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      EFL clubs reject Premier League’s £50m coronavirus bail-out fund which would have kept Leagues One and Two alive

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      EFL clubs have turned down the Prem £50m bail out – potentially driving League One and Two clubs to the wall.
      In a move seemingly certain to spark further top flight fury, the three lower divisions branded the offer “conditional” as they declined to accept the money.

      It is another mounting problem for EFL chief Rick Parry

      The Prem had offered £20m immediately for League One and Two with a further £30m to come, on top of the £27.2m in “solidarity” payments already made, with no separate cash for the Championships.
      And after a day of twists and turns as the 72 clubs met virtually in their respective divisions, the EFL said: “The need for continued unity across the membership base was fundamental to discussions across all three divisions.
      “Therefore there was a strong consensus that any rescue package must meet the requirements of all 72 Clubs before it can be considered in full.
      “The League has been very clear in its discussions of the financial requirements needed to address lost gate receipts.

      “While EFL Clubs are appreciative that a formal proposal has now been put forward, the conditional offer of £50million falls some way short of this.
      The decision caused deep anger and resentment for some Prem clubs, who were talking of “pulling the plug” altogether.
      However, senior Premier League sources insisted the money would remain “on the table” and urged lower division clubs to talk to them directly.
      The Prem also said it would be willing to listen to approaches from any Championship sides who found themselves in an “existential crisis” as a result of the pandemic.

      SunSport understands that Championship clubs had reached a consensus that the smart play was for the money to be accepted “on behalf of the EFL”.
      The idea was that the first £20m would be sent direct to the bottom two tiers with the rest placed in a hardship fund which would be available for cash-strapped Championship sides to apply for.
      That would have been unacceptable for some Prem clubs although others are believed to have been willing to consider a compromise if they were given joint sign-off on the recipients.
      But instead, a number of Prem clubs now feel the money has been “thrown back in our faces”.
      And while the EFL said it was “keen to continue discussions with the Premier League to reach an agreeable solution” the mood between the two sides is hardening.

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      Premier League clubs set to make £50m bail-out offer to League One and Two clubs to save stricken EFL due to coronavirus

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set to make a £50million bail-out offer to keep League One and Two clubs alive.
      But there will be NO money available for Championship clubs.

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      Top flight teams will offer cash-strapped League One and Two sides £50mCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the top flight outfits are also expected to demand the head of English Football League chairman Rick Parry.
      The majority of Premier League clubs are furious at Parry for conducting secret negotiations with Liverpool and Manchester United that saw the EFL chairman become the public face of Project Big Picture.
      EFL clubs have come out in support of Parry, pointing to the promise of £250m immediately coming from the Premier League to the lower three divisions as a result of the plan.
      But there is fierce resistance among the Prem sides to handing over any money to Championship clubs – many of whom have wealthier owners than the top flight sides.

      The top tier sides do recognise there is an expectation from the fans and pressure from the Government on them to help keep the lower league clubs alive.
      And that will lead to what is expected to be a ‘take it or leave it’ offer to Leagues One and Two.
      That approach seems likely to divide the lower division sides with some determined to back Parry and Project Big Picture and others admitting self-interest and their own survival might prevail.
      Gillingham chairman Paul Scally conceded: “If there was no alternative, of course I would take it.”

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      Some Premier League clubs could call for EFL chairman Parry to quitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      However, Championship clubs would be able to block any deal with the lower tier clubs.
      Under EFL rules, the Championship must be in favour for any policy to be agreed by the entire League and the 24 clubs would be certain to vote unanimously against a deal that cuts them out.
      But the fury of the clubs towards Parry will mean a vote is expected to formally call for him to step down from the EFL.

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      Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow slammed the former Prem boss as he said: “I think it’s amazing that the head of EFL, which is already receiving nearly £400m per year, would’ve chosen to go live with a plan without discussing it directly with the Premier League.
      “I applaud the notion that the Championship, League One and League Two want to engage with the Premier League.
      “But the way to do that is to talk to the chairman and chief executive of that league through the front door, not to head over to Florida and Boston and discuss it with only two teams.”

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      Oxford clash with Crewe in League One axed for second time just hours before kick-off due to coronavirus

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      OXFORD’S game against Crewe has been axed for the SECOND time just hours before kick-off due to coronavirus.
      The League One clash had originally been due to go ahead on October 3, only for Crewe player Omar Beckles to return a positive result for coronavirus on the morning of the game.

