League Two

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Bowyer agrees two-year Salford deal in U-turn after deciding against Derby return

      by

      GARY BOWYER has agreed a stunning two-year deal to remain as Salford City boss instead of returning to Derby County.The League Two team have confirmed Bowyer is staying at Moor Lane, just days after he claimed he was rejoining Derby as U23s boss.
      Gary Bowyer has signed a two-year deal to stay at Salford bossCredit: PA
      Gary Bowyer has signed a two-year deal to remain as Manager of Salford City ✍️! #WeAreSalford 🦁🔴— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) May 12, 2021

      Bowyer took charge of Salford in March until the end of the season to save their season following Richie Wellens’ sacking.
      The tactician secured 20 points from 11 games, leaving Salford just two points shy of a play-off place.
      But Bowyer revealed on Sunday he was heading back to Pride Park to resume his duties as U23s chief.
      However, Salford announced in a shock statement on Wednesday that Derby have allowed Bowyer to leave the club permanently.
      And he has now put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Salford in the hope of building on his impressive work, culminating in April’s Manager of the Month award.
      Bowyer beamed: “I’m really excited, it’s all happened very, very quickly and I’m delighted that it has.
      “I have to thank Wayne Rooney and Derby County for their role that they have played in all of this, they’ve been magnificent for me.
      “Now it’s a case of getting to work very quickly, everybody was very accommodating when I was here and made a real impression on me in the short space of time so it was a very easy decision.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “We’re really excited now leading into the summer, obviously there is a lot of work to do in terms of organising pre-season games, getting to work on the squad.
      “We’ve got a real good core group here, and we’ll be looking to add the right characters and the right players to hopefully improve the squad further and give us a real opportunity going into next season.”
      Salford captain Ash Eastham added: “The appointment of the Manager on a permanent basis is fantastic news for the Club going forward!
      “His positivity, professional demands and man management skills have been reflected in the team’s performances and results since he joined the club, and we are looking forward to working further with Gary next season.
      “As players we now need to physically and mentally re-charge for what I feel will be a season for our fans to be hugely excited about when the league campaign returns.”
      Man Utd legend Gary Neville wants to move Salford City into Man City’s old training base at cost of £80,000 a year More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Bradford want Derek Adams to quit Morecambe and become new manager after League Two play-offs

      by

      BRADFORD want Derek Adams to quit Morecambe and become their new boss after the play-offs.The Scot has emerged as the first-choice replacement for the Bantams after the sacking of joint-managers Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars.
      Derek Adams is wanted by Bradford to formulate a fresh promotion pushCredit: Getty
      But they will have to wait until he steers his side through the League Two shootout.
      Adams has done a remarkable job at Morecambe after also taking Plymouth to promotion from the fourth-tier.
      Bradford can offer the 45-year-old a far bigger budget and the chance to lead another side to League One – but with a better hope of staying there.
      The Shrimps almost made it into the top-three automatic places with a 2-0 final day win over Adams’ prospective new club on Saturday.
      And they face Tranmere – who have just sacked manager Keith Hill – in the two-legged play-off semis that begin next week.
      Morecambe’s successful campaign was a world away from Bradford’s miserable finish, coming home 15th after a post-Christmas purple patch gave way to a seven-game winless run.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      Speaking after sacking double act Trueman and Sellars on Monday, chief executive Ryan Sparks detailed the need for ‘experience’ in the dugout.
      He stated: “We feel, at this point, we need more experience to take us forward into the summer and next season which, for us, is a hugely significant one.
      “We have a crucial few months in front of us, and it is important we are in the best-possible position to be able to prepare for them.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Watford promoted straight back to the Premier League at first time of asking as Sarr scores in 1-0 win over Millwall More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Torrential rain sees Salford game delayed by an hour as Class of 92’s side get possible advantage over promotion rivals

