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    Abandoned EFL stadium left to rot with pitch covered in weeds just five years after hosting final match

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    ‘I felt it was unjust’ – Wrexham legend Paul Mullin accepts his fate and ‘doesn’t know’ why manager no longer trusts him

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    Jeff Stelling raises serious concerns as beloved Hartlepool appoint ex-Premier League ace, 55, who last managed in Nepal

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    England’s biggest divers of the season crowned… as shocking record revealed

    RELEGATED League One side Bristol Rovers have topped one table this season – being crowned the most prolific divers in England’s top divisions.The West Country team recorded eight yellow cards for simulation, the most of any team over the course of the past three seasons.Diving date from the past three seasons has been revealedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskPremier League giant Chelsea followed with seven bookings for taking a tumble – the same number as Burton Albion.Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow have been reprimanded six times each after being caught trying to con the ref.Football statistician Statman Dave ran the numbers as part of Snickers’ wider Off Your Game campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit offering a data-led look at diving across English football.Dave O’Brien, who pored over match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to reveal all the most dramatic diving data, said: “Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I’ve done for Snickers’ Deep Diving Audit, it’s clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting.read more in football“Whether it’s tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows.“And sometimes, it’s not just the ball that goes rolling.”Nearly all cases of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular uptick during the 90th minute – and 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area.With Brighton & Hove Albion being named as the club players have dived against most in the Premier League.Most read in SportStrikers are responsible for 26 per cent of all dives over the last three seasons, whereas in defence, only one centre-back was carded for a diving offence.Looking at the 2024/25 campaign specifically, 75 per cent of dives occurred when the players’ team wasn’t winning, with the average dive last season lasting nine seconds.ITV commentator stunned by Cristiano Ronaldo banner at Nations League final Additionally, the average diving age is 22, they most typically wear white boots – and are also English, with these players making up 42 per cent of dives in the season just gone.Diving in the men’s game is significantly more prominent compared to the women’s – with just one diving booking found on record from the last three seasons in the Women’s Super League.Snickers has enlisted football experts Statman Dave and Nada Allali to create a video which uncovers the most over-the-top tumbles across the England’s top leagues.Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: “Let’s face it, when you’re hungry, you’re not quite yourself.“The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.”“Whether it’s a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game.”TOP 8 MOST DIVE-PRONE CLUBS OF THE PAST THREE SEASONS (22/23, 23/24, 24/25)1.            Bristol Rovers – 8 dives2.            Chelsea – 7 dives3.            Burton Albion – 7 dives4.            Manchester City – 6 dives5.            Newcastle United – 6 dives6.            Crawley Town – 6 dives7.            Accrington Stanley – 6 dives8.            Barrow – 6 dives More

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    Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

    LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing for an astonishing 42 clubs.The iconic striker – who has clocked up over 900 games – had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 when he played for Risborough Rangers.Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics SportLouis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.He once claimed that his journeyman tag worked against him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJefferson, who played in a World Cup qualifier for Dominica, revealed: “People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude.”And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”Fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.Most read in FootballLouis, who alaso made five appearances there as a player in 2023.During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for team-mates.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. “Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too.Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.”And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.” More

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    Former EFL club release statement after ‘very strange’ delay in filing accounts leaves fans fearing the worst

    FORMER League Two club Aldershot Town have released a statement amid concerns over the filing of their accounts to Companies House.Aldershot, who finished 16th in the National League this season, are overdue for the publication of their accounts for the last financial year.Aldershot Town have released a statement after being late to file their financial accountsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe late publication of their accounts has led to the company being issued a notice for compulsory strike-off.A strike-off notice, which removes a company from the official register, effectively means a company ceases to exist as a legal entity if followed through.Aldershot are able to object to the strike-off and try and explain their situation to Companies House before the action is carried out against the business.Aldershot fans have voiced their concern online around the emergence of a compulsory strike-off notice appearing on the club’s Companies House page, prompting a response from the club itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement issued on X by the club’s official account read: “The Club is aware of recent comments on social media regarding the delay in filing our annual accounts with Companies House.”The Club want to reassure our supporters and stakeholders that there is no cause for concern.”The delay, whilst regrettable, is administrative and the result of a migration to a new accounting system.”The transition has taken longer and proved more challenging than anticipated, but our finance team is working closely with our auditors/accountants to finalise the accounts, which we expect to file within the next seven days.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFans are still concerned by the situation with one supporter labelling it as “very strange”.While a second wrote: “For full transparency, I think all of us fans would like to see how the accounts are doing”.And a third added: “Well that eases no one’s mind…”Aldershot won their first piece of silverware in nearly 20 years this season as they lifted the FA Trophy thanks to a 3-0 victory over Spennymoor Town at Wembley.The Shots have been trying to make a return to the EFL since their relegation from League Two in 2013, but are resigned to a 13th consecutive National League season following their 16th placed finish this term.Aldershot won the FA Trophy this seasonCredit: Alamy More

