League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Peterborough teenager Bobby Copping opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ decision to retire aged 19 over head injury

      by

      BOBBY COPPING has spoken of his heartbreak at retiring from football at the age of 19 following a serious head injury.
      The defender had only made one appearance for the club when he was hospitalised for four days after suffering the injury in July of last year.

      Bobby Copping has been forced to retire from football due to a head injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Having made a full recovery, he returned to the Peterborough bench for a game with Cambridge in November as he looked to return to action.
      However, only a week later, Copping was ruled out again with the same head injury.
      Still suffering from issues on a daily basis as a result of the injury, the teenager made the tough decision to retire to preserve his long-term health.
      On Thursday, Copping confirmed his move ahead of taking up a backroom role in the Posh academy.

      He said: “Over the last few months, I have been doing all I can to recover whilst having conversations with a specialist who had suggested I try a medication to see if that would stop the injury from reoccurring.
      “Unfortunately, this didn’t work, so that left few options open to me.
      “I have had various conversations with the club and the specialist and we all came to the same conclusion that for my long-term health and to prevent further damage, retirement from football completely was the obvious decision to make and that has been backed up by the fact I still have problems on a day to day basis because of the injury.
      “This decision was extremely heartbreaking to make and not just for me, but also for my family who have invested so much into my football journey.

      Thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      Bobby Copping

      “Words cannot describe how truly gutted that I am.
      “Firstly, I would just like to thank everyone at the club, especially the staff and my teammates for all their support in such a difficult time for myself.
      “They have been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to come through this without their support. I would also like to thank my family.
      “They have been my rock throughout this tough time. From the very start of my footballing career they have been there and it hurts a lot knowing we can’t continue my career any further.
      “Finally, thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      “Although this is a very difficult time for myself, moving forward I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to stay a part of the club.
      “I will be taking up a new role at the club as I now progress my career down the business side of things.
      “Thank you again to everyone that has been involved with my football career from the start, I am extremely gutted but anyone that knows me knows that I will bounce back from this.”

      Copping joined League One Peterborough after Bury collapsed in 2019, having previously been part of Norwich’s academy.
      Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony paid tribute to the youngster’s response to the ‘horrendous setback’ ahead of his move behind the scenes.
      He said: “Myself and everybody at the club were bitterly disappointed for Bobby and what he has been through physically and mentally.
      “He is such a lovely young man who in my mind will bounce back from this horrendous setback to have a great career in the game.
      “We are delighted that he is staying with the club and excited for the next chapter in his journey which in mind will be the making of him.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      A tribute to Stevie Ward from the Leeds Rhinos as he retires aged 27 More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch referee Darren Drysdale SQUARE UP to Ipswich’s Alan Judge in heated clash at Portman Road

      by

      REFEREE Darren Drysdale SQUARED UP to Ipswich star Alan Judge as tempers flared in a bizarre incident against Northampton.
      The game descended into farce at Portman Road after Judge was booked for diving inside the area on 90 minutes.

      Referee Darren Drysdale appeared to put his head towards Ipswich ace Alan Judge in a moment of madness at Portman RoadCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the referee backCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at Drysdale – prompting him to push his HEAD into Judge’s face.
      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the 49-year-old referee back.
      Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport that the men in the middle “should NEVER put themselves in that position.”
      He added: “I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL”

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at DrysdaleCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Ipswich manager Paul Lambert waved his finger at the refCredit: Steve Waller
      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incident.
      The first was for a midfield tangle and then for dissent in the aftermath.
      It could have been more embarrassing for the hosts if the Cobblers, who were on top throughout, had taken one of their chances.

      Thomas Holy’s heroics came in a one-sided first half as he denied both Jack Sowerby and Peter Kioso.

      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incidentCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Halsey’s view

      DARREN DRYSDALE showed a lack of self-control when he squared up to Ipswich’s Alan Judge.

      Irrespective of what has gone before in the match, referees should never put themselves in that position.
      Discipline is vital for an official and the footage and pictures from Portman Road did not look good as players from both teams ushered the experienced Drysdale away. 
      I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL.

      The incident happened in the final stages of the contestCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Marshall also dragged an effort wide for the visitors and it took the home side almost 80 minutes to muster an effort on target.
      Alan Judge put fellow sub James Norwood clear but keeper Jonathan Mitchell used his left leg to block the shot.
      The clash finished goalless which will do little to appease the disgruntled Ipswich supporters.
      Furious fans set a fire outside the training ground during a protest calling for manager Paul Lambert to be sacked.
      Ipswich are currently 11th in League One, four points off the play-offs.

