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      Forest Green Rovers set to spark fan anger and ignore stadium naming poll… as people voted for it to be called Kevin

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      FOREST GREEN Rovers have angered fans after ignoring a competition to name the new stadium – because the people’s choice was KEVIN. 
      The controversial decision comes despite widespread outrage when officials disregarded a poll to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface. 

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      Innocent New Lawn is set to become the new name of Forest Green Rovers stadium

      Fans of the club, who play Colchester on Tuesday, are likely to be left fuming after Innocent Smoothies revealed they won’t name their stadium Kevin.
      This is despite 65 per cent of the firm’s Twitter poll voters choosing one of the nation’s most popular names as their frontrunner. 
      The fruit drinks makers decided to opt for the more conventional choice of Innocent New Lawn as the ground’s name instead. 

      And it was a choice that caused bemusement amongst some Rovers followers with one describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ and another calling it ‘awful’. 
      Chairman Dale Vince took to Twitter to placate angry fans.
      Vince, 59, tweeted: “Sorry if you hoped the stadium would be called Kevin. Perhaps Forest Green and innocent will do a ‘Kevin’s Go Free’ game when fans are allowed back in?”
      The club’s fan poll for renaming the stadium came about after Innocent Smoothies won a ground naming rights contract with the League Two side 

      As part of the deal the company insisted their famous moniker be used as part of all new name suggestions.

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      Jeff Stelling backed Rovers’ fans choice of Kevin as the new name of their stadiumCredit: Sky Sports
      However, supporters of the League Two side decided to throw a spanner in the works and push for Kevin.
      Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling was among those to throw their weight behind the popular fan choice. 
      And the Gillette Soccer Saturday said: “If it is Kevin, it is guaranteed a mention every week.”
      The decision to name Rovers stadium Innocent New Lawn arose after options were shortlisted to four choices including Innocent Sustadium and Innocent Fruit Bowl. 
      Forest Green are renowned for being the world’s first vegan football club. 
      Last season they made history by hiring Hannah Dingley to become the first woman to take charge of a football league club academy.

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      EFL clubs threaten to withhold taxes in desperate attempt to secure Government bailout after coronavirus hell

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week — unless the Government bails them out.
      The revolutionary plan to get emergency financial aid was discussed at a meeting between hard-up teams.

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week unless the Government bails them outCredit: PA:Press Association

      A monthly PAYE tax payment is due by each of the EFL’s 72 clubs to HMRC on Thursday but there is a plot for ALL owners to band together and refuse.
      It has been brewing for weeks and was on the table at a ring-round of executives and chairmen last week.
      A hardcore band of Championship chiefs are behind the idea, however many clubs in League One and League Two are happy to join in.
      It will need teams to stick together — but the mood within the ranks is that they are now simply desperate for cash.

      The ultimate punishment for clubs who do not pay tax is a winding-up order.
      One leading mover in the plot said: “It is the nuclear option but we are at this stage if there is no help from the Government or Premier League.
      “If we all do not pay, the Government can dish out winding-up orders on each of us — and shut the industry if they want.“But that would not be a good look.”
      The EFL is enduring the biggest crisis in its history, with supporters banned from grounds due to Covid-19. Yet players and staff have been back on full salaries and the tax is due.

      Many clubs were using the furlough scheme to help — however now the game is up and running that has gone.
      Many are struggling to pay HMRC anyway, but others think this is a chance to make a stand and bring the Government back to the table.
      The Premier League were told to help out, yet offers so far have fallen well below the request for £250million.
      There is anger among the clubs and that was shown when League One and League Two rejected an immediate grant worth around £400,000 each last week.
      The solidarity shown with that decision — due to Championship teams being offered nothing — is now set to carry on to the looming showdown with the tax man.

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      EFL clubs reject Premier League’s £50m coronavirus bail-out fund which would have kept Leagues One and Two alive

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      EFL clubs have turned down the Prem £50m bail out – potentially driving League One and Two clubs to the wall.
      In a move seemingly certain to spark further top flight fury, the three lower divisions branded the offer “conditional” as they declined to accept the money.

      It is another mounting problem for EFL chief Rick Parry

      The Prem had offered £20m immediately for League One and Two with a further £30m to come, on top of the £27.2m in “solidarity” payments already made, with no separate cash for the Championships.
      And after a day of twists and turns as the 72 clubs met virtually in their respective divisions, the EFL said: “The need for continued unity across the membership base was fundamental to discussions across all three divisions.
      “Therefore there was a strong consensus that any rescue package must meet the requirements of all 72 Clubs before it can be considered in full.
      “The League has been very clear in its discussions of the financial requirements needed to address lost gate receipts.

      “While EFL Clubs are appreciative that a formal proposal has now been put forward, the conditional offer of £50million falls some way short of this.
      The decision caused deep anger and resentment for some Prem clubs, who were talking of “pulling the plug” altogether.
      However, senior Premier League sources insisted the money would remain “on the table” and urged lower division clubs to talk to them directly.
      The Prem also said it would be willing to listen to approaches from any Championship sides who found themselves in an “existential crisis” as a result of the pandemic.

