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      THREE Sunderland games postponed and training ground shut for 10 days after coronavirus outbreak

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      SUNDERLAND have announced their training ground has shut for ten days with the next THREE games postponed after being hit by a coronavirus outbreak.
      The Black Cats were without EIGHT first-team stars for last night’s 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon.

      Sunderland’s next three games have been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreakCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Academy of Light has been closed for ten days after a total of five positive casesCredit: Getty – Contributor

      And the Academy of Light training ground has now been closed with immediate effect to prevent the virus from spreading further.
      It means games against Shrewsbury, Blackpool and Hull City will not be going ahead this month.
      But Sunderland are aiming to face Accrington Stanley on December 29 after returning to training two days before.
      An official statement read: “Sunderland AFC has today informed the EFL that it will not be able to play its next three Sky Bet League One fixtures following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Academy of Light.

      “After one senior player tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, selected players and staff undertook additional testing and a further four cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed.
      “The individuals that have tested positive – and those that have come into close contact with them – are now observing a period of self-isolation at home.
      “Following extensive dialogue and clear guidance from Public Health England, SAFC has taken the decision to close the Academy of Light with immediate effect for a 10-day period in order to protect its players and staff and to prevent the further spread of the virus.”
      Chief Executive Officer James Rodwell added: “It is with a heavy heart that I have informed the EFL that we are unable to play our next three league fixtures. 

      “The welfare of our players, staff and opponents remains the number one priority and following detailed conversations with the relevant authorities, we have also taken the responsible decision to close the Academy of Light for a 10-day period. 
      “On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish all of those affected a swift and complete recovery.”
      Sunderland’s decision came after Black Cats boss Lee Johnson blasted the EFL for ‘dangerously’ forcing his Covid-hit side to play against Wimbledon on Tuesday.
      He was forced to make five changes to his side and name four youngsters on the bench who had played 24 hours earlier for the U23s.
      Johnson, who only took charge of Sunderland ten days ago, said: “That game should have been called off, no doubt in my mind. That was dangerous for those two sets of players.
      “I can’t help but feel angry, frustrated, at the moment I am not sure who I am angry at. I had to control the controllables. We didn’t get any help with clarity.
      “We asked the EFL for permission to postpone the game, and were told ‘If you postpone the game you will be up for sanction and you will be investigated’.
      “There was then a lack of clarity on exactly what that investigation entails, and the threat of having to potentially forsake the game and give the three points up to Wimbledon, we weren’t willing to take.
      “Don’t forget, it was all very quick and rushed. We’ve got our players’ safety to think of, and the safety of the players from Wimbledon as well as the staff. There should be much better protocols in place.

      Boss Lee Johnson was furious the EFL didn’t postpone last night’s game with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Johnson had to call up a number of kids who had played for the U23s just a day earlierCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “If the Bristol Rovers one is the same circumstance, then if they get off scot free, somehow we’ve been tucked up.
      “If they get deducted the points, then this becomes a good point because we’ve played the game and hustled with players who aren’t fit.
      “The EFL won’t give you the funding to do the testing, but then at the same time, they won’t help you out when there’s a circumstance that happens. It’s almost like we’ve been punished for doing the right protocols.”
      But the EFL fired back, saying: “The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection.
      “All EFL Clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of COVID-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads.
      “Throughout our extensive discussions on Tuesday it was made clear to the management of Sunderland that the option existed for them to inform the League they were unable to fulfil the fixture, but this would result in the circumstances being investigated as a result of the Club being required to fulfil their fixture obligations in accordance with the regulations.
      “This is consistent with the approach taken with other Clubs who have been faced with similar situation and the requirement to self-isolate players and staff in line with EFL and Government guidance.
      “As Sunderland has confirmed they opted not to do this for the reasons they have identified and to play in the fixture.
      “That decision rested with the Club as only they can make the determination on whether they had sufficient players available from their squad to fulfil the fixture.”

