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      EFL play-off finals to kick off one minute later than scheduled as part of ‘truly groundbreaking’ campaign

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      EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire 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.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More

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      Man Utd legend releases EIGHT players including Newcastle fans’ favourite, 33, after EFL relegation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes has released eight players at Carlisle including a former Newcastle star.Hughes was appointed manager of the Cumbrians in February but was unable to prevent them being relegated from League Two.Mark Hughes has released eight players at CarlisleCredit: GettyPaul Dummett is among the players let goCredit: GettyThe veteran boss penned a rolling contract and is in talks to stay on for next season.And he has overseen the departure of eight players as Carlisle look to start afresh in the National League.The biggest name to be let go is Paul Dummett, who joined Carlisle in January and played three games.Dummett, 33, left Newcastle last summer after making 213 appearances for the Magpies.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarlisle have released seven other players – Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela.While two players have been offered new deals – Matthew Dennis and Kadeem Harris.SunSport exclusively revealed in April that Hughes would be open to sticking with Carlisle in the fifth tier.Hughes couldn’t prevent relegation but oversaw a huge upturn in form.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won the same number of matches in his 18 in charge as Carlisle did in their 32 games previous this season.Carlisle is Wrexham-born Hughes’ ninth managerial stint, having bossed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and most recently Bradford. More

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      Wrexham confirm EIGHT players leaving after promotion to Championship including star who rejected new deal

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      WREXHAM have confirmed that EIGHT players will be leaving the club.The Welsh outfit have achieved a remarkable three promotions consecutively under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham have been promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is one of eight players who have left the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their season in the Championship will not include a number of stars that helped them climb up the English football ladder.Wrexham has now confirmed that eight players have will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.The striker formerly played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Stoke City and even on loan at Marseille in France.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined Wrexham back in 2023 and made 77 appearances, scoring 16 goals.Fan favourite goalkeeper Mark Howard has also been released and he penned a touching tribute to the club.He wrote on Instagram: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the 3peat. Back2Back2Back. I say tongue in cheek.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightWrexham squad updateHere is a full rundown of players with updated roles at Wrexham…Released:Steven FletcherMark HowardSam DalbyJordan DaviesHarry DeanBrad FosterLiam HallJosh AdamOffered new deal:Callum EdwardsAutomatic extension:Aaron JamesDecision pending: James Rainbird”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people.”Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall have all also been released.The club also revealed that Sam Dalby as offered a new deal to stay but was turned down.Read More on The SunHe spent last season out on loan at Dundee United and netted 14 goals in 34 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.Meanwhile, Wrexham players were treated to a £500k party trip to Las Vegas after gaining another promotion.Owners’ tribute to two starsRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney shared a kind message to Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard after it was announced they would be leaving…Reynolds wrote: “Mr Steven Fletcher. Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.”You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.”I’ll miss your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”And Mark Howard— how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper. You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.”You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always. You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”McElhenney added: “This is truly the worst part.”I cannot say enough about these two men. Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher are not just players on the team.”They are my friends and people I admire. They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion.”They are men of character and fortitude who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.”I greatly admire everything about them and have so thoroughly enjoyed every moment I’ve had to see them play, or to just spend time with them. Godspeed men.”I hope our paths cross again very soon. All I can say to these great men is THANK YOU.” More

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      ‘Not by choice’ – Former Premier League star, 38, claims he’s being forced out by Wrexham in emotional statement

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      STEVEN FLETCHER claims he’s being forced to leave Wrexham after their promotion to the Championship.It comes as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney oversee a staff shake-up ahead of their return to the second tier.Steven Fletcher has announced he is to leave Wrexham this summerCredit: GettyThe former Stoke striker helped fire the Dragons to a third successive promotionCredit: GettyFormer Burnley striker Fletcher credited the Welsh side with helping him “fall in love” with football again.Fletcher has scored 15 goals in 71 games since joining Wrexham in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old netted crucial goals this season – mostly off the bench – to help fire the club to the second tier. But he announced on Thursday he is being released – and it was “not by choice”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFletcher wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!”In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club.”I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!”Wrexham achieved a third-straight promotion as they finished second in League One behind runaway champions Birmingham. Most read in FootballIt continued a remarkable rise for the club since being bought by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney in the National League four years ago.Fletcher continued: “To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.”It’s not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.”You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.”SunSport has contacted Wrexham for comment.’The worst part’Co-owner McElhenney said on social media that exits such as Fletcher’s were “the worst part” of ownership. Wrexham’s success has been built on ruthless decision-making behind the scenes, with a high turnover of personnel expected this summer. McElhenney added: “They are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire”.Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was “slightly in awe” of Fletcher “on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game”.He continued: “Now, after two glorious years in his company, I’m even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Read More on The Sun”[He’s a] man who’s given me moments of joy that’ll last a lifetime.”It was announced yesterday that fan-favourite Mark Howard is also leaving the club. More

