League Two

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I’ve had to give up my part-time job as a BT engineer after landing my first role as an EFL manager

      by

      STUART MAYNARD spent the best part of two decades as a telecommunications engineer – now he’s engineering Notts County’s promotion push.The Magpies’ new gaffer spent 19 years as a BT engineer, a role he fulfilled at the same time as being a non-league manager.
      Stuart Maynard was appointed as Notts County’s new manager this monthCredit: REX
      Maynard had to give his part time job as a BT engineer – which he had for 19 years – to take the gigCredit: PA
      But the former Wealdstone manager has finally ditched the day job after County came calling for his services, something he’s delighted about.
      He told The BBC: “I’m excited to solely focus everything I’ve got on football.”
      Maynard is thrilled to finally be in the big time that is the Football League, an experience he thought may never come when he was toiling away in the fifth division of English football.
      The 43-year-old – who was officially appointed as County’s new manager this week – admitted: “It’s very tough.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “With football, you have to give your whole commitment and be all in – it was a lot of nights out watching games to understand players and trying to improve. It’s 24/7.
      “And that’s what’s got us excited – what we achieved at Wealdstone, basically training three hours a week, to now have everything at our disposal.
      “There is no excuses for anything.
      “It was always the ambition to get into full-time management.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “We knew it wasn’t an easy step, but also knew that when we did step into full-time we wanted to be coming to the right club and the right project.
      “We are really looking forward to working in this environment.”
      Maynard has been joined at Valley Parade by his former Wealdstone assistants Matt Saunders and Craig Saunders, who got a first-hand glimpse at their future players when they thrashed The Stones 6-1 last season.
      He said: “That’s what excites us – to work with this level of players. Once we get our level of detail into them, how they can transform it and make it even better, our philosophy and structure.
      “I’m hugely proud to be given the opportunity and the trust that Chris and Alex [owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz] have put in me and Matt to take this role.”
      Maynard’s first outing as Magpies boss was supposed to take place this afternoon, with his troops welcoming Stockport County to Meadow Lane.
      But the match was CALLED OFF this morning due to an unplayable pitch, the result of the big freeze which has gripped the UK.
      Notts County’s clash with Stockport County was called off on Saturday morningCredit: NOTTS COUNTY More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Two more football fixtures axed due to freezing weather as icy blast pulverises sporting events this weekend

      by

      TWO more EFL matches have been called off due to the Big Freeze gripping the UK.Freezing temperatures have wreaked havoc throughout the nation over the last few days, with sporting events galore being called off.
      The Big Freeze has wreaked havoc with this weekend’s EFL fixturesCredit: GETTY
      Notts County’s League Two clash with Stockport County has been called off due to a frozen pitch.Credit: NOTTS COUNTY
      Walsall’s clash with Accrington Stanley has also been postponedCredit: Getty
      And two League Two matches have been postponed just hours before kick-off due to frozen pitches.
      Notts County and Walsall’s respective clashes with Stockport County and Accrington Stanley have been axed due to unplayable pitches at Meadow Lane and the Bescot Stadium.
      The Magpies confirmed the postponement of their clash with Stockport via a statement on their official website and on Twitter.
      It read: “This afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Stockport County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
      “Following persistently cold temperatures, which have fallen as low as -7 in Nottingham this week, the Meadow Lane playing surface is heavily frozen despite frost covers and heat lamps being used, as well as groundstaff working through the night.
      “Following a preliminary inspection by an EFL-appointed official yesterday, it was determined that the match referee should assess the surface at 8.30am this morning.
      “As the frost is well established and the sun cannot reach all areas of the playing surface, the referee had little confidence that today’s temperatures would improve conditions sufficiently for the match to safely go ahead.
      “And it was agreed that an early decision was sensible in the interests of both sets of supporters and their clubs.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “All match tickets and hospitality packages will remain valid for the rearranged fixture, with refunds being offered once a new date is confirmed.”
      Walsall wrote on Twitter: “GAME OFF.
      “Following a pitch inspection this morning and despite the best efforts of our grounds staff, today’s game against
      “Accrington Stanley has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.
      “A new date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
      The cancellation of Stockport and Accrington’s trips to Nottingham and Walsall means that NINE EFL matches have now been cancelled due to frozen or waterlogged pitches.
      Cheltenham Town and Port Vale’s respective League One clashes with Carlisle United and Wycombe Wanderers have both been postponed due to unplayable pitches at Completely-Suzuki Stadium and Vale Park.
      Seven matches have been called off in League Two, with Salford City and AFC Wimbledon’s respective home clashes with Colchester United and Crawley Town both being off.
      As are Doncaster Rovers, Sutton United and Tranmere Rovers’ trips to Bradford, Mansfield and Swindon.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Oxford United’s League One clash with Northampton Town is also at risk of being called off.
      A pitch inspection is expected to take place at the Kassam Stadium at 11am.
      Seven League Two matches have been called offCredit: GETTY
      More matches could be cancelled in a few hours’ timeCredit: GETTY More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clash CANCELLED a day before kick-off as extreme weather takes its toll on footie schedule

