League Two

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      In-form Bradford City star Callum Cooke hoping to stir-up League Two promotion mix in budding partnership with Andy Cook

      by

      TOO many chefs may spoil the broth – but a Cooke and a Cook partnership is stirring up the League Two promotion mix nicely.
      Bradford City have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround over the past two-and-a-half months since Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars took charge.

      Callum Cooke and Bradford City are flying high in League TwoCredit: Getty

      The playmaker and on-loan striker Andy Cook are developing a telepathic understandingCredit: Bradford City AFC and Thomas Gadd Photography

      The Bantams looked to be stuck in a relegation battle before an incredible run of 33 points in 14 games catapulted them into the play-off picture.
      Tuesday’s victory over Mansfield was the club’s fifth-straight win and they head to Bolton on Saturday just four points off their sixth-placed rivals.
      One of the star men in their revival has been playmaker Callum Cooke, 24.
      The former Middlesbrough and Peterborough ace, who tasted European Championship joy with England U17s in 2014, also seems to be developing a telepathic understanding with on-loan striker Andy Cook.

      The hotshot, who was ineligible to face his parent club in midweek, has found the net three times in five appearances since his arrival in January.
      Cooke said: “Him and Danny Rowe know my game now where I always look to play on the front foot and go forward.
      “I got both assists for big Andy Cook against Cheltenham a few weeks ago. The second one I just played it with the outside of my foot instinctively for him to pounce on, so it’s vital to have that understanding.
      “I have a good understanding with him and Rowey, but it’s important to have it with everyone.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The attacker and his fellow Bantams are now looking up for promotion after their poor startCredit: Getty

      Cooke has scored three goals and grabbed eight assists this seasonCredit: Rex Features

      “Playing No10, you can go a long while without the ball, so it’s up to the lads behind me to get me on it, and to be fair they are finding me in my favourite position in the pockets between the midfield and defence and that’s where I can hurt other teams.”
      Bradford sacked club legend Stuart McCall in December after a run of six-straight defeats left them third bottom.
      Cooke, who was being deployed as a defensive midfielder at the time, insists he always believed the squad had the quality to turn things around but both himself and his team-mates just needed to be let off the leash.
      Cooke said: “I played like a No4 in a quarter-back position to try and get on the ball and start the attacks.
      “I don’t have a problem with that as it’s good to get that extra knowledge of different positions but to get the best out of me I think I need to play as an attacking midfielder.
      “I didn’t say anything as I was just glad to be playing games after not getting anywhere near as many games as I wanted at Peterborough.
      “I’ve now got eight assists and three goals, which is not too bad considering I was playing further back and we still have a lot of games left.  I just want to keep building on that.”

      Cooke and his Bradford team-mates have won their last five matchesCredit: Rex Features

      The former Peterborough and England youth star hopes to continue that run against BoltonCredit: Rex Features
      He continued: “I always thought we were capable of going on a good run as we have really good players but it is remarkable. We are in a really good place but it is all down to hard work in training.
      “We all know this squad has talent but it was a case of taking the shackles off us and since that has happened we haven’t looked back.
      “We are taking it game-by-game but we know as players we could be on the cusp of something really special with this massive club.”
      The next hurdle for Cooke and his fellow Bantams are the division’s other in-form side Bolton, who have risen to sixth following their own six-match winning run.
      But the Trotters hold no fear as the star said: “We are the two form teams in the division and for the neutral it will be a fantastic game.
      “We go into it fearing nobody. We beat Cheltenham who are top of the league, but we’ve taken points off other teams in the play-offs as well.
      “We know that on our day we are capable of beating anybody. It should be an interesting game and one we are all looking forward to.”

      On-loan Andy Cook has scored three goals in five games since his arrivalCredit: Getty Images
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man City vs Man Utd – Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Premier League Manchester derby More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Britain’s greenest football club Forest Green Rovers create eco-friendly kit made from coffee beans

      by

      BRITAIN’S greenest football club have grounds to celebrate — their new eco-friendly kit is made from coffee beans.
      Forest Green Rovers, who went climate neutral in 2017, have partnered with PlayerLayer to create a prototype strip which also contains recycled plastic.