      SunSport understands that Championship clubs had reached a consensus that the smart play was for the money to be accepted “on behalf of the EFL”.
      The idea was that the first £20m would be sent direct to the bottom two tiers with the rest placed in a hardship fund which would be available for cash-strapped Championship sides to apply for.
      That would have been unacceptable for some Prem clubs although others are believed to have been willing to consider a compromise if they were given joint sign-off on the recipients.
      But instead, a number of Prem clubs now feel the money has been “thrown back in our faces”.
      And while the EFL said it was “keen to continue discussions with the Premier League to reach an agreeable solution” the mood between the two sides is hardening.

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      Premier League clubs set to make £50m bail-out offer to League One and Two clubs to save stricken EFL due to coronavirus

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set to make a £50million bail-out offer to keep League One and Two clubs alive.
      But there will be NO money available for Championship clubs.

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      Top flight teams will offer cash-strapped League One and Two sides £50mCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the top flight outfits are also expected to demand the head of English Football League chairman Rick Parry.
      The majority of Premier League clubs are furious at Parry for conducting secret negotiations with Liverpool and Manchester United that saw the EFL chairman become the public face of Project Big Picture.
      EFL clubs have come out in support of Parry, pointing to the promise of £250m immediately coming from the Premier League to the lower three divisions as a result of the plan.
      But there is fierce resistance among the Prem sides to handing over any money to Championship clubs – many of whom have wealthier owners than the top flight sides.

      The top tier sides do recognise there is an expectation from the fans and pressure from the Government on them to help keep the lower league clubs alive.
      And that will lead to what is expected to be a ‘take it or leave it’ offer to Leagues One and Two.
      That approach seems likely to divide the lower division sides with some determined to back Parry and Project Big Picture and others admitting self-interest and their own survival might prevail.
      Gillingham chairman Paul Scally conceded: “If there was no alternative, of course I would take it.”

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      Some Premier League clubs could call for EFL chairman Parry to quitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      However, Championship clubs would be able to block any deal with the lower tier clubs.
      Under EFL rules, the Championship must be in favour for any policy to be agreed by the entire League and the 24 clubs would be certain to vote unanimously against a deal that cuts them out.
      But the fury of the clubs towards Parry will mean a vote is expected to formally call for him to step down from the EFL.

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      Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow slammed the former Prem boss as he said: “I think it’s amazing that the head of EFL, which is already receiving nearly £400m per year, would’ve chosen to go live with a plan without discussing it directly with the Premier League.
      “I applaud the notion that the Championship, League One and League Two want to engage with the Premier League.
      “But the way to do that is to talk to the chairman and chief executive of that league through the front door, not to head over to Florida and Boston and discuss it with only two teams.”

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      Paul Scholes named Salford City manager as Man Utd legend takes over at Class of 92’s League Two club

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      PAUL SCHOLES has been named as Salford’s interim manager after the club’s Class of 92 owners sacked Graham Alexander.
      A statement released on Monday confirmed the former Manchester United midfielder’s appointment.

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      Paul Scholes (left) watched on with Gary Neville and Roy Keane as Salford drew on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The Manchester United legend is among a consortium of former Old Trafford favourites who co-own the clubCredit: SALFORD CITY FC

      Scholes, 45, was part of the consortium to buy 50 per cent of the minnows back in 2014.
      The Class of 92 venture, including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville, even saw the ex-England star take caretaker charge of a game in 2015.
      Their funding quickly elevated City to League Two, where they sit fifth in the table.

      But Neville and Scholes watched as two late goals pegged their side back to a draw at home to Tranmere on Saturday, leading to Alexander’s dismissal.
      According to the Mail, Scholes was reluctant to take over and club development manager Warren Joyce is expected to step in and help when he completes a period of self-isolation.
      His only serious venture into management came last year in a seven-game stint at Oldham.
      Once thought to have sold his Salford stake when accepting the offer to coach the Latics, he won only once and fell out with owner Abdallah Lemsagam.

      Fans of ambitious Salford were surprised to see Alexander, 49, sacked after an unbeaten start to the league season.

      Paul Scholes will act as the interim head coach while the club looks to secure a new manager.
      Salford CityClub Statement

      The Scot led the club to promotion from the National League in his first campaign, their fourth rise in five years, before an 11th-placed finish in 2019-20.
      Salford supporter Broughton posted online: “Wow I didn’t see this coming. Gutted.”
      While Andrew commented: “It’s like he was trying to get sacked with those subs at the weekend.”
      Another Twitter user wrote: “If you lot actually had fans, I’m sure they’d be devastated. Baffling decision this.”

      A club statement read: “Salford City Football Club announces that manager Graham Alexander has left the club with immediate effect. The club met with Graham this morning and after discussion have agreed to part company.
      “The club would like to thank Graham for his contribution and all his hard work. In his first season he guided the team to Wembley, resulting in promotion to League Two and in his second season he reached the Leasing.com Trophy final.
      “The club would like to wish him all the best and success in the future. First team coach, Chris Lucketti, will also leave the club.
      “Paul Scholes will act as the interim head coach while the club looks to secure a new manager. Warren Joyce, currently in isolation, will join Paul once he is able to.”

