More stories

  • in

    Did you spot former Premier League manager bizarrely quoting KUNG FU PANDA in his post-match interview?

    TRANMERE manager Nigel Adkins went viral after trying to share words of wisdom by quoting Kung Fu Panda.Adkins, 59, currently coaches in League Two after years working in the Premier League for Southampton and Reading.Tranmere manager Nigel Adkins tried to share some words of wisdomBut Adkins accidentally quoted a line from Kung Fu Panda 2Credit: APThe Birkenhead tactician analysed the Rovers’ 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town during his post-match interview on Tuesday.And the ex-Sheffield United boss decided to focus on the present and forget about the past as well as the future.Tranmere shared their manager’s words of wisdom on social media with the following caption: “Some #WednesdayWisdom from the gaffer!”Adkins said: “Well you have to be in the present moment. You can’t turn back time.Read More on Football”The past is history, the future is a mystery! Today’s a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”However, Adkins’ post-match comments were extremely similar with some notable lines from Kung Fu Panda 2.The ex-Hull boss sounded like Grand Master Oogway when he tried to comfort key character Po in the popular movie’s sequel.Oogway told Jack Black’s character: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present!”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Tranmere are currently 16th in the League Two table with 14 wins and 19 defeats in 38 matches so far this season.Adkins took over at Prenton Park in November and has since amassed 11 wins as well as nine losses in 24 games across all competitions.EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goalTranmere defeated Mansfield with goals by Regan Hendry and Rob Apter following Will Swan’s equaliser.[embedded content] More

  • in

    Did you spot AFC Wimbledon star’s ‘top class s***housery’ in warm-ups before fiery clash with hated rivals MK Dons?

    HARRY PELL has been hailed by fans for his “top class s***housery” before the clash between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons.The midfielder was spotted winding up the travelling MK Dons supporters during the warm-ups on Saturday.Harry Pell has been hailed for his ‘top class s***housery’ against MK DonsCredit: RexPell was spotted booting balls at the MK Dons fansPell was an unused substitute for Wimbledon as they snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over their bitter rivals.Ronan Curtis came off the bench to score in the 94th minute and claim all three points.Prior to the match, though, Pell was seen booting balls straight into the away end at Plough Lane.Footage of his antics have since gone viral on social media, to the amusement of supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan reacted by writing: “This is top class s***housery.”Another added: “That’s f***ing brilliant.”A third supporter also commented: “So much time for this.”However, an MK Dons supporter group have since confirmed they are planning to lodge a complaint against Pell.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a statement shared on social media, Franchise Dons said: “We plan on making a formal complaint by whatever means necessary and to whoever it may concern regarding the AFC Wimbledon player that booted 10+ balls into the MK Dons away fans prior to kick-off, whilst his team-mates peacefully warmed up.”Pell is in his second spell with Wimbledon having re-joined the club from Accrington in the summer.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiThe 32-year-old, who has scored twice this season, previously spent two years on their books between 2013 and 2015.With their derby win, Wimbledon are now just four points off the League Two play-offs in 10th.Meanwhile, MK Dons remain in the top seven in fifth and are five points adrift of the automatic promotion spots. More

  • in

    EFL fans slam club’s ‘disgraceful’ 43-word statement sacking manager after 25 years – as owner DELETES his Twitter

    ACCRINGTON STANLEY fans slammed the club’s “disgraceful” 43-word statement after sacking their long-serving manager.The League Two side were thumped 4-0 away at Wrexham yesterday – conceding all four in the first half in North Wales.John Coleman’s ten-year stint as Accrington Stanley boss ended after defeat at WrexhamCredit: RexCredit: Accrington StanleyThat left the ‘Owd Reds 16th in the table after a third defeat in a row as hopes of securing a play-off spot appear to be fading. And it spelt the end for Coleman, who had been boss since 2014, and his assistant Jimmy Bell.Before this decade-long stint, Coleman had also managed Accrington from 1999 to 2012 taking them from the Northern Premier League to the EFL – totalling nearly 23 years in the What Stadium dugout. But despite his dedicated service to the club dating back to the previous century, the 61-year-old’s exit was announced with a brief, blunt comment from the club. READ MORE ON EFLThe statement said: “Accrington Stanley can today confirm that John Coleman and Jimmy Bell have been informed that their contracts are terminated with immediate effect.”Everyone at the club thanks them for their long-standing service and we wish them all the very best for the future.”However, the ridiculously short press release prompted a furious backlash from raging supporters on social media.One said: “Are you taking the p***? They deserve better than that, after such brilliant and long service.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother wrote: “Is this statement for two people who have given nearly 25 years of service to the club?”A third added: “The manner of this statement is horrendously thought out. Two paragraphs for almost 25 years of promotions from obscurity in non-league to punching their weight in the EFL really does leave a very bad taste. It’s the end of a bloody great era.”EFL clash POSTPONED just an hour before kickoff as fans fume ‘you’re a disgrace’A fourth fumed: “A truly graceless statement. Over two decades at the club, John Coleman has the respect of many in the game and deserved better than this shoddy paragraph.”And a final user simply replied: “Shocking.”To make matters worse, unpopular Accrington owner Andy Holt appeared to delete his X account immediately after news of Coleman’s sacking broke. Holt – who famously put the club up for sale on the social media platform – regularly got into bitter spats online.That included a row with Boris Johnson during Covid and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham over ticket prices.The Hollywood pair’s side were angered that Accrington hiked up prices for their fans’ trip to the Wham Stadium – and responded by reducing the costs for yesterday’s return fixture.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat led to Holt hitting out at Wrexham’s “stupid mistimed statements”. And just two weeks ago, the controversial owner revealed on X he was raising season ticket prices and the cost of beer to fix a “million-pound hole” at the club relegated last season. More

