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      Barnsley 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1: Josh Windass heads in dramatic late winner as Owls seal Championship return in final

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      JOSH WINDASS followed in the footsteps of his dad Dean to become a Wembley play-off hero after shooting Sheffield Wednesday into the Championship.The midfielder clinched victory with a 123rd-minute diving header to break 10-man Barnsley’s hearts — after getting on the end of Lee Gregory’s cross.
      Sheffield Wednesday are back in the Championship after a 1-0 playoff final win over BarnsleyCredit: Rex
      Darren Moore followed up the Peterborough comeback with a stunning promotion winCredit: Getty
      Josh Windass scored a dramatic 123rd minute winner at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Windass’ dramatic winner sparked wild celebrations from the OwlsCredit: Getty
      Club legend Barry Bannan was overcome with emotion at the final whistleCredit: Getty
      It comes 15 years after dad Windass Snr, 54, scored Hull’s winner against Bristol City to seal promotion to the Premier League.
      Windass, 29, was embraced on the pitch at the end by his old man before he climbed the Wembley steps to hold aloft the League One play-off trophy.
      And his proud dad said: “It’s incredible, absolutely incredible. I told him before the game he’d get the winner. I can’t believe he actually headed it. Wow.
      “I’m the proudest man in the world. I have no words. 
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      “I can’t believe it. He loves his football and has sacrificed his life for it since he was two years old.”
      There were just FIVE SECONDS left of the three allotted three minutes of stoppages ref Tim Robinson had added.
      For Wednesday, it was another glorious moment in their illustrious 155-year history as they returned to the Championship.
      They had laboured against the 10 men of Barnsley after Adam Phillips was sent off four minutes into the second half and were lucky not to concede a penalty after Gregory hacked down Liam Kitching.
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      Windass headed home with the last touch of the League One play-off final against BarnsleyCredit: Getty
      Wednesday fans were over the moon as they narrowly avoided a dreaded penalty shootoutCredit: PA
      Windass’ teammates were delighted to have secured a return to the second tierCredit: Getty
      Windass will got down in the history books at WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Lee Gregory fell to his knees as the whistle blewCredit: Reuters
      But they came up with a moment of quality when it mattered most.
      Yet, for Michael Duff’s side, it was cruel. They were the better team, should have had that spot kick and not been reduced to 10 men.
      But Wednesday deserved promotion. Their 96 points would have normally been enough to go up automatically — but for the brilliance of champions Plymouth and runners-up Ipswich.
      And then to overcome a 4-0 deficit against Peterborough after their semi-final play-off first leg to go on to win promotion is the stuff of fairytales.
      Boss Darren Moore said: “It goes to show the impossible can be achieved with great belief, understanding, it’s a fairytale story.
      “I’m pleased for this club because we can now prepare for the Championship with the huge fan base we’ve got so we make the right decisions internally to compete and be successful.
      “This is a special and delightful moment to help this club back up. It shows when everyone comes together what can be achieved. It’s been a long journey but one that was worthwhile.”
      But you have to feel for Barnsley. All the EFL play-off finals had the benefit of VAR — but you must wonder what is the point when they cannot spot obvious mistakes.
      It was heartache for Barnley at the final whistleCredit: Getty
      Fans couldn’t believe the dramatic late blowCredit: PA
      Barnsley will be spending another season in League OneCredit: Rex
      Wednesday toasted their accomplishment by lifting the playoff final trophyCredit: Rex
      Manager Moore will be hoping to prevent instant relegation next seasonCredit: Rex
      The penalty incident, in particular, was baffling. 
      Barnsley boss Michael Duff groaned: “It’s a cruel game.
      “I’ve had enough messages on my phone to tell me the decisions were wrong. I spoke to Jobi Morris and Clinton Morrison at half time and they both said it was a penalty and not a red card.
      “That adds to the frustration. I thought the red card was a booking, there was no malice or intent.  
      “And we’ve also not had a penalty all season and to not get one in the biggest game of all is a bug bear. You would’ve thought VAR would eradicate these things.
      ‘I thought we would’ve grown stronger with 10 men. It was their players who were going down with cramp.
      “There were a lot of tears. They are a young group and sometimes you must learn the hard way.”
      Kitching deflected a Nicky Cadden volley on to the bar with his head for Barnsley while Wednesday keeper Cameron Dawson made top stops from Cadden and James Norwood.
      Tykes keeper Harry Isted produced superb saves to keep out Dominic Iorfa and Bannan.
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      But Luca Connell missed a sitter for Barnsley just six yards out before Will Vaulks thought he had won it for Wednesday before celebrations were ended by an offside flag.
      Then came the Windass show … and Wednesday are back in the Championship. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday 0 Barnsley 0 – League One playoff final LIVE SCORE: Latest updates as extra time underway