      Sunderland boss Johnson furious at EFL after being forced into dangerous Wimbledon game More

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      Wigan’s future in jeopardy after takeover BLOCKED by EFL as new owners ‘failed to satisfy the league’s requirements’

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      WIGAN ATHLETIC’S future is in jeopardy after their proposed takeover was blocked by the EFL because the new owners ‘failed to satisfy the league’s requirements’.
      Spanish bidder Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo was hoping to close out a deal to purchase the Latics.

      Wigan hit another stumbling block with their prospective new owners failing the Owners and Directors test from the EFLCredit: EPA

      But as revealed by SunSport, the EFL wanted to ask more questions about his business as part of the Owners and Directors test.
      And after ‘significant due diligence’ from the Football League, they have concluded the Spanish consortium do not pass the requirements.
      The EFL said: “The EFL has in recent weeks undertaken significant due diligence on the relevant parties in accordance with its regulations and, based on the information that has been made available, the board confirmed it was not in a position to agree to an application to transfer membership in the EFL to the proposed purchasers as the League’s requirements have not been satisfied.
      “The board reiterated its commitment to working with the administrators to secure a successful and sustainable future for the club and will meet with them to discuss the implications of this decision at the earliest opportunity.”

      Garrido Cristo – the former Albacete and Castellon owner – was planning to put up around £1million from his Eolus Capital group into buying and then running the League One strugglers.
      The EFL demanded bank statements about where Eolus Capital got their funds from.
      Their last accounts showed they have £8.5m.
      Leganes owner Felipe Moreno would have been a major shareholder along with Garrido Cristo’s brother Papadopaulo as the official partner.

      Moreno was passed by the EFL but it is Garrido Cristo who was rejected, leaving Wigan – who will receive £375,000 from the Premier League rescue package – in the dark.
      The club were placed in administration, relegated into League One, lost a number of key players in the summer transfer window and now sit bottom of the table without a manager.
      But with the exclusivity period over the Spanish-backed takeover talks coming to an end, that could open the door for another offer.
      Deal broker Ray Ranson has a rival bid, backed by long-term friend and financier Jonathan Rowland.

      Oliver Dowden says the Premier League and EFL should work together to support themselves More

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      League One and Two sides BANNED from paying transfer fees in January under terms of Prem’s £250m bailout

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      CLUBS in League One and League Two have been BANNED from paying transfer fees in January under the terms of their £250million bailout from the Premier League.
      Top-flight officials have been locked in talks with the EFL for weeks in a bid to negotiate a bailout.

      Clubs in Leagues One and Two will be banned from spending money on transfers this season under terms of the £250m PL bailoutCredit: Rex Features

      The two parties finally came to an agreement on Thursday, with the Premier League helping secure a £200m loan for Championship teams.
      A further £50m is available in grants for clubs in Leagues One and Two.
      However, should teams in the lower two divisions apply for the grants, they will be hit by a host of strict spending limits.
      As part of the deal, those clubs will not allowed to spend any money on transfers in the upcoming window.

      Even next season, League One clubs are forbidden from spending more than £20,000 in transfer fees in the two windows.
      League Two clubs have their transfer limit capped at a meagre £10,000.
      Even then, clubs will only be allowed to sign a player on a free under certain strict conditions.
      A club can only bring in a new player if another one leaves AND if the incoming star earns 75 per cent or less of the departing player’s salary.

      The Premier League have agreed to give £15m to Leagues One and Two up front.
      Clubs in League One will receive £375,000 each, with League Two sides pocketing £250,000 apiece.
      A further £15m will be dished out to teams based on money lost in ticket sales up until the end of this year.
      Another £20m has been made available for clubs who are struggling the most.
      It is under this ‘monitored’ grant – overseen by the Premier League and EFL – that clubs will have their transfer spending capped.
      Should a team breach the terms of the grant, they will be forced to repay the money lent in full.

      Rick Parry has revealed his joy at finally striking a deal with the PLCredit: PA:Press Association
      In the Championship, the Premier League was limited to giving them a maximum of £15m.
      But that £15m will be used to secure a monster £200m loan, which will be divided between the 24 clubs equally, interest free.
      Each second-tier club is set to receive £8.33m.
      The Premier League had initially refused to offer the Championship any funding, with many bigger clubs seen as rivals to the top-tier sides.
      The EFL rejected their initial £50m offer on principle in October.
      But after finally agreeing to a deal, EFL chief Rick Parry claimed: “Our over-arching aim throughout this process has been to ensure that all EFL clubs survive the financial impact of the pandemic.
      “I am pleased that we have now reached a resolution on behalf of our clubs and this will provide much needed support and clarity.”

