t afford the renovations and sold 80 per cent to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.Wimbledon were forced into ground sharing with Crystal Palace from 1991 to 2003 before Wrinkleman relocated 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire with the permission of the FA.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionMillions of fans were appalled when the club had to abandon their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge and colours by 2004.Many supporters walked away and formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league club, who are currently pushing for promotion in League Two.During that time, the club played home matches at Kingsmeadow – which is now the home of Chelsea FC Women.AFC Wimbledon returned to their spiritual home on Plough Lane to the Cherry Red Records Stadium a few hundred yards away from the original ground in 2020.MK Dons relocated to the Stadium MK in 2007A groundshare with rugby league side London Broncos began in 2022.MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon continue to share a unique, but bitter, with the latter refusing to recognise the former.AFC were charged for failing to call MK Dons by their proper name in a pre-match programme when they both sat in League One in 2017.No collection of football’s most memorable teams could ever be complete without mention of the rise of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.The notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ brought together a group of players who went from the fourth division to the top-flight in four consecutive seasons.And, most memorably of all, the Wombles lifted the FA Cup after Lawrie Sanchez scored the Wembley winner against all-conquering Liverpool in the 1988 final.But the old First Division’s most famous Cinderella story had a dark side.Vinnie Jones and the rest of the Crazy Gang were famous for their wild antics both on and off the pitchThe team’s work hard-play hard-tackle harder approach to football made them intimidating for opponents.And the fear factor spread within the team’s own dressing room.Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and John Fashanu told BT Sport a tale of vicious beatings, endemic brutality and even arson.“I saw players actually cry from the abuse – physically break down and cry,” said ex-defender Terry Phelan.Jones backed up those words saying: “We were a lot of misfits, a lot of throw-outs, a lot of not-wanteds.”You either grew a backbone very quickly or you dissolved as a man.”Jones was often identified as the ring leader, but he claims that the tough culture was already well established by the time he signed in 1984 and that Wally Downes really ran things. Meanwhile, Wrinkelman sold MK Dons to a Kuwait-based consortium led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim in August this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinkelman oversaw the club’s promotion up to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.MK Dons currently sit below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.MK Dons’ first stadium was the home of England hockeyThe National Hockey Stadium was demolished and replaced by a Network Rail building in 2012 More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      Former England international eyed by Hollywood-owned Wrexham for sensational January transfer

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      WREXHAM are planning a January swoop for Patrick Bamford, SunSport can reveal.The Welsh club believe the former England international – who earned his only cap in 2021 – could help propel them to the Championship.Patrick Bamford has not scored in nine games for Leeds this seasonCredit: GettyHe could be looking for a way out of the Championship club in the January windowAnd with the forward out of favour at Leeds, Wrexham are confident they will be able to get a deal over the line.The League One high-fliers are thought to be pushing for a loan deal which would include a clause to sign Bamford permanently in the summer.But owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will have to dig deep to bring the club.Bamford’s wages will impact the structure at the club so the celebrity owners will have to help out to land the striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham certainly need a new striker with recent draws coming because of their failure to take chances.Phil Parkinson would have once called upon Paul Mullin to kill games off, but he has scored just once in League One.Wrexham think a striker who can make a big impact in League One and potentially score goals at Championship level will take them to the next level and Bamford fits that bill when at his best.The only snag could be concerns about his injury record and his lack of game time, and Wrexham will want assurances he is able to play straight away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor Leeds, offloading Bamford from their wage bill is a priority due to his high salary and limited playing time.His current wages represent a significant financial burden, particularly since he has only played in eight of Leeds’ league matches, contributing no goals or assists.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashGiven his injury record and the team’s depth in forward positions, moving him out could free up funds for other squad investments or financial stability. More

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      Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years out

