More stories

  • in

    ‘It’s nothing short of a disgrace’ rages Sky Sports pundit as ‘carnage’ League One club at risk of going bust

    FORMER Reading star Ady Williams has labelled goings on at his old club a “disgrace” after Rob Couhig’s proposed takeover fell through this week.Former Wycombe owner Couhig, 75, had satisfied EFL chiefs and had invested at least £5million into the Royals.Former Reading favourite Ady Wiliams blasted the situation at his former clubCredit: Sky SportsBut the American has now been paid back, after Reading owner Dai Yongge failed to complete a deal.Fans have frequently protested against Dai, whose several late payments in recent years have led to multiple points deductions and relegation from the Championship.Reading are currently operating on money received via a sell-on clause in Michael Olise’s £8million sale to Crystal Palace in 2021, after the French winger joined Bayern Munich in the summer.Following the collapse of Couhig’s takeover, Royals fans planned a further protest for during today’s home match against Huddersfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReporting from the game for Sky Sports, former Reading favourite Ady Williams pulled no punches on the club’s situation.Reading born Williams, who played more than 300 times for his hometown club, said: “What’s happened at this football club at boardroom level and off the pitch is nothing short of a disgrace. “It’s carnage at the moment. Rob Couhig came in, as Jobi (McAnuff) said it looked like this was going to be the deal and I was thinking Reading fans can finally put this to bed, all these embargoes and protests and pitch invasions and whatever it may be.”But Mr Couhig pulled out for whatever reason and we’re back to square one. It’s a tragedy, it really is.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”For these Reading fans and the backroom staff and the players and manager – everybody connected with the club – it is carnage off the pitch.”In the 18th minute of today’s match, Reading fans held up red cards with the message: “Dai family sell Reading FC.”‘Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!The Royals then went behind in the 21st minute, via Matty Pearson’s opener.But Ruben Selles’ side were level on the half hour via Harvey Knibbs’ effort, before claiming a 57th minute lead via Ben Elliott.Earlier this week, Selles admitted his frustration at the situation.The former Southampton boss, 41, told the BBC: “I have had enough of this situation now.”All the bad situations that can happen in football have happened to me in the last 16 months.”I have a fantastic group of players that have been fighting against those situations but it gets to a point where you cannot anymore, you are repeating the things in the cycle.”I’m not a person that likes to quit but I do need to reflect on where could be the ending point because I’m not happy with everything that’s happened.”Ruben Selles is growing frustrated with Reading’s situationCredit: Getty More

  • in

    EFL manager cancelled training session after two stars came to blows and couldn’t be in same room together

    AN EFL manager once had to cancel training after two players had a huge bust-up and could not be left alone together.The shocking incident occurred at Shrewsbury, with then boss Paul Hurst taking no chances as he sent two of his star players to the dressing room.Paul Hurst axed training after his players had a huge bust-upCredit: GettyWycombe’s Jack Grimmer told SunSport about some incredible EFL talesCredit: AlamyWycombe star Jack Grimmer shared some hilarious tales with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From an owner’s crazy antics to wild nights out, the Chairboys captain lifted the lid on his maddest footballing experiences.BEST EFL PLAYER?[Bakary] Sako when he was at Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL FANS?Leeds at Elland Road. DODGIEST FACILITIES? Yeovil away. In the changing rooms, the windows were open right next to our fans and we lost the game. We were getting all this abuse in the windows. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEFL FANBASE WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEAD?Sunderland. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!FUNNIEST FAN ABUSE YOU’VE EVER HEARD?Away at Lincoln. They just kept shouting every time the goalie kicked the ball – it was that old-fashioned, you fat b******. MOMENT THAT HAUNTS YOU?When I was at Coventry and we lost at home to Yeovil 6-2. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?Our old captain, Joe Jacobson… Marcus Bean put crickets in his car.He couldn’t find the crickets for like weeks. So he would get in his car and then still find the noise of crickets going on. WILDEST OWNER ANTICS?At Wycombe again, our owner Rob Cooig, his nephew Pete Couhig, who was our CFO, Pete was obviously ecstatic that we had one promotion during COVID at Wembley against Oxford.The celebrations were a bit heavy, shall we say. I had a back operation not long before. He proceeded to fall backwards off the team bus onto the street. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?At Shrewsbury ten years ago, our captain Adam El-Abd and Irish hardcore centre-mid Gary Deegan.Two people you just would not mess with on a football pitch or in life in general, they just kept going at each other all morning and eventually came to blows. The manager at the time, Paul Hurst, basically called an end to training because he did not want those two players going into the changing room on their own. Adam El-Abd had a furious row with a team-mateCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender and Gary Deegan could not be left alone in the dressing roomCredit: SportsfileWILDEST NIGHT OUT?After Coventry got promoted, the League Two play-off final against Exeter.READ MORE SUN STORIESBank holiday Monday, all the Sky Blue Army went and there was about 35,000, 40,000 people there. They all went back to Coventry to support us and party. Probably my best night out ever. I remember feeling like almost invincible.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    EFL clash POSTPONED as Carabao Cup tie is sensationally moved to Premier League stadium after sinkhole found in pitch