      by

      SALFORD CITY’S final League Two match of the season against Leyton Orient has been delayed by one hour due to torrential rain.The match was scheduled to take place at 3pm on Saturday afternoon but instead has been pushed back to 4pm due to the weather.
      Salford’s game will now take place after all the other League Two matches have kicked offCredit: Getty
      The pitch has been heavily hit by the relentless rainCredit: Getty
      The club, who are owned by Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham, currently sit ninth in the table heading into the final day.
      In order to make the final play-off place they need to win their match on Saturday afternoon and hope both Forest Green Rovers and Exeter City drop points.
      As a result, the delay to the game could be a blessing in disguise for Salford as they will know in the second half of their match whether or not a victory will see them move into the play-offs at the latest possible stage.
      The current play-off places are held by Morecambe, Newport County, Tranmere Rovers and Forest Green.
      Forest Green travel to 18th place Oldham Athletic, while Exeter host lowly Barrow.
      Salford were unbeaten in four games and looked to be closing in on a play-off place before last weekend.
      But they were then beaten by struggling Colchester United last time out, a defeat which could prove costly in their push to reach the third tier.
      Meanwhile in the battle for the three automatic promotion places, table toppers Cheltenham Town have already guaranteed League One football next season.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      But the remaining two spots could still be filled by Cambridge United, Bolton Wanderers or Morecambe.
      Cambridge start the day one point clear of Bolton and two above Morecambe heading into their home match against Grimsby Town.
      Elsewhere, Bolton face a trip to Crawley while Morecambe host Bradford City.
      Cambridge should have guaranteed League Two promotion eight days ago but were beaten 5-4 by Harrogate in one of the games of the season.
      Football fans should not travel to Turkey for Champions League final More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Joey Barton refuses to accept Bristol Rovers relegation on CV after dropping into League Two despite poor spell as boss

      by

      JOEY BARTON believes Bristol Rovers’ relegation shouldn’t be pinned on him after the club’s drop into League Two was confirmed over the weekend.The Pirates’ fate was sealed on Saturday following the 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
      Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers side have been relegated to League Two after losing to PortsmouthCredit: Rex
      Rovers – rooted to the bottom of the League One table after 44 games – are now ten points from safety with just two fixtures left to play.
      And former Fleetwood gaffer Barton has refused to accept that relegation will be on his CV after only taking charge at the Memorial Stadium in February.
      The 38-year-old – who took over when Bristol were two points outside of the bottom four – has lost 11 out of his 16 matches, winning on just three occasions.
      Speaking to the Bristol Post, the ex-Manchester City midfielder said: “For me as a coach, it’s a strange one because deep down I don’t think I will ever accept this is a relegation on my CV, albeit it will live there forever.
      “But I’m absolutely convinced that had we had our processes and things in place, this should never happen. It should never happen.
      “It can happen to you in the top divisions if you don’t have quality in the building, but in the lower leagues you just have to be fit and organised, that’s half the battle.
      “We’ve gone down having a scrap. Portsmouth have had one shot on goal and managed to win the game.
      “We could be out here all day, we ain’t going to score a goal with what we’ve got going on at this moment.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      Before adding: “The sooner this season’s done and dusted, if I could finish it tomorrow and get rid of them all and a report date for pre-season, I would do.
      “But we’ve got fixtures to fulfil and we’ve got to give our all.
      “I’m really, really sad that it’s one of my teams involved in that and hopefully this is the last time this ever happens to me as a coach.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Rebecca Welch was DELIGHTED to get grief while making ref history in League Two clash between Harrogate and Port Vale

      by

      REBECCA WELCH revealed players ‘chewed her ear off’ when she made ref history earlier this month.She became the first woman to officiate an EFL match from the start in the League Two clash between Harrogate and Port Vale.
      Rebecca Welch says she was delighted when Harrogate and Port Vale players started ‘chewing her ear off’Credit: Rex
      She became the first woman to officiate an EFL match from the start in the League TwoCredit: Reuters
      And despite the constant clicking of cameras to capture the momentous day, she was delighted when the players started giving her grief.
      Welch, 37, said: “The players didn’t treat me any differently – they were still chewing my ear off as they went past.
      “That was nice because I was a bit afraid of them not being like that.
      “You want players to go, ‘You got that one wrong, ref,’ or ‘It’s gone so well in the last 10 minutes’.
      “You need that and when I got it I felt normal and that I could just referee the game.
      “I was sick of hearing the camera clicking, but it’s the nature of the beast.
      “People say it went really well but, for me, it was just a normal game.”
      A whirlwind week has left the Washington, County Durham-born whistler’s mum asking why she isn’t on the telly anymore.
      There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing

      Speaking in a Q&A in aid of North East mental health charity If U Care Share, Welch added: “In 50 years I’ll be in the history books – it’s really nice but, yeah, it’s a game of football.
      “But I understand the bigger picture that it’s not about one game, it’s about inspiring the next generation to come through.
      “The next step is definitely the Football League (permanently).”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Referee Rebecca Welch impresses on EFL debut as Port Vale win at Harrogate More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham and Man City will be given 2,000 tickets each for Carabao Cup final as EFL plan for 10,000 fans at play-offs

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY and Tottenham will each be allocated 2,000 tickets for this month’s Carabao Cup Final.EFL chiefs are also planning for crowds of up to 10,000 at the end of season play-offs.
      Manchester City and Tottenham will be allocated 2,000 tickets each for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PA
      And league bosses believe they can open up the turnstiles at all 72 EFL clubs from the start of next season.
      New chief executive Trevor Birch revealed the upbeat assessment even though the full details of what fans will need to do to be allowed in to games starting with the Wembley showpiece remain unclear.
      Birch said: “The Carabao Cup final will be 2,000 fans for either side.
      “There are a lot of discussions about other measures and fans will have to have either had a vaccination, pass a test or be immune to the virus.
      “Then for the play-off semi-finals and finals, we’re hopefully looking at 10,000 fans, although that’s not confirmed.
      “And our aspiration and goal is that, from August 6, we will be back in full stadia in line with the Government roadmap.”
      Birch added: “It’s vital for the clubs.
      “In rough numbers, clubs have lost about £250m of revenue over 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, so it’s significant in terms of gate receipts, commercial and sponsorship revenues.
      GRAND NATIONAL: GET £140 IN FREE BETS FOR FESTIVAL AT AINTREE

      “Getting back in front of full crowds is vital to the financial wellbeing of the clubs going forward.
      “It’s been offset by a few mitigating factors that have enabled clubs to survive, including the Championship loans and Premier League bail-out of Leagues One and Two.
      “So there were some mitigating aspects but another season behind closed doors would have been unpalatable for most of the clubs.
      “We’re trying to create certainty out of a very uncertain situation to enable the clubs to plan and give them confidence for next season and selling season tickets.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne agrees new four-year contract More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Bolton boss Ian Evatt reveals inspirations behind his desire for success

      by

      IAN Evatt has revealed Bolton’s remarkable run is being fuelled by an American Football coach, the trainer to the most famous basketball player of all time and an Olympic rowing gold medallist.For their teachings and messages drive him – even when it comes to him walking and training his dog.
      Ian Evatt has revealed what he uses for inspiration as he looks to earn Bolton promotionCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Bolton boss has guided his side to 13 games unbeaten, including 11 wins, which has propelled them to the thick of League Two’s promotion race.
      But earlier in the season, many were wondering how long he would have left as Wanderers floundered near the bottom of the Football League.
      And at no time did what he has taken on board from others counted more.
      Evatt said: “I read books on leadership and mentality like The Score Takes Care Of Itself by Bill Walsh, Ben Hunt-Davis’ Will It Make The Boat Go Faster and Relentless by Michael Jordan’s fitness coach, Tim Grover.
      “I’ve learned a lot from them and the messaging from all is about trusting the process and believing in it.
      Bolton is a much happier place than it has been in recent years
      “Unless as a manager you thoroughly believe in your philosophy and style, how would you expect the players to believe in it?
      “The test of that is when things aren’t going right. You can adapt and tweak formations but the philosophy needs to remain the same.
      “It’s no good me coming in saying, ‘We want to be possession-based, we’re going to attack, we’re going to build from the back,’ the  after four bad results we end up smashing it and 4-4-2.
      “What message would that send to the players? It would mean I don’t believe in it myself. When times are good, when times are bad, you stay consistent.
      “I lost six in a row in my first year at Barrow, we had seven points from nine games in my second, I was the first Bolton manager to lose their first five competitive games.
      Evatt revealed one of the books he reads is by Michael Jordan’s fitness coach, Tim Grover
      “But when the players buy into what you’re doing, improvement comes.”
      Bolton may have gone 13 unbeaten but they are still fourth in League Two going into tomorrow’s clash with Colchester.
      But Evatt is adamant the mindset would be no different if they were third and in an automatic promotion place.
      He added: “The players are naturally going to look at the league table and results, they are human beings.
      “But if we can perform for the remainder of the season to our levels and win all nine games remaining, nobody can stop us.
      Bolton are currently 13 games unbeaten
      “People will probably say mentally it’s better to be the chaser than the leader but I don’t see it that way.
      “At Barrow, there was no change and it all comes down to behind the scenes. It’s about repetitive messaging, even though when I said this at the start of the season people probably thought I was an idiot.
      “But unless you believe you’re going to be the best at anything you do, for me there’s no point turning up. I can’t deal with mediocre or being average.
      “I want to be the best in everything I do, whether that’s walking my dog and having it trained better than everybody else’s.
      “The players have to have that same attitude when it comes to football.” More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Rebecca Welch makes history as first woman to referee an EFL game after being handed Harrogate Town v Port Vale tie

