League One

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Scunthorpe forced to call off next THREE League Two matches after coronavirus outbreak with 18 in isolation

      by

      SCUNTHORPE have been forced to call off their next THREE League Two matches after a coronavirus outbreak has put 18 players in isolation.
      Eight of their players have tested positive for Covid-19 and another ten will have to self-isolate due to being in close contact with the others.

      Scunthorpe’s next THREE games have been called off due to coronavirus fearsCredit: Rex Features

      That is effectively their whole match day squad, with the remaining players not training for a week.
      The club released a statement on it’s website earlier today detailing the reasons why the games was being postponed.
      The statement reads: “Scunthorpe United can confirm our next three Sky Bet League Two games have been postponed due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases among the playing and coaching staff.
      “Due to these cases, the club has advised the EFL it is unable to safely fulfil the fixtures against Salford City (Tuesday, October 27), Colchester United (Friday, October 30) and Port Vale (Tuesday, November 3) at present.

      “Following testing on Monday, a total of eight players have now tested positive for Covid-19, with a further ten having to self-isolate due to coming into close contact with those particular players, leaving just ten players available. As a precaution, training for the unaffected players and staff will also cease for seven days.
      “The club is following all of Public Health England and the EFL’s Covid-19 protocols and will not name the players in question. We ask that their request for privacy and confidentiality are respected at this time.

      “We wish those affected a swift and safe recovery, and look forward to welcoming them back to the club soon.”
      The three games in question are against Salford on tonight, Colchester on Friday and Port Vale on November 3.

      The EFL has indicated an investigation will be opened into the circumstances of the postponements while new dates for the fixtures will be arranged.
      Scunthorpe’s would-be opponents tonight, Salford, were understanding of the issue and wished the club well on social media.
      On their Twitter they wrote: ‘Tonight’s game at Scunthorpe United has regrettably been postponed due to a number of Covid cases at Scunthorpe.
      “A new date and time will be announced in due course but in the meantime our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those affected at @SUFCOfficial.”
      This is not the first time a club in the lower leagues has had to postpone a fixture due to coronavirus.
      Earlier this month, Crewe’s tie against Oxford was cancelled twice due to Covid-19.

      Salford have wish Scunthorpe players a speedy recovery ahead of tonight’s postponed clashCredit: PA:Press Association
      The League One clash had originally been due to go ahead on October 3, only for Crewe player Omar Beckles to return a positive result for coronavirus on the morning of the game.
      This prompted them to postpone the match just 32 minutes before kick-off, causing outrage and sparking a police investigation.
      Crewe then postponed the match again after two more players tested positive for Covid-19, while a third was already in self-isolation.

      Roy Hodgson confirms that Crystal Palace keeper Jack Butland has tested positive for coronavirus More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds eyeing 17-year-old Wigan starlet Sean McGurk in second January swoop after failed summer bid

      by

      LEEDS want to sign Wigan superkid Sean McGurk at the second attempt.
      They had a bid turned down by the club’s administrators in the last window.

      Leeds are plotting a January swoop for Wigan teenager Sean McGurk after missing out on him in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That was because the Latics’ youth set-up thought they were losing too much talent.
      But Elland Road chiefs plan to go in again for the talented midfielder, 17, and get him to follow fellow ex-Latics star Joe Gelhardt, 18, to the club.
      Gelhardt joined on the same day as Jack Harrison during the summer.

      But he is yet to be involved for Marcelo Bielsa’s first team.
      Instead the forward has starred for the Under-23s in the Premier League 2.
      He already has a goal and an assist to his name from five appearances.
      Wigan lost a staggering 25 players at the end of last season either through being released or sold.

      The club were relegated into League One and continue to face financial woes.

      Among the standout departures were Kieffer Moore to Cardiff, Antonee Robinson to Fulham, Jamal Lowe to Swansea and Cedric Kipre to West Brom.
      Anthony Pilkington and Danny Fox headed off to India together to sign for East Bengal.
      Leeds, meanwhile, brought in 12 players on permanent deals – as well as Harrison on loan – to prepare for life back in the Premier League.

      Leeds complete £16m Raphinha transfer from Rennes as 23-year-old rapid winger signs four-year contract More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clubs threaten to withhold taxes in desperate attempt to secure Government bailout after coronavirus hell

      by

      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week — unless the Government bails them out.
      The revolutionary plan to get emergency financial aid was discussed at a meeting between hard-up teams.

      1

      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week unless the Government bails them outCredit: PA:Press Association

      A monthly PAYE tax payment is due by each of the EFL’s 72 clubs to HMRC on Thursday but there is a plot for ALL owners to band together and refuse.
      It has been brewing for weeks and was on the table at a ring-round of executives and chairmen last week.
      A hardcore band of Championship chiefs are behind the idea, however many clubs in League One and League Two are happy to join in.
      It will need teams to stick together — but the mood within the ranks is that they are now simply desperate for cash.

      The ultimate punishment for clubs who do not pay tax is a winding-up order.
      One leading mover in the plot said: “It is the nuclear option but we are at this stage if there is no help from the Government or Premier League.
      “If we all do not pay, the Government can dish out winding-up orders on each of us — and shut the industry if they want.“But that would not be a good look.”
      The EFL is enduring the biggest crisis in its history, with supporters banned from grounds due to Covid-19. Yet players and staff have been back on full salaries and the tax is due.

      Many clubs were using the furlough scheme to help — however now the game is up and running that has gone.
      Many are struggling to pay HMRC anyway, but others think this is a chance to make a stand and bring the Government back to the table.
      The Premier League were told to help out, yet offers so far have fallen well below the request for £250million.
      There is anger among the clubs and that was shown when League One and League Two rejected an immediate grant worth around £400,000 each last week.
      The solidarity shown with that decision — due to Championship teams being offered nothing — is now set to carry on to the looming showdown with the tax man.

      Frank Lampard says he is frustrated in Chelsea vs Southampton post-match press conference More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

      It is another mounting problem for EFL chief Rick Parry

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

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

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

      Arteta opens door for Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal after helping shape club into Premier League giants More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

      3

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

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

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

      3

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

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

      3

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

      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says he fears Premier League reform plans are a ‘power grab’ More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

      1

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

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

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

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

      Gareth Southgate says Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell will join England squad after party ban and illness and could face Denmark More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

      6

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

      6

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

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

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

      6

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

      6

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

      6

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

      6

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

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

      England vs Belgium – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick off time More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

      3

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

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

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

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

      3

      Oxford boss Karl Robinson pleads his caseCredit: Alamy Live News

      3

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

      Watch as Andy Carroll juggles ball in box before scoring sublime goal for Newcastle in Crewe friendly More