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      English manager axed by EFL club just minutes after insisting he’s ‘never going to walk away’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS have sacked manager Nigel Adkins after he declared he had no plans to go anywhere.Rovers fell to a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley last night, leaving them winless since January 4 and third bottom in League Two.Nigel Adkins has been sacked by TranmereCredit: RexIt came hours after he insisted he was not going to walk awayCredit: RexSpeaking after the game – a fifth defeat in seven – Adkins insisted he still believed they could get their season back on track and added he would never walk away from his hometown club.He told reporters: “You’ve got to have belief and you’ve got to have hope, there are still games to play and you can’t throw the towel in yet.“You’ve got to keep working and you’ve got to keep going. It was a very poor defeat tonight, we’ve got to change it and we’ve got to change it quick.“It’s my hometown club and I’m never going to walk away at any point. I’m under contract to the football club and if the owner wants me to stay then I’ll do everything I can, that’s all I can do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ll continue to do that until asked differently.”However, just two hours after the defeat to Accrington was confirmed a club announcement revealed Adkins had been axed by the club.It read: “Tranmere Rovers can confirm that Nigel Adkins has today stepped down as manager, by mutual agreement. “An announcement will be made about arrangements for his replacement in due course.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAdkins, 59, had been in charge of Tranmere since September 2023, having initially joined the club in May of that year as a technical director.He stepped into an interim manager role following the sacking of Ian Dawes, which became permanent in November 2023.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex He had played for Tranmere professionally between 1983 and 1986.Chairman Mark Palios said: “Nigel is a hugely experienced manager with a long and distinguished career, who came back as Technical Director of his hometown club, where he had also been a player.“He helped the club by acting as interim manager before taking the role as Manager when needed last season and improved results, stabilising the season. “No-one can doubt his commitment, effort or passion for Tranmere Rovers but this season has been hampered by a litany of injuries to, and suspensions of, key players which have all contributed to the current league position.“Compared to the optimism at the start of the season we both acknowledge our league position is disappointing and that football is a results business. “As a consequence, we have sadly both come to the conclusion that a change of manager will give the team the best chance of making the most of the remaining 13 games.“I don’t need to tell you that Nigel is a thoroughly decent man whose work ethic, commitment and professionalism through a very difficult period has been clear to see. “He leaves with the club’s best wishes for the future.”Englishman Adkins’ managerial highlights include winning League One with Scunthorpe United and, two years later, the League One play-offs.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also earned promotion to the Premier League with Southampton by finishing as runner-up in the Championship.Other managerial jobs for Adkins have included a player-manager role at Bangor City and time spent as manager of Reading, Sheffield United, Hull and Charlton. More

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      MK Dons to change badge as supporters make ‘unanimous decision’ following two-decade backlash to move from Wimbledon

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      MK DONS are set to change their crest – and fans were given the chance to vote for the club’s new badge.The club were formed in 2004 after Wimbledon FC sensationally upped sticks to Milton Keynes in an unprecedented move.MK Dons are set to change their badge next seasonCredit: GettyDons supporters have been given a choice of three new crests for the teamCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMThe first season for the club was the 2004-05 League One campaign, in which they were relegated.And over 20 years later, the Dons brass have allowed fans to choose the team’s new crest.An excerpt of a club statement: “After 20 years of football in Milton Keynes, MK Dons are pleased to reveal three new crest designs for supporter consultation as we look to evolve our club identity ahead of the 25/26 season.”Following initial consultation with the MK Dons Supporters’ Board, it became apparent there was a clear desire for an evolution of the club’s identity.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”From the crest on our kits to the branding around Stadium MK and branding across all digital platforms.”After extensive work behind the scenes, we’re now delighted to be able to offer all season ticket holders (including Club Red, Club Gold, Club Platinum, and Club Black hospitality seasonal members) and business stakeholders the chance to have your say in helping to choose our new club crest.”Supporters had up until midnight on February 20 to choose from three new crests.Dons CEO Neil Hart said of the revamping of the badge: “When the new ownership group acquired the club last summer, one of the many things we wanted to learn more about was the club’s identity and branding.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMK Dons are currently toiling in 16th place in the League Two tableCredit: Alamy”This started with informal conversations among staff before the possibility of a brand evolution was brought to the MK Dons Supporters’ Board last month.”Their reaction was one of unanimous enthusiasm, as we look to celebrate the past 20 years of football in Milton Keynes while also paving the way for a new era at the football club.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back”This feels like an important milestone in the club’s history and an opportunity for us all to review our brand identity.”As we continue to be focused on improving every aspect of our football club we want our supporters to be at the heart of any important decision-making affecting the club.”So, take your time, review the designs and let us have your feedback.”We can assure supporters we will only evolve the club’s brand and identity with the full support of our loyal fan base and key partners.”The Dons are currently 16th in the League Two table and will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Valley Parade to take on Bradford. More