      Football fans give their opinions on supporting their teams from the terraces again as they speak to Sun Sport outside the Emirates stadium More

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      Charlton work out how long it takes for male football fan to go to LOO during game as they prepare for return of crowds

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      LEAGUE ONE Charlton have determined how long it takes male fans to use the loo during games as they prepare to welcome supporters back safely. Precise calculations are being implemented as fans return to games this week amid a raft of coronavirus protocols. That includes ensuring supporters can safely leave their seat and use the […] More

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      Sunderland sack Phil Parkinson after run of five games without a win with Black Cats sitting 8th in League One

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      SUNDERLAND have sacked manager Phil Parkinson just over a year after appointing him.
      His dismissal comes just 13 games into the season and with the Black Cats sitting in eighth place in League One.

      Parkinson looks on during Friday’s draw with FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Friday’s 1-1 draw at Fleetwood, which extended his side’s winless run to five games in all competitions, proved to be his last match, and he departs along with assistant Steve Parkin.
      A statement from Sunderland today read: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC. 
      “Preparations for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion will resume on Monday, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge of the squad.
      “The board will now begin the search for a new manager and will make no further comment until this process is completed.”

      Parkinson, 52, was appointed in October last year and took charge of 47 games.
      He led them to eighth in last season’s curtailed League One campaign, and missed out on the chance of a play-off spot.
      Parkinson leaves the side just two points off the play-off spots and five away from automatic promotion.
      But five games in total without a win, including the FA Cup first round defeat at home to Mansfield, have seen the board swing the axe again.

      Sunderland owner Stewart Donald is said to have agreed to sell the clubCredit: PA:Press Association

      Fans have been fed up with the one-dimensional style for months as Sunderland look to end their League One nightmare at the third time of asking.
      Parkinson left Bolton to replace Jack Ross at the Stadium of Light, who was sacked despite leading the club to the play-offs.
      His departure followed those of Simon Grayson and then Chris Coleman, who both tried in vain to return the club to the Premier league following their 2017 relegation.
      Sunderland are said to be on the verge of a takeover, with owner Stewart Donald agreeing to sell to Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
      Uruguayan businessman Sartori currently owns 20 per cent of the side and is described as responsible for bringing in Louis-Dreyfus.
      Louis-Dreyfus, just 22, is one of three sons of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, the former Adidas CEO and owner of Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
      Sunderland remain tight-lipped but the bid is reportedly now in the hands of the Football League and their Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

      Sunderland press conference is interrupted by journalist saying ‘you’re very cheeky’ after forgetting to mute mic More

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      Ben Amos was oblivious to real world in Man Utd bubble… but has found his feet ELEVEN clubs later at Charlton

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      BEN AMOS has learned so much since leaving the cosy surroundings of Old Trafford.
      And the keeper says the biggest of the lot has been: “There is a big world outside Manchester United.”

      Ben Amos won the SkyBet League One player-of-the-month for his top form

      Ben Amos during his early professional playing days at Manchester United

      Sir Alex Ferguson gave him his debut at the age of 18.The keeper played seven times for United – once in the Premier League, five in the League Cup and once in the Champions League.But after the legendary former manager retired in 2013, Amos never got a look-in under either David Moyes or Louis van Gaal.Amos, now 30, is making his mark at Charlton – having played for ELEVEN different clubs.And he said: “The big thing I’ve learned since leaving is there’s a world outside Man United.“I was going into proper men’s football week in, week out. At United I had been getting a little taste of first-team football and then I’d be out.“I’d sit and wait and wouldn’t be allowed out on loan. It was difficult to get a flow of first-team games.“So what I learned was the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday grind of men’s football.”Amos admits he was inside a Manchester United bubble – oblivious to the sometimes harsh realities of the game outside of it.He said: “I wasn’t aware of it at the time. You expect everywhere to be held to the same standards of the Ferguson reign.“But you learn there is life outside of that. It’s not necessarily better or worse. Places are just run differently. It’s part and parcel of growing up.”Ferguson clearly rated Amos to have given him chances. The then rookie keeper held his own too.
      In those seven outings, he kept three clean sheets and conceded five goals and the team won five, drew one and lost one.

