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

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    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

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      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

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      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?

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      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

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      ‘Very different to Wrexham’ – Gary Neville and David Beckham WON’T pour millions into Salford as they outline ‘project’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville outlined the plan he and David Beckham have for Salford City after their recent takeover of the club.Neville and Beckham, both 50, led a new consortium and gained control of the League Two side earlier this month by buying out shares from fellow Class of 92 icons Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville. Manchester United legend Gary Neville outlined the plan he and David Beckham have for Salford CityBeckham and Neville completed the takeover of Salford earlier this monthNeville insists he and Beckham won’t pour millions in SalfordThe United greats have teamed up with businessman Declan Kelly and Lawn Tennis Association chairman Lord Mervyn Davies after major backer Peter Lim stepped away last year. The former England internationals have big plans as they are determined to get the League Two outfit in the Championship within the next five years.Ever since their arrival in 2014, Salford got promoted from the Northern Premier League Division One North to the EFL in five years, but they have remained in the fourth tier ever since.Neville told The Overlap Fan Debate, on behalf of Sky Bet: “Shares in a football club for most owners, other than the passion and the feelings you get from it, you’re a reliability from an investment perspective more than an asset.Read More on Football”We’ve put money into Salford and in January we just thought we needed to get a group of people involved, who we could trust.”Me and Becks [Beckham] agreed that we would put money in for the next four or five years, which is a commitment we’ve all made.”Salford City won’t be changing the budget – to reverse out of the model we already have, you need two or three years. “You can’t go from investing to becoming sustainable that quick – you need to look at players’ contracts for three years and you’ve generally got a model that you’ve built which you can’t come away from.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSuccessful celebrity-owned clubs have risen to prominence in recent years and many are hoping Salford will follow suit.Wrexham have earned three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship under Hollywood celebrity owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.’Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snubAnd Birmingham won the League One title this season and will join the Red Dragons in the second division with NFL legend Tom Brady as minority owner.However, Neville is adamant things will be “very different” compared to Wrexham and Birmingham.The Man Utd hero insists millions will not be poured but instead he and Beckham will focus on turning the club into a “good football project” that will be very close to the local community.Neville added: “We just need to change the model of the club slightly, in fact quite a bit. It’s very different than Wrexham and Birmingham – you’re talking about millions going into those clubs. “That’s not what we’re looking to do with Salford. We want Salford to be a good football project.”Salford City has the cheapest ticket prices in the EFL. On day one, I committed to the fans that we would be the most affordable and accessible football club. I’d rather go down than do that [be unsustainable].”Neville is adamant Salford won’t follow Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ example with WrexhamThe same goes for Birmingham City, where NFL legend Tom Brady is a minority owner More

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      Notts County manager Stuart Maynard SACKED just days after League Two play-off semi-final heartache

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      NOTTS COUNTY have sacked manager Stuart Maynard.The Magpies reached the League Two play-offs but were beaten by AFC Wimbledon in the semi-finals.Notts County have sacked manager Stuart MaynardCredit: ReutersNotts County were one of the favourites to win promotion before the start of the season and that was the aim of the club’s owners, Chris and Alex Reedtz.The pair released a joint statement announcing their reason for sacking Maynard.It reads: “After being unable to achieve our aim of winning promotion this season, we share the disappointment felt by everyone connected with the club.“While football is a game of fine margins, and Stuart undoubtedly faced numerous challenges over the course of the campaign, neither results nor performances reached the levels we believe the team was capable of – particularly during the defining period towards the end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Stuart leaves with our very best wishes and gratitude for his considerable commitment and dedication to the role.“In the near future we will provide a comprehensive update to supporters, offering more of our own reflections on the 2024-25 campaign while also outlining our approach to next season and beyond.“Alongside our recently-appointed Head of Football, Roberto Gagliardi, our work is well underway to identify the correct coaching team and new signings to join us on these important next steps of our journey.“We are highly optimistic about the club’s future and remain as committed as ever to helping Notts County achieve its immense potential.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMaynard, 44, joined County in January 2024, finishing 14th last season before guiding the club to the play-offs.He won 28 of his 73 matches in charge but fell short against AFC Wimbledon, losing 2-0 on aggregate.Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponentsFollowing that defeat Maynard revealed he was “confident” he would keep his job. More

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      EFL stadium looks unrecognisable as pitch is ripped up for maintenance work and fans spot where turf has been dumped