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      EFL club takeover takes major step forward after rapper A$AP Rocky is found not guilty in gun trial

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      A$AP ROCKY’S shock takeover of Tranmere Rovers has moved a step closer after he was found not guilty in a gun trial.The rapper was facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm following an incident in 2021.A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friendCredit: GettyHe celebrated as he left an LA court with pop star wife RihannaCredit: The Mega AgencyA$AP Rocky is involved in a consortium that wants to buy Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyRocky had been accused of shooting at his former friend and rapper A$AP Relli several times after a dispute in Hollywood.The hip-hop artist, who is married and has two young kids with pop star Rihanna, was facing multiple years in prison if the prosecution was successful.But the verdict from a Los Angeles court today was that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was not guilty.The defence successfully argued that he fired blanks from a prop gun he got from a music video set.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was overcome with emotion when the verdict was read out, hugging his family and wife Rihanna as she burst into tears.Rocky was defended in court by renowned attorney Joe Tacopina.As SunSport exclusively revealed in October, the lawyer and rapper are both part of an American consortium interested in buying Tranmere Rovers.Rocky’s not guilty verdict is a major boost in their hopes of taking over the League Two side before the start of next season.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe group are in talks with current owner Mark Palios about a deal.Tranmere are involved in a battle to avoid the drop at the bottom of the fourth tier and sit just two points above the relegation zone.Rihanna shares very raunchy Valentine’s Day video with A$AP RockyThe Merseyside club staying in the division is also key to the deal. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Tranmere similar to the one about Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying Wrexham could be commissioned by a TV giant.Tacopina served as an attorney for Donald Trump in his case involving payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and in a civil rape, sexually assault and defamation case with E. Jean Carroll.The lawyer has previously owned shares in Italian clubs Roma, Bologna, Venezia and SPAL.Two-time Grammy nominated Rocky has had two No1 albums in the US and has a reported net worth of £15million.The rapper’s attorney Joe Tacopina [right] is involved in the Tranmere dealCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      It’s not right, fair or proper that only two non-league clubs win promotion to EFL – hypocritical rules must change