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY take on Yorkshire rivals Barnsley in the Sky Bet League One play-off final at Wembley – and the tie is into extra time.The Tykes are down to ten men after Adam Phillips was dismissed for a challenge on Lee Gregory.

      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Football
      Live stream: NOW
      Sheffield Wednesday XI: Dawson, Ihiekwe, James, Palmer, Paterson, Bannan, Johnson, Windass, Gregory, Smith.
      Barnsley XI: Isted, Williams, Kitching, Andersen, Cadden, Kane, B Thomas, Phillips, Tedic, Cole, Connell.

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Wembley…
      95 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Yellow card
      Barnsley’s Thomas becomes the first player to be booked with a yellow card after a rough tackle on Bannan.
      95 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Sheffield Wednesday have been enjoying a better start giving Isted reason to be on his toes.
      You can cut the tension with a knife at Wembley….
      92 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Chance!
      Sheffield Wednesday ace Ihiekwe catches a header that’s goalbound but Barsley captain Andersen clears it!
      91 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      This is the first time ever all three play-off finals go to extra-time.
      But will the League One final go to penalties, not unlikely based on what we’ve seen…
      Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Peep!
      Extra-time at Wembley!!!
      FT: Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley are still goalless at Wembley.
      Michael Duff’s men have been playing with 10 men ever since the 49th minute.
      Adam Phillips was sent off after a dangerous two-legged challenge on Lee Gregory.
      But Barnsley have been showing tremendous defiance and held up well.
      Credit: Rex
      FT: Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Peep!
      That’s full-time, extra-time coming up!!!
      90+5 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Chance
      Sheffield Wednesday star Bannan tries a long-range shot but sends it wide.
      Not the Hollywood ending for Wednesday…
      90+3 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Just like in the first half, the two teams look happy enough to let time go by.
      No wonder both managers held back on substitutions.
      90 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Substitution
      Barnsley manager Duff brings on Russell, who replaces Benson after an injury cuts his day short.
      Five more minutes of stoppage time to go.
      88 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Heading to extra-time it seems…
      Both teams lacking that final touch and shot, just like they did in the first half.
      85 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Norwood has been sensational since coming on for Barsley.
      He has truly created a lot of problems down the right for Sheffield Wednesday.
      83 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Phillips’ red card hasn’t made things much easier for Sheffield Wednesday as Barnsley are still showing so much defiance.
      This is till anyone’s game!
      80 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Just 10 more minutes to go at Wembley!
      The game is stretched, but action is slowing down…
      79 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Chance!
      Barnsley sub Norwood tries a powerful shot from a tight angle down the right but Dawson palms it away.
      79 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Substitution
      Sheffield Wednesday boss Moore makes his first change as Vaulks replaces Paterson.
      77 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Seems we missed Barnsley’s double change as Benson and Thomas came on for Cole and Kane.
      75 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      This has been an entertaining first half.
      But actions is slowly dwindling down and extra-time is not looking unlikely.
      72 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Chance
      Sheffield Wednesday ace Ihiekwe catches a header after a corner-kick but sends the ball over the bar.
      70 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Both teams looks completely different in the second half.
      In the first half they were nervy and avoided taking risks, whereas now the game is absolutely open.
      67 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Another cooling break at Wembley with the sun shining bright in London.
      Duff and Moore are handing out some more instructions with both teams now pushing hard for an opener.
      65 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Wembley has come alive with the game now looking more like a basketball match.
      Both teams are finding space to move the ball forward.
      64 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Chance
      Sheffield Wednesday’s Windass tries a low shot from the edge of the box but sends it wide.
      60 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      The red card has truly opened up the game, and it’s not just Sheffield Wednesday pushing forward.
      Barnsley are displaying some incredible defiance when they attack.
      58 Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Barnsley
      Chance!
      Isted saves Barnsley from an own-goal after Thomas accidentally drives a cross from the left twoards his own net.
      But the goalie shows tremendous reflexes and palms it away.
      Smith tries to get the rebound but the ball goes back to Isted.
      Load more entries… More

