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      Former Premier League star sacked by Crawley in 62-word statement with League One side 12 points adrift of safety

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      CRAWLEY TOWN have sacked manager Rob Elliot amid an intense relegation scrap.Elliot, 38, took over as Crawley boss just five months ago.Crawley Town have sacked manager Rob Elliot just five months after he took overCredit: RexElliot leaves with Crawley 12 points away from safety in League OneCredit: RexAnd he leaves with the club a massive 12 points away from safety in League One.The former Premier League ace managed 33 matches but lost 19 and only won six.Crawley released a short statement thanking the ex-Newcastle goalkeeper.The Red Devils also announced that Louis Storey will take over as interim manager, with Anthony Sweeney as an interim assistant.Read More on FootballCrawley released the following statement: “Crawley Town Football Club has today parted company with Manager Rob Elliot.”Louis Storey will take control of the squad as Interim Head Coach, with Anthony Sweeney supporting him as Interim Assistant Head Coach.”The club would like to thank Rob for all of his efforts during his time at the Broadfield Stadium and wish him all the best for the future.”Crawley was the second team Elliot managed as he was also in charge of Gateshead where he also played beforehand.Most read in EFLThis comes after a 20-year playing career for the likes of Charlton, Newcastle and Watford.The former keeper stood out with the Magpies where he spent nine years and amassed 68 appearances.My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One clubThat was after seven years with Charlton where he played 109 times between the sticks.Elliot also registered four caps with the Republic of Ireland before his retirement last year. More

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      Wycombe vs Wrexham stopped for 45 minutes after medical emergency in crowd as players head back to dressing room

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      WREXHAM’S clash away at Wycombe was halted for 45 minutes due to a medical emergency in the crowd. The huge promotion six-pointer was locked at 0-0 with 77 minutes on the clock at Adams Park.Wycombe’s home clash with Wrexham was stopped for a medical emergency in the crowdCredit: GettyThe score was 0-0 when the referee took the players back into the changing roomsCredit: GettyMedics gather around the bottom of the stand where the fan was taken illCredit: SunSportHowever, the referee stopped the game when a fan was taken ill in the away end.Supporters around the stricken Wrexham follower alerted the attention of the referee.Medics rushed into the stand to help deal with the health scare.And as the treatment continued, the referee took the two teams back into the dressing rooms.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStewards held flags and banners around the unwell fan in the away end to give them privacy as they received support. Wrexham tweeted at 4.36pm: “78′ The game has been temporarily halted due to an ongoing medical incident in the crowd.”A later announcement over the tannoy system confirmed the situation was ongoing and an update would be provided in due course.Wrexham then tweeted to state the fan was being taken to hospital and that the match would continue to its completion. Most read in EFLAt 5.07pm, Wrexham posted: “The patient has left the stadium in a stable condition and is on the way to hospital. “We’d like to thank the emergency services and staff for their efforts.”They then added three minutes later: “Play will resume with the clock at 76:25 after both sets of players are given ten minutes to warm up.”Both sets of players applaud the Wrexham fans as they return to the pitch.”And at 5.21pm, the match resumed with a corner for Wycombe. Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made a tremendous save from the set piece – before Wrexham went up the other end and scored a crucial opener through Sam Smith’s sweet volley. That proved to be the matchwinner and could prove decisive come the end of the season – but football was put in perspective by the hospitalised fan. Supporters from both sides sent their best wishes on social media during the lengthy stoppage.One said: “Football comes second in situations like this. My thoughts and prayers are with the fan.”Another wrote: “Really hope they’re okay.”A third added: “Very respectful of the fan and their situation. No announcer filler, etc. Bravo. Prayers everything comes out okay.”And a fourth replied: “Thoughts and prayers with the Wrexham fan.”Second-placed Wycombe went into the home game with Wrexham level on points with the Red Dragons as they battle it out for the second automatic promotion spot. Birmingham are the runaway leaders at the top of League One – although they dropped points with a 1-1 draw at Northampton. There was also a fan emergency in the stands on Saturday afternoon at Bradford during the second half of their home clash with Tranmere in League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisiting goalkeeper Luke McGee gestured to the ref that something was wrong in the Kop end at Valley Parade. Play stopped for approximately 12 minutes as the fan was taken out of the ground by medical staff. More