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      KEVIN NOLAN has been named the new manager of Northampton Town – six years after his last managerial role.The Premier League legend has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.Kevin Nolan has made his return to the dugoutCredit: PAHe will be the new manager of Northampton Town in League OneCredit: GettyNorthampton are currently 20th in the tableCredit: GoogleNolan, 42, was working as a coach at the Hammers under David Moyes but was surplus to requirements following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.During his time at West Ham, where he also played, he helped the side win the European Conference League in 2023.He will now return to the dugout as the manager of Northampton Town – who are 20th in the table – having replaced Jon Brady.He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One strugglers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I am delighted to be appointed the new manager of Northampton Town and I cannot wait to get going.”We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to hit the ground running as best we can.”The club has a fine reputation in the game as being a well run club and it is clear it has moved forward on and off the pitch over the last few seasons.”I am proud and honoured to be given the chance to try and continue and develop that work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I believe the squad can make progress up the table and I am determined to repay the faith that the board of directors have shown in me.”We don’t have any time to lose, it might be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope the supporters will come with us as we start our journey.Kevin Nolan remembers the lost talent of Ravel Morrison Chairman’s view on Nolan appointmentNorthampton chairman Kelvin Thomas shared his views on Nolan’s appointment… He said: “Kevin was very impressive through the process and showed a real desire for the job.”He has done well in difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn’t wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.”He has been a leader throughout his career. Whether that be as a player where he was a Premier League captain of some distinction, to his managerial career where he enjoyed success at both of his previous clubs in difficult circumstances, to being a successful coach back in the Premier League, he has a hugely impressive CV. “He is also very well connected and respected throughout the game. He has a fine record of working with players at all levels and of all ages and we are excited to welcome Kevin to the club.”Kevin has been held in high esteem by both players and supporters of his previous clubs and we are delighted to have been able to secure his services for Northampton Town.”Our immediate target is to try and move up the table and while we understand we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to lead us forward on that.”He played for West Ham between 2011 and 2015Credit: GettyHe also featured for Bolton and Newcastle during his careerCredit: AFP“We will need their backing and I can promise them we will be doing all we can to turn the results around.”Nolan does bring managerial experience with him to the Sixfields Stadium.He started his managerial career with Leyton Orient as a player-manager, in which he won seven of 15 matches.He was named the manager of Notts County in January 2017.The former midfielder lifted the club away from the threat of relegation in his first season before a play-off finish in his second.During his playing days, he turned out for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle, West Ham and Leyton Orient.He made 401 appearances in the Premier League and scored 69 goals. Nolan’s playing career Here is a look at Kevion Nolan’s playign career…Bolton Wanderers – 1999-2009Appearances: 342Newcastle United – 2006-2011Appearances: 91West Ham United – 2011-2015Appearances: 157Leyton Orient – 2016Appearances: 14 More

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      Premier League cult hero Charlie Adam SACKED by Fleetwood after disastrous run of results

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      FLEETWOOD TOWN have sacked Charlie Adam following a disastrous run of form.The Premier League cult hero leaves the club 18th in League Two, having not won a game since November 9.Charlie Adam has been sacked by Fleetwood TownCredit: RexAdam, 39, was appointed as Fleetwood boss in December 2023 in what was his first job in management.He was unable to keep the club in League One as they suffered relegation.He has now been hit with the axe following a poor start to the season.A statement read: “Fleetwood Town can confirm Charlie Adam has left the club with immediate effect. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All at Fleetwood Town would like to thank Charlie for his hard work and commitment.”The club will issue a further update on the first team staff in due course.”Owner Jamie Pilley thanked the former Liverpool and Stoke City star for his work.He said: “I’d like to personally thank Charlie for his commitment and professionalism over the last 12 months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He’s been a pleasure to work with but recent results meant we felt a change was necessary.“I wish him well for the future.”Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsCharlie Adam helped Blackpool reach the Premier LeagueCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe won the League Cup with LiverpoolCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun GlasgowHe spent seven seasons at Stoke CityCredit: GettyAdam’s last game in charge saw Fleetwood beaten 2-0 at Barrow AFC.The result means that the club sit just eight points above the relegation zone.Adam will be best remembered for his playing career as he was a part of the side that helped Blackpool reach the Premier League in 2010.He left the Seasiders after they were relegated in a transfer to Liverpool.During his time at Anfield, he would win the League Cup in 2012 before leaving for Stoke City later that year.He would go on to have spells at Reading and Dundee before hanging up his boots in September 2022.Who are these famous footballers? More