      Forest Green Rovers’ new eco-friendly kit is made from coffee beans

      The League Two club have been named by Fifa as the greenest in the world

      The football club partnered with PlayerLayer to create the green strip

      The League Two club, named by Fifa as the greenest in the world, will play their first game in the new lime and black tiger-striped kit on Saturday when they take on Colchester United.
      The coffee-based fabric has been a top performer in initial tests and has been found to be lighter, breathable and more durable than the club’s current kit — which is also made of eco-friendly bamboo.
      Forest Green’s environmental credentials include having a vegan menu at their ground in Nailsworth, Gloucs, and solar panels with electric charging points.
      Proceeds from kit sales will be split between Gloucestershire NHS and charity One Tree Planted.

      Club chairman Dale Vince said: “It’s time football wakes up and smells the coffee about the planet’s future.
      “This prototype kit will bring new flavour to that old cliché of grinding out a result.”

      The new prototype strip also contains recycled plastic

      Forest Green Rovers will play their first game in the new lime and black tiger-striped kit on Saturday

      We want to know what your kids think about the environment, climate change and the future of the planet.
      What are their concerns, and what would they like to change?

      Add your child’s comments here. We will print the best.  

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright subbed 45 minutes into horror debut as boss blasts ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down by half time

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright suffered a disastrous full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at HALF TIME.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL chiefs forced to AXE salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing legal battle with PFA

      by

      EFL chiefs have been forced to drop their salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing a legal case against the PFA.
      Clubs voted to approve the wages limits in August.

      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the salary caps were in ‘breach of obligations’ as the players’ union won their case against themCredit: PA:Press Association

      EFL chiefs will now hold meetings later this week with its member clubs to discuss what to do next after withdrawing League One and Two wage limits

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      But PFA chiefs launched their action after accusing EFL bosses of failing to consult properly with the union.
      Now an independent arbitration panel has found in favour of the PFA, forcing the Football League to drop the caps with immediate effect.
      BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE

      The PFA said it “welcomed” the decision, adding: “We hope to to open constructive dialogue to agree reasonable and proportionate cost control measures for the future.
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “We were disappointed that the EFL decided to introduce salary cap proposals, which were voted through without the proper consideration or consultation.
      “We argued the new rules were in breach of obligations and are pleased the panel uheld the PFA’s claim.”
      Union bosses insist they are aligned with the EFL in a wish to see sustainable clubs at all levels. 

      A PFA spokesman added: “We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      “The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together and agree on rules that promote financial stability.”
      The EFL said they “will now discuss the matter of financial controls and implications linked to this outcome at a series of meetings with its member clubs later this week”.
      Back when the plans had been approved in August, EFL chief executive David Baldwin admitted: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a restrictive measure.

      “But we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of these changes to EFL regulations.”
      He stressed the aim was to “help ensure clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial instability”.
      As a result of the panel’s verdict, the EFL have brought back last season’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations that link “player-related expenditure to turnover”.

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright seen for first time smiling in snow since being hauled off at half-time in horror Crawley debut

      by

      MARK WRIGHT refused to let his horror full debut ruin his week – as he posted a photo all smiles in the snow.
      The reality TV star, 34, has signed for League Two outfit Crawley and came on in the FA Cup win over Leeds.

      Mark Wright put the disappointment of his full EFL debut behind him by enjoying an espresso in the snowCredit: Instagram

      And after self-isolating with wife Michelle Keegan following a Covid outbreak at the club, he was handed his first EFL start on Saturday afternoon for the clash against Harrogate at home.
      But it went horribly wrong for the left-back as Crawley fell 3-0 behind by half-time – enough for manager John Yems to haul the ex-TOWIE man off.
      Wright, though, took to Instagram on Monday night to show how he had put the stinker behind him.
      He enjoyed the winter weather by heading out and grabbing an espresso.

      Wright wrote to his 1.8million followers: “Blitz out here…. Small coffee or big fella??”
      Harry Redknapp was among those to comment on the post, adding a couple of praising-hands emojis.
      Wright will be desperate to put in a better performance next weekend when the Red Devils travel north to Carlisle.
      However, he may have to settle for a place on the bench after his replacement against Harrogate, Tom Dallison, scored eight minutes after coming on to reduce the deficit.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Boss Yems refued to pin the blame on the ex-Tottenahm youngster, though, and said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.
      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”

      Wright endured a difficult time against Harrogate, conceding three before half-time and being hauled off at the breakCredit: Rex Features

      He made his Crawley debut off the bench as the Red Devils stunned Leeds in the FA Cup third roundCredit: Alamy Live News

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down after 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display as Crawley go 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a nightmare full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More