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      Oxford vs Crewe has been postponed again due to coronavirus, with the visitors ‘unable to fulfil the fixture’Credit: Rex Features

      The club sparked fury after calling the game off just 32 minutes before kick-off – sparking a police investigation.
      And now the match has been postponed again, with Crewe ‘unable to fulfil the fixture’ after two more players tested positive for Covid-19, with a third already in self-isolation.
      The Football League revealed Crewe had informed them they would not be playing after careful consideration of Government and EFL guidelines.
      A statement read: “The EFL can confirm that Crewe Alexandra’s Sky Bet League One fixture with Oxford United this evening has been postponed.

      “Following consultation with the club, they have determined they’re unable to fulfil the fixture.
      “The decision has been taken after the club considered the relevant guidance from the Government and EFL.
      “The league will now continue to work with the club to ensure the fixture with Blackpool and subsequent games go ahead as planned.”
      A Crewe statement added: “Following consultation with the EFL, Crewe Alexandra has decided that our game with Oxford United this evening should be postponed.

      “The decision has been taken after fully considering the relevant guidance from the Government and EFL.
      “The Football Club will now continue to work with the EFL to ensure our fixture with Blackpool and subsequent games go ahead as planned.”
      An Oxford statement read: “Tonight’s game against Crewe Alexandra has been postponed after Crewe notified the EFL that they were unable to fulfil the fixture.
      “Following consultation with the EFL the decision has been taken after fully considering the relevant guidance from the Government and EFL.
      “Oxford United will await further instruction on when the game can now take place but will wait for clarification on the circumstances surrounding the postponement before making further comment.”

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      First look inside AFC Wimbledon’s new £32million stadium as Dons prepare for emotional return to Plough Lane roots

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      HERE are the first photos of AFC Wimbledon’s new stadium almost in shape just 24 days before it officially opens.
      And the League One club are giving supporters the chance to guarantee their spot for the next ten years as they make an emotional return to their spiritual Plough Lane roots.

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      SunSport’s Justin Allen and AFC Wimbledon CEO Joe Palmer sit inside the club’s new stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Doncaster are the first team to play away at Plough Lane on November 3Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      SunSport was given exclusive access to the £32million ground that will open on November 3 for the League One visit of Doncaster.
      And, unlike arenas such as Twickenham where fans pay as much as £30,000 to guarantee their spots, the Dons’ debenture scheme is affordable.
      In fact, prices have been set as low as £500 and £600, with hospitality spots just £1,000.
      It has been 29 years since Wimbledon last kicked a ball in anger at Plough Lane when they took on Crystal Palace in the top-flight.

      Since then it has been a long road back.
      There was the controversial move to Milton Keynes and the rebranding to MK Dons, the formation of the fans-owned AFC Wimbledon 18 years ago and six promotions.
      But now they have built a new stadium a few hundred yards from the original ground.
      That was ripped down for apartment blocks, which you can see from the upper tiers.

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      The £32million ground boasts an initial capacity of 9,300Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      You can even peer across to Wembley 11 miles away, where the Dons famously beat Liverpool 1-0 in the 1988 FA Cup final.
      The West Stand seating is in place, with the East Stand set to be finished in days along with the North Stand away end.
      A bit like Brentford’s new home seven miles away, they have gone for speckled coloured seating in the Dons’ famous blue and yellow.
      The home South Stand is for standing only to help generate that old-school atmosphere.
      But while the old Plough Lane ground was notoriously unwelcoming, the 2020 version has been designed to be more accommodating.
      Gone are the days of a bobbly quagmire pitch.
      The new one is a carpet, combining real grass with synthetic material to produce a perfect playing surface.

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      AFC Wimbledon currently sit 13th in the League One table after four games playedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Plough Lane is located just a few hundred yards away from the original stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The changing rooms are spacious and, unlike in the Crazy Gang era, the away team will not have cold showers!
      A museum inside the ground will be opened, where items such as Vinnie Jones’ 1988 FA Cup-winners medal and other memorabilia will be on display.
      The club will even house the original Plough Lane gates.
      One of the most impressive features is the stadium’s pub, which will be open seven days a week and has stairs leading down from the concourses, allowing fans to mingle regardless of where they are.
      Supporters are being asked to vote on a name for it, with the choice of two  famous boozers that were near to the old ground, The Sportsman and The Batsford Arms.
      Hospitality has increased greatly from the Kingsmeadow ground that Wimbledon had used since their formation.
      There are eight corporate boxes, two lounges and a huge events space. The hall is one of the crown jewels and includes a mezzanine level.