    LEAGUE Two outfit AFC Wimbledon have had their second postponement of the day after suffering shocking damage to their pitch.The Dons announced the change in schedule on Monday afternoon following “extensive flooding” at Plough Lane.The flooding has seen Wimbledon’s match with Crewe postponed after switching their Carabao Cup game to Newcastle’s stadiumCredit: PAWimbledon have announced a change for two fixtures following ‘extensive’ flooding at Plough LaneCredit: GettyThe club were due to face Newcastle in the third round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening.However, damage to the pitch – including the creation of a sinkhole – caused by the flooding has seen the venue for the match switched to Newcastle’s St James’ Park on October 1.This has had a knock-on effect of seeing the previously scheduled match between Wimbledon and Crewe on the same date postponed.A Wimbledon statement, posted as a follow up to their original announcement about the Newcastle game’s postponement, said: “Our Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United has been rearranged – to be held at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Tuesday 1st October, kick off 7.45pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We will confirm ticket arrangements as soon as possible (including refund process for the original fixture), and we are actively working with local travel companies on coach travel for our supporters wishing to travel as we recognise this will be extremely difficult for supporters looking to travel to support the Dons for this hugely anticipated fixture.”Furthermore, our upcoming home EFL League Two match vs Crewe Alexandra, scheduled for 1 October, has been postponed. “Tickets purchased for this fixture will remain valid, with more details to follow in due course.”We will advise on arrangements for this Saturday’s scheduled match v Accrington Stanley as soon as possible.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe heavy rain also caused damage around the stadium.Wimbledon’s game against Accrington is due to play out this Saturday, but could face a postponement of its own if the damage to the turf is too severe to fix in time.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeWimbledon beat MK Dons 3-0 in their last fixture at Plough Lane.They currently sit fifth in the League Two table. More

  • in

    Former Premier League club’s fans in meltdown over ‘worst goal ever witnessed’ and say ‘no one will concede s***er goal’