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      Olivia Attwood’s husband Bradley Dack, 31, left in limbo as Gillingham release SEVEN players after dismal EFL season

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      OLIVIA ATWOOD’s husband is on the cusp of being unemployed due to a ruthless end-of-season cull by Gillingham.The League Two outfit has released SEVEN PLAYERS following the culmination of the season, which they ended in 17th place.Bradley Dack’s future with Gillingham is in limboCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old, the hubby of former Love Islander Olivia Attwood, is in talks over a new deal with the clubCredit: GETTYBut he could end up joining the seven players already culled by the GillsCredit: SPLASHAnd hubby of former Love Island star Atwood, Bradley Dack, could end up joining them.The Gills have announced that Dack is one of four players they’re in talks with over a new deal at the Priestfield Stadium.An excerpt of a statement read: “The club remain in discussions with: Max Clark, Bradley Dack, Conor Masterson [and Euan Williams.”Dack, 31, is no stranger to an emotional exit from Gillingham.READ MORE EFL NEWSHe left the club eight years ago to join Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth a cool £1million.He’d move to Sunderland in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer but would leave the Stadium of Light the following year on a free.His exit from Wearside paved the way for an emotional return to Gillingham.Upon the announcement of his return, Dack said: “I can’t wait to get going, to be honest.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It’s nice to be back, I feel like my body is in the right place.”I just need to get match fit, I want to score goals and affect football matches.”Olivia Attwood ‘can’t roll a football’ without hitting someone her hubby’s slept with but is GLAD of his womanising pastDack made 20 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal and providing a solitary assist. More

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      ‘The situation is grim’ – Iconic EFL club facing financial oblivion after major issues ‘effectively shut us down’

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      ACCRINGTON STANLEY have confirmed they are facing a “grim” future amid serious financial problems.Stanley finished the season 21st in League Two – just two places above relegation.Accrington Stanley confirmed they are facing a “grim” futureAccrington Stanley are dealing with a dire financial situationBut even though Accrington remained in the EFL, they are still facing some dire economic issues that forced them to close their academy last week.The club also lost its stadium’s live music licence – except on matchdays due to repeated noise complaints.Now the Reds’ chief executive Warren Eastham has issued a serious warning about the cub’s situation and accused the council of providing nothing but “empty words of support”.This comes after Stanley owner Andy Holt announced he would be stepping down last month.Read More on FootballHolt also accused the authority of a “vendetta” due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites built in contravention of planning permission.This situation puts the iconic club, who rose prominence thanks to an unforgettable milk advert in 1989, in a situation where they face financial oblivion.Eastham’s statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service read: “Since joining the club in August last year, I have been in ongoing discussions with the council.“I’ve made numerous phone calls, attended meetings, sent emails, and submitted countless support requests to both the council and their officers. Yet, despite all this, nothing meaningful has come of it. Most read in Football“I will, of course, gladly accept the meeting—one I’ve both requested and attended many times before. I’ve done my best to bring reason to the table, but all I’ve received in return are empty words of support.“What we need now is action, not platitudes. I’ve warned repeatedly about the risks of Andrew Holt walking away, and now what do we have – a letter.“I’ve been given a year to make the club sustainable but this cannot be achieved with temporary fixes. We need real, lasting change. This is a club that lost £1 million in the 2023/24 season, a deficit covered entirely by Andrew Holt.“The 2024/25 season was only balanced thanks to the Liverpool FA Cup draw, but that money is now gone and the mounting costs from the summer remain. The situation is grim: the academy’s March figures revealed a significant financial loss.’Broken promises’“April shows no improvement, worsened by steep increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage across the club, including the players. Right now, Accrington Stanley has no revenue stream until July.“The ongoing issues with planning, noise abatement, and licensing have effectively shut us down.“Now, with the council’s statement out in the public domain, I truly hope this marks the beginning of meaningful collaboration to safeguard the future of this fantastic club.“Let me be clear: the closure of the academy is down to one thing only – a lack of income and mounting financial losses. Andy’s position is clear: he will fund the club to a £250,000 loss next season, but no further.Read More on The Sun“After years of broken promises and a lack of appreciation for the £6million he has invested in this club over the past decade, he has reached his limit. This club belongs to the town and its fans. I will work tirelessly to ensure its future is secure.“Accrington needs Accrington Stanley, and I am determined to see us through this challenging time.” More