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      There will be around wheelchair spaces located inside the groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      For a conference it can host 700 people and can easily seat 500 for a dinner event.
      CEO Joe Palmer, who walked us around the stadium, said it will be the biggest conferencing facility in the Merton borough.
      He said: “This really will be a great venue for weddings, concerts, conferences, so many things.
      “We’re installing a huge HD screen in there too and will cater for E-gaming, which is massive with youngsters now.”
      The club plan guided tours for fans to allow them to take a proper look around while matches continue to be played behind closed doors.
      For the Doncaster game, it is hoped they will be able to do a televised build-up, either through Sky Sports or using their own media channels.
      But they are also planning a proper grand opening when fans are eventually allowed in.
      The stadium has an initial 9,300 capacity, but planning permission has been granted for that to increase to 20,000. There will be around 100 wheelchair spaces too.

      And the plan is for it to be alive with activity seven days a week.
      The coronavirus pandemic has not adversely delayed the stadium’s  construction.
      In fact, the biggest problem during the 22 months of work was a fox ruining the new playing surface.
      Palmer added: “It kept coming in at night and ripping up the pitch. The groundsman was pulling his hair out. It can no longer get access.”
      So foxes are not welcome — unless it is of the Leicester City variety!

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      Crewe facing police and EFL investigations over alleged coronavirus breaches before postponed Oxford clash

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      CREWE are facing a dual police and EFL probe for acting like Covidiots at Oxford.
      Furious U’s boss Karl Robinson accused the Alex of breaking coronavirus rules after one of their players tested positive and another showed symptoms.

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      Oxford boss Karl Robinson fumed at Crewe’s behaviourCredit: Alamy Live News

      Saturday’s League One game between the sides was only called off 32 minutes before kick-off.
      BBC Radio Stoke claimed Railwaymen midfielder Ryan Wintle had tested positive for Covid-19, with team-mate Omar Beckles reporting being unwell.
      Crewe said in a statement a player had been “notified this morning that he is Covid-19 positive” — yet Oxford claim he still travelled with the team to the ground instead of self-isolating.
      And Robinson insisted Crewe still wanted to play the match.

      The U’s chief stormed: “All the players have been in our dressing room but I’ll refrain from commenting on that.
      “One of their players got tested because of a young child and that player still ate with the team that night and travelled on the team coach.
      “Crewe turned up about twenty-five to two and told us about what was going on — and that’s the first we heard of it.
      “They didn’t want the game called off but I did not think that was right.”

      Police are investigating MP Margaret Ferrier, who travelled from Glasgow to London with Covid symptoms then returned home after testing positive.
      She has been suspended by the SNP and the Met are looking at possible offences related to Health Protection Regulations.
      Crewe now face a similar probe, while an EFL spokesman confirmed last night they will be talking to the club about the incident.
      Crewe directors refused to comment before leaving the Kassam Stadium.
      But injured Oxford captain John Mousinho fumed: “A few players were uncomfortable about the notion of playing but, thankfully, the decision was  taken out of our hands.
      “They have been in our dressing room and it was a sensible decision to call the game off.
      “There are rumours Crewe knew about the positive test this morning and we are not happy about that. I’m glad it did come to light.

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      Oxford boss Karl Robinson pleads his caseCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Oxford’s squad hear their game is called offCredit: Alamy Live News
      “The worst thing would have been to play because there is contact out there on the pitch.
      “The lads were just not comfortable about playing and I was surprised when the Crewe players came out on to the pitch.
      “I don’t know why they were out there — we were baffled by that.”
      The match is expected to be rescheduled for Tuesday week.
      An EFL statement read: “Crewe has advised the EFL it is unable to fulfil the fixture as players and first-team staff are now required to self-isolate  in line with EFL and Government guidance.
      “A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

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      Wigan put club’s chippy up for sale for £500,000 in desperate bid to pay wages as crisis club run out of money

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      WIGAN ATHLETIC’S administrators have put the club’s ‘chippy’ up for sale in a bid to pay the wages.
      Latics are looking for around £500,000 for the property as the admins admit that failing to find a buyer will leave their funds running out.