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      AN EFL stadium looks unrecognisable after the pitch was ripped up ahead of maintenance work.League Two side Grimsby Town are undergoing renovations in the off-season.Grimsby Town have ripped up their pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcWork is ongoing to renovate the pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcTurf has been dumped behind one of the stands, where the club car park isCredit: X @officialgtfcThey have removed their pitch and dumped the mud and grass behind the Young’s main stand.Eagle-eyed fans spotted the mound of turf, which is taking up space in the car park and limiting the number of spaces available for vehicles.Work is ongoing at the ground to install a new pitch, which should be complete by the new season.Grimsby confirmed part of the car park would be closed during the renovation. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Car park notice!”Due to ongoing maintenance work at Blundell Park, limited parking is available onsite.”For supporters planning on visiting the Ticket Office or the end of season clearance sale, there is ample street parking available around the ground.”Grimsby are preparing for their fourth consecutive season in League Two next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey narrowly missed out on the play-off places this term, finishing ninth, two points behind Chesterfield.Grimsby also resurfaced the pitch in 2022 following promotion from the National League to the EFL.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Sam Hutchinson reveals he had HEART ATTACK in game he scored winner that sent Wimbledon to play-offs

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      AFC WIMBLEDON defender Sam Hutchinson has revealed that he suffered a heart attack just six minutes into a crucial League Two match – and then went on to score.The 35-year-old endured the frightening ordeal against Grimbsy Town earlier this month.Sam Hutchinson has bravely opened up about his recent heart attackCredit: X/ AFCWimbledonHutchinson scored the winner in the match against Grimsby – after suffering the heart attackCredit: RexJust moments into the match, unbeknownst to him, Hutchinson suffered a heart attack while on the pitch.As he wasn’t aware of what was happening, the defender played on and completed the full match.He even scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute as Wimbledon clinched a 1-0 win to secure a place in the League Two play-offs.But it wasn’t until after full-time that he realised something was seriously wrong.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecalling the ordeal while speaking to Wimbledon club media this week, he explained: “It’s crazy really. Obviously I was experiencing a lot of pain then.”I look back as well and my mrs said: ‘Oh you didn’t look right when you had the interview,’ and then I got back on the coach, started getting more chest pains, the adrenaline wore off and we ended up making a pit stop in Nottingham.”He continued: “Bob [Bacic, head physio] took me in and basically they said I had a heart attack.”Then they said it could be an infection, so I was in there for five days.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I was like a pin cushion by the end of it, I was getting loads of tests done.”And then it turned out, yeah, I did actually have a heart attack.Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponed”A branch of an artery was blocked, 75 per cent, so I had an angiogram and they put a stent in. I had that in London and saw a top specialist who was unbelievable.”And I’m on the road to recovery now.”Hutchinson went on to admit that he “broke down” after being told he’d suffered a heart attack because he didn’t want his football career to end.But the specialist he saw insisted there is “no problem” with him continuing to play.AFC Wimbledon face Walsall in the League Two play-off final on Monday.And while he is “devastated” that he will miss the occasion, Hutchinson is looking forward to watching.He added: “I’m there to support the boys and fingers crossed we can get it over the line and do what everyone wants us to do.”I genuinely think I could play, obviously it would be dangerous but that’s just my opinion. I’m never going to but I’d love to.”Hutchinson joined Chelsea at the age of nine and graduated from the club’s academy to make the first team.However, he was limited to just six senior appearances in total.Read More on The SunThe defender was loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Vitesse and Sheffield Wednesday before completing a permanent move to Hillsborough.He then went on to play for Pafos and Reading before joining AFC Wimbledon in December.Hutchinson previously played for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Man Utd legend agrees deal to manage in non-league after dismal season saw him relegated from EFL

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes will manage in the National League next season.The 61-year-old has agreed to remain as Carlisle United boss following the club’s relegation from League Two.Carlisle United have been relegated to the National LeagueCredit: AlamyMark Hughes is staying on as managerCredit: RexHughes thanked supporters in an official statement, which read: “I’m thrilled to be staying at the club.”Since joining back in February, the support I’ve received from the fans has been exceptional – thank you.”I hope to see more of the same next season as we aim for an immediate return to the EFL.”Carlisle chief Tom Piatak added: “Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His leadership, composure, and connection with the players was clear, and we’re confident in his ability to lead us forward.”Hughes’ relegation to the fifth tier comes just six-and-a-half years after he was managing Southampton in the Premier League.He has been in charge of Wales and six top-flight sides during his lengthy career in Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR and Stoke.But Sparky has been in League Two since his initial shock return to the dugout with Bradford in 2022.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThough he lasted just 18 months at Valley Parade before being sacked.Managing in the lower leagues in England does not bother Hughes, exclusively telling SunSport: “I have no ego.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”Back in his playing days, Hughes starred for the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona. Bayern Munich and Chelsea.He won two Prem titles, three FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup in a glittering seven seasons at Old Trafford.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More