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      Birmingham’s League One clash postponed at just nine days’ notice and fans have NO idea when they can play it

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      BIRMINGHAM are facing a fixture congestion nightmare after their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponed.Birmingham were scheduled to take on the Boro on March 22 at the Lamex Stadium.Birmingham announced their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponedCredit: RexHowever, Blues stated the game – which was scheduled to take place in nine days – has been postponed due to international call-ups.The League One outfit haven’t announced a new date in which the game will be played but promised a confirmation will be made “in due course”.Birmingham issued the following statement: “The League One fixture was set to take place at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 22 March, kick-off at 3pm.”A new date for this fixture, as well as Blues’ trip to Blackpool, will be announced in due course.”Read More on FootballStevenage confirmed the postponement was at Birmingham’s request.This raises questions as to when the sides can fit their postponed match in a packed schedule.Birmingham already have to fit in the Blackpool clash, which has to be moved due to their participation in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough on April 13.And, with games already scheduled every midweek between the international break and Easter, there seems to be only be ONE available date to fit in a game before the end of the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat would be between the final two weekends of the campaign, which finishes on May 3.Birmingham appear all-but guaranteed to seal automatic promotion to the Championship, sitting 14 points clear of 3rd-placed Wrexham with 11 games to go.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashAnd fans were convinced the club should have just played the game despite the international call-ups.Fans were left perplexed as they took to social media looking for answers.One fan tweeted: “We should have just played it.”I don’t know when we are going to fit it in now.”Another asked: “Are we gonna have to play one of the postponed games after the final day?”A third wondered: “Genuinely when are we playing this?”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan joked: “We’ll be playing this game in 2028 at this point.”And that one said: “Where are we fitting this in?” More

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      ‘You can’t go to Bluewater’ – Ex-Premier League boss begs stars to ‘sacrifice everything’ in another classic interview

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      NATHAN JONES has revealed an epic list of “sacrifices” he expects from his Charlton players AND their families.Famous for his oddball quotes, Jones has produced one of his best with a selection of do’s and don’ts for the promotion hunters during their run-in.Nathan Jones says Charlton players face eight weeks of sacrificesAnd it’s far worse than more typical demands imposed by some clubs, like avoiding fast-food, being in bed early or forgoing nightclubs.Because the Addicks manager has told his players not to go… shopping or bowling!The ex-Luton chief even claimed it’s time to stop “walking around high-fiving and going to Costa Coffee”.Perhaps Jones’ most notorious comment came when he explained why he took the Southampton job in 2022.READ MORE IN SPORTThe Welshman said: “I could have stayed in a mining community, been a PE teacher and had a nice life, married a nice Welsh girl. “I don’t. I want to test myself on every level and that’s nothing against Welsh women. I want to test myself.”And last year he produced a different type of eye-catching interview.Ecstatic following a 2-1 League One victory over Derby, Jones launched an X-rated boast – then backtracked when realising he was live on the BBC.Most read in EFLJones didn’t pull any punches on how his Addicks must behaveCredit: RexCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe said: “We over-ran them, we f*****g… Sorry – we were aggressive in what we did and I’m really proud of the second half performance.”  This time Jones was explaining to Charlton’s media team the tough time in store – or rather, not in stores – for his players – amid the season’s finale.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideFourth-placed Charlton want a top-two finish or at least to keep hold of a play-off spot.Jones, 51, said: “Going into eight weeks of your life now, where you sacrifice everything.”You’re not shopping tomorrow. Not bowling. Your diet’s good.”However, Jones also left himself open to accusations of stereotyping.He added: “If your wife or your girlfriend wants to go shopping, wants to do that, they have to make the sacrifices.”It’s a massive sacrifice for us – to achieve something – because you can’t now go to Bluewater, walking around high-fiving and going to Costa Coffee when you should be resting.” More