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      Chelsea plot double transfer swoop for Grimsby Town youngsters Louis Boyd and Ben Grist but face fight with Liverpool

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      CHELSEA are reportedly plotting a double transfer swoop for Grimsby Town youngsters Louis Boyd and Ben Grist – but face competition from Liverpool.
      The two Premier League clubs have had their interests piqued by the talented pair as they appear in League Two for Ian Holloway’s team.

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      Louis Boyd comes off the bench for his debut in the EFL Cup against Harrogate, where he became Grimsby’s youngest goal scorer and appearance makerCredit: Twitter@EFL_Trophy

      Boyd became the club’s youngest-ever debutant and goalscorer when he came off the bench against Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy last month.
      He was only 15 years and 324 days old when he found the net in that match.
      The teenager then got his league debut when he came off the bench in the final 20 minutes against Walsall four days after his cup heroics.
      Fellow midfielder Grist, also 15, was left on the bench for the Harrogate game, which Grimsby drew 2-2 but then won 7-6 on penalties.

      The Athletic report that Chelsea, Liverpool and other Premier League teams are monitoring the pair – who are also working towards their GCSEs.
      It is believed the financial pressures inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic could force Grimsby to sell two of their prized academy assets.
      The club estimates their losses this season will come to £700,000.
      The Mariners, bottom of the EFL, have only managed to play three league games this season following a positive coronavirus test within the squad which forced their training ground to be shut down.

      League Two fixtures versus Cheltenham Town and Bradford City, and an EFL Trophy fixture at Hull City, all had to be postponed.

      They returned to action on the weekend, drawing 0-0 at Bolton.
      The domestic window closes on Thursday, meaning that any interested Premier League club must buy Boyd and Grist by then – or will have to wait until next year.
      If the pair were to move to Chelsea, it is likely they will join the club’s many players out on loan.

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      Watch hilariously blunt Crawley boss give grumpy short answers in post-match interview after defeat to Millwall

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      CRAWLEY TOWN manager John Yems gave a hilariously blunt post-match interview after losing to Milwall.
      The League Two side were beaten 3-1 in the EFL Cup.

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      Crawley Town manager John Yems gave a hilariously blunt post-match interview after losing to Milwall
      And Crawley spoke to their boss afterwards, but were given rather short and grumpy responses.
      Questioned on what the thinking was behind switching his squad set-up, Yems responds: “Hopefully to win the game.”
      The manager was then asked what he could take away from the defeat.
      He said: “I don’t know.”

      The brief exchange was mocked by fans online.
      One said: “What is the point of interviewing Yems if he has nothing to say?
      “He is either fuming or totally disinterested.”

      Another said: “Great interview.”

      One added: “This guy must be so frustrating to be around.”
      Another added: “Please put Yems on a media course. He could at least try to be engaging.” More

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      Macclesfield relegated after EFL win points deduction appeal as Stevenage stay up despite winning THREE games

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      MACCLESFIELD were left shocked after being booted back into non-league football as the EFL won their appeal against the Silkmen’s suspended points deduction.
      In a stunning move, an independent arbitration panel backed the EFL who argued the four-point penalty imposed and suspended in June should apply immediately.

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      Macclesfield Town have been relegated from League Two after a points deductionCredit: PA:Press Association
      With the decision “final and binding”, the Cheshire club were plunged to the foot of the League Two table and sent through the trapdoor back into the National League for the second time in their history.
      And it meant a dramatic reprieve for Stevenage, after the Hertfordshire side finished bottom of the pile after picking up just 22 points from their 36 games before the shutdown.
      Instead, Macclesfield paid the ultimate price for a series of financial problems which left players unpaid, fixtures postponed and the deduction of a total of 17 points over the campaign.
      Macclesfield had seven points deducted – with a further three point loss suspended – for failing to fulfil their local derby at Crewe in December.

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      It’s great news for Stevenage who are now staying upCredit: Reuters
      In May, they lost those three points, plus four more – with an extra two suspended – when their home game with Plymouth was postponed because of no safety certificate.
      And in June they appeared to have survived when the independent commission docked them just two points for failing to pay March wages and not acting in good faith, with another four point loss again suspended into next season.
      With League Two positions determined on a points per game basis, Macclesfield remained above Stevenage but the EFL announced last month it was appealing.
      That appeal verdict, meaning the Silkmen’s 19 points from 37 games takes them below Stevenage, was announced last night.

      Macclesfield’s official website merely reported the EFL’s statement, ending briefly: “The club will be providing further comment in due course.”

      But fans accused the EFL of orchestrating a “farce”, accusing League chiefs of “corruption at its finest” although one added: “Fans have a right to be angry – let down by their club and poor ownership and management.”
      Stevenage, who had been incandescent at the initial punishment, offered a muted official response.
      The club’s Twitter feed reported: “The outcome of today’s EFL hearing means that StevenageFC will remain in SkyBet League Two next season.”

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