Subterms
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
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
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
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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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
A DEAL has reportedly been agreed for an heir to the Louis-Dreyfus fortune to buy Sunderland.
The League One side have endured a nightmare period since relegation from the Premier League in 2017.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is said to be part of a consortium buying SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Stewart Donald will reportedly maintain a stake in the Black CatsCredit: PA:Press Association
Stewart Donald bought the cash-strapped club in April 2018 but has been unable to turn the Black Cats around, with the team sat sixth in League One.
According to The Guardian, Donald has agreed to sell the majority of his stake in the club 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.
Months of due diligence and talks led to an offer being accepted earlier this week, with the deal reportedly set to go through within a fortnight.
Louis-Dreyfus, just 22, is one of three sons of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, the former Adidas CEO and owner of Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
Robert died in 2009 and the family’s fortune is managed by wife Margarita, 58.
Forbes tally up Margarita’s worth to £4.6billion with Kyril reportedly part of a trust fund worth £1.5bn.
Margarita is chairman of the historic Louis Dreyfus Company, founded in 1851, with total assets worth north of £14bn.
Phil Parkinson is charged with guiding the ailing club back to the ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In addition, Kyril is a distant relative of Hollywood actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who was Robert’s second cousin once removed.
Sunderland are yet to confirm an agreement but did cancel a scheduled meeting with a supporters’ group on Thursday night, citing ‘advancement and sensitivity’ of talks.
Departing majority shareholder Donald is reportedly set to retain a 15 per cent stake in the club with former chief executive Charlie Methven maintaining his five per cent.
Sunderland press conference is interrupted by journalist saying ‘you’re very cheeky’ after forgetting to mute mic More
WIMBLEDON were denied a dream return to Plough Lane after Doncaster proved to be party poopers.
Joe Pigott looked to have won it for the Dons with just seven minutes remaining, but James Coppinger’s deflected shot in stoppage time spoiled their night.
Wimbledon made an emotional return to Plough Lane after 29 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A late goal from Doncaster saw the game end 2-2Credit: Getty Images – Getty
But in fairness, nothing was really going to take the gloss of this evening for AFC Wimbledon as they played their first home game in 29 and a half years.
It has been a long wait, as I can testify.
On May 4th, 1991 I was on the terraces for their last game at Plough Lane and, after 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace thanks to an Ian Wright hat-trick, I was part of the crowd who ran on the pitch singing “we’ll never go to Selhurst!”
In fact, fans did and the ground-share agreement was tolerated in the hope that Plough Lane would be redeveloped to meet the standards set out by the Taylor Report.
Instead, former Wimbledon chairman, Sam Hammam, sold the club to two Norweigans and the ground was flogged to supermarket chain Safeway.
It started the club’s demise and the subsequent franchise to Milton Keynes was rubber stamped by the FA in 2002. Their commission’s famous line that it would “not in the wider interests of football” to form a new club. How wrong they were.
Those fans who followed the club formed their own team and the rise of AFC Wimbledon since their formation in 2002 is one of football’s greatest phoenix stories.
A rapid rise through the non-League pyramid to reach League One was one thing, but for Dons’ fans there was always something missing.
Wimbledon moved out of their beloved home in 1991Credit: Rex Features
The Dons were forced to groundshare with Crystal Palace as part of their long waitCredit: Rex Features
A return to the club’s spiritual home in Plough Lane that had always seemed so unlikely.
But after negotiating plenty of red tape, and with those fans again stumping up £11million of the final bill, they are back in Plough Lane, just a stone’s throw from the site of the old pitch.
Hemmed in by the blocks of flats that are being built around this 9,300 capacity stadium, much of the site is still a hardhat zone.
It’s not yet ready for those fans, not that they would be allowed in at the moment due to the coronavirus rules.
Perhaps never has a new ground deserved to be christened by its supporters more, given their dedication and that AFC Wimbledon remains a fans-owned club.
But what is just another few months when you have been waiting nearly three decades?
Joe Pigott thought he’d won the game for Wimbledon with an 83rd minute strikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Cut-outs of fans adorned the seats with supporters not allowed inCredit: Getty Images – Getty
For some Dons’ fans, though, they could not let this opportunity pass as they sat in the Corner Pin pub nearby.
Others braved the cold by drinking outside while wearing their blue and yellow scarves at the By The Horns brewery next to the stadium.
It was poignant that they were led out by captain Will Nightingale, who was not even born when the Dons last played at Plough Lane, but has been at AFC Wimbledon since he was nine years old, as they ushered in a new era.
And they made a dream start as Pigott put them ahead on 18 minutes.