      by

      REFEREE Rebecca Welch is set to make history by becoming the first woman to be appointed an EFL game.The highest ranked female official in England has been allocated Monday night’s game between Harrogate Town and Port Vale in League Two.
      Welch is a trailblazer for other female officials in the gameCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Breaking News: Rebecca Welch becomes the first female referee to be appointed to an @EFL game as she takes charge of Harrogate Town v Port Vale on Monday 5th April. Congratulations, Rebecca! pic.twitter.com/1GO5ZKNS3v— The Referees’ Association (@RefsAssociation) March 30, 2021

      In 2010, Amy Fearn became the first woman to take charge of a Football League match when she took over from injured Tony Bates in a Championship match between Coventry and Nottingham Forest.
      But Easter Monday’s game is the first time a female has been appointed beforehand to take charge in the EFL.
      Welch is on the Uefa’s elite list of referees and has taken charge of the women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
      The Referees’ Association announced the news on Twitter, posting: “Rebecca Welch becomes the first female referee to be appointed to an @EFL game as she takes charge of Harrogate Town v Port Vale on Monday 5th April. Congratulations, Rebecca!”
      “I’m still trying to let it sink in,” Welch told Sky Sports. “I got the news on Saturday and haven’t come back down to earth yet. I’m very fortunate to have been given this opportunity and I’m really excited about it.
      “My dad is probably my biggest fan, so he’s over the moon. My mum doesn’t know a lot about football. She’s excited, but I don’t think she knows why! They’re really proud.
      “It’s not something I thought that, when I decided to be a referee 11 years ago, I would be in the Football League doing a game. That didn’t even register on my radar.
      “It seems to have been a whirlwind over the past 11 years and now we’re a week away from one of the biggest games of my career.
      “I’ve always said, through all my promotions, I want to be appointed because I am in the top 10 match officials on that list. I never want to be appointed based on anything else. I’ve got faith in the system, and I’ve been rewarded.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The appointment of Welch to the League Two match comes just two days after Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to take charge of a men’s World Cup qualifier.
      And with the increased number of female officials beginning to succeed in the men’s game, Welch highlighted pioneering English official Sian Massey-Ellis as a huge inspiration to her.
      “Sian’s an absolute icon in refereeing and has paved the way for females, not just in England but all over Europe, to think about taking up the whistle,” she added.
      “To have her around a dressing room, as one of my friends, is really important. The experience that Sian has is invaluable.
      “I’ve grown so much as a person, being around the professional football environment, and learning from things I do wrong, something I probably didn’t do as much of before I was a referee.
      “I’ve got a big support network, and nobody understands you better than another referee. But it’s really important to have a support network not connected to football too.”
      Referee Stephanie Frappart ‘not afraid’ to officiate her first men’s game at Super Cup More