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      Wigan Athletic’s administrators are looking for £500,000 for the club’s ‘chippy’ after putting the property up for saleCredit: Rex Features

      Begbies Traynor have kept the deal in house by bringing in Eddisons chartered surveyors to raise cash while they struggle to get a bid for the rest of the club.
      Admin Gerald Krasner confessed that the money would run out ‘before Christmas’ and said: “We wouldn’t finish the season if no buyer came in.”
      League One Wigan were relegated last season after a 12-point deduction for going into administration sent them spiralling down the table.
      Their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially and they had to call in the administrators on July 1.

      As revealed by SunSport, Middle East-based business group MBuzz plotted a £3million bid for the crisis club.
      That comes after American businessmen Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt made a final £2m offer.
      As the search for new ownership and an escape from administration continues, a Supporters’ Club Crowdfunder page has been set up to raise cash and save Wigan from going under.
      Former Lactics favourites including Roberto Martinez, Reece James and James McClean have all stepped forward with donations.

      And Victor Moses has given £20,000 to the fundraiser in a touching gesture.
      On the pitch, the Latics lost their opening three matches of the season – in the Carabao Cup to Fleetwood and then in League One against Ipswich and Gillingham.
      They did, however, beat Liverpool’s Under-21s 6-1 on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.

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      Arsenal ace Mark McGuinness joins Ipswich on season-long loan deal with Arteta wanting defender to get first-team action

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      ARSENAL youngster Mark McGuiness has joined Ipswich on loan for the season.
      The defender, 19, put pen to paper on a temporary switch on Tuesday.

      Mikel Arteta has high hopes for the Ireland Under-19 international and featured him in pre-season this year, scoring against MK Dons.
      He was captain and man of the match for the U21s in the EFL Trophy victory over Ipswich earlier in September.
      But Arsenal are keen for the 6ft 4ins centre-back, back fit after a lengthy spell out last season, to get first-team football under his belt so allowed him to join the Tractor Boys for the 2020-21 League One campaign.
      McGuiness, who will wear the No2 at Portman Road, said: “The lads have started really well, so I know I’ll have to impress and I won’t just walk into the team, but I’m up for the challenge.
      “I hope that Ipswich get promoted – I think that’s the main goal for everyone.
      “The experience here could be invaluable to me. I want to make the most of it and help the club achieve what it wants.
      “I feel like I’ve been ready to go out on loan for a while, but I picked up a few injuries last season unfortunately. This year I’m ready to push on.

      “I love to head the ball! Being my size I should be a threat in both boxes really.

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      Mark McGuinness scored for Arsenal in the pre-season friendly against MK Dons in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I like to be the leader and take control. That’s always been a part of my game that I’ve excelled at.
      “My main priority is defending, I like to keep the ball out of the net.
      “But I know this is a ball playing team and being at Arsenal for nine years that’s something in my game as well.”

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      Wigan a target for Middle East-based business group MBuzz as talks over £3m rescue deal continue with stricken club

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      CRISIS club Wigan Athletic are a target for a rescue bid from the Middle East-based business group MBuzz.
      Representatives of the company have met the administrators and are set to offer around £3million for the whole package this week.

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      Wigan are in desperate need of a saviourCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      MBuzz Sport will be the team trying to close the deal. They are a branch of a global telecom firm, based in Saudi Arabia but with offices in Dublin, Dubai and around Europe.
      Their past experience in football includes a one-off shirt sponsorship deal for Wigan when they played Manchester United in the FA Cup.
      The company also took a stake in Spanish side Leganes and have been involved with Sheffield United on their commercial side.
      The administrators will be glad of a rival bid as American pair Randy Frankel and Michael Kelt are only willing to pay around £2m which would leave them scrambling for their fees.

      Wigan were relegated last season after a 12 point deduction for going into administration sent them spiralling down the table.

      Their new Hong Kong-based owners conceded they could not support the club financially and they had to call in the administrators on July 1.
      Manager Paul Cook then quit the club last month.
      Wigan only announced his replacement, John Sheridan, two days before their opening match in League 1.

      They lost their opening fixture 2-0 to Ipswich. More