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      ‘Will I get money off next bill?’ – Fans fume at Sky Sports after ‘technical difficulty’ sees EFL tie left unwatchable

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      SKY SPORTS subscribers have been left furious after a technical glitch interrupted an EFL clash on Tuesday.Coverage of the League One clash between Bolton and Bristol Rovers was unavailable for some viewers during the first half. Viewers trying to watch an EFL clash on Sky Sports were met with an error messageCredit: SkyBristol Rovers’ clash with Bolton wasn’t accessible through the streaming serviceCredit: GettyThe match was being broadcast through Sky’s new streaming service Sky Sports+.But viewers were met with a screen declaring there was a “technical difficulty”, and urged them to “try again later”.One fan raged on X: “‘I’m paying a premium price but getting a poor service. Darts feed was awful last week now you’re letting me down with football.”And another added: “We pay all this money every month and you can’t even provide a decent service on the Bristol v Bolton game – are you giving refunds.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile a third commented: “There is a problem with the Sky Sports+ Feed match between Bristol Rovers V Bolton it keeps cutting out it’s very glitchy. “Are you looking into the issue this evening or will I get money off my next bill as this is just ridiculous!!!”Viewers struggled to get the stream working throughout the first half at the Memorial Stadium.Chris Martin gave the hosts an early lead from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut in-form Bolton hit back just before halftime through Aaron Morley.Most fans should have caught the equaliser, with the stream resuming from around the 30-minute mark. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatThe issues come just days after viewers raged against Sky for a disastrous broadcast of Premier League Darts. Darts fans had settled down ready to watch Night 5 of the Premier League from Brighton.But they were met with a host of issues, ranging from audio glitches to visual skips.Commentator Wayne Mardle apologised for the “temporary issues” saying they would be “fixed momentarily” before more glitches in the broadcast.A message at the bottom of the screen began showing which said: “We’re really sorry for the temporary picture problems.” More

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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      Footballer starts League One match just hours after pleading guilty to causing cyclist’s death in horror crash

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      A FOOTBALLER started a League One match just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash.Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.Lucas Akins admitted causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crashCredit: GettyAdrian Daniel was struck by the player’s MercedesCredit: West Yorkshire PoliceThe cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.Akins appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.Just hours later, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in their 0-0 draw against Wigan.Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”The court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said Akins’ plea was accepted by the Crown, who had relayed the information to the cyclist’s family.His Honour Judge Menary told the footballer: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count 2.Most read in Football”I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”Akins was bailed to return to court for sentencing on April 24.The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.The Mansfield Town star will be sentenced next monthCredit: Getty More

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      Wigan SACK club legend Shaun Maloney as manager after two years but show class in statement

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      WIGAN sacked club legend Shaun Maloney with the club 15th in League One.But they showed their class with a touching farewell gesture.Shaun Maloney has been sacked as Wigan bossCredit: GettyMaloney spent four seasons as a player with Wigan from 2011 to 2015 and was part of the team that famously won the FA Cup in 2013.The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Hull playmaker – who had a stint as Hibernian boss – returned to Lancashire when he took over from Kolo Toure at the Latics in January 2023.He provided some much-needed stability amid chaos at the Brick Community Stadium – despite being unable to save the club from relegation in 2023.Maloney kept Wigan in League One last season despite an eight-point deduction. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Reading spelt the end of his tenure – leaving the club just six points above the relegation zone.Wigan said: “Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic Manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history. “Whilst he could not prevent the Club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit.”Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few.”Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”However, it cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated. “Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the Board felt that it was time for a change.”The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the Club to look forward to the future.”Maloney’s No2 Max Rogers has also left his role with former Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan stepping up as interim gaffer. However, despite his dismissal, Wigan ensured the 47-cap Scotland international was given a classy send-off – and insisted he is “always welcome” back at the club. The statement added: “As a Board of Directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max for their service, efforts and dedication to the Club.”We hope that in the years to come Shaun’s time as Manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the Club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium.”Maloney provided the assist for the winner in the 2013 FA Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe racked up 47 Scotland capsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More