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      People are only just realising why Sheffield Wednesday are called ‘Wednesday’

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      PEOPLE are only just realising why Sheffield Wednesday are called ‘Wednesday’.The Owls are one of the most iconic clubs in English football and not just because they have a day of the week in their name.
      Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest clubs in world football
      Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest football clubs in the world.
      The Yorkshire based outfit actually started out as a cricket club called the Wednesday Cricket Club, which was founded in 1820.
      The club was named after the day of the week on which it played their matches and because founding members had a half day off work.
      In 1867 the club created the Wednesday Football Club as a way to keep the players fit in the colder months when cricket wasn’t usually played.
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      The club turned professional in 1887 and adopted their current name of Sheffield Wednesday in 1929.
      They adopted the nickname the Owls following their move to Owlerton in Sheffield.
      However, Sheffield United fans used to refer to them as pigs because of a story which suggested their current stadium Hillsborough was built on a pig sty in the 1880s.
      The Owls have won nine major honours in their history including four first division titles and three FA Cups.
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      The club haven’t been in the Premier League since 2000 and are currently in League One.
      Darren Moore’s side staged a memorable comeback from 4-0 down in the first leg against Peterborough to win on penalties.
      They have a chance to earn promotion to the Championship against Barnsley in today’s League One play-off final. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday vs Barnsley: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time for League One playoff final

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY pulled off one of the all-time EFL playoff shocks to book a showpiece day at Wembley Stadium.The Owls were 4-0 down against Peterborough United after the first leg – but stormed back to win the second leg 5-1, then the tie on penalties.
      Sheffield Wednesday fans staged an epic pitch invasion after their stunning comebackCredit: Getty
      It was a throwback to the 1990s and early 2000s when both these two clubs were in the Premier League, doing Yorkshire proud.
      Now they go head-to-head under the arch, with the Tykes ready to spoil the comeback party.
      When is the League One playoff final?
      The League One playoff final is taking place on Monday, May 29.
      Kick off is at 3pm.
      The match takes place at Wembley Stadium in London.
      What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
      The match is on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
      The League One playoff final can be live-streamed on Now TV and the Sky Go app.
      What are the odds?
      Barnsley win 12/5
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      Draw 11/5
      Sheffield Wednesday victory 6/5
      Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes, correct as of Friday May 26. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal wonderkid slams ‘draining’ loans after FIFTH move in three years with future in doubt

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Tyreece John-Jules has pleaded with the club to end his “draining” loan odyssey as he wants to “settle down”.John-Jules, 22, has been with the Gunners since the tender age of eight years old but has never broken into the senior squad.
      Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules urged the club to end his loan odysseyCredit: Getty
      Ipswich ace John-Jules wants to either stay at Arsenal or join another club permanentlyCredit: Getty
      The striker has instead been sent out on loan five times in the last three years as he has played for Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and now Ipswich.
      The England Under-21 international has only one year left in his contract with the North Londoners and has pleaded with them to either give him a chance or let him try his luck elsewhere.
      The Ipswich ace is “all ears” regarding a potential offer from Arsenal or another club as he appears tired of constantly moving around the country on loan.
      John-Jules told The Beautiful Game: “I’ve got one year left on my contract at Arsenal.
      Read More on Arsenal
      “I’ve had five loans now and each one feels like you’re getting further from the first team.
      “That said, my boy [Folarin] Balogun is ripping it up on loan at the moment [at Reims] and I’d say he’s getting closer.
      “I guess everyone has their own path. Right now I’m just trying to get back fit for the start of pre-season.
      “Talks will have to happen at some point – whether I stay, go out on loan or leave on a permanent.
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      “I just want to settle somewhere, whether that’s signing a new contract with Arsenal or going somewhere else on a permanent.
      “I think it’s time to settle down and just focus and chill instead of hopping from loan to loan. It’s difficult and it’s draining travelling to all these places.
      “Settling and focusing on one team would be ideal, whether that’s Arsenal or somewhere else.
      “I’m all ears. I want to hear every side and I will pick the best option for me.” More

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      Pair of Premier League icons with nearly 600 appearances between them left unemployed after release from League One club