      by

      AN EFL clash has been cancelled the day before kick-off due to the extreme weather.Salford City were due to host Colchester in League Two under the lights tomorrow night.
      Salford City were due to host Colchester at the Peninsula Stadium tomorrowCredit: Twitter
      But the freezing temperatures and snow mean the pitch is unplayable.
      And with the cold snap here to stay giving no chance of the pitch clearing and defrosting, the hosts have made the early decision to postpone the match.
      Salford shared the news on Twitter at 11.15am on Thursday, a full 32-and-a-half hours ahead of Friday’s 7.45pm start.
      And they accompanied the post with a photo of their Peninsula Stadium pitch completely covered in snow.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Salford, owned by a host of Manchester United Class of ’92 legends, said: “Friday night’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Salford City and Colchester United has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.
      “A pitch inspection was held on Thursday morning by a match official, and with temperatures not due to increase significantly before the game they recommended a postponement.
      “Both clubs will now liaise with the EFL and arrange a new date for the fixture.
      “Supporters who had purchased match tickets should keep hold of these because they will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “Once a new date has been decided, if you can no longer make it to the game then you will be able to claim a refund from your point of purchase.”
      Colchester supporters would have been getting ready for tomorrow’s 500-mile, ten-hour round trip to and from Salford.
      So despite the disappointment at the cancellation, fans appreciated getting the news in plenty of time.
      One said: “Oh well, at least away fans got a day’s notice.”

      Another wrote: “Well done Salford for saving fans and players the trip. Others in the league should take note.”
      A third added: “Sensible to make an early decision for travelling fans, both sets of staff, players, catering etc.”
      And a final user replied: “Shame but sensible decision given what the forecast looks like!!”
      The fixture that will be rearranged is an important one at the bottom for the EFL.
      Salford – now managed by new boss Karl Robinson – currently sit 21st in League Two, one place and two points above Colchester.
      Salford currently sit 21st in League TwoCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Grimsby star Callum Ainley, 26, undergoes surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer

      by

      GRIMSBY TOWN have announced that star Callum Ainley is recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.The League Two club revealed the shock news this afternoon and stated that the midfielder will be out of action until at least the end of next month.
      Grimsby Town star Callum Ainley has undergone surgery for thyroid cancerCredit: Rex
      The League Two side say they hope to have the midfielder back in training at the end of FebruaryCredit: Getty
      A statement from the Mariners said: “Grimsby Town Football Club is saddened to announce that midfielder Callum Ainley was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
      “The 26 year-old, who joined the Mariners from Crewe Alexandra in the summer, has undergone surgery and will now take some time at home to recover with a view to returning to training mid-late February.”
      Grimsby’s statement then added: “Callum has shown great strength of character since he received the news and he is currently being supported by the club to ensure he has everything he needs.
      “We would like to ask supporters and the media to respect his privacy at this time.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “We wish Callum a speedy recovery. We hope to see him back in a black and white shirt very soon.”
      Ainley last appeared for Grimsby on December 16 in their 1-1 draw at Newport County in League Two.
      He made his debut for the Mariners on September 16 in a 3-0 loss against the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owned Wrexham.
      He has made seven appearances so far before David Artell’s side, who currently sit 19th in the fourth tier.
      Most read in Football
      Ainley came through the academy ranks at Crewe after joining them in 2011.
      The ace made his professional debut at the age of 17 in September 2015 and went on to make nearly 250 EFL appearances for them.
      He was also part of the promotion-winning squad in 2020 that finished second in League One.
      Thyroid cancer is quite rare in the UK with around 3,400 diagnoses made each year, with it more common in women than in men.
      The thyroid gland is found at the base of your neck at the front and is just behind the hollow where your collarbones meet.
      The gland, which is made up of two lobes connected by a bridge of tissue, is butterfly-shaped and makes and releases hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
      The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped hormone producing glandCredit: Getty
      Thyroid cancer mainly affects women as is not that common in the UKCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      John Terry set to be drafted in to save League Two club from relegation as plan revealed for Chelsea legend