      Ipswich fans START FIRE in protest to get Paul Lambert sacked More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Referee Darren Drysdale facing ban after he’s charged by FA over angry clash with Ipswich’s Alan Judge

      by

      REF Darren Drysdale faces an FA commission and likely ban – despite making a public apology to Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge.
      Lincolnshire whistler Drysdale, 49, was charged with improper conduct by Wembley disciplinary chiefs less than 24 hours after his angry clash with the Irishman.

      Darren Drysdale is facing a likely FA ban after being charged for clashing with Ipswich Town’s Alan JudgeCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Drysdale locked heads with Judge and then seemed to square up to him in the latter stages of the Portman Road clash against Northampton.
      The astonishing scenes saw Ipswich boss Paul Lambert demanding an investigation by the EFL and FA.
      SunSport understands that Drysdale’s performance was criticised by players on both sides throughout the game.
      But the referee is said to have flipped and used foul and abusive language when Judge insisted he had been brought down and not dived in a bid to win a spot kick.

      The Ipswich midfielder responded to the episode on Wednesday night and told his club’s website that Drysdale’s reaction did not upset him.
      Judge said: “Referees have a tough job to do and it was heat of the moment stuff that happens in football.
      “The photo makes it look worse than it was and to be honest, the matter was finished with from my end as soon as I walked off the pitch.
      “I wasn’t looking for the referee to apologise; I wasn’t looking for him to be charged. There was never going to be a complaint from me and I made that clear.

      As I said in this 👇. There was no need for an apology. I wasn’t looking for one or looking for any action to be taken. In football as everybody knows stuff happens in the heat of the moment in a game. We all make mistakes and for me that is the end of this https://t.co/ujQsF9lQ4N
      — alan judge (@10judgey) February 17, 2021

      “Like I said, for me – it was finished with straight away.”
      In a statement issued through the ref’s governing body PGMOL, Drysdale said: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
      “I’m sorry that I did not do that and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
      Aston Villa’s England internationals Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish suggested the FA should let the issue blow over. 
      Mings Tweeted: “Everyone makes mistakes…..nothing to see here.”
      Grealish added: “Ah come on?! No need to apologise at all! I think it’s brilliant.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      But FA beaks had already opened a probe into the incident and Drysdale was charged with a breach of rule E3.
      However, in a twist, the case is being treated as neither “standard” – which would have seen a fixed sanction – nor “non-standard” because of circumstances.
      Instead, a commission will determine the next step if Judge accepts his guilt, as now seems likely, with a short ban of up to three games the anticipated punishment.

      FA rules do not allow a suspension before any hearing but it is expected PGMOL will take him off their officials’ list for this weekend pending the resolution of the case.
      The incident comes with the FA looking to scrap the current “maximum” 10-year ban for violence towards referees and allow life suspensions.
      The FA insists grassroots officials have not been put off by incidents of violence and abuse but is keen to ensure younger referees remain convinced they can progress through to the highest levels of the game.

      Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch referee Darren Drysdale SQUARE UP to Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Judge in heated clash at Portman Road

      by

      REFEREE Darren Drysdale SQUARED UP to Ipswich ace Alan Judge as tempers flared in a bizarre incident against Northampton.
      The game descended into a farce at Portman Road after Judge was booked for diving inside the area on 90 minutes.

      Referee Darren Drysdale appeared to put his head towards Ipswich ace Alan Judge in a moment of madness at Portman RoadCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at Drysdale – prompting him to push his HEAD into Judge’s face.
      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the referee back.
      Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport that the men in the middle “should NEVER put themselves in that position.”
      He added: “I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL”

      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incident.
      The first was for a midfield tangle and then for dissent in the aftermath.
      It could have been more embarrassing for the hosts if the Cobblers, who were on top throughout, had taken one of their chances.
      Thomas Holy’s heroics came in a one-sided first half as he denied both Jack Sowerby and Peter Kioso.

      Mark Halsey’s view

      DARREN DRYSDALE showed a lack of self-control when he squared up to Ipswich’s Alan Judge.

      Irrespective of what has gone before in the match, referees should never put themselves in that position.
      Discipline is vital for an official and the footage and pictures from Portman Road did not look good as players from both teams ushered the experienced Drysdale away. 
      I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL.