    HUDDERSFIELD TOWN’s Michal Helik has been left red-faced after netting a comedy own goal. The Polish defender put through his own net during the Terriers’ dismal 3-1 home loss to Northampton.Northampton were gifted a lead against Huddersfield on Saturday afternoonCredit: RexThe Terrier’s Michal Helik attempted a pass back under pressure from the Cobblers attackCredit: Sky SportsHe rushed the pass, taking keeper Lee Nicholls by surpriseCredit: Sky SportsThe ball – and the Town keeper – ended up in the back of the netCredit: Sky SportsMichael Duff’s side entered the League One clash as big favourites after thrashing Bolton 4-0 last week. But the Terriers – who pride themselves on their press – were given a lesson in tenacity by the visiting Cobblers. Helik and Town’s back three were put under pressure with the ball at their feet in the early stages at the John Smith’s Stadium. As Huddersfield looked to play out from the back, the Pole was forced to make a decision as the Northampton attackers pushed up. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLInstead of clearing the ball long, Helik tried to run it back to keeper Lee Nicholls – only to massively overhit his pass. A scrambling Nicholls could only watch as the ball dribbled past him and into the bottom corner. One Town fan raged on X: “I’ve seen us give poor goals away but this is by far the worst I’ve ever seen witnessed. Great finish by Helik mind.”Another said: “This is just so embarrassing.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a third commented: “Will someone stop telling goalies they are footballers.”The goal came just a week after Town’s own press had worked wonders against Bolton. Neil Warnock given ‘perfect’ retirement gift by rival fans as Stoke help fulfil dream send-off with incredible chantOn that occasion, the Terriers profited from a howler as Anthony Evans smashed in after intercepting a pass from the Trotters keeper.Another Town fan wrote: “Last Saturday: No one will concede a shi**er goal than Bolton this season. Town – hold my beer!”Huddersfield remain fifth despite the loss following a promising start to the season.Duff took over in the summer after the Terriers were relegated from the Championship. Northampton meanwhile move up to 12th after securing just their second win of the season. Cameron McGeehan and Tarique Fosu were on target for the Cobblers, before Josh Koroma bagged a consolation for the hosts. More

  • in

    Ex-Premier League club owner takes brutal swipe at David Beckham after he attended Birmingham vs Wrexham game

    DAVID BECKHAM has been brutally trolled after he attended Birmingham vs Wrexham.The former England captain was pictured in the stands during Monday’s League One clash.David Beckham has been brutally trolled after attending Birmingham vs WrexhamCredit: GettyThe Inter Miami owner watched on at St. Andrew’s alongside Tom BradyCredit: GettyBeckham sat alongside Blues minority owner Tom Brady at St. Andrew’s as his side ran out 3-1 winners.The NFL legend later revealed Beckham taught him all about football chants as they took in the raucous atmosphere in the Second City.That atmosphere was later described as one he has “not heard in a long time” by Beckham on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage.However, his admission was met with a brutal swipe by Simon Jordan on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLResponding to a clip of Beckham’s comment, the former Crystal Palace owner wrote on X: “That’s probably because he’s regularly watching Inter Miami.”Beckham has been co-owner and president of the MLS side since their formation in 2018.The club have an average league attendance of 20,899 so far in 2024 at their 21,550-capacity Chase Stadium.Although that figure is only the 17th highest attendance in the MLS this year, it is 97 per cent of the ground’s capacity.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMiami are enjoying a successful season on the pitch, sitting top of the Eastern Conference with just five matches remaining of the regular season.Meanwhile, Birmingham’s 3-1 win over promotion rivals Wrexham was seen by 27,980 fans at St. Andrew’s. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashSimon Jordan took aim at Inter Miami’s home atmosphere with his social media swipeCredit: PAThe attendance is the club’s highest since their opening match of the season at home to Reading.Birmingham are second in League One after an unbeaten start to the campaign following relegation last term.Chris Davies’ side are behind Wrexham on goal difference and with a game in hand off the back of five consecutive league wins. More

  • in

    Premier League announce brand new competition launching in less than two weeks with hefty prize money up for grabs

    THE PREMIER LEAGUE have announced a brand new competition that will boost elite youth development in the country.The Prem has teamed up with the National League to launch the National League Cup.The Premier League has teamed up with the National League to launch a new competitionCredit: GettyThe tournament will help young players from Premier League and EFL clubs gain additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition from the fifth tier.It will also offer the chance for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums.The competition comes with a combined prize of £1million, provided by the Premier League. The amount will be distributed only amongst the National League clubs.Read More on FootballBlackburn Rovers, Brighton, Fulham, Leeds, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wolves have been confirmed.They will be joined by Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone and Woking.The National League Cup kicks off on October 1 with a group stage consisted of four groups of eight.The two best-placed teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League.“The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against First Team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.Best ten new Premier League kits for next season“We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.” More