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      WHAT have Oldham, Southend, Scunthorpe and Macclesfield got in common?All four clubs were relegated to the National League in a complete mess after years of financial mismanagement in the EFL.Wrexham are chasing Championship promotionCredit: RexIn fact, Macclesfield went bust and had to reform at the bottom of the non-league pyramid.Now — what have Luton, Wrexham, Stockport and Bromley got in common?All four sides were promoted from the National League in excellent financial health and are proving to be model clubs.Luton climbed all the way to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBromley are enjoying their first-ever season in the EFL, while the Dragons and County are even challenging for promotion to the Championship.All 72 clubs in the National League and National South and North last week supported the launch of the 3UP campaign, which is calling for three promotion and relegation places between League Two and the fifth tier.And I agree with them. It’s not right, fair or proper that there are currently only two up and two down between these divisions.The 72 EFL clubs are due to discuss these proposals in more detail this month. There will clearly be a number of matters to consider.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne of the red lines would be for the National League to adopt its Profit and Sustainability Rules — or something close to it.Fifth-tier clubs are not subject to the same financial scrutiny.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideThere have often been examples of them spending more on wages and players than many League One teams, never mind League Two.EFL chair Rick Parry beats the drum for the importance for the League to look down as well as up. They are seeking fairer financial redistribution of funds filtering down from the Premier League — something I also support.The government is set to appoint a football regulator, but its remit does not include issues such as promotion and relegation.The National League is not like the old days of the Vauxhall Conference, when almost every team was semi-pro. All but two of its 24 clubs are full-time.And even one of its part-time teams, Tamworth, held Premier League giants Tottenham to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of their recent FA Cup third-round tie before succumbing in extra-time.We’ve seen National League North club Kidderminster almost knock West Ham out of the FA Cup — and last season National League South side Maidstone reached the last 16 after toppling Ipswich at Portman Road.This illustrates the depth of quality in the fifth and sixth tiers.These clubs are not Sunday morning beer-bellied hoofers.They have the same ambitions and aspirations as Championship teams currently trying to get promoted to the Premier League.’IT’S UNFAIR’It is hypocritical on one hand to allow three to go up to the top flight from the second tier, while not allowing the same for teams in the National League.Can you imagine the stink in the EFL if there was only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs between the Championship and the Prem — with the second one decided by the play-offs?The National League decide their second promotion spot with a six-club play-off format.In this system, teams finishing second and third play the winners of games between fourth v seventh and fifth v sixth before progressing to the final. This is done to give more of the clubs hope they can achieve promotion to the EFL.And then you have the bizarre situation where there are four promotion and relegation places between Leagues One and Two.It’s unfair for League Two clubs to enjoy that sort of privilege, while National League teams are only allowed half the amount of spots.For any changes to happen, it will need to carry a majority vote across all 72 EFL clubs — and even then there has to be a majority of Championship teams endorsing.The EFL have previously warmed to the idea of changing the number of promotion and relegation spots but are waiting for the regulator to be appointed — and for a fair deal struck with the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESMy concern is it could take three or four years before any of that is sorted. In that time, the dreams and aspirations of National League clubs and the towns and cities they represent are being held back.The EFL should get on the front foot on this issue — regardless of progress with the Premier League and regulator — and be a champion of fairness for all teams that make our national game so great.What is the 3UP campaign? By Martin LiptonAll 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond. More

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      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

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      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

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      ‘It’s not fair’ – League One manager bites back at Wrexham and says success down to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      WREXHAM have been told their success is only down to “billionaire owners” Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage “not fair”.Wrexham have been told their success is only down to owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyShrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage ‘not fair’Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the EFL since Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the club for around £2m in 2021.The Red Dragons are on course for an astonishing third successive promotion after clambering out of the National League, through League Two and towards the Championship.Their American co-owners have helped to make all of that possible, with nearly £6.2m spent on transfer fees since the summer of 2021.Wrexham splashed more than £4m in the January window, including £1m on proven ex-Reading striker Sam Smith, 26, who is a product of Manchester United’s academy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Ainsworth – who is against the National League’s three up, three down proposal – has taken issue with the Welsh outfit after becoming frustrated at being unable to compete on a level playing field.He told BBC 5 Live Sport: “If a team just can’t keep up financially for no other reason than the other teams have got billionaires coming in and millionaires, it’s not fair that they just sink out of the league and out of obscurity. It then all becomes all about money.“Wrexham have only done that because of the money they’ve had, you know. “And of course they’re competing well but they’ve had billionaire owners and it’s not fair. I don’t think that it should just be about that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“And I’m speaking as an advocate from a club with a local businessman who’s put his money in and he just can’t compete with Wrexham because we’re not bringing American billionaires in. “So my argument would be, yes, these teams have done well, but have a look at the money that they’ve had invested in them as well.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATo clarify, actor Reynolds is an estimated net worth of £280m, while McElhenney is worth around £40m.Shrewsbury sit second bottom of League One but one of their six wins of the season came in a 2-1 victory against Phil Parkinson’s side in January.Smith’s deal marked the third time Wrexham had broken their own transfer record in six months – first signing Ollie Rathbone and then Modou Faal in a £590,000 deal last summer.Wrexham are fighting for promotion alongside League One’s biggest spenders Birmingham City, who count NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority investor.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Ex-Premier League star John Fleck taken to hospital after ‘having fit’ on pitch before EFL clash as kickoff delayed