      The incident happened in the final stages of the contestCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Marshall also dragged an effort wide for the visitors and it took the home side almost 80 minutes to muster an effort on target.
      Alan Judge put fellow sub James Norwood clear but keeper Jonathan Mitchell used his left leg to block the shot.
      The clash finished goalless which will do little to appease the disgruntled Ipswich supporters.
      Furious fans set a fire outside the training ground during a protest calling for manager Paul Lambert to be sacked.
      Ipswich are currently 11th in League One, four points off the play-offs.

      Ipswich fans START FIRE in protest to get Paul Lambert sacked More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Northampton eye Aldershot boss Danny Searle in shock move as they look to replace the axed Keith Curle

      by

      NORTHAMPTON are weighing up a surprise move for Aldershot boss Danny Searle.
      Cobblers are on the hunt for a replacement for Keith Curle, who was axed last week after a run of one win in ten league games left them scrapping for League One survival.

      Northampton are eyeing Aldershot’s Danny Searle as their new bossCredit: Rex Features

      Searle, 42, has impressed Northampton chiefs with his work in the National League and would jump at the chance to step up.
      Although he has no experience as a No 1 in the EFL, Searle has previously worked as youth coach at Chelsea and is the former head of West Ham’s academy.
      He helped the likes of Declan Rice break into the first team at the London Stadium.
      And his ability to work with young players is a huge plus for the cash-strapped Northampton.

      SunSport understands the club have made contact with his representatives
      But Northampton are yet to make an official approach.
      Other high-profile candidates who appear to be in the mix include Arsenal legend Sol Campbell and former Huddersfield chief Danny Cowley.
      Paul Tisdale is also looking for a new job after leaving Bristol Rovers and has been linked with the position.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Leyton Orient and Northampton players in 17-MAN BRAWL as last-minute equaliser sparks fiery clash More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL chiefs forced to AXE salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing legal battle with PFA

      by

      EFL chiefs have been forced to drop their salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing a legal case against the PFA.
      Clubs voted to approve the wages limits in August.

      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the salary caps were in ‘breach of obligations’ as the players’ union won their case against themCredit: PA:Press Association

      EFL chiefs will now hold meetings later this week with its member clubs to discuss what to do next after withdrawing League One and Two wage limits

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      But PFA chiefs launched their action after accusing EFL bosses of failing to consult properly with the union.
      Now an independent arbitration panel has found in favour of the PFA, forcing the Football League to drop the caps with immediate effect.
      BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE

      The PFA said it “welcomed” the decision, adding: “We hope to to open constructive dialogue to agree reasonable and proportionate cost control measures for the future.
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “We were disappointed that the EFL decided to introduce salary cap proposals, which were voted through without the proper consideration or consultation.
      “We argued the new rules were in breach of obligations and are pleased the panel uheld the PFA’s claim.”
      Union bosses insist they are aligned with the EFL in a wish to see sustainable clubs at all levels. 

      A PFA spokesman added: “We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      “The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together and agree on rules that promote financial stability.”
      The EFL said they “will now discuss the matter of financial controls and implications linked to this outcome at a series of meetings with its member clubs later this week”.
      Back when the plans had been approved in August, EFL chief executive David Baldwin admitted: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a restrictive measure.

      “But we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of these changes to EFL regulations.”
      He stressed the aim was to “help ensure clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial instability”.
      As a result of the panel’s verdict, the EFL have brought back last season’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations that link “player-related expenditure to turnover”.

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bristol Rovers condemn vile racist abuse of defender Mark Little on Instagram with police set to investigate

      by

      BRISTOL ROVERS defender Mark Little has become the latest footballer subjected to vile racist abuse on social media.
      The epidemic of online hate has continued unabated amid calls for Instagram, Twitter and others to increase their efforts to stamp out abuse.

      Bristol Rovers defender Mark Little has revealed the hideous racist abuse he received onlineCredit: Rex Features

      On Sunday, 32-year-old Little revealed a racist comment from a now-deleted Instagram account posted on his page.
      Accompanying the screenshot, he posted an upside-down smiley face with the caption: “Happy Sunday.”
      Rovers quickly showed their support for Little, who has played four times this season having joined the League One club in 2019.
      The club tweeted: “There is no place in sport or society for racism.

      “Racism and discrimination will not be tolerated at Bristol Rovers.”
      According to the Bristol Post, Rovers have reported the incident to Avon and Somerset Police.