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    I left Ronaldinho in my wake by using his own stepover against him, now I’m playing in the League Two play-off final

    ALBERT ADOMAH once performed an audacious stepover that left Ronaldinho in his wake.So it is safe to say the Walsall winger will not be intimidated by facing AFC Wimbledon in Monday’s League Two play-off final.Albert Adomah went up against Ronaldinho in 2011Credit: PROVIDED BY JUSTIN ALLENAdomah, 37, is still going strong with WalsallCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe former Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough ace used to love imitating tricks and skills from the Brazilian megastar in street kickabouts.Then incredibly he went on to play against him on his debut for Ghana in 2011 and had the pure cheek to glide past him with a trick out of the great man’s repertoire.Adomah told SunSport: “I was playing for Bristol City at the time in the Championship and got picked by Ghana to play Brazil at Craven Cottage in 2011.“I was up against Ronaldinho, a young Neymar, Alexandre Pato, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Lucas … it was like a star-studded who’s who of football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Before I became a professional footballer I used to do Ronaldinho skills in street and cage football. I tried to imitate his skills so to be on the same pitch as such an iconic figure was a wow moment of my career.“And during the game I did his trademark stepover. I’ve got a picture of me going past him. I thought, ‘I’ve just skipped past the most skillful player ever.’“But I got brought crashing back down to earth as the Liverpool player Lucas, a typical holding midfielder, came steaming in with a sliding tackle.”Brazil won the game 1-0 thanks to a strike from Leandro Damiao and after the game Adomah managed to snag shirts from Neymar and Pato.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, almost as incredible as his audacious stepover, Adomah gave Neymar’s shirt AWAY!He said: “At that time everyone thought it was a done deal he was signing for Chelsea and my brother is a Blues fan so I decided to give it to him.Ex-Chelsea star Sam Hutchinson reveals he had HEART ATTACK in game he scored winner that sent Wimbledto playoffs“But Neymar ended up going to Barcelona instead … and ironically a few years later Pato joined Chelsea on loan. I should try to get it back.“However, the picture of me going past Ronaldinho is a great memento and memory I’ll never forget.”Adomah went on to play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.But fast forward to 2025 and he has had a remarkable season for a 37-year-old… having played in FIFTY-THREE games for Walsall.Although 34 of them have been off the bench, he has been a crucial impact player for Mat Sadler’s men since deciding to drop down to the fourth tier after leaving Championship side QPR last summer.’I’M ONE OF THE FITTEST PLAYERS AT THE CLUB’He said: “It’s about keeping fit. Last season I only played 18 games for QPR. You get to a certain point  in your career where the manager decides whether he wants to select you or go for a younger player.“I still believe I can play and since day one here the manager has seen I’m one of the fittest players at the club.“I’m not as sharp as I was before but can still manoeuvre myself around with the ball. My attributes are still there and I’ve played in more than 50 games. It doesn’t matter whether you’re starting or coming on a sub, everyone is part of what we’re trying to achieve.“It’s up to how the manager wants to utilise his squad and being able to come on fresh and give the team extra energy to get up the pitch has worked well.”This will be Adomah’s fourth play-off final. He lost with Middlesbrough to Norwich under the arch in 2015 and again with Aston Villa against Fulham in 2018.But it was third time lucky when he went up with Villa the following year after they saw off Frank Lampard’s Derby.It ended three seasons outside the top flight for Villa and Adomah is proud he helped get the club back on the up.’THE WORST FEELING IN FOOTBALL’He said: “Losing a play-off final is the worst feeling in football. You just want to get out of the stadium straight away. Yet when you win you want to stay there until the next day and celebrate.“Promotion with Villa was a huge relief for everyone at the club because we’d failed the previous two seasons.“There was a lot of frustration and anxiety among the fanbase. I remember a CABBAGE got thrown at our manager Steve Bruce at Villa Park just before he left the club.“But Dean Smith came in and as a Villa fan was the perfect person to take the club back up.“And it fills me with pride that we helped get them where they belong and now look at where they are six years later, competing in the Champions League and at the top end of the Premier League.”Adomah has had a great career – from his Isthmian League days with Harrow Borough, League Two with Barnet, the Championship with a number of clubs and the Premier League at Middlesbrough.Read More on The SunHe said: “The only division I’ve not played in yet is League One so it would be great to tick that off. I have no plans to retire yet. I’ve done my UEFA B coaching badges and am currently doing my A but I still have a couple of years left in me.“It’s been an enjoyable career… from park football to the World Cup. I can have no complaints.”Adomah helped Aston Villa earn promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorThe winger headed to Walsall after leaving QPRCredit: Rex More

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    Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

    SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More