  • in

    Former Premier League club’s future thrown into serious doubt as takeover collapses and no bidders waiting in wings

    READING’S takeover attempt by Rob Couhig has collapsed.The 75-year-old extremely close to being named the new owner of the Royals after funding the club over the summer and meeting supporters on multiple occasions.Former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is no longer in the running to become Reading’s new ownerCurrent owner Dai Yongge is looking for other parties to purchase the clubReading fans protested to get rid of Yongge last term after the clubs financial strugglesThe future of the club is now in serious doubt, according to BBC Radio Berkshire’s Tim Dellor, who has heard from a source that current owner Dai Yongge is still “keen to sell the club.”Other interested parties are expected to be invited back to the negotiating table but, currently, no bidders are waiting in the wings.The radio show revealed that Couhig has been fully repaid for his loans and the club will be kept afloat in the short term by a sell-on fee received for the transfer of former star Michael Olise from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich.Redwood Holdings, led by Couhig, reportedly loaned the club around £4million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCouhig was spotted at games earlier this term, giving fans hope that the takeover would be completed soon.However, in recent days this hope has faded and it now appears that the Berkshire side is back to square one as they seek to remove Yongge.Protests against the owner occurred last term – including a pitch invasion which resulted in their clash with Port Vale being called off.Fans’ hopes were raised in March when it was revealed that Dai had entered a period of exclusivity with an interested buyer.Most read in FootballThe period of exclusivity ended in June and, at that point, the club revealed that talks were ongoing with the same party and other interested buyers.It was expected that former Wycombe Wanderers chief Couhig would end seven years of hardship under the Chinese billionaire Yongge.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHowever, the final contract could not be signed and Couhig has exited the process.The Royals currently sit in mid-table in the third tier but they could slide down the division with the club’s future now uncertain again.The club has yet to comment. More

  • in

    Fans say ‘the tinfoil looks more appetising’ as picture of £4.50 hotdog at EFL club goes viral for all the wrong reasons

    FOOTBALL fans think they’ve found the country’s worst half-time scran.A horrifying hotdog for sale at League One side Northampton Town has gone viral for its dismal looks. A hotdog sold at Northampton Town has been universally slated by footy fansCredit: X @FootyScranPriced at £4.50, the stomach-turning snack was posted by X account Footy Scran.The popular page sees hungry fans rate concourse grub from stadiums around the world. Northampton’s horrendous entry was criticised for its “pale” colour, with the sausage barely big enough to fit into the un-buttered baguette.Footy fans piled in the snack, with one docking points for the “dry” bread and declaring it “red card worthy.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne laughed on X: “That sausage looks like it’s caught the flu.”Another wrote: “I love hot dogs. In fact, it’s one of my favourite things in the whole world. I’ve tasted countless types of hot dogs from all over the world. Never in my life have I seen a worse hot dog than this.”A third joked: “Someone from @ntfc needs to be arrested for this.”And a fourth commented: “The tinfoil looks more appetising.” Most read in FootballAn accompanying poll saw almost 95 percent of the 11,000 entries declare the hotdog ‘not scran.’The hotdog was likely bought during Saturday’s clash between Northampton and Wycombe Wanderers. Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAny fan tucking in was in for a double disappointment at Sixfields, with Northampton throwing away an early lead.The Cobblers led through a Sam Hoskins penalty, only for goals from Daniel Udoh and Richard Kone to give visitors Wycombe all three points.Northampton’s defeat leaves them 18th in League One, with just one win from their opening five games.In previous months, Doncaster Rovers won the hearts of hungry fans after releasing an outrageous Chippy Tea Butty.The tasty treat is a Yorkshire fishcake served on a bed of chips and topped with mushy peas and tartar sauce.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the other end of the scale, Scotland appears to have a knack for horror scran.A shocking burger sold by Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen currently ranks as the highest ‘no scran’ vote ever. More