  • in

    FA set to use FANS in trial of radical new countdown plan to stop goalkeepers time wasting

    FANS in stadiums will be invited to join in a “five second countdown” before time-wasting goalkeepers give away a throw-in or a corner.The radical trial could be used in the EFL lower divisions or the Football League Trophy from next season after being backed by the game’s Law-making body the International FA Board.Refs will be encouraged to punish goalkeepers taking too long on goal kicksCredit: GettyWhile introducing sin-bins in professional football has gone on the backburner after a global backlash, Ifab chiefs, at their annual general meeting at Loch Lomond, believe their latest idea will help reduce time-wasting.The current six second rule, rarely punished, will be extended to eight seconds, but with referees then holding up their hands to count down to zero with five seconds left.FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “So many times we see the goalkeeper holding onto the ball for five or six seconds at 0-0 and then when they’re 1-0 up they suddenly hold it for 25 seconds.“That’s not right and people get frustrated.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Once the goalkeeper has got the ball under control, and the referee puts up his hand so that the five seconds gets counted down, you’ll see the crowd respond to that and the other players will.“In terms of how you give possession to the other team, the protocols being discussed are either a throw-in in line with the penalty spot or a corner.“There are pros and cons to both of them. They are still working that out but both will be trialled.”Other trials available from July 1 will see only captains allowed to speak to referees and the use of “cooling off periods” where feuding players would be ordered back to their respective penalty boxes until tempers calmed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPushed on whether that would see the discussions with the EFL and other leagues on introduction of any of the ideas next term, Bullingham added: “I’m sure we will.“We haven’t got to that point yet but I anticipate that some will be looked at lower levels of English football.’How is he our captain’ moan Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes spotted furiously arguing with referee after Fulham loss“What level we will look at is an open discussion, I’m sure we’ll get that discussion with the relevant leagues.“It’s clear that we’re not aiming at the top two leagues in any country. But we’ve got so many options in England.”The meeting took place hours after Fifa President Gianni Infantino gave a “red card to blue cards” as the way of signalling sin-bins.But Ifab chiefs insisted they are not turning their backs on the sin-bin principle – although it will be purely for dissent and not, as previously suggested, cynical “action football action” fouls.Trials at grass roots levels will continue ahead of possible future extension.Bullingham added: “We’ve focused on the area that is more straightforward, which is dissent and encouraging referees to come into the game.“It’s something that affects 90 per cent of the game at all levels.“The cynical foul aspect is a subjective one and that potentially makes applying it harder. Let’s get sin-bins right first and then see if there is a broader application.”Changes for next season will see the option of permanent concussion substitutions written into the Laws as well as red cards for penalty box defensive handballs which deny scoring chances.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League and PFA have called for a trial of temporary concussion replacements and Bullingham conceded: “Permanent substitutions is a positive and there are medics who say that means there is no risk of an injured player being sent back on the pitch.“We operate in an environment where different opinions are aired. English football does think temporary substitutions is worth being trialled at some point but we’ve made big steps forward.” More

  • in

    EFL clash POSTPONED just an hour before kickoff as fans fume ‘you’re a disgrace’