      Sir Alex Ferguson gave Amos seven first-team starts at Manchester United

      Ben Amos working with David De Gea in training at Manchester United
      And Amos said: “Sir Alex had faith in me and gave me opportunities at 18. I’ll be eternally grateful for that.“He kept a distance from his players. He worked on that fear factor – including with the senior players.“But, at the same time, he could crack a joke with you.
      “Sir Alex kept everyone guessing and you were always on your toes – even if you were a world-elite footballer.”

      Ben Amos has been in inspired form for Charlton in League One this season
      Amos is in his second spell with the Addicks having had a season on loan in League One from then parent club Bolton three years ago – and the team reached the play-offs.He signed permanently last year after a loan at Millwall but had a frustrating first season on his return – finding himself second-choice to Dillon Phillips and picking up an finger injury that kept him out for four months.So he had to watch from the sidelines as the Addicks were relegated from the Championship.
      Amos said: “It’s part and parcel of being a keeper. I was expecting to play. but joined just 10 days before the season so Dillon started and to his credit he did well. I didn’t get a look-in.“I then had an operation on my finger and that was the best part of four months out.“That is your season done at that point. I did get back at the end of the January. But by that time Dillon was in his groove.“That was great for him – but, thinking selfishly, it was frustrating for me.“But, first and foremost, Dillon and I are friends – we’ve been away on holiday together. We had healthy competition.“I didn’t overthink it. I couldn’t control what Dilon was doing on a matchday so just did my bit every day and was ready if called upon.”Phillips left the club in the summer to join Cardiff, which has enabled Amos to claim the No1 position.And he has had a superb start to the season – and went 575 minutes without conceding before Che Evans beat him twice in two minutes in Charlton’s 3-2 win at Fleetwood before the international break.That has coincided with Lee Bowyer’s men winning six matches on the spin and unbeaten in seven.Amos rates the clean sheet in the 0-0 draw against promotion rivals Sunderland before the six-match winning run as his most satisfying.He said: “We’d just lost back-to-back games against Doncaster and Lincoln – and that result against Sunderland put us back on the right track. Hopefully we can continue that form.”
      Thomas Sandgaard’s takeover of the club has been pivotal to Charlton’s change in fortunes – after an entire season of unrest off the field.

      New owner Thomas Sandgaard has brought a feelgood factor back
      The American-based Danish businessman has given the club some calming stability – and crucially backed Bowyer in the transfer market.In total, he has sanctioned TEN signings – defender Ryan Inniss, Chris Gunter, Ian Maatsen, Akin Famewo, midfielders Ben Watson, Andrew Shinnie, Marcus Maddison, Adam Matthews and strikers Paul Smyth and Omar Bogle.

      Amos said: “Everything he promised he has delivered on so far – and all the things I’m hearing and seeing has been good – long may it continue.“He even has been sending us special medical equipment that his company distributes – so is going over and beyond to help us be successful, which is welcome after what happened in previous months.“The feel-good factor is ultimately driven by results but the stability is need as a springboard to be successful.“We have strength in depth all across the pitch and I don’t think we’ve got going yet. We have loads more in us to kick on, really gel and put in better performances.”

      BEN AMOS FANS’ Q&A

      BEN AMOS answers questions sent to SunSport by Charlton fans.