      Little’s fans and fellow pros rushed to his support, midfielder Josh Barrett tweeting his fury with two angry-faced emojis.
      Peterborough star and ex-Rover Jonson Clarke-Harris also posted two angry emojis with the phrase: “What a clown.”

      The original message sent to Little was made up of several monkey emojis, which hold clear racial connotations against black people.
      Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this week railed against social media companies who do not consider the emojis to breach their racism rules.
      He stated: “How can that make sense?
      “Do you know what I mean? If somebody puts for example, a monkey emoji towards a player. Why is that?

      Callum Hudson-Odoi has slammed social media rules over monkey emojisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “How is a player a monkey? What does that mean to a player?
      “So for us seeing stuff like that it always makes us angry. Are you saying that because of our skin colour? Because of the colour that we are?”
      An overwhelming number of footballers have received abuse online in recent times.
      Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is just one example having been sent disgusting taunts following his recent appearances against Sheffield United and Everton.

      I think [social media companies] don’t really care because as you know, this money has power so the rest doesn’t matter.
      Antonio Rudiger

      And Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger has spoken out on the ‘immense abuse’ he suffered after media reports claimed the German was partly responsible for Frank Lampard’s sacking.
      He said: “To be very honest I don’t know about all these social media things but I think the more people who make accounts, [social media companies] make money off it.
      “So me personally, I think they don’t really care because as you know, this money has power so the rest doesn’t matter, so it is hard to tell if people will make a change on that.”

      Furious Piers Morgan launches campaign to fine ‘disgusting’ online racists £100k for vile posts More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Emma Hayes rubbishes AFC Wimbledon role as step up from Chelsea job as ‘insult’ to women’s football

      by

      EMMA HAYES has slapped down speculation linking her to League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.
      And the Chelsea boss rubbished the view that the Dons’ managers job would be a step up from her current role at the helm of the WSL champs. 

      Emma Hayes says AFC Wimbledon cannot afford her Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes has dismissed rumours linking her to the vacant manager’s role at AFC Wimbledon Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, 44, was speaking to journalists following reports of her being shortlisted to become AFC Wimbledon’s new manager. 
      But the Blues gaffer revealed she is happy to be leading her WSL title-winners and that her focus is on Chelsea’s Conti Cup semis clash with West Ham. 
      And the highly-rated coach reckons the Dons could ‘absolutely not’ afford her. 
      Hayes said: “First of all, I think it’s important we talk about my game tomorrow – I’m the manager of Chelsea. 

      “I manage and represent elite world-class players and for me, this is an amazing job I’ve spent nine years cultivating all of my energy into. 
      “I’m not looking for another job, I’m blessed with working with wonderful humans day-in, day-out.
      “I just don’t know why anybody would think women’s football is a step down. 
      “If coaching World Cup champions, winners, players who have represented their countries in the Olympics or Euros is a step down from anything.

      “I think the football world needs to wake up and recognise that women’s football- while the game is played by a different gender to men – is exactly the same sport.”
      “This is not a conversation about Emma Hayes and AFC Wimbledon, but we should be having larger conversations about creating opportunities in the men’s game are not limited to those in privileged positions.”

      Hayes has won 11 major trophies with Chelsea’s women’s side Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, who is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, has won 11 major trophies with the club. 
      A move to the Dons would have seen the Camden-born coach become the first woman in history to take charge of a men’s football league side.

      Women’s football is not a step down from anything
      Emma Hayes

      However the former Arsenal assistant manager questioned why anyone would want to leave elite women’s football management for coaching a lower tier men’s side battling relegation.
      And her view was echoed by England Women’s legend Fara Williams who believes Hayes would face an uphill struggle in the Dons’ hotseat. 
      England’s most-capped player said: “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No. I think the odds would all be against her going into that position.
      “The positions she’s in with Chelsea is a much better position.”
      WRONG STEP
      Hayes added: “Women’s football is not a step down from anything. 
      “Women’s football in its right is something to celebrate and the quality and achievements of all the females I represent.
      “Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, Beth England, Magda Eriksson, Millie Bright, Maren Mjelde, do you want me to keep going? 
      “These are world-class players and I think that’s what I’m disappointed with, not being linked to a football job as a football coach, regardless of gender.
      “But as you can see with – I’m happy at Chelsea and I love my job here and I’ve always been clear about that. Nothing has changed.” 
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Hayes says she is happy to be managing world-class talent at the BluesCredit: Prime Media

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More