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star John Fleck has been rushed to hospital after falling ill during a warm-up.League Two Chesterfield posted the statement on their social media page.Chesterfield confirmed John Fleck had been taken to hospital as a precautionary measureCredit: RexFleck fell ill in the warm-upCredit: CHESTERFIELDThe club said Fleck, 33, was taken to hospital “as a precautionary measure”.The full statement on social media said: “We can confirm that John Fleck has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after being taken ill during the pre-match warm-up.”Speaking after the game, Chesterfield manager Danny Webb said Fleck “had a fit of some sort” and it “didn’t look very nice”.But more positively, he said that as Fleck was taken away on a stretcher he was “smiling” and that he’s in “good hands”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFleck’s treatment saw the game’s kick-off delayed by ten minutes, moving it from 19:45 to 19:55.Chesterfield announced Michael Jacobs would replace Fleck in the starting XI for the clash against Doncaster.After six minutes of play, there was a second delay during the game due to someone in the crowd receiving medical attention.Another brief delay came 12 minutes later as the person who received medical attention was helped from the stands.Most read in FootballFleck, 33, joined the club as a free agent in September last year.The five-time Scotland international has played just four games for the club after nursing a shin injury for most of the season. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundHe previously played for Sheffield United between July 2016 and February 2024, making 278 appearances for the Blades, including 65 games in the Premier League.Fleck has also starred for Rangers, Blackpool, Coventry and most recently Blackburn before signing for Chesterfield.Chesterfield won the game 5-2, moving them up to ninth in the table, while second-place Doncaster fell to seven points behind league leaders Walsall.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd legend and ex-Man City boss Mark Hughes lands shock new job with worst team in English professional football

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      MARK HUGHES has been announced as the new manager of Carlisle United.The former Manchester United legend joins with the club currently bottom of League Two. Mark Hughes has been appointed manager of CarlisleCredit: GettyThe ex-Wales boss is tasked with keeping the Cumbrians in the EFLCredit: RexHughes has been out of work since leaving Bradford City in 2023. Carlisle Sporting director Rob Clarkson said: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United. “His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. He is someone who will instantly command respect from all staff and players and I am really excited to work with him. “The players we have here will suit the way he wants to play and I’m sure our fans will really get behind him and the team in our remaining 18 games.”A two-time Prem winner during his illustrious playing career, Hughes began his coaching journey in 1999.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe took charge of the Welsh national team for five years, before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2004. Hughes has gone on to manage over 500 games in the Premier League.He has enjoyed spells with Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton. The 61-year-old unexpectedly dropped down the divisions in February 2022 to take over at Bradford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he was unable to lift the Bantams out of the bottom tier – and lost out to Carlisle in the 2022/23 playoffs. The Cumbrian side are currently 92nd in the football pyramid.Carlisle boss Mike Williamson talks about his teams defeat to Swindon Town They were relegated from League One last season and appointed Mike Williamson to turn around a sinking ship. The club signed 12 players in the January window – but sacked Williamson earlier this week after falling five points adrift at the bottom of the league.Hughes will be partnered at Brunton Park by assistant coach Glyn Hodges.The pair have penned rolling contracts until the summer as Carlisle look to avoid dropping into the National League.Hughes’ first game will be on Saturday as Carlisle take on playoff contenders Grimsby Town. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More