After good work from Steve Seddon and Terrel Thomas, Josef Bursik could only parry Thomas’ cross and Pigott pounced for his fifth goal of the season.
But their lead was short-lived as Wimbledon once again switched off after taking the lead.
The Dons will be hoping for better fortune from here on outCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Boss Glyn Hodges was not happy with Wimbledon’s performanceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
This time it lasted six minutes as Doncaster broke forward and Matthew Smith was able to fire past Connal Trueman.
Jon Taylor was then denied by Seddon with an excellent last-ditch tackle as the visitors carved out the better chances.
Dons keeper Trueman was kept the busier of the two stoppers and needed to be alert to save smartly from Ben Whiteman’s header.
Trueman then was all full stretch to turn away Reece James’s effort while he was then relieved to catch Tom Anderson’s tame header.
But Pigott restored the Dons’s lead on 83 minutes when he converted from Seddon’s cross that looked to have won it.
But once again in stoppage time the Dons let the lead slip as Coppinger’s effort took a wicked deflection and looped into the net.
Glyn Hodges, Dons boss, said: “It was our worst performance of the season. I tried to take the emotion out of it but it wasn’t to be but we will take a point and move on.
“It was not quite the level of play we have been having recently. Came out of the blocks bit ot worse as the game went on and nice to get a point when we probably didn’t deserve it.
“Glad to get this game out of the way but I know we will have a homecoming once the fans are allowed to come here. There will be a bit of a party then.”
Darren Moore, Doncaster boss, added: “We dominated the game in long spells and when you conceded a late like that you fear the worst, so credit to the players to keep going.”
AFC Wimbledon give manager Neal Ardley the sack as the club struggles at 23rd in League One More
THE darkest hour is just before the dawn.
With winter nights, a national lockdown and the future of the oldest league in the world in doubt, the EFL are at crisis point.
Rick Parry is leading the EFL through a vital period in its historyCredit: Reuters
This has been created by the Government’s refusal to allow crowds back into stadiums and the unwillingness to provide any state aid to replace the loss of club’s biggest revenue stream — the fans.
It was then compounded by the Premier League’s reluctance to bail out clubs down the pyramid without big conditions attached.
We’ve had players refusing pay cuts and the PFA calling salary caps in League One and Two unenforceable and unlawful.
Meanwhile, broadcasters are ridiculously getting rebates of TV monies, when TV is the only place live football can be seen.
Despite these incredibly bleak times, the opportunity remains for real leadership.
Rick Parry the Football League chairman, has the potential to pull the proverbial phoenix from the flame.
Project Big Picture has actually started a long overdue conversation. When he was in the Premier League, Parry proposed a 20 per cent distribution of money.
Now, through skill and chance, he’s managed to be offered 25 per cent of revenues being distributed into the EFL, alongside governance on sustainability and salvation.
Irony pervades that poacher-turned-gamekeeper Parry, who brought in parachute payments for relegated Prem teams, now describes them as “an evil” needing to be eradicated.
The EFL bailout has taken too long, been badly handled and mismanaged.
Not securing decent levels of short-term funding is unforgivable.
The EFL have never valued themselves properly.
They have allowed the Prem to disappear over the horizon, while dripping down the toxic mix of inflated salaries and over-zealous ambitions to join their ranks.
Granted it is difficult but the framework of the league is ridiculous and their outlook often warped.
In 2002 when ITV Digital collapsed and nearly destroyed the EFL, what was the solution suggested for the league’s own incompetence of not getting parent company guarantees for money? March on Parliament!
In 2008 when the banking system collapsed, rules stated the only banking facilities available to EFL clubs were the High Street ‘big four’ banks. Due to the “banking crisis” they were closed for business.
I had to convince the then chairman that 72 clubs should focus on changing the rules to allow third-party funders to help.
The EFL were recently offered £290million for 20 per cent of their media rights by private equity firm TPG.
That meant the whole thing was valued at £1.5BILLION. The 20 per cent revenue, if put into a floated business, would be worth at least a billion on its own.
Now Parry has the chance to fix the problem of these leagues being undervalued. On paper, he has the credentials.
Raising £400m and creating a framework for a better-funded and managed EFL is well within grasp.
He must be saying we can do that on our own and achieve maximum value for the EFL, without handing that all away to private equity firms.
Valuations were before new distributions of football money was mooted.
Now they are three times greater, so raising £400m to bail out short-term problems and creating a framework for a better-funded and managed EFL is well within his grasp.
So, cometh the hour cometh the man. In Rick we trust?
Listen to Simon Jordan and Jim White on talkSPORT at 10am Monday to Thursday.
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