      by

      JOHN TERRY is set to be brought in by Troy Deeney to help save Forest Green from relegation, according to reports.Watford legend Deeney, 35, joined the fourth-tier side in the summer but was appointed player-manager last month after the sacking of David Horseman.
      John Terry is set to be drafted in by Forest GreenCredit: Getty
      Troy Deeney has not won any of his six matches as a player-manager at the clubCredit: Getty
      But he is yet to win any of his six matches in charge – drawing three and losing three.
      The poor run leaves Forest Green bottom of League Two, seven points adrift of safety.
      According to The Telegraph, he has now told club chiefs his plan to bring Chelsea icon Terry, 43, in for a “defenders session”.
      The ex-England international, 43, returned to his former club in the summer to become a Blues academy coach.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And Deeney, Forest Green’s fifth manager in 18 months, looks set to call on his services after a nightmare start to life in charge of the Football League club.
      He is also said to have pitched the idea of former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe coming in to take a shooting clinic.
      Defoe, 41, a club ambassador and academy coach at Spurs, is currently in charge of the U18s in North London.
      Deeney also urged Green bosses to allow him to sign a defender in the January window.
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He said: “If we get the centre-half we want then we will be foundationally very solid and can look for our game-changer.”
      But the plan to bring Terry in will raise eyebrows as the ex-England captain is yet to secure a managerial job.
      The legendary centre-back revealed back in October he was rejected by Newcastle and two League One clubs after leaving his coaching role at Aston Villa.
      He also confirmed he is in talks over a move to Saudi Arabia.
      Deeney is also set to call on ex-Tottenham and England striker Jermain DefoeCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Free EFL football tips, 14/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday’s action

      by

      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood has gone through Saturday’s EFL card to bring you his best bets, top tips and a whopping 22/1 accumulator.With a lack of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon, the EFL takes centre stage and there’s a banker single and longshot – for those who love bigger odds – on top of the weekend acca.
      Free EFL football tips, 22/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday
      Sky Bet: Get £40 in free accumulator bets*
      The Acca – back with Sky Bet’s AccaFreeze
      Claim £2 free bet to use on AccaFreeze**
      This weekend’s five-fold starts in the Championship with WEST BROM (7/10) hosting out of sorts Blackburn.
      Rovers sit bottom of the form table with just one point from their last five games.
      The Baggies are looking to maintain their spot in the play off places after winning their last three games at home. Two of those came in the Championship against Norwich and Leeds.
      Speaking of LEEDS (8/13), they’ve won 3-0 in back-to-back games and need to go on a bit of a run to catch Ipswich who are seven points clear and in second spot.
      Cardiff have only won once in their last six home games and this represents a good chance for an away win.
      PETERBOROUGH (21/20) are away to Charlton this weekend and sit two points off Bolton in second, so dropped points can be costly.
      Charlton are nine games without a win, while Posh have three wins away from home on the bounce. They also won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
      Claim a completely FREE £2 betWith Sky Bet acca freeze

      Head to Sky Bet using this link HERE**
      Opt In to the £2 free AccaFreeze bet
      Create an acca across football before 23.59 on Saturday, January 13
      The acca must have at least 5+ legs to qualify
       If one of your selections goes ahead, you have the opportunity to freeze that leg – meaning one leg of your bet is a winner at least – regardless of how the game finishes!

      Claim £2 free bet to use on AccaFreeze**

      Staying in League One, NORTHAMPTON (11/8) host Wigan on Saturday looking to keep their winning run going.
      They’ve won their last two but have made home their fortress, winning five of the last six with leaders Portsmouth the only team to beat them in that run.
      Wigan were plucky in defeat to Man Utd earlier this week but have one win to their name in their last seven games and Northampton could have too much.
      The acca is finished off with CRAWLEY (10/11) who host Salford.
      The hosts have picked up three wins from their last four games while scoring seven goals in their last two games.
      The visitors haven’t won in twelve games, prompting a change of manager but it could be same old story.
      Sky Bet’s AccaFreeze allows you to freeze the leg of a 5+ fold accumulator.
      So if one of your selections takes the lead, you can freeze that result meaning you have at least one winner in your acca – regardless of how the result finishes!

      West Brom, Leeds, Peterborough, Northampton and Crawley all to win at 22/1 – CLAIM HERE

      How to claim £40 in free bets..Sky Bet offer

      Visit the Sky Bet website HERE*
      Click on the £40 in free football accumulator bets link
      Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10
      With your very first bet, stake £10 on football at odds of 1/1 or greater
      Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with 4 x £10 in free bets to use on accumulators
      Free Bets expire 30 days after crediting

      Sky Bet: Get £40 in free accumulator bets*

      The Banker
      We head to League One for this one and Reading’s home game with Port Vale.
      Reading’s three games before the EFL Trophy defeat to Brighton U21’s were 3-2, 2-2 and 2-2.
      In fact, the 1-0 loss was only the second time in 17 games that a game involving Reading didn’t finish with both teams scoring.
      Port Vale’s last four games have brought 17 goals. So that trend could and should continue here. Wouldn’t put you off BTTS & over 3.5 goals at 9/4 either….