      MICK McCORMACK: What aspects of your game do you feel you have improved over the last 12 months?BEN AMOS: My distribution definitely. I’ve been working non-stop on that. I try to make gains every day with coach Andy Marshall, he pushes me with tiny little details that we can polish and work on. There isn’t one thing. It’s fine tuning.
      BEN CHURCH: How did you manage the backwards hand save in the play-offs against Shrewsbury? I still can’t get over how you did that.BEN AMOS: Just instinct. I’ve always got that desire to keep the ball out of the net and at that time I found myself with my back to the player and the shot came in. I kept my eyes on it and with pure desperation to keep the ball out I managed to make the save.
      RAY STOWER: Being in goal in empty stadiums at the moment, does that take the pressure off you as a keeper?BEN AMOS: Not for me personally. The pressure is trying to win the game, keep clean sheets and do your best. I focus on myself. If I do that I sleep easier than if I hadn’t.THOMAS SANDGAARD: The back four have a lot of trust in you – how much have the experienced defenders helped you?BEN AMOS: They’re good lads first and foremost. We’re always speaking to each other about the game where they are enthusiastic to learn and have the desire to keep the ball out of the net.That is the first thing I want as a goalkeeper. They have helped me in that respect because there becomes a trust with more games we play. We speak so much how to keep the ball out of the net. More

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      EFL to allow five subs in all Championship, League One and League Two clashes for remainder of season

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      THE Football League have informed clubs they are now allowed to make FIVE substitutions in all games for the rest of the 2020-21 season.
      The EFL has revealed they have been locked in talks with Championship, League One and League Two clubs in recent days.

      EFL clubs are now allowed to make five subs for the rest of the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Rex Features

      And now they have agreed to allow managers five subs per game in a bid to limit player injury.
      In the Championship, clubs are now allowed to name NINE players on the bench.
      In Leagues One and Two, bosses are allowed to name just seven subs in their match-day squad.
      An EFL statement read: “Following consultation with clubs, the EFL Board has agreed to increase the permitted number of substitutes to five in all Sky Bet EFL.

      “[The new rule will begin in] fixtures taking place from 12pm on Friday November 20 for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
      “Regulation 33.4 has been amended to permit:
      Championship Clubs to name up to nine substitutes in their matchday squad, with five permitted to take to the pitch in any fixture.
      League One and League Two Clubs to name up to seven substitutes in their matchday squad, again with five permitted to take to the pitch.”
      In June, the Premier League revealed they would allow clubs to name nine subs on the bench and introduce up to five per game in three groups.
      The rule remained in place until the end of the delayed 2019-20 season.

      But for 2020-21, the Premier League forced clubs to return to the three-sub rule, with just seven named on the bench.
      The Big Six – Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and the Manchester giants – were frustrated in August when they were outvoted.
      All-in-all, 11 clubs voted for just three subs, while nine were in favour of the five-sub rule.
      There has been an outcry from bosses and pundits alike following a spate of injuries in recent weeks, with some teams forced to play up to three times per week.
      Liverpool have been hit the hardest, with nine first-team players – including their entire first-choice back-four – all injured.
      Premier League bosses may now be forced to re-think their strategy.

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      Ferguson and MacAnthony targeting fourth promotion together at Peterborough after two break-ups

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      DARREN FERGUSON has not done badly at Peterborough considering co-owner Darragh MacAnthony has sacked the bloke TWICE.
      The Scottish boss – son of Sir Alex – notched his 200th win in charge of Posh after they beat Oxford in the FA Cup 3-0 last weekend.

      Darren Ferguson wants a fourth promotion this season with Peterborough

      Darragh MacAnthony has twice sacked manager Darren Ferguson at Posh

      And now, in his third spell in charge during what has been a 13-year on-off relationship with the club, he is closing in on more records.
      He sits 44 games short of equalling Barry Fry’s 444 in charge in all competitions while he is just 31 shy of the Posh legend’s 414 league games as boss.
      And – in his two previous spells – Fergie Jnr won three promotions.
      Today – ahead of their trip to Crewe – Posh are top of League One and their gaffer has just won the division’s SkyBet manager of the month award.

      But MacAnthony is demanding nothing less than a fourth promotion from Ferguson, who knows the consequences of failure.
      And Ferguson said: “It’s the most important relationship in the club and we get on great.
      “He’s brought me in three times and was brave to bring me when I had no managerial experience in 2007. I rewarded him with back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship and when I came the second time we won promotion from League One again.
      “There are now two other owners here with Darragh and when I came back this time I had to gauge that but I get on well with them too.