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      Premier League cult hero and ex-England star’s son, 23, closing in on EFL transfer after lighting up non-league

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      FORMER England winger Trevor Sinclair’s son looks to be getting a chance at Accrington Stanley.Midfielder Isaac, 23, plays for Curzon Ashton in National League North but is set to join The ‘Owd Reds.He is the son of Premier League hero Trevor SinclairIsaac Sinclair looks to be getting a chance at AccringtonCredit: GettySinclair Jr was at Blackpool as a teenager — like his dad — but this will be his first shot at the EFL.He has scored six goals and provided three assists in 45 games for Curzon Ashton this season.Isaac plays in a similar right-wing position to his dad for the Manchester-based non-league side.Sinclair’s day job sees him design clothes and sportswear, while he also helps out at his brother’s scaffolding company.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut that is set to change with a move into professional football with League Two side Accrington.Stanley marginally avoided relegation from the football league this season after finishing 21st in the table, as Morecambe and Carlisle went down. Isaac made headlines at the start of the season after scoring a wonder goal against Oxford City.Dad Trevor made 360 Premier League appearances throughout his playing career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaving started at Blackpool in 1989, the winger went on to play for Queens Park Rangers, West Ham, Man City, Cardiff City, Lancaster Gate and Squires Gate.He scored 52 goals during his time in the Premier League and provided 36 assists.The 52-year-old was also capped 12 times by England.The Sun exclusively revealed last month how he was facing bankruptcy over an unpaid £36,000 tax bill. Sinclair Sr enjoyed five-and-a-half seasons with West Ham More

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      ‘Celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate’ – Bradford trolled over trophy for finishing third in League Two

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      BRADF0RD CITY sealed a remarkable final-day promotion last weekend, but they have found themselves on the end of social media ridicule for their ‘trophy’ lift.The Bantams sealed promotion back to League One with a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on the last day of the campaign. Rival fans joked about the size of Bradford’s silverwareCredit: RexRichie Smallwood and Andy Cook celebrate Bradford’s promotionBradford are looking forward to League One football next seasonThey pipped Walsall to third spot, with the Saddlers needing to better the Yorkshire outfit’s result to have any chance of going up automatically.However, Graham Alexander’s men emerged victorious in the dying embers, with Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th-minute winner sending them up and Valley Parade into raptures. Bradford join champions Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale in League One next term. They will be joined by one of Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County, and Chesterfield, who make up the play-off contenders. Read more FootballDespite the sheer delirium that washed across the city, fans on social media decided to poke fun at the “trophy” the Bantams were given to celebrate their third place finish.One Doncaster fan tweeted: “Congrats #BCAFC after all the banter I’d much rather have you in league 1 than Walsall. “Great scenes. Not sure why you’re celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate though”.A Port Vale supporter wrote: “Celebrating a season and a job well done, you’re trying to banter a 2nd place trophy in a season where Bradford got someone’s nan’s plate for coming 3rd.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother said: “Bradford City won a dog bowl trophy.”Andy Cook, the longest-serving player in the Bradford squad, sported a personalised shirt with his face on at the promotion parade.Bradford v Tranmere delayed after medical emergency in crowd with visitors’ keeper raising alarm (1)Cook, who scored 12 goals this season, said that going up “means everything” as the players and a sea of Bantams fans celebrated in Centenary Square in the city.Bradford have spent six season in the basement division – a far cry from their Premier League glory days of the early 2000s.It is the first time the Yorkshire side have achieved automatic promotion since 1999 – when a 3-2 win away at Wolves saw them reach the promised land of the top flight.But the 24 years that followed have been populated with despair and relegations.Fans flood the Valley Parade pitch as Bradford finally returned to League One More