      BTTS & over 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Sky Bet – CLAIM HERE

      The Longshot
      We’ve gone down the full time result with both teams to score for this one.
      Oxford United (3/1) are at Carlisle with their recent form a bit sticky, but they can bounce back at a Carlisle with just one win in their last nine – though they have only failed to score once in their last five home games.
      Wycombe (10/3) have hit a decent bit of form and could leapfrog opponents Leyton Orient with a home win.
      The Wanderers have won three of their last five home games, with both teams scoring in all three. The visitors have two draws and five defeats in their last seven games.
      And this bet finishes with Wrexham (5/2), still buoyed from beating Shrewsbury in the FA Cup last week.
      They’ve only lost one of their last 14 home games, with Wimbledon scoring on three successive away days.

      Oxford, Wycombe & Wrexham to win and BTTS in all 3 games at 59/1 with Sky Bet – CLAIM HERE

      Sky Bet: Get £40 in free accumulator bets*

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *New customers only. First single & e/w bet only odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets only redeemable on football accumulator markets. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further t&cs apply.
      **Min 5 legs. Opt-In required. Free bet is non-withdrawable. Free Bet Expires at 23.59 on 13/01/ Eligibility restrictions & further T&Cs apply More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane shows Gary Neville no mercy as he scolds ex-Man Utd team-mate over Salford’s record with managers

      by

      ROY KEANE has probed Gary Neville over Salford City’s record with managers.Neville, 48, co-owns the League Two club alongside David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.
      Roy Keane is never afraid to take Gary Neville to taskCredit: PA
      Salford recently sacked Neil Wood as bossCredit: Getty
      The former Manchester United defender worked as the club’s CEO for eight years before stepping down in October 2022.
      Salford recently sacked former Man Utd youth coach Neil Wood, the fifth boss they have axed in five-and-a-half years.
      Appearing on Stick to Football, Keane took Neville to task.
      The Irishman, who has attended multiple games alongside Neville, asked: “Who brought the managers in at Salford?”
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      To which Neville replied: “The managers were me, Karen (Baird, former chairwoman] and Chris (Casper, sporting director).”
      Keane, 52, then quizzed: “So, if you’re on about managers getting players right or wrong, have you brought managers in and (later) thought, ‘What was I thinking?'”
      Neville considered his response before saying: “When I look at managers that we’ve brought in, I think that while some of them may not’ve been successful… Richie (Wellens) obviously we sacked but he went on to win a league (with Leyton Orient last season).”
      Unimpressed, Keane butted in: “It doesn’t matter if they win a league somewhere else. That’s no good to you, is it?”
      Most read in EFL
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Neville subsequently replied: “Yeah but my point is sometimes a manager doesn’t work at a club, that can happen.”
      Salford have endured a miserable campaign this time around and sit 21st in League Two.
      Their Class of 92 owners opted to replace Wood with former MK Dons and Oxford boss Karl Robinson.
      While chatting with Neville, as well as Ian Wright and Jill Scott, Keane also lifted the lid on his brutal Man Utd exit in November 2005.
      He said: “I generally have no problem when a club tells a player [to leave the club] – it’s the game we’re in.
      “For you [Ian Wright], they sat you down and had a chat – to me, at least, that’s kind of respectful.
      “I’m getting called into a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, and before I sat down, they’d already prepared a statement.
      “This is my issue – they already prepared a statement, and they had the years wrong!”
      Keane has been to watch Salford alongside his former Man Utd palsCredit: PA
      Salford have appointed Karl Robinson as their new bossCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch ‘most unlikely embarrassing goal ever’ as League Two goalkeeper saves penalty before punching it over his own line

      by

      CRAWLEY goalkeeper Corey Addai scored the “most unlikely embarrassing goal ever” in his side’s win over Bradford.The League Two side looked on course for defeat after Addai’s own goal gave the Bantams the lead at Valley Parade.
      Corey Addai’s own goal was dubbed the ‘most unlikely embarrassing goal ever’Credit: Twitter @jack__taylor

      He had initially appeared to have pulled off a heroic stop after saving Andy Cook’s second half penalty.
      However, the ball squirmed under the goalkeeper and was rolling towards the goal as he reached back to collect it.
      Instead of stopping the ball, though, Addai could only punch it over the line.
      His mishap gave the hosts a 2-1 lead, completing a turnaround for Bradford.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Their fans were left shocked by the incident on social media, with one simply writing: “Own goal?!”
      Another added: “We have scored two of the most unlikely embarrassing goals I’ve ever seen.”
      Liam Ridehalgh had earlier cancelled out Danilo Orsi’s opening goal to level the scores.
      Fortunately for Addai, late drama spared his blushes as Adam Campbell equalised five minutes from time.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Orsi and Klaidi Lolos then both scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 4-2 victory for the visitors.
      The result lifts Scott Lindsey’s side up to ninth and leaves them outside the play-off places on goal difference alone.
      Meanwhile, Bradford are 14th after 26 matches, having been set to climb into the top half if they had held on to their lead. More