      “The club is in a healthy place and we’re going to be moving into a new stadium.
      “Regardless of the fact Darragh has sacked me twice, even when I wasn’t here we kept in touch, we have a lot of respect for each other.”

      Darren Ferguson celebrates his SkyBet League One manager of the month award with his backroom staff at Peterborough
      There have been some, shall we say, bumps in the road between the pair in the past.
      But Ferguson, 48, and MacAnthony, 44, have a better understanding of each other now.
      The Posh boss admitted: “We were both younger when we first started working together so it could be volatile. We both said things that we felt and didn’t leave anything bottled up – which was healthy – but sometimes it got over the top.
      “I’d react to things he said and took it personally.
      “Look, he is the same now – after a defeat, I’ll get a text after the game and the language will be colourful. But I’ve learned to leave it for a couple of hours because he needs to let it all out, which is fine. But I used to go back at him.
      “When I left the first time, both of our wives were trying to get us to make up with each other but we were both too stubborn. It was stupid.
      “I agreed with his decision to let me go the second time because I needed a break.
      “Yet whatever anyone says Darragh has always backed his managers in the transfer market.
      “He’s a demanding guy but that favours me because his expectations I can manage well with the players as I know what they are.”

      “When I left the first time, both of our wives were trying to get us to make up with each other but we were both too stubborn. It was stupid.

      Peterborough felt hard done by when their league campaign was ended by coronavirus. The club were sitting just two points behind the automatic promotion spots in seventh after a run of seven wins out of nine.
      Yet they did not even get a play-off spot after Wycombe leapfrogged them on the controversial unweighted points-per-game method.
      In the summer they sold their star striker Ivan Toney to Brentford for £5million – having signed him for around £600,000 two years earlier from Newcastle.
      But Posh are famous for constantly refreshing their squad by recruiting cheap and selling for big bucks.
      And there are high hopes that Jonson Clarke-Harris – signed this summer from Bristol Rovers for £1.2m to replace Toney – and Siriki Dembele can be the next big thing at London Road.
      Clarke-Harris, 25, has fired six league goals already while Dembele is on five, one less than he managed all last season.

      Jonson Clarke-Harris has hit the ground running since replacing Ivan Toney

      Siriki Dembele has stepped up to the plate this season in front of goal
      Ferguson said: “I’ve known Jonson since he was 17. He has matured and been a regular goalscorer in the league.
      “He was top of the list to replace Ivan because he has played a lot of games over the last two seasons, scored a lot of goals and gives you physicality, which means you can play different formations.
      “Jonson is also a good penalty taker so he ticked so many boxes and was ready for the move.
      “We had to get some fitness into him but he has been a real handful with his performances and goals. The lads love him.
      “Siriki needed to step up because last season up until January he didn’t play regular and he had to be patient. We had to manage him because he was getting impatient.
      “He is a likeable lad, he just loves football. And he was patient because in January he was magnificent, scoring goals and playing up front with Ivan and this season he has carried that on.
      “I think we have a similar situation to the one we had with Ivan. If we don’t go up it will be difficult to keep him.”
      Coronavirus has been challenging for everyone … incredibly only Nathan Thompson has picked up an injury despite the large amount of games being played in a short space of time.
      Ferguson admits: “The medical and sports science staff have been top-drawer – we’re having to manage the players so carefully this season.”
      But – on a personal level – it has been difficult for Ferguson as he has not been able to see his dad Sir Alex and mum Cathy for several months because of the pandemic as he does not want to risk passing on the virus.

      Ferguson said: “It’s a big concern. I’m nearly 50. I know I’m a lot younger than my parents but I haven’t seen them for God knows how long.
      “You must be careful because of the virus, we are talking about life and death here. There have been so many deaths in the vulnerable age group and everyone of that age.
      “So Zoom has been a good way to keep in touch. We’ve all been doing that at the club too… even Barry Fry has learned how to use it.”

      Darren has not seen his dad Sir Alex for several months because of Covid-19 More