    BRADFORD’S clash against Notts County has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Heavy rainfall hit Valley Parade this morning and an inspection was called by referee David Rock at 1pm.Bradford’s pitch was deemed unplayable by officialsCredit: RexBut Bradford had already tweeted at 10:15am that the game was on.However, the official then looked at the pitch as he was joined by both sides’ managers.And they came to a decision that the surface was unplayable and they postponed the game.Fans were left fuming after the news was announced just an hour and 15 minutes before kick-off at 3pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThousands of fans had already begun their journeys to Valley Parade.Angry supporters wrote online: “You’re a disgrace, we’ve paid good money to stay down here, I’m not going to get that money back.”Another added: “That pitch is not fit for Sunday League.”A third said: “I’ve followed this all morning. It was obvious hours ago. What’s the idea of all the ‘it’s on’ tweets throughout the morning.”Most read in EFLHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLMore reacted: “Would not be unhappy for the club to be investigated for the state of this. Laughing stock to all fans in the EFL. Travelling supporters spending money for nothing. It’s utterly shambolic.”It is currently unclear when the League Two game will be rescheduled for.Fans left in stitches at ‘one of the worst penalties you’ll ever see’ during Accrington vs Bradford penalty shootout More

  • in

    I won promotion at Wembley and was told I was losing my job the next morning – I ended up on LinkedIn looking for a club

    MK DONS keeper Michael Kelly was told he was being released by Carlisle just ONE DAY after they were promoted to League One.The Irish shot-stopper, 27, only played in the EFL Trophy last season as he watched all of the fourth-tier side’s league matches from the bench.Michael Kelly was told Carlisle were releasing him just one day after they secured promotionCredit: GettyBut he was still a part of the squad that beat Stockport on penalties at Wembley to clinch promotion.Yet the following morning, manager Paul Simpson met him at the team hotel to inform him that his contract was not being renewed beyond the summer.Speaking to BBC Look East, he recalled: “He [Simpson] said it wasn’t an easy subject and that he wasn’t going to keep me.”I was shocked. The night before was the best of my life. Getting promoted on the steps of Wembley, it’s what you dream of as a kid. Now you’re trying to process what to do next.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKelly then spent three months without a club, before MK Dons picked him up in September.He has started eight games this season, four of which have come in League Two where the club occupy a play-off place.But prior to penning a deal, he admits he was even reduced to going on LinkedIn to try and search for a club.He added: “I kept wondering, when am I going to get a phone call? I’ve just got promoted. I should look good. But you have to wait. The toughest part is seeing other players get the call.Most read in Football”My girlfriend and family were on top of me the whole time asking me to ring this person, message this guy, go onto Linkedin and look at this person.”You have got to hold yourself accountable.I broke down in tears in the en-suite’ reveals Steve Sidwell as ex-Chelsea star opens up on way football career ended”You can run all you want and give all you want but personally being around a group, with the guys, they’re the hardest moments to replicate. I don’t mind going for runs but it’s very, very difficult to keep going.”You can have a bad day, which can spiral into two or three bad days when you wonder, why am I bothering? It’s about just getting out there and doing something.” More

  • in

    ‘Just doing my job’ – EFL referee reveals how he dealt with star being racially abused as he’s praised for interview

    AN EFL referee says he was “just doing my job” after revealing how he dealt with the disgusting Omar Bogle racist abuse.The disgraceful incident occurred in a League Two match on October 28 at Gillingham.Newport star Omar Bogle was racially abused during a game at Gillingham by a fanCredit: X @SkySportsNewsEFL referee Tom Reeves has opened up on how he dealt with the situationCredit: X @SkySportsNewsEFL referee Tom Reeves discusses handling an incident of racism involving Newport County striker Omar Bogle and a Gillingham supporter. pic.twitter.com/epsSL8Vu0m— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 29, 2024