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      READING have released two Premier League heroes after their relegation to League One. Scott Dann and Shane Long have 575 top-flight appearances between them.
      Scott Dann has been released by ReadingCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Shane Long is now unemployed as Reading will not be giving him a new dealCredit: PA
      But both are now unemployed after their deals at Reading expired and they will not be receiving new contracts.
      The Royals were dropped out of the Championship after finishing 22nd this season.
      Dann is one of a number set to head for the exit after playing just 13 times in the campaign.
      The 36-year-old centre-back used to play for Birmingham, Blackburn and Crystal Palace.
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      He won the League Cup with the Blues in 2010-11 and was the Eagles’ player of the year in 2015.
      In total, Dann played 241 times in the Prem.
      Long leaves Reading after netting only two goals in 32 games this season.
      It was his second spell at the club, having also spent time at West Brom, Hull, Southampton and Bournemouth during his lengthy career.
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      The 36-year-old striker appeared 344 times in the Premier League, netting 56 goals.
      The 88-capped Irishman even holds a league record for the fastest goal scored when he netted versus Watford when at Southampton after just 7.69 seconds.
      Meanwhile, Reading have also got rid of Lucas Joao, Liam Moore, Luke Southwood and Dejan Tetek.
      Junior Hoilett and Yakou Meite have been offered new contracts.
      Another Prem cult hero Andy Carroll has one-year left on his deal at the club and was spotted partying with West Ham fans in Holland last week before their semi-final win over AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League. More

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      EFL chairman found guilty of fraud and facing prison and losing club ownership after five-year investigation

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      FLEETWOOD TOWN Chairman Andy Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraud following an eight-month trial.BES Utilities – the firm owned by Pilley – stood accused of multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy supply contracts to small businesses. 
      Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraudCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      And on Friday, the 52-year-old was found guilty on all the charges, which include two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representations, and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
      Pilley’s sister, Michelle Davidson, 49, as well as Lee Qualter, 52, and Joel Chapman, 38, were also found guilty of a number of fraud offences.
      The Fleetwood Chairman was remanded in custody after the jury delivered their unanimous verdict.
      The presiding judge, Judge Knowles KC, has indicated that he will likely face a prison term when he is sentenced on May 23. 
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      After the verdict was announced on Friday, Fleetwood Town released an official statement which read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the verdict in the court case involving club Chairman, Andy Pilley.
      “The Chairman would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal.
      “Today’s verdicts will not affect the running or future of Fleetwood Town Football Club. 
      “The club is already in talks with the EFL regarding the next steps and will be making no further comment at this time.”
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      An additional statement read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the Club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
      “The Club’s Senior Management Team and directors have been planning for a number of months for the event of a verdict of this nature.
      “A meeting of the Club’s management has taken place this evening and plans are already in operation to ensure its business as usual.
      “We’d like to reassure supporters charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group.
      “Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”
      Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
      The Fishermen finished the 2022-23 campaign 13th in the League One table. More

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      Fans love Barnsley manager Michael Duff drinking Stella while being interviewed by BBC after huge win over Bolton

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      FANS took to Twitter to hail Barnsley boss Michael Duff after he celebrated their play-off joy by supping a beer in his post-match interview.The Tykes defeated Bolton Wanderers 1-0 last night at Oakwell to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory.
      Michael Duff has led Barnsley to the brink of a Championship returnCredit: Reuters
      He celebrated the win over Bolton with a bottle of StellaCredit: BBC via Twitter
      Liam Kitching’s strike proved enough to book their place at Wembley.
      And they are now just one game away from making an instant return to the Championship as they prepare to take on Sheffield Wednesday in the League One final on Monday 29 May.
      And just when supporters thought that they could not love their manager anymore, they fell even more for Duff as a clip of his interview went viral online after the triumph.
      While being questioned by a BBC reporter, the 45-year-old quenched his thirst with a bottle of Stella, and fans absolutely loved it.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And it was not just the Barnsley faithful that were big fans.
      One rival supporter wrote: “So annoying….I want to dislike the bloke but I can’t!”
      Another said: “Tbf I really like this bloke ,can see them struggle to hold on to him in future.”
      A Tykes fan declared: “Love this bloke turned our club around !! 10 year deal !!”
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      A fellow fan said: “Top gaffer this bloke.”
      As another added: “He’s just so good.” More