    Bogle, 30, scored two first half penalties to earn Newport County a 2-0 victory away to the Gills.However, it was not the striker’s brace that was the main talking point from the game.After slotting home the first spot-kick, Bogle was racially abused by a Gillingham supporter as he celebrated.The fan ran over in front of him in the stands and made a monkey gesture.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBen Burchell, 28, who has learning difficulties, admitted a charge of racially aggravated breach of public order at Medway Magistrates court.He escaped a football banning order but received 40 hours of community service and was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to Bogle after pleading guilty to racially abusing the star.Burchell was also told that he cannot attend professional football matches on his own for a period of 12 months without a carer.Tom Reeves was the referee on that day, and now the court case has been held, he has discussed his handling of the shocking incident with Sky Sports News.Most read in EFLHe revealed how it was the first time in his career he had dealt with a fan racially abusing a player but explained how he felt equipped to handle it following his training.Reeves said that “alarm bells” rang when he noticed several Newport players running over to a particular section of the home end.Shocking moment referee is CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clashHe was then informed about the racial abuse, which led to him approaching Bogle to get a statement from him and give it to his fourth official to make sure it was recorded and make the police and Gillingham safety officer aware.Reeves then said that the fan had been removed from the stadium already by the time he spoke to them, allowing the official to reassure Bogle that it was being dealt with and encourage him to work with him for the remainder of the game.Before the second penalty, Reeves also spoke with Bogle as it was in the same spot as his first.The ref said: “I didn’t want him to celebrate in front of the same group of fans because there could be potential further problems.“I just said to him to think about it if he scores, where he celebrates.”He then explained how he did not want the forward’s emotions to get the better of him as he praised the forward for “working really well” with him.Reeves went on to explain the protocol for such incidents, revealing he checked with Bogle that he was still “OK to continue” and to reassure him again just before the start of the second period.He then got full statements from Bogle and a member of Newport’s team, who on this occasion was the assistant manager, after the game.Reeves said: “The reason we do that is so I can report it to the FA for a full investigation.”Ben Burchell pleaded guilty to racially abusing the forwardOmar Bogle scored two goals during the game, both from the penalty spotCredit: GettyHe said: “We have a particular protocol in place that we follow and there’s certain steps that we go through from the moment the player lets you know about it all the way through to the full time whistle.”Reeves added: “We as referees go there to referee a game of football and don’t expect anyone to go through what Omar had to.“Actually, that night I had messages and phone calls from various people just checking up on me to make sure that I was OK.“But for me, it was ensuring Omar was OK to get through the game, I made sure my report could be reported to the FA so a full investigation could take place.“I was just doing my job, being professional as possible to ensure the game was fully under control and Omar was OK.”After Sky Sports News released the interview, fans rushed to heap praise on Reeves for how he handled the ordeal.One posted on X: “Respect to referee Tom Reeves for the brilliant interview on @SkySportsNews regarding the Newport striker Omar Bogle incident.“Handled the racism incident perfectly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “Effective refereeing when the racists are in town. Well done Tom Reeves.”And a third added: “A horrible incident handled expertly by Tom Reeves. Well done, Tom.” More

  • in

    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney warned of ‘trouble afoot’ at Wrexham after latest dismal result

    WREXHAM boss fans are worried that trouble is looming after manager Phil Parkinson was spotted having a heated disagreement with his coaches.The argument followed Wrexham’s disappointing 1-1 draw with League Two relegation-strugglers Forest Green Rovers.

    Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson engages in heated exchange with his backroom staffCredit: EFL iFollow via X formerly Twitter
    Before walking off in a mood as his side salvaged a 1-1 drawCredit: EFL iFollow via X formerly Twitter
    Owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought Wrexham for £2m in 2020Credit: Getty
    The Welsh side scraped a point on Tuesday thanks to a stoppage-time penalty scored by Paul Mullin, after going 1-0 down in the third minute.
    Wrexham’s frustrations were personified by a visibly furious James McClean, who booted the ball away at the half-time whistle.
    The result means Wrexham are without a win in three games, after drawing with MK Dons and losing to Gillingham.
    And that the frustration also seems to be getting to Parkinson, who was spotted having a barney with this staff following their most recent draw.

    Loyal assistant Steve Parkin seemed to be the one bearing the brunt of Parky’s frustrations.
    He was then seen walking off with a stern look on his face, before acknowledging the away fans.
    They’ve since dropped to fourth in the table but remain in good stead to challenge for an automatic promotion place.
    However, their recent form is a cause for concern.
    Most read in EFL
    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
    Wrexham have won just two of their last seven games, and are winless in their last three outings.
    Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may need to keep a close eye on their situation as the club bid for back-to-back promotions.
    Cameras at The New Lawn spotted the argument and the clip was quickly shared on social media.
    Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘all kinds of weird and unexpected horrors’ after ‘incredibly stressful’ Wrexham takeover
    One captioned the video: “Trouble afoot?”, while tagging the club’s official account.
    A second fan added: “I’m glad they’re angry. It’s a test of their management to get back on track now. It’s still very much their for the taking.”
    A third wrote: “Robust exchange of views on how we get out of this funk. I don’t mind that.”
    A fourth said: “They eeked out a point after nearly getting dunked on the team in 23rd place in the table. If my manager wasn’t mad, I would be very concerned.”
    Parkinson is known for his passionate outbursts in the dug-out.
    Episodes of the behind-the-scenes TV show Welcome to Wrexham depict plenty of X-rated dressing room